Can't Touch This

I found this little bit by Super Bowl Champ Clay Matthews.  On another note I think it still shows how amazingly dull the NFL is in regards to having fun, something myself and fellow writers have complained about over the course of the year.  Look I'm all for keeping the game safe, but taking the fun out of the game is exactly what you should not do when you want to increase the growing popularity of your game.  This further shows why the NFL stands for "No Fun League." Clay Matthews' stunt on the stage after the Super Bowl didn't hurt anyone and it's not like he was getting paid by WWE to take the belt on stage with him.  He was simply living in the moment on the world's biggest stage.  At least he didn't smoke a bong or flip off the crowd, I mean c'mon man, let boys be boys here.  But anyways, here's a little story and some dialogue I found from the Claymaker in regards to him presenting the belt to SB MVP Aaron Rodgers on stage:

'According to an early clip released by The Tonight Show, Matthews said that NFL officials weren’t happy when he presented quarterback Aaron Rodgers a championship belt that he had sneaked onto the stage during the trophy presentation after the Super Bowl.


“In fact, the next day I heard about it,” he said on the show, which airs tonight. “They wanted to know how I got it and why I brought it up on stage. But you can’t say a whole lot to us. We’re world champs.” '

In the end though, I just love the attitude from him. And I echo those statements.

-Pat

The Moment We Never Expected

After Sunday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, we made a beeline to Water Street. We wanted to be with as many Packers as possible in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I loved it. Nobody got mad that the bars were completely packed, and even Jack Bauer could figure out how to get a drink. Most there were drunk with happiness anyways.  

Additionally, no one cared it was Sunday night with class on the horizon on Monday. With the amount of people out, it felt like the Saturday night of homecoming. It's hard to know how many times I yelled 'Go Pack Go' with the countless Packer fans. I know it had to be over 20 with my voice being at medium strength on Monday.  Easily, the best night out in Eau Claire in my four years of living here.

One of my friends asked me how it was going and I replied... "How the ---- you think?! WE JUST WON THE SUPER BOWL!" then proceeded to give him a celebratory hug. I believe the happiness was at another level because nobody expect us to even be here. If Ryan Grant, Nick Barnett, and Jermichael Finley played all year leading the Packers to a 13-3 or 12-4 record with Aaron Rodgers being MVP then going on to win the Super Bowl; I don't believe the excitement is the same as it was last night. Still today, this is a holy shit moment in any level of sports that you get every once in awhile no matter what fanbase you belong to, and you never know when it will happen to one of  your favorite teams.  

When the Packers were 3-3 and lost their second straight game against the Miami Dolphins, my buddy Bails and I exchanged texts discussing how if the Packers finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs, I am okay with it because of all the injuries. It appeared Green Bay couldn't catch a break to save their souls, and I didn't believe they could do it.  The 7-3 lost to Detroit led me to a tweet where I called the Packers, the team of what ifs and snakebites.  No matter what happened, it appeared the Packers couldn't catch a break until December 19th when everything changed.  

Sitting in my living room with my parents relishing the fact the Milwaukee Brewers got Zack Greinke, but upset that Philadelphia Eagles couldn't beat the New York Giants with the G-Men up by 21 because it put the Packers playoff hopes in serious doubt. We turned over to a meaningless Indianapolis-Jacksonville in hopes of a better game...fail, but then DeSean Jackson happened. We flip back over to see Michael Vick leading the troops down the field for the game tying touchdown then the Eagles forced a 3 and out expecting overtime where anything can happen.  Not so fast my friend!  Jackson takes Matt Dodge's punt to the house cracking the door open for the Packers, giving them a real chance for the playoffs. 

Once that door became cracked, the Packers knock it down in the coming weeks.  Injuries stopped happening and we began to see this team start to gel as a whole. The Special Teams stopped being a problem, the line protected Rodgers like Fort Knox, and the defense continued to play strong. I am not calling it luck or karma by any means, it just felt like the Packers entered an era of good feelings unlike the Pack had all throughout the season.  

I love watching these guys because they cared about each other. Never did I think someone was playing selfishly, or trying to make a moment all about them. The Packers did have drama but they never had a player disrupt anything they were trying to do. To be a winner, you have to be cocky sometimes and the Packers told people to book tickets for Dallas in August, and backed it up in February.  What a great start to the Wisconsin sports year.

-Charlie.  

The Scene on Milwaukee's East Side

This gem of a video really sums up the celebration of the Packers victory in Super Bowl XLV in the UWM neighborhood. Now I see why the traffic was backed up so badly on Oakland Avenue. Things like this were happening throughout the city.

If I'm completely honest, it was tough to not be a Packer fan yesterday. How could I resist? Being surrounded by several other red-blooded Wisconsinites, I was just as pumped for the game to begin. The beer and Jim Beam were flowing but that was just a tributary to a day that would have been Super anyway (pun intended there).



Sports bring strangers together and make them the best of friends for short while. It is truly unlike anything else in the world. And as ESPN columnist Rick Reilly stated, you had to root for Green Bay. They've done what no other franchise could do by staying in the "small town" where it originated.

There are many more videos like this one to be seen on YouTube. Props to the account Blizzink for the upload.

-Mitch

It's All Come Down To This.

I wrote a poem about the Green Bay Packers 1997 Super Bowl run for my 2nd grade class. Today, it proudly hangs in my bedroom in a frame. I read it every once in awhile reflecting on how special that season was for my childhood. I watched the game with my parents and 4 year old sister.  No one else around us, just the family. It's how we wanted and how we still do it with playoff games. I mean no disrespect to anyone, but I can't be around people who don't focus on the game. I need people who are as dialed in as me. My whole family is invested in the Packers' success.

I also remember the 1998 Super Bowl how I cried in my room for a good 10 minutes afterwards. I thought the Packers were invincible and people made it seem like John Elway choked away big game situations. I thought the Packers would steamroll the Broncos, oh how wrong I was. I hated Elway from that day forward and still feel ill-will when I hear "This one... for John."  Looking back on it, I can never forgive Mike Holmgren for playing prevent defense for the Broncos' final drive.

After the Packers lost last season, I felt sick. I explained to my dad,"I am unlike you because there are 80 things you have to worry about each day, I have like five, the Packers being one of them, it hurts."  I believe a lot of 18 to 25 year olds feel that way, and care so much that a loss will cripple them for a couple days or weeks if it's a horrible one like Big Ben winning the game in under 2 minutes. When they win, it puts you in a better mood and everything in life seems easy.  I am not sure if many fan bases can say that about their football team. People bleed green and gold all over the United States and around the world. I hope that all the Packer fans who are overseas are able to watch their team try to bring back the Lombari Trophy to its rightful owner.

As for the game, I feel strangely confident for this one more than I have in the past five weeks. I hate myself for saying that but it's true. Maurkice Pouncey not being able to play will affect this game more than anything else. The center position is very important on the football field and when going up against B.J. Raji, it could be a nightmare for the Steelers. The other thing, the Steelers cornerbacks aren't special. Bryant McFadden plays off, which will allow for the quick plays like slants and screens from the wide receivers. All I ask is if the Packers have a chance to step on the Steelers' throat, do it. If they give Ben Roethlisberger extra chances, they will lose... simple as that. I like the Packers to win 31-21 

Remember, just like last week.. Win or lose, this has been one of a hell ride and I'm glad to be a part of it.  Go Pack Go.

-Charlie.

2. Figuring Out Football Announcers

I have no idea if this will be a weekly thing, or just a one time gig. Honestly, I am out of ideas for the Super Bowl  XLV because every topic has been hit over the head countless times. I decided that we discuss a topic that most football fans talk about... announcers.  This is my list, your list could be completely different, and I would love to hear it. Comment, tweet me (@ctritschler), or hop on Facebook and like Sports News On Tap to write your list.



THE HOWARD COSELL DIVISION
1.) Brent Musburger: You are looking live here on SNO TAP!  Musberger is an institution. He has been one of the staples of my sports fandom hearing him on Saturday afternoons and nights. Musberger does a great job each week despite his age.  He shows great emotion and acts like he cares about each game.

2.) Al Michaels: Another guy who has always been in my life. He started with Monday Night Football carrying the broadcast, and now does a hell of a job on Sunday Night. I am in the minority who absolutely love Cris Collinsworth. I think Michaels works well with him.

3.) Thom Brennaman: I didn't like him as much in college football, but in the NFL, he is definitely underrated. I love his work with Brian Billick. They seem to work very well with each other and have taken over the two spot with the FOX family.

4.) Brad Nessler: I had to leave Mike Trico off the list for this guy as Jon Gruden would say. Nessler is waiting in the wings to take over Musburger's top spot at ABC with college football.  He does a great job telling the story of the game, and getting pumped at the right times.

5.) Gus Johnson: Were you worried I might miss Gus?!  He will be number one in basketball, but Johnson still needs work at his craft in football. The other problem with Gus is he never gets a good color guy with him. I hope CBS gives him more of a chance.

JOE THEISMANN DIVISION
1.) Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf: I had to put these guys together because it's like listening Beavis and Butthead in the booth. They both step on each other toes, and say a bunch of stupid stuff. It's a mystery that CBS has them as their second best announcing crew.

2.) Moose Johnston, and The Goose: Kenny Albert is alright, but man, he works with two idiots. Moose doesn't know what city he is in half of the time due to multiple concussions and Goose is brought in for comic relief but you know what? The guy is actually knowledgeable! He was on Dan Patrick's Radio Show a couple times, and knew his shit. He has now built this persona that he will never escape from.

3.) Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworsk3i: I don't really hate Jaws/Gruden, it's just they are too positive. I need some damn negativity.  Be critical of these guys. My respect for Gruden went out the window when he had the chance to rip the Raiders and decided against it at the draft. He is too nice, toughen up!

4.) Ron Pitts: Somehow Mr. Pitts still has a job with FOX. He has been there maybe a decade now and originally was a color guy, now play-by-play. He gets the worst games, but still he is a bear to listen to. Just give me a job already!

5.) Jim Nantz: Here's the thing with Nantz, he is awesome for golf. The best person out there that could do golf, but isn't that a clear sign that maybe he isn't made for play-by-play of NFL Football?  Simms isn't much better who defends every quarterback.  Nantz needs to just enjoy golf, but I will not give up the chance to be CBS' figurehead.

-Charlie.

One Last Time, For Old Time's Sake

I've been beating this horse all season, and now that were just 48 hours away from the biggest Packer game in the last 13 years the message still rings true.  The Packers have to make an attempt to stay balanced against the Steelers on Sunday in order to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay. 

Don't get me wrong, the Packers will win the game if and only if Aaron Rodgers is effective through the air.  The Steelers have proven all year that their glaring defensive weakness is the short, quick passing game (just look at the New England game if you don't believe me). 

That being said, the Packers' offensive line cannot and will not hold up against the ferocious Pittsburgh pass rush if there is no threat of a running game.  If the Pittsburgh outside linebackers can pin their ears back and get after Rodgers without having to worry about keeping contain or crashing down on a run Aaron will have a better chance of ending up in the hospital than winning the game. 

Its obvious that the Packer's aren't going to be breaking off 10-15 yard gains on the ground on Sunday, but we need to keep the Steelers honest.  Contrary to what the back seat quarterbacks on Water St think, a one yard gain in the first quarter has a lot of value.  You might be angry when the Packers plow ahead for small 2-3 yard gains in the first quarter, but I'll guarantee that you'll be jumping with joy when Rodgers hits Jennings for 30 yards on a play action pass in the 4th.  In my opinion the Packers need to attempt AT LEAST 15 runs on Sunday (not including scrambles by Rodgers).  Ideally I would like to see them get to 18-20 rushes.

It seems that the stars are aligned for the Packers to win this game: the Steelers' one major weaknesses is Green Bay's biggest strength and the game is being played in a dome which clearly favors the Packers' more finesse style of play, and .  If the Packers' lose this game it will be for one of two reasons:

1) They get overwhelmed by the moment and don't show up - Judging by everything I've seen from the Packers in the past I have no reason to believe that this will happen.  However, like we saw in the AFC Championship game, if the Steelers can jump out to a quick lead its damn near impossible to recover.  When the Steelers get a lead they run the ball down your throat and control the clock and their defense gets even more aggressive. 

2) They went away from what got them there - I've seen it too many times from the Packers to not be worried.  McCarthy has a history of turning to the sexy play calls in big moments instead of going with the old standbys that have been working all season.  The Packers' can't afford to try and throw the ball 30 yards down the field against this Steelers' defense.  We need to stick to our west coast scheme and dink and dunk our way  to the Lombardi Trophy. 

3. Band of Misfits

Remember the 2004 Boston Red Sox? They titled themselves a 'bunch of idiots'. The Sox were a group of misfits that just really didn't belong. Some of them really didn't do anything after that championship season such as Kevin Millar and Bill Mueller.  The Green Bay Packers are starting to look like the NFL version of them.

I am willing to bet that there will be 3 or 4 guys that will play a key role in Sunday's game will probably not be a factor on the Packers' roster. The artful job by Ted Thompson to pick up guys who no one even heard of. I know a lot of people, but I couldn't tell you who Howard Green, Erik Walden, somewhat Sam Shields, and James Starks did before this season.

Who would win an eating contest between Howard Green
and B.J. Raji. How much would pay to see it? 

Green got picked up for the New York Jets game after the Jets waived him because he gained too much weight after the Jets' bye week. People including me thought that Green would just be a filler for one game, but he ended up playing  a key part in getting the Packers to the Super Bowl.  Green played very well when Cullen Jenkins was out with his calf injury, and now gets put in on run packages. Green ends up making one or two big plays every game.

Another guy was Erick Walden who got picked up to fill the linebacker void as everyone got hurt in a three week span. I hope Walden plays on Sunday because he played so well down the stretch and actually looked the best out of Frank Zombo and Brad Jones. Walden provided a solid pass rush opposite of Clay Matthews, and honestly, I think he might get a shot for next season. Walden is an agressive pass rusher, and showed some signs in the pass defense.

I jumped on the Shields' bandwagon early, but I never thought he would be a great starter for the Packers. I just thought he ends up being a great special teams player, which the Packers haven't had since Desmond Howard. Instead, Shields played nickel cornerback and went from a guy that everybody picks on to a guy that is becoming a problem. I will like to see the matchup between Steelers Wide Receiver Mike Wallace and him on Sunday.

Switching over to the offensive side of the ball, James Starks came out nowhere. I saw people bang the drum about how good Starks was when we were watching Michael uhh Brandon Jackson dance in the backfield. I thought it was just typical Packer fans always looking at the greener grass on the other side. But that couldn't be farther from the truth. Starks played like a madman this postseason and will give the Packers a legit 1-2 punch in coming years.

These idiots aren't a bunch of wildy veterans who are finally getting their shot, they are just a bunch of young guys getting their first chance. Now that Green, Walden, Shields, and Starks all have that opportunity and they are not going to let it go with ease.

-Charlie.

4. 2011 Lockout: The White Elephant Of The Super Bowl

This is a storyline that has nothing to do with either team. It's the elephant in the room.  No one wants to talk about it.  They push under the bed just like I do with my clothes. The potential of a 2011 lockout is starting to feel like a real possibility. The lockout would hurt both teams as the Steelers are aging by the day and the Packers have a large amount of guys heading into the prime of their careers. I am worried more than ever before. I had a tough time believing an ever-growing product would have a problem putting together a collective bargaining agreement. Just like other things in history, when something reaches its peak, people always want more than they can actually have.



The owners want two extra games, an idea cosigned by Commissioner Roger Goodell. I am not behind this idea at all because it will dilute the postseason play amongst other things.  Unlike the MLB and NBA, football is a much more physical game that needs their players at their highest ability. The 2010 New Orleans Saints are the perfect example of why an 18 game schedule is a bad idea. Julius f----n Jones started a postseason game, that's pathetic but only happened because they had too many injuries at that position.

Injuries is another thing to worry about as we saw an increase in concussions this season compared to the past five years.  Some of these players might become human vegetables if they do not provide more assistance after retirement. Not to mention, there needs to be more guaranteed money involved where it's not just a front-end sort of thing. Contracts need to include a small part of guarantee money with every year they are attached.

Another reason the 18 game season is puzzling to me is the amount of blackouts we had this fall. No, I am not talking about the drinking habits of the people who write on this blog, but games where the local TV areas couldn't show the game. Obviously, this has never happened to me with the Packers, but if it ever did, I would probably just start flipping things over in my house. What makes owners think that if teams had another home game less blackouts would happen? If anything, I think they grow because season tickets become more expensive and not affordable to the common fan.  In some markets that is no issue, but in areas like San Diego, Cincinnati, Detroit, St. Louis and Carolina, it's a problem.

I have a unique way to solve the blackout problem. The NFL should see the revenue that each team makes with tickets per year then for those teams who struggle to sell out, find their problem spots. They should cut those ticket costs immediately starting next year.  Another idea I had is create a ticket price bracket for what the team's record has been in the last three years. I couldn't find the average for 2010, but in 2008 according to Reuters, it was 72.70. That should be for teams who are close to .500 in the last three years. The prices should rise when a team averaged a 10-6 record, only like a dollar or two then if someone is higher than that, raise it another couple dollars. Do the opposite for teams who aren't .500 in the last three years.

Let's remember the technology grows every minute. On the Dan Patrick Show this week, they had a poll about 'where would you watch the game if you were not at the Super Bowl?'  80 percent of people said their living room. There is a Lane Furniture commercial making fun of a guy for wanting to go to a game in the snow while his buddies relax at the comfort of their own homes. There isn't that same interest to go to football games with the growing home entertainment industry.

Hopefully, things will get ironed out before March 4th. That is D-Day as the CBA will run out. If that happens, everything pretty much goes to hell. I hope that both sides can come to a compromise. But even then, someone has to lose.

-Charlie.

5. Legacy Doesn't Matter

I am here to put a damper on one of the more overblown stories of Super Bowl XLV, the question of what will the legacy be for either quarterback if they win the Super Bowl.  I hate the term legacy with a current player because a writer/analyst always lives in the moment and describes what the player has (or hasn't) accomplished in the past year.

Tom Brady has won 3 Super Bowls and that will be apart of his legacy when he retires, but right now, people see Brady as the guy who married Giselle Bundchen, has too long of hair, and recently is not very clutch in the postseason.  Peyton Manning is on pace to have one of the best statsitical careers of any quarterback, and has one Super Bowl win. But right now, people still have visions of New Orleans Saints' cornerback Tracey Porter running back a Manning interception to seal the Super Bowl for the Saints. The NFL is a 'what have you done for me lately' league therefore legacy is not important until retirement.

If the Steelers win, Ben Roethlisberger will have his third Super Bowl win in six years. That is a great accomplishment, and he will be considered one of the best winners in the NFL. People will force themselves to include Big Ben in their top five quarterbacks lists even when statistically he hasn't done much. But what people forget is the Steelers are an old football team. Many of their guys start to head into to the twilight of their careers in the upcoming seasons. It would not shock me if this will be the last time we see Big Ben on the grandest stage for multiple years as the Steelers quietly rebuild through the draft.  Does it diminish his legacy if it happens?  Hell no. Win or lose, Big Ben has a bright NFL future.  

The legacy issue reaches a bigger deal with Aaron Rodgers. A Packer victory ensures Rodgers a spot in the Top 5 quarterbacks discussion, and people begin to tout how great Rodgers is in the postseason. Fair or not, Rodgers gets put on a brand new pedestal just because of one win at age 27. Another reason some people on the national stage believe he needs to win the Super Bowl is to become as popular as Brett Favre... Child Please. First off, the Favre questions need to stop, let Aaron be Aaron.  Second off, why does it matter?  People love the guy, he is the most popular athlete in the state of the Wisconsin, hands down.  So what if nationally, he isn't on Favre's level yet, he will be. Additionally, if Rodgers were to lose on Sunday, he has a loaded team that could be back next year, or the year after. The Packers are stacked at every position with young talent. Just so Rodgers doesn't turn into Jim Kelly, I will be perfectly fine with it. 

The reason why the word legacy is passed around like Charlie Sheen's crack pipe is it's an easy topic. Usually, people choose their sides defending them to the death.  There is an old saying 'don't judge a book by its cover.'  So then why does the national media judge an NFL player when the book isn't even finished. Let's wait and see what happens with Roethlisberger's and Rodgers' careers before we anoint their legacies. 

-Charlie. 

6. The Maurkice Pouncey Effect

Even though his coach Mike Tomlin doesn't rule Pouncey
out, I think it's safe to say he will not be playing.

I am going to try to fit this in before the day ends.  We had a ton of traffic this month, and I want to thank all of you. Hopefully, we will continue to grow and become better for you guys. Seriously, if there is something you would like to see, or something done differently, email me at tritscca@uwec.edu  We will get a SNO Tap email up sometime soon.

To me, this is the most important story of the Super Bowl. I might be biased because I am former offensive lineman, but I know games are won and lost in the trenches. Maurkice Pouncey not being able to play in the Super Bowl is a critical injury for a team already missing a ton from that unit.  If the Steelers had Jay Cutler or Matt Schaub at quarterback, they wouldn't be playing in the Super Bowl



The Steelers' offensive line gets more bail outs than an American car company. Ben Roethlisberger's mobility saves this team from being a nonfactor in the NFL. Big Ben makes his line look much better than what they actually have playing.  The Packers need to find a way to actually bring Roethlisberger down instead of letting him extend plays like he so often does on third down situations. All I know is the front seven should be licking their chops.

The Freezer also known as B.J. Raji has been improving every week it seems. He demands double teams, and I could definitely see the Steelers having problems calling out those double teams. Communication is key with an offensive line, and sometimes with rotating parts, it's hard to understand the calls early on in the game even at a professional level. Legursky isn't the only one who has to worry, the tackles, Jonathan Scott and Flozell Adams also should be shaking in their boots.  Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders said on the BS Report, "Scott played great against the New York Jets, and that is amazing because he sucks." Well then. Scott will deal with Erik Walden or Frank Zombo while his buddy Flozell will have deal with Clay Matthews.

Anyone who follows football knows Adams' history. The guy always seems to get about two or three penalties a game. I really hope the refs keep their eye on him because I guranatee you he will have some obvious holds. One Las Vegas prop bets should be "How many times does Charlie Tritschler yell out Sir! when they miss a Flozell Adams' hold?, 4.5 times maybe(I understand they can't get em all).  But with all that being said, Adams could be the goat of this game. If they decide to double Raji then that leaves Matthews alone with Adams unless they keep Heath Miller, the Tight End or the backfield as protection therefore limiting Big Ben's opitions.

Pouncey became the bright spot for the Steelers' offensive line netting second-team All Pro selection.  Now, he is out for Sunday's game, the Steelers are looking for answers because they know the Packers will be coming at them like a train. The question is will they find a way to stay on the track?

-Charlie.

7. The Balanced Question

Consider this the start of the 'SNO Tap Super Bowl Coverage'.  I am going to be writing one article each day devoted to the Super Bowl. We decided not to jump the gun last week because this is the true week that matters. The first six will be various topics regarding the Super Bowl, and I will finish off Saturday with a cumulative post about what it means to be here with my prediction included. I assume I am not the only who will be writing about the big game so strap in and sit down, it should be a fun week here on the Tap.

Chad Clifton has the toughest assignment
of the year dealing with James Harrison

One of the discussions this weekend between us was if the Packers should even to attempt to run the ball?  There were compelling arguments for each side, yet I still haven't come to a conclusion. I wrote off the Packers' rushing attack last week saying they had no chance with the powerful Chicago Bears' rush defense.  But my reverse jinx magic came in handy as the Pack proved me wrong by being fairly successful with James Starks rushing for 74 yards plus about 40 yards from Aaron Rodgers. I am starting to believe that Brandon Jackson might be worse than I believed. I see how Starks hits the hole, and it's like Ryan Grant.  When a team uses a zone blocking rush scheme, they can ill-afford to have a dancer like Jackson in the backfield.

If we use the analogy of supermodels to rush defenses... the Bears are like Marisa Miller and the Pittsburgh Steelers are Brooklyn Decker, both top notch. The Steelers have only allowed 62.5 yards a game to teams, which is one of the lowest in NFL history.  Premier running backs like Michael Turner, Chris Johnson, and Ray Rice didn't even gain 50 yards on the ground against the Steelers. The highest yardage they allowed was 87 to the Law Firm when the Patriots got the best of them.

That game stands out like a snorlax amongst a group of smokeshows. When the Patriots offense went Charlie Sheen crazy on the Steel Curtain, they spread the field using four and five wide sets to expose their average secondary.  Don't get me wrong, Troy Polomalu is a monster, but I really don't consider him part of their secondary. He plays like a rover like Charles Woodson so it's hard to really include him with the others. The others include Bryant McFadden who takes lessons from Jerry Azumah on how to get burned.  Ike Taylor makes big plays, but gets hurt by being overtly aggressive looking for the game changing play.  I do like Ryan Clark, although he likes to dish out the big hits more so than playing smart football at times. Trust me, I want McCarthy to get greedy a couple times and hit them over the top with a couple longballs.

Notice I said a couple times because I worry Mike McCarthy will start dialing up the twenty plus yard plays on every down instead of trying to run the football, and the slant routes that work very nicely for this football team.  At the end of the day, this is a good problem for the Packers. Against a team like the Steelers, I am thankful the Packers are a pass-first offense.  

-Charlie.  

Unreal.

For the last 12 hours, I have sat on the internet knowing that I need to write something for the blog. I am emotionally exhausted from today, and the weekend.  I had the biggest smile on my face after the Packers victory and just to see how happy every Packer fan was at the bars last night made me happy. No one cared that school starts today, they just cared about their love for their professional football team, the Green Bay Packers.

I got this from SI.com who did a fantastic
job capturing the game. 

I still remember having a conversation with my buddy Bails after the Dolphins lost where the injuries were mounting up higher than anyone thought was possible.  We agreed that if the Pack went 9-7 and missed the playoffs, it's still a good season with all things considered.  Three months later, the Packers are in the Super Bowl. I cannot believe it. Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and Dom Capers all deserve street names win or lose in two weeks in Arlington.

If there are still Ted Thompson haters out there, let me know you are, and we can have a debate on this site. Someone who got roasted over the coals by the majority of Packer fans deserves the most credit for the success of this season. Thompson picked up Erik Walden, Sam Shields, James Starks, and Howard Green off the scrap heap. Those players will all be factors in the 2011 Super Bowl.  If you mentioned those guys to me in August, I would probably say well what about Finley? Grant? Barnett?   Thompson made all the right decisions this season and stuck to his guns just like he did in 2008.  There aren't many people in professional sports that I respect more than Thompson.

McCarthy also received a ton of criticism from fans throughout the years for a variety of reasons. Most of the Brett Favre defenders blamed Mac for the 2007 NFC Championship defeat to the New York Giants. People were calling for him to get an offensive coordinator instead of calling his own plays.  Others questioned his time management skills with Bill Simmons of ESPN comparing him to MacGruber. Mac makes adjustments almost every game this season, two weeks ago with Raji in on offense and this week with the naked bootleg. There is always something up Mac's sleeve.

I remember last year when Dom Capers' defense struggled in the final part of last season because injuries hit them late, and made me hate Jarrett Bush for about 7 months (all is forgiven now). Capers just didn't have enough tools in the secondary to have the blitzing defense he wanted. Now with the addition of Shields, the play of Tramon Williams, and Charlie Peprah, Capers is a mad scientist out there.  He just throws everything at you, all the time.

The Packers are Super Bowl bound. I believed it would happen before the season started, but with the injuries plus everything else, I wasn't sure if it would actually happen.  This will be probably be the longest 2 weesk ever, but every day I wake up, I know it's one day closer to the Super Bowl. Go Pack Go.

-Charlie.

Packers to Super Bowl XLV

The Green Bay Packers have the chance to collect another one of these! First of all though, I want to congratulate the Bears on a tough game. I thought the game wasn't as close as it seemed, but the Bears refused to quit and you have to give them a lot of credit. Not exactly the cleanest game for either team, but I was nervous when Hanie had the ball with under a minute in the 4th quarter.  Again, amazing game, as we all thought it would be, and tip your hats to the Bears.

That being said, the Packers earned the right to go to this game and it really hasn't hit me yet.  My early thoughts are that we have a very good chance in two weeks to win the Super Bowl regardless of who we play, but again this game showed just how good the Packers defense is, even when our offense stalls.  Aaron Rodgers came out blazing and scored that first TD.  Then Starks pounds one in and I thought it was all over with the Packers up 14-0.  I think it's obvious that not having Jay Cutler actually helped the Bears, minus Todd Collins, but Caleb Hanie performed exceptional considering the circumstances. 

Another key to the game was Tim Masthay.  The punter proved his worth in this game limiting Devin Hester to no real dangerous punt returns.  I loved the way the special teams played with a chip on their shoulder.  Credit the playing surface for a little help in slowing down Hester, but they really had a sound, solid performance. 

There will be lots of analysis in the next two weeks I'm sure, and I hope to hear some opinion from Mike Fant about his Bears, who performed well after Cutler went down, and it looked like Matt Forte was single handedly going to beat the Packers, but in the end, Sam Shields made the play to seal the victory and send the Green Bay Packers to the Dallas for the chance to win Super Bowl XLV.

-Pat