PACKERVILLE, U.S.A.

A Hawaiian Vacation, Not A Game

2012-01-29T17:41:00.000-06:00

It’s only been almost a two-week vacation here at Packerville, U.S.A., but we thought we’d share some pages from the 2012 Pro Bowl game program — a game which kicks off in about a half-hour from when we’re posting this. Could anything be more meaningless than this game? It almost makes preseason games look like life-and-death situations. Oh well, the players get a free Hawaiian vacation and some recognition for their accomplishments through the season, and football fans get something in the off-week before the Super Bowl.

This article about QB backups has some Favre-Rodgers content worth a look.

Here’s a couple of pages devoted to the Packers’ all-star QB, Aaron Rodgers.

Poor FB John Kuhn... he finally makes a Pro Bowl, and he’s not able to go due to injury. Read more about that here.

WR Greg Jennings’ page in the game program.

C Scott Wells’ page in the game program.

NT B.J. Raji’s page.

LB Clay Matthews gets the full-page spotlight treatment.

CB Charles Woodson gets the same attention.

A full-page ad for N.F.L. fantasy football features the Saints-Packers line of scrimmage from 2011 Week 1 action. Doesn’t that seem like a long time ago?

Lastly, former Packers DE Reggie White is depicted in the all-time roster section.

We haven’t set a schedule for future posts here in Packerville, but we’ll try to post things semi-regularly so that if you come back now and then, you’ll see something new. Thanks to all for the kind posts and e-mails. It’s nice to know that there are many out there who enjoy the Packers’ history we share here.

A Legend is Lost

2012-01-29T17:40:00.000-06:00

In our off-time, Packers’ legendary broadcaster Jim Irwin (foreground) passed away, and we would be ashamed if we didn’t note it here for our readers. Irwin, 77, was the play-by-play announcer on Packers’ game broadcasts for 30 years on WTMJ-Milwaukee. He called 612 consecutive games, and was accompanied by legendary receiver Max McGee (behind Irwin, above) as his color commentator for the last 20 years of his career. The two made a great pair that took listeners through many horrible seasons before experiencing the rebirth of the team in the 1990’s, culminating in the Super Bowl XXXI victory. Two years later, the pair announced their retirement. McGee died in 2007 in an accident at his home.

Irwin also did University of Wisconsin football broadcasts for 22 years, UW basketball for five years, UW-Milwaukee basketball for two years, and Milwaukee Bucks games for 16 years. Irwin also handled the sports announcing duties on WTMJ's early morning show for more than 30 years. He continued in that role until July 1999.

Both of these men are missed dearly by those who grew up listening to them — in our case, because most Green Bay games weren’t on T.V. where we lived. We salute Jim Irwin for his decades of dedication to the team that we all love — the Green Bay Packers. There will never be another like him.

That’s All Folks...

2012-01-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

With the Packers’ sudden exit from the Playoffs after what should have been another glorious season, we are calling it a day here at the Packerville.U.S.A. blog — for the time being, at least. Readership will, as it did even with the team’s championship last year, drop significantly in the off-season. We will take this time off to reassess what we do here to determine if all the hours are worth it, and whether we’ll continue.

This loss hurts, and we fans who spend way more time on the team than is probably healthy need time to process it all. We will try, however, to maintain the Twitter feed and see how that goes. Thanks to our loyal readers and those who also have sent nice comments. Knowing that there are many out there who appreciate the things we share here has helped us continue when it seemed the late nights were getting to be too much. Until we come back with further word on the status of the blog for the future, take some time away from football in these months ahead.

UPDATE: Thanks for all of the positive comments to those who have done so. To respond to the comment about my being a “fair weather fan” (those are fighting words with me!), I have this to say: “Fair weather fan? I think not. I'll put my loyalty and time and money spent on the team (tickets, merchandise, and 1,872 miles of nine round trips between home and Green Bay) up against YOU or anyone, and will win hands- down. My break from the daily blog is to take a breather from the 300+ hours I've spent on it alone since the end of July. The end of the season, as frustrating as it was, is the perfect time to take a break since that is when all of the "fair weather fans" stop reading it anyway. Google's statistics prove that.

A Rotten End — A Ruined Season

2012-01-16T00:06:00.005-06:00

It’s going to take a long time to figure out why this happened, as no one associated with the team now will admit that they were rusty, overconfident, under-prepared, or whatever. But this loss will stick with the fans for eternity. A team that seemed destined to repeat as champions fell flat on their face with their pants around their ankles. From day one after the lockout, this team was the unanimous choice as the best in the league, the almost sure pick to play in and conquer Super Bowl XLVI. All season long, they piled up win after win after win, stumbling only in Kansas City. Securing the number one N.F.C. seed and the all-“important” home field advantage. The last football some of the team played was three weeks ago, on Christmas Day. No need to risk the starters to injury in the last game of the season, right? Let them lounge on the sidelines for another week. Then, the coveted “week off” — the reward for being such an awesome team. Now, when at last the whole team is on the field, at Lambeau Field because it’s such a huge advantage (another “reward” for being so awesome), they play like the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers, in front of the whole nation (who had to be laughing their rear ends off) played like the worst team in the N.F.L. for all four quarters, and were beaten soundly by the same team that last beat them in the playoffs at home. Their 15-1 season is just, to use a Ron Wolf quote about the ’97 team, “a fart in the wind.” That record means absolutely nothing except as a monument to the biggest choke in Packers’ history.

The window in which you have everything lined up just right to win a championship is incredibly narrow. You cannot squander that opportunity. To do so is inexcusable. How much this demoralizes the organization is yet to be seen. It could be disastrous.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-16T00:06:00.000-06:00

• Game Story: Green Bay Press-Gazette
• Game Story: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

• Game Story: The New York Times

• Game Story: The New York Daily News

• Game Story: New York Newsday

• Game Story: The New York Post

• Game Story: Associated Press

• Game Story: Packers.com

• Game Story: Giants.com

• Official Statistics

• Official Box Score

• Official Play-By-Play Summary

• Scoring Summary

• Photo Galleries: Here, here, and here

• Game Notes

• Packers Insider

• Rants and Rants

*****

• Instant Reaction: 37-20 Loss to New York

• Defense can't stop Giants' big plays

• Sudden end to season 'a hard pill to swallow'

• Season ends with a rude surprise

• Reaction from the locker room

• So what happened?

• As Giants rise to occasion, Packers shrink

• Why the Packers lost

• Hail-Mary play was the game-changer

• Giants D gets after Packers’ Rodgers

• Momemtum shifts before halftime

• Giants postgame locker room quotes

• Defense does nothing to lift Packers

• As always, Eli plays it cool

• Philbin’s return brightens disappointing day

• Packers, Texans staffs to coach Pro Bowl

• Collins optimistic while pondering future

Coach Mike McCarthy tries to make sense of the loss here.

QB Aaron Rodgers meets with the media here.

Soundbites from around the locker room are here.

The game lowlights can be watched here, if desired.

It’s Game Day in Green Bay

2012-01-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

There’s not a whole lot that we need to say here, so we’ll let all the information below tell the story of the game coming up on Sunday afternoon. We’re fond of the logo for the game that we created (above), so we’re using it again, and we trust that we’ll be making one for the N.F.C. Championship game next Sunday as well. There’s plenty to read up on today, and we’ll update the blog and add more articles as the weekend goes on.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

N.F.C. DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME INFO:

• PACKERS-GIANTS DOPE SHEET

• PACKERS 2011 MEDIA GUIDE

• PACKERS TEAM REPORT

• PRESS BOX NOTES (NEW!)

• GAME INACTIVES (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #1

• GAME PREVIEW #2

• GAME PREVIEW #3

• GAME PREVIEW #4 (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #5 (NEW!)

• HOW THEY MATCH UP

• PACKERS-GIANTS MATCH-UPS

• TEN THINGS TO BEAT GIANTS

• FIVE KEY MATCH-UPS

• THREE KEYS TO THE GAME (NEW!)

• PACKERS 2011 ROSTER

• PACKERS 2011 DEPTH CHART

• GIANTS MEDIA GUIDE

• GIANTS TEAM REPORT

• GIANTS 2011 ROSTER

• GIANTS 2011 DEPTH CHART

• INJURY REPORT/GB vs. NY

• PLAYOFFS INJURY REPORT

• GREEN BAY WEATHER

*****

SUNDAY LINKS:

• Philbin to coach vs. Giants, CBS reports

• Game is a formula for offensive fireworks

• Team of the decade? Need a repeat

• Emlen Tunnell: The Giants’ Greatest Packer

• Packers put '08 loss out of their minds

• Brad Jones gets his chance

• Defense unlikely to shape up for playoffs

• 2011 — Packers’ best team?

• Packers’ worst decision in last 40 years?

• Frozen tundra, frozen toes

• Will familiarity with Packers help Giants?

• Fighting the weather calls for a game plan

• Rivalry frozen in time and space

• Quick cleanup: Green Bay knows snow

• $240,000 to watch Giants-Packers?

• Rodgers has made fans say "Brett Who?'

• 'Discount Double Take' trilogy complete

*****

SATURDAY LINKS:

• Rodgers' steady hand; Packers on track

• Hundreds show up to shovel at Lambeau

• Grant’s changing role, same attitude

• Packers Notebook

• Packers Insider

• Dotson, Kramer, and Curry to meet with fans

• Gameday reminders for fans on Sunday

• Rankings are meaningless now

• Is it Rodgers, or just the Packers’ system?

• Packers know what they must do

• Ring could lead to bigger things

• Cobb could be Packers' X-factor

• Defense must force Manning to move feet

• Friday practice report

• Time out for a funeral

• Giants burning to play physical

• Coughlin’s Corner: Playoff edition

• Packers can't really forget 2008

• Manning leads Giants into Lambeau again

• Rodgers hits moving targets all over field

• Green Bay’s only N.Y.-style pizzeria

• Tenderizing the Tundra with light and heat

• Are the Packers the worst stock in U.S.?

• Fields chief puts turf education to good use

• In bitter cold, passes are least of body’s worries

• Giants fans pack up and ship out to Green Bay

*****

OTHER N.F.L. NEWS:

• FCC considers ending the blackout rule

• NFL to mull coach-moves rule (NEW!)

The N.F.L. Network ’s Game Preview can be seen here.

Playbook: A Giant Chess Match is here.

Playbook: Packers’ Defense is here.

Coach McCarthy’s Friday press conference is here.

Soundbites from around the locker room are here.

Final touches to the frozen tundra can be watched here.

Keys To The Game: Packers vs. Giants is here.

The Almost Undefeated Season is here.

Tragedy in Green Bay is here.

LB Clay Matthews’ N.F.L. Network interview is here.

Playbook Green Room: Packers vs. Giants is here.

Final Thoughts on the N.F.C. Divisional Playoffs is here.

Weather Update: Giants vs. Packers is here.

Fans doing their part to clear Lambeau Field is here.

Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday media visit is here.

The Dawn of a New Era

2012-01-13T00:01:00.001-06:00

We’re doing things backwards here on the blog… we featured the Spring ’93 issue of Packer Update a couple of days ago, but we should’ve posted this one before that. This issue is from the beginning of the Ron Wolf-Mike Holmgren era, before their team even hit the field. Wolf had been in his position a few months, had hired Holmgren, acquired Brett Favre, gone though ‘Plan B” free agency (remember that?) and the draft was yet to come. A lot of winning was yet to come as well.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-13T00:00:00.001-06:00

• Woodson's competitive fire hasn't diminished
• Pierre-Paul a stout test for Clifton

• Packers Notebook

• Playoff captains named

• Raji questions toughness of Giants' line

• Jennings expected to play

• Butler: Multiple titles matter to Hall of Fame

• Special teams at peak performance

• Fans challenged to break sound records

• Shovelers invited to Lambeau Friday morning

• A refresher on playoff overtime rules

• Capers could get Oakland coaching job

• Nelson overcame draft-day doubts

• Rodgers makes accuracy top priority

• Frozen flashback

• Finley 'wiping the slate clean'

Coach McCarthy’s Thursday conference is here.

Sound Bites from around the locker room are here.

X-Factor: Aaron Rodgers is here.

No Huddle: Could Giants upset Packers at Lambeau? Watch here.

No, Not THAT Ringo...

2012-01-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

We don’t know if he was kidded about having a last name that was the same as the first name of one of the Fab Four during those years of the early 1960’s, but former Packers C Jim Ringo played in Green Bay for eleven seasons before being sent to Philadelphia. The specifics of that transaction have been debated since, but this Sunday we hope the Packers can summon the strength of those Ringo-led teams of ’61 and ’62 that beat the Giants both times for World Championships.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-12T00:00:00.002-06:00

• Stats show Packers home toughness

• Balance is Giants biggest offensive danger

• Packers Notebook

• Packers pay tribute to Philbin

• Philbin away from team indefinitely

• Prep begins as Packers battle family loss

• Who's the true team of destiny?

• Giants eager to face Packers' secondary

• Giants can use Chiefs plan to beat Packers

• Slowing a fearsome foursome

• Stunningly, no knee pain for Jennings

• Packers trained to embrace lofty expectations

• Packers greats see hints of their dynasty

• Fans undergo Green and Gold stress test

• Building the perfect NFL GM

• Photo Gallery: End zone projects make progress

• Photo Gallery: Field preparations

Coach Mike McCarthy’s daily media visit is here.

QB Aaron Rodgers meets with reporters here.

LB Clay Matthews talks about the team’s support of Joe Philbin here.

This week’s Mike McCarthy Show can be seen here.

The First Year of Revival

2012-01-11T00:01:00.001-06:00

We were looking back at this “Spring 1993” issue of Packer Update (published by the team), and it was fun to recall the time after the first Wolf/Holmgren season when it seemed almost possible for Packer fans to envision a time that the team would actually be successful again. There are some interesting articles, and probably some events and people you’ve maybe forgotten.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Packers Team Report

• Key pieces of '07 Giants team remain

• New York Giants scouting report

• Playoff tickets in demand

• Packers favored; but have weaknesses

• Health and home — two advantages

• Weather or not, here come Giants

• 10 things we learned about the Packers

• Fact or Fiction: Packers

• Beating Packers at own game

• Coughlin's frozen face showed toughness

• Judgement day for defense

• Packers' run of success at 20 years

• Titletown banners hung ahead of Playoffs

• One on One with Clay Matthews

• Statement from Joe Philbin

• Packer nation mourns a loss

• ‘We all love Joe’

• Rodgers: 'A rough couple days'

• Multiple Packers candidates for Raiders job

• The East Bay Packers?

Coaches Show: How dangerous are Giants? Watch here.

Six Days to Go

2012-01-10T00:01:00.002-06:00

Six days to go until we see if this guy can lead his team to an N.F.C. Divisional Playoff victory at home. It’s not just him, of course. What makes us nervous about Sunday? Keeping the Giants off Rodgers and out of the offensive backfield, and the Packers’ defense in general. It’s time for Dom Capers to unveil those secret plans he has kept under wraps all season so far. Otherwise, our 32-ranked defenders will have a tough day. Will playing in the cold on the road at Lambeau Field intimidate Eli Manning? Nope. He’s won there before in much colder conditions against a Packers team that was all but packed for the Super Bowl in January 2008.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Giants present 'excellent challenge'
• Son of Packers coach recovered from Fox River

• Lambeau somber amidst reports

• Statement from GM Ted Thompson

• McCarthy: Packers have contingency plan

• Playoff chase insignificant in light of tragedy

• Packers Notebook

• Under the radar scouts who could be GMs

• Rodgers up for Air NFL Player of the Year

• Giants brimming with confidence

• Giants defense getting its wish

• Pierre-Paul guarantees victory

• Giant killers?

• Here come the big guns

• Peter King: Monday Morning QB

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Monday media visit is here.

Can the Giants slow down the Packers? See here.

The Wild N.F.L. Playoffs are here.

Giants in Lambeau Again

2012-01-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

It’s not an exact match of the 2007 N.F.C. Championship game (in that the winner does not advance to the Super Bowl), but the Giants will again come to Lambeau Field this Sunday to face the No. 1-seeded Green Bay Packers in the N.F.C. Divisional Playoff. The New Yorkers demolished the Falcons, who continue to be a “one-and-done” playoff team, and the Packers had this weekend off as a reward for having the best record in the N.F.C.

Here are a few photos from that N.F.C. Championship of a few years ago. We were there, if you recall, but these are not our photos. It was the third-coldest game in N.F.L. history, a fact that we can verify. Your editor had a bottle of Coke under five layers of clothing next to his body, and it was frozen at the end of the game.

That overtime loss to the Giants that day in January 2008 started a string of dominoes that made it the last game that QB Brett Favre played in a Green Bay uniform, sent him to the N.Y. Jets, and brought the Aaron Rodgers era to the forefront — much to the displeasure of many Packer fans who now won’t admit that they picketed at the team’s practices and the stockholders’ meeting that following summer, chanting “Bring Brett Back!”

This Sunday, it is time to avenge that last Playoff loss to the Giants, and bring back the memories of the day in 1961 when we throttled the New Yorkers in Green Bay by a score of 37-0 for Lombardi’s first N.F.L. title. By the way, the long-range weather forecast for Sunday is calling for temps around 20 degrees (balmy by comparison to the 2008 game) — and snow.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Familiar foe? Packers are confident

• Giants oust Falcons, return to Lambeau Field

• Packers to face Giants in NFC divisional round

• Packers open as 9-point favorites

• Preparing for the Giants’ pass rush

• Any doubts? Giants have fixed problems

• Giants put it all together to line up rematch

• Joe Philbin interviews in Miami

• Mike Sherman may land in Tampa Bay

• Injury risk worries Packer wives

• Packers craft culture of winning

• Kevin Greene 1 of 15 Hall of Fame finalists

• Healing among McCarthy's powers

• Same faces, different path for Packers

• Rodgers tops NFL jersey sales

All’s Quiet at Lambeau Field

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

It’s going to be a quiet weekend at 1265 Lombardi Avenue as far as football action goes. But there were a couple of huge departures from the front office on Friday, and time will tell how much they affect the future of the Green Bay Packers — both on and off the field. Enjoy the weekend off from stress and enjoy some Wild Card N.F.L. action on Saturday and Sunday. Next weekend will be filled with Packers’ playoff action.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Packers Team Report

• McKenzie's move leaves hole at the top

• Packers' VP Jason Wied resigns

• Patriots are biggest threat to Packers

• Many players staying close to home

• Super Bowl tickets plan announced

• Levens leads list of Lambeau memories

• NFL to use video monitors to treat injuries

Another Look at Super Bowl I

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

From the same 1995 special issue of Sports Illustrated that gave us the recently posted Don Hutson article, here is a fine piece on Super Bowl I. The Big Game has changed dramatically since then (January 1967), and we hope you enjoy reading about football days gone by.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

NOTE: Because of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s adoption of a subscription service for its online news, we will no longer post links to their website here, since any readers who aren’t paying their fee will not be able to read more than 15 articles per month. That would mean that after a couple of days of links here, you would be blocked from their site. Pay-to-read seems to be the business model of the future for newspapers, so we wish them luck after providing free content for 15+ years.

• Top seeding no guarantee in playoffs

• Packers Notebook

• Lambeau construction; waiting list up to 96,000

• Lambeau projects making progress

• Packers players get weekend off

• Packers want to recapture sense of urgency

• Greene, Wolf await Hall of Fame fate

• Jennings says he's good to go

• Rodgers doesn't sweat pre-playoff layoff

• More than 200 million watched NFL in ’11

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Thursday press conference is here.

QB Aaron Rodgers meets with reporters in the locker room here.

A Mailbox Surprise

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

Usually we know about these things well beforehand, but imagine our surprise upon opening the mail box today to find Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated. Apparently, it’s one of those “regional” covers, and we’re not sure who is depicted in the other regions of the U.S. But we’re glad we live close enough to Green Bay to always get the “Packers” covers.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-05T00:00:00.001-06:00

• Jennings getting mind right

• Packers Notes

• Jones could be back as starting LB

• Jennings appreciates extra week to heal
• Jennings says he's ready to go

• Rodgers' excellence makes him obvious MVP

• Packers Notebook

• A look at the N.F.L. playoff field

• Flynn wins Air N.F.L. Player of Week award

• Flynn named 'NFC Offensive Player of the Week'

• Fans reminded to be careful when buying tickets

• Flynn's success 'bittersweet' for Rodgers

• Starks working his way back

• Philbin has another interview scheduled

• Rodgers best in N.F.L. in new QB measure

• N.F.L. playoff power rankings

• Vegas: Packers have best shot at title

• Dorsey declines interview for Colts G.M.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Wednesday media visit is here.

WR Greg Jennings is ready for playoff action, here.

Sound Bites from around the locker room are here.

The Mike McCarthy Show, with guest Josh Sitton, is here.

More Bart Starr…

2012-01-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

As we’ve stated before, we don’t need a reason to post photos of QB Bart Starr, and here’s one from the earlier Sixties at Lambeau Field, then called City Stadium. Someone is about to get the ball, or maybe a fake, while T Forrest Gregg (#75) and G Fuzzy Thurston (#63) provide protection on the right side of the line.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-04T00:00:00.004-06:00

• Packers Team Report
• Why Rodgers gets my vote for MVP

• Memories of lost season fuels Grant

• Flynn's game in perspective

• Where in the N.F.L. will Matt Flynn land?

• Flynn departure may not aid Packers

• Nelson: Rodgers is no system QB

• Packers’ most likely opponent is Giants

• Last place for total yards allowed

• Bucs to interview Mike Sherman

• 2011 awards handed out Super Bowl eve

• One on One with Aaron Rodgers

• 2012 home and away opponents announced

• 2011 N.F.L. Season in Review

• Ahman Green to get Red Smith Award

• Day of change in the NFC North

• GM Angelo axed in Chicago; Smith stays

Larry’s Locker Room with guest Matt Flynn is here.

Inside Lambeau with guest Ryan Taylor is here.

The Greatest Receiver

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

Packers’ great receiver Don Hutson (1935-45) was featured in a Sports Illustrated special N.F.L. issue in 1995, and we thought some of you out there might enjoy it. There isn’t a whole lot of focus on the stars of the pre-Lombardi era these days, and there are a lot of great stories and much to learn from that older forgotten period of pro football.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

• Offense will operate at full capacity

• Rested and ready for the playoffs

• Flynn has talent of top-tier QB

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Packers/Lions aftermath

• The 80-yard broken play

• Packers finish 32nd in total defense

• Packers fans not daunted by weather
• Time to peak, playoffs are here

• Jordy Nelson delivers… again

• Cobb’s worth evident in Sunday’s win

• Packers healthy heading into postseason

• Capers: Defense must stop playmakers

• Clifton will start at left tackle for playoffs

• Victory a tribute to Packers’ winning culture

• Packers’ final statistical rankings

*****

OTHER N.F.L. NEWS:

• Colts fire Polians as cleansing begins

• Rams fire coach, GM after another dismal year

• Buccaneers fire head coach Raheem Morris

• Dolphins begin search for new coach

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Monday media visit is here.

QB Matt Flynn’s segment on the N.F.L. Network is here.

The Back-up Who Soon Will Start

2012-01-02T00:22:00.005-06:00

A game that meant nothing at least turned out to be exciting. QB Matt Flynn lit up the field and the record book, and all questions about him leaving via free agency are answered. He will be courted by many teams looking for a starting QB, and we wish him well. But today, he played like Rodgers and led the team to a thrilling comeback victory at home in wintry conditions.

WR Jordy Nelson had another big day with three TD’s, including a 58-yarder.

Old man? Pish posh. Old enough to score on a 35-yarder.

RB Ryan Grant only had 48 yards rushing, but scored on an 80-yard pass reception.

The defense had trouble containing WR Calvin Johnson (244 yards, one TD), and the pattern of giving up tons of yards continues. Does this team really want to give up 575 yards in the playoffs?

LB Clay Matthews spent the game on the bench, resting for the post-season…

… as did CB Charles Woodson.

We shall see if McCarthy’s plans for the health of his team affects them in two weeks.

TE Jermichael Finley had one TD — when it mattered most, with 1:29 left.

QB Aaron Rodgers played QB coach during the game, advising Flynn and calling plays.

Best tackle of the day: LB Brad Jones sacks a drunken idiot.

Flynn ’s first and last game as a starter in Lambeau Field will be one we hope he recalls fondly when he is playing for a lesser organization somewhere in the A.F.C. Really, how can you go anywhere but down after spending four years in Green Bay?

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-02T00:10:00.006-06:00

• Game Story: Green Bay Press-Gazette

• Game Story: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

• Game Story: The Detroit News

• Game Story: The Detroit Free Press

• Game Story: Associated Press

• Game Story: ESPN Milwaukee

• Game Story: Packers.com

• Game Story: Lions.com

• Official Statistics

• Official Box Score

• Official Play-By-Play Summary

• Scoring Summary

• Photo Galleries: Here, here, here, here, and here

• Game Notes

• Packers Replay

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Packers Insider

• Rants and Raves

*****

• Instant Analysis: Packers vs. Lions

• Matt Flynn shines in spotlight

• Offense goes into playoffs with momentum

• Flynn savors his record-setting cameo

• Clifton's return creates dilemma

• Points, yards, records when least expected

• Records fall as Packers' offense shines

• Give some credit to the system, too

• How do you bench Flynn after that?

• Packers open playoffs January 15

• Rodgers preps Flynn, calls plays

• LB Jones stops fan running on field

• Heard around the locker room

• McKenzie, Eliot Wolf could lead Raiders

N.F.L. Network game highlights are here.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s post-game comments are here.

QB Matt Flynn meets the media here.

Flynn’s game highlights can be seen here.

Sound bites from around the locker room are here.

Sights and sounds from the Packers-Lions game are here.

Post-game comments from the Detroit Lions’ are here.

Exhibition Game in January?

2012-01-01T02:31:00.000-06:00

This may be the first time that snow has fallen during a Green Bay home exhibition game, as there are “flurries” forecast for Sunday. We are lightheartedly referring to this game as such because of the number of players who won’t play much in order to save them for the next part of the season. We understand the concept, and it can be debated each way — so we’ll see come February 5th whether the Packers are in Indianapolis or not. The Lions come to town this week with much to play for, and we won’t predict how the Packers will fare in this game if the Lions’ starters are playing the whole game, and we’re down to QB No. 3 and behind in the fourth quarter.

Here’s a retro-program cover for Sunday’s game.

Lions’ fans are quite happy that the 0-16 season of 2008 is a distant memory.

And we hope that we’ve seen the last of this kind of thing. Then again, gee, it’d be a shame if Suh lost control again and had to be suspended for the Playoffs.

And now for the bad news… unless you live in the miniscule-sized green area on the map above, you won’t see the game without Direct TV or a trip to your local sports bar. Sorry.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2012-01-01T02:30:00.001-06:00

REGULAR SEASON GAME #16 INFO:

• PACKERS-LIONS DOPE SHEET

• PACKERS 2011 MEDIA GUIDE

• PACKERS TEAM REPORT

• PRESS BOX NOTES (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #1

• GAME PREVIEW #2

• GAME PREVIEW #3

• GAME PREVIEW #4

• GAME PREVIEW #5 (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #6 (NEW!)

• TEN THINGS TO BEAT LIONS

• FIVE KEY MATCH-UPS

• THREE KEYS TO THE GAME (NEW!)

• NFL TV COVERAGE MAPS

• PACKERS 2011 ROSTER

• PACKERS 2011 DEPTH CHART

• LIONS TEAM REPORT

• LIONS 2011 ROSTER

• LIONS 2011 DEPTH CHART

• INJURY REPORT/GB vs. DET

• INJURY REPORT/NFL

• NFL STANDINGS

• NFL STATISTICS

• GREEN BAY WEATHER

*****

SUNDAY LINKS:

• Time right to invest high draft pick on OLB

• It was a good year to be a cheesehead

• Capers breaks down 2011 defense

• Packers Notes

• Around the N.F.L.

• N.F.L. Power Rankings

*****

SATURDAY LINKS:

• Staying healthy Packers' priority

• Packers go from worst to first in penalties

• Packers' rookie class brings special touch

• Thompson on Packers' 2011 draft class

• Friday practice report: All QBs may play

• The Great Yards Debate continues

• Get to know P Tim Masthay

• Why They Call Green Bay 'Titletown'

• Packers not a Super Bowl slam dunk

• Lynch deal was a missed opportunity

• Packers rule Starks, Cobb out for Sunday

• Packers Notebook

• Packers Insider

• NFC Playoff race

• 50th anniversary — 1961 championship photos

Here, here, here, here, and here

• Packers missing key players versus Lions

• Year-end look at defense, offense

• Lions practice outside to prep for Lambeau

• Pickett says Lions talk more trash

• Lions just can't beat Packers at Lambeau

• Raiola hopes to avoid Packer backers

• Computer glitch results in delayed stock

*****

OTHER N.F.L. NEWS:

• Vikings considering Minneapolis site for stadium

• What to look for in Week 17

• Concussion suits may be test for sport itself

• Gloomy forecasts after lockout didn't pan out

The N.F.L. Network game preview is here.

The Inside Slant segment with NT B.J. Raji is here.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Friday press conference is here.

Detroit coach Jim Schwartz’s Friday media talk is here.

The Playbook: Lions vs. Packers breakdown is here.

The game weather report for Sunday is here.

Final thoughts on Packers-Lions from Packers.com is here.

And Titletown It Became

2011-12-30T00:11:00.003-06:00

50 years ago this weekend, the Packers beat the New York Giants 37-0 to bring in Lombardi’s first N.F.L. championship. And with the championship came the term “Titletown, U.S.A.,” which continues to this day. Champions then —champions now.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-30T00:01:00.003-06:00

• Flynn's time may be Sunday against Lions
• Sunday presents big opportunity for Flynn

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Newhouse: I haven't been a 'savior'

• Clifton: 'It's very important to get in there'

• Off week presents a workout dilemma

• Caution flag likely out for Rodgers

• Finley limited; Bulaga looks good in return

• Lions in 20-year, Wisconsin drought

• Sunday’s game dedicated to fan appreciation

• Anderson, Prior to meet with fans this weekend

• Packers jerseys in short supply

• Fans reminded of road construction

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Thursday press conference is here.

• T Chad Clifton meets with the media here.

QB Matt Flynn talks of being an N.F.L. starter here.

From the Windy City

2011-12-29T00:32:00.003-06:00

Since this blog post is coming to you from downtown Chicago, it is only fitting that we post a photo of some Bears-Packers action. Not from last week, but from 50 years (or so) ago. The celebration over beating those large mammalians last week continues, as will their eternal quest for mediocrity when they keep both GM and coach next year, as well as their unchangeable inept ownership.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-29T00:21:00.002-06:00

• Walden's LB spot may be up for grabs
• Dietrich-Smith moves on from Suh stomp

• Finley says he can play with sore left knee

• Will Packers see a tamer Lions team Sunday?

• Perceived lack of respect used as fuel

• Pickett: 'I've never been hit like that'

• Pickett eager to shore up run defense

• Packers defense back in the running

• Lions have lots of incentive

• Former Packers CB Al Harris retires

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Packers show appreciation to fans

• Other teams wish they could “print money”

The Mike McCarthy Show with guest P Tim Masthay is here.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Wednesday press conference is here.

QB Aaron Rodgers meets with the media here.

Sound Bites from the Locker Room is here.

Support from the Bank

2011-12-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

This was quite the billboard put up in support of the Green Bay team during the Lombardi years by the fine folks at Kellogg Citizens National Bank, which was apparently a forerunner of today’s Associated Bank. And who wouldn’t like to have one of those cars in the foreground in their garage today?

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-06:00

• 7 Packers named to Pro Bowl squad
• Seven Packers named to Pro Bowl

• Pro Bowls in Packers Super Bowl years

• 2011 Pro Bowl Rosters

• Packers Team Report

• Packers add 30,000 shares to stock offering

• Packers prove a point vs. Chicago

• Where would Packers be without Matthews?

• Detroit Lions scouting report

• Lions focused on win at Lambeau Field

• Lions playing for higher seed in NFC

• It's a six-horse race for the Super Bowl

• Some offbeat awards for NFL season

• NFL playoff scenarios

• St. Norbert professor writes of NFL economics

Larry McCarren’s Locker Room with guest C Scott Wells is here.

Mr. Lombardi and Mr. Davis

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

Enjoying the Fall sunshine on the Milwaukee County Stadium sideline are head coach Vince Lombardi and Hall of Fame DE Willie Davis in an undated photo from the 1960’s. Coach Lombardi seems to be pleased at what he sees on the field. Wouldn’t it be nice to see N.F.L. coaches in suits and ties on the sidelines again, instead of wearing whatever the merchandise arm of the league is pushing at the moment?

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Potential playoff foes come in all stripes
• Packers won't ignore run-defense problem

• McCarthy weighs team's health for finale

• McCarthy undecided on Packers starters

• McCarthy wants Chad Clifton to play on Sunday

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Banged-up line gives Rodgers united front

• Packers don't have to rush anyone back

• A look back at Packers-Bears

• Schwartz says Lions will play to win

• Packers fan uses tickets to get back at cheating ex

• The success stories and failures of 2011

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Monday press conference can be watched here.

Always Good to Beat the Bears!

2011-12-26T02:02:00.004-06:00

While the defense continues to give everyone a nervous stomach, the offense rebounded from the Kansas City game, and in particular the passing game was back to early season form. QB Aaron Rodgers continues to add to his statistically awesome season, and on Sunday night WR Greg Jennings wasn’t missed as much, thanks to others stepping up. As they were discussing on the post-game radio show, the defense is not going to change — what you see is what they have. So we must to get used to the “bend but don’t break” concept as we head to the playoffs. The bottom line is that the offense must score 40+ points in the post-season to give this team a chance at repeating.

WR James Jones came through with a big game.

The running game wasn’t anything to write home about, and James Starks getting banged up again wasn’t good news.

We’re fortunate to have this duo on our team right now.

They couldn’t stop the run hardly at all, but got in some nice hits once and a while.

LB Clay Matthews snagged a nice INT in the first half.

S Charlie Peprah had another INT on a tipped ball.

Mike McCarthy is the first Packers’ coach to lead a team to 14 wins in a season.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-26T01:47:00.007-06:00

REGULAR SEASON GAME #15 WRAP-UP:

• Game Story: Green Bay Press-Gazette

• Game Story: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

• Game Story: The Chicago Tribune

• Game Story: The Chicago Sun-Times

• Game Story: Associated Press

• Game Story: ESPN

• Game Story: Packers.com

• Game Story: Bears.com

• Official Statistics

• Official Box Score

• Official Play-By-Play Summary

• Scoring Summary

• Photo Galleries: Here, here, here, and here

• Game Notes

• Packers Replay

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Packers Insider

• Rants and Raves

*****

• Instant Analysis: Packers vs. Bears

• The NFC playoffs will go through Lambeau

• Home-field clincher sends message to playoff foes

• Passing game roars back to life

• Offense back, so is Packers' identity

• Packers' offense regains its juggernaut form

• Jones reels in some big catches

• Bears run wild on Packers' defense

• Around the locker room: Packers clinch top seed

• Packers vs. Bears: by the numbers

• Packers clinch; McCarthy facing decision

• No fair letting the Packers have a real QB

• Bears eliminated from playoffs

Game highlights from the N.F.L. Network can be seen here.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s post-game comments are here.

QB Aaron Rodgers’ media comments are here.

Sound bites from around the locker room are here.

Sights and Sounds from the Packers-Bears game can be seen here.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:03:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all the fine residents of Packerville, U.S.A.!

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-25T00:00:00.004-06:00

REGULAR SEASON GAME #15 INFO:

• PACKERS-BEARS DOPE SHEET

• PACKERS 2011 MEDIA GUIDE

• PACKERS TEAM REPORT

• PRESS BOX NOTES (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #1

• GAME PREVIEW #2

• GAME PREVIEW #3

• GAME PREVIEW #4 (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #5 (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #6 (NEW!)

• GAME PREVIEW #7 (NEW!)

• TEN THINGS TO BEAT BEARS

• FIVE KEY MATCH-UPS

• THREE KEYS TO THE GAME (NEW!)

• NFL TV COVERAGE MAPS

• PACKERS 2011 ROSTER

• PACKERS 2011 DEPTH CHART

• BEARS TEAM REPORT

• BEARS 2011 ROSTER

• BEARS 2011 DEPTH CHART

• BEARS 2011 MEDIA GUIDE

• INJURY REPORT/GB vs. CHI

• INJURY REPORT/NFL

• NFL STANDINGS

• NFL STATISTICS

• GREEN BAY WEATHER

*****

SUNDAY NEWS LINKS:

• Coach Darren Perry disects Peprah’s play

• Packers Notes

• Bears set to battle Packers in Green Bay

• 49ers win means no home field… yet

• Beaten, the Packers try to cope

*****

SATURDAY NEWS LINKS:

• Packers face dilemma if 49ers fall in Seattle

• Newhouse has struggled; coaches see growth

• Friday practice report

• How past No. 1 seeds finished

• One more rusher might make the difference

• Packers thin up front

• Defense seeks ways to turn up pass rush

• Advances give Sherrod better chance at recovery

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Packers Insider

• Packers: Some stocks delayed

• Bishop healthy, eager to play

• T.J. Lang adjusts on, off field

• Patchwork line must keep Bears off Rodgers

• No QB, no hope in NFL

• Volunteers to spend holidays at Lambeau

• Packers’ assistants could be in high demand

• Ticket demand steady despite first loss

• In age and victories, Vikings are anti-Packers

*****

OTHER N.F.L. NEWS:

• At the laundry, rooting for a clean game

• 21 former players sue NFL over concussions

• Around the N.F.L.

• N.F.L. Power Rankings

• N.F.L. By the Numbers

The N.F.L. Network game preview is here.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Friday press conference is here.

Final thoughts on Packers-Bears is here.

The weather report for Sunday’s game is here.

Playbook: Packers vs. Bears is here.

NFL Network: Are the Packers vulnerable? is here.

Charles Woodson lends his support to children's hospital here.

Christmas at Lambeau

2011-12-24T00:16:00.004-06:00

We’d prefer that the Packers didn’t play on Christmas Day, but it is what it is, and we’ll be in front of the tube in warmth instead of in the cold confines of Lambeau Field. The forecast doesn’t call for as much snow as is shown above, but even some flurries during the game would be a nice touch, don’t you think? After last week’s loss (we’d almost forgotten what losing was like), the Packers should be hungry to make ground meat out of the Bears. They simply cannot lose to those goons on Christmas.

Here’s what Lambeau looked like on Friday afternoon. The tarp has been on for at least a couple of days.

Yes, there is snow in Green Bay already. A White Christmas indeed.

Above and below are a couple of images from Wednesday’s practice.

The Packers tweeted this photo of Aaron Rodgers and his “Galloping Gobbler” award from the Thanksgiving game. He just received it with his name engraved on the trophy from FOX.

Before the Renaissance

2011-12-23T00:01:00.006-06:00

Since we’ve had some extra time this week, it is time to post a more lengthy presentation from the archives. This article is from the August 1991 issue of Smithsonian magazine, and the interesting aspect of it is that the Packers were awful at the time, with few prospects of getting better. In fact, they finished with a stellar 4-12 record that year, which was also the first season that we had season tickets to all Milwaukee games. As with many things of that era, the attention is turned to the Packers’ past because the present and future looked bleak. What no one knew at that time was that team president Bob Harlan would fire GM Tom Braatz before the end of the season, hire Ron Wolf, who would hire Mike Holmgren and trade for Brett Favre — and the renaissance that continues to this day was begun.

If anyone is interested, this is the cover for that issue. Looking back, we’re not sure how we became aware of this article in the days before the internet, but we’re glad we did. In those days, anything related to the Packers was hard to come by — especially merchandise. My, how things have changed.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Finley keeps focus on field, not fans

• Line injuries may block team's path to title

• Looking back at 19-wins streak

• Clifton easing his way back

• Packers Thursday practice report

• Nelson adjusts to larger role

• Packers shoot for home-field advantage

• Dropped passes — back to fundamentals

• 19-game win streak 'special'

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Lang's versatility proves valuable

• Bishop ready to tackle Chicago

• Wild about Randall Cobb

• Packers need more from WRs

FROM CHICAGO:

• Jennings’ absence will be felt

• Packers are first because they're built to last

• Bears can expect no mercy

• Packers plan to keep foot on throttle

• Rodgers or Favre?

• Bears fan received liver from Packers fan

Some Past Bear Games

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

You know how our collection here at the Packerville, U.S.A. archives concentrates mainly on printed materials such as game programs, photos, magazines, yearbooks, books, etc.? Well, here are some past program covers from Packers-Bears games throughout the decades for your enjoyment as we ramp up to the Christmas Day match-up between the two longtime rivals.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Time to hit the ground running
• Rodgers named AP's male athlete of the year

• Rodgers’ ‘honored’ by AP award

• Rodgers leads all players in Pro Bowl voting

• Survey: Packers are America's Team

• Packers: There's no 'blueprint' for beating us

• Finley: 'Fire in the belly'

• Time running out for salary cap deals

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Chicago Bears scouting report

• McCarthy: Clifton still not ready

• Bears game will feature holiday theme

• Lovie Smith: 'We've let the rivalry down'

• Matthews: Packers motivated to finish the Bears

• Packers hero named Bears' QB

• Power failure unlikely at Lambeau

• Dealership: Free cars if Bears blank Pack

• NFL makes changes in concussion protocols

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Wednesday press conference is here.

QB Aaron Rodgers meets with the media here.

This week’s Mike McCarthy Show with guest Aaron Rodgers is here.

Sound Bites from around the locker room are here.

Obscure Packers: Part 45

2011-12-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

William "Red" Mack (above with RB Jim Taylor), from Oconto, Wisconsin, was a wide receiver and halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Green Bay Packers. As Packer he played in Super Bowl I on January 15, 1967, and made two tackles. He played in eight games in 1996, his only season in Green Bay. Afterwards, he no longer played in the N.F.L.

Mack was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 10th round (131st overall) of the 1961 NFL Draft. He was also drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 23rd round (179th overall) of 1961 American Football League Draft. He played college football at the University of Notre Dame.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-21T00:00:00.001-06:00

• Rodgers’ mobility helps keep plays alive

• Is Rodgers still the M.V.P.?

• Green Bay scrambles to fill holes left by injuries
• Chiefs loss confirms Jennings' importance

• A crack in the Packers’ invincibility

• Moving on from Sunday’s game

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Crosby cools after record start

• 49ers win keeps Packers from clinching

• Breakdown: Chiefs solve Packers’ offense

• Grant: Secret to loss is ‘us making mistakes'

• Best team in football? Not after Week 15

• Postseason prospects

• Stock sale: Holiday orders on their way

• Irate Packers fan charged with felony abuse

• Gruden: Saints could beat Packers

• Up next for Bears: Packers

• Josh McCown in line to start against Packers

• Trainers in stadiums to monitor concussions

• 1972 Dolphins plan champagne toast

• Super Bowl to be streamed online, to mobile phones

This week’s Larry’s Locker Room with special guest WR Randall Cobb is here.

Quizzical Looks

2011-12-20T00:04:00.003-06:00

We’re not sure what Packers’ LB Ray Nitschke and Head Coach Vince Lombardi are looking at, but it seems to be something that has captured their attention in an odd way in this image that looks to be from Milwaukee County Stadium in an unidentified year.

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

• Packers Team Report
• Packers have bounced back from late-season stumbles

• Offensive line likely to stay thin

• O-Line doesn't deserve all of the blame

• Coaches' Corner: Packers/Chiefs aftermath

• Bush: Chiefs 'woke up a sleeping giant'

• Home-field advantage still in question

• Perfect no more, injuries mounting

• Finley drops some, catches some

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Source: Sherrod broke both lower leg bones

• Sherrod undergoes surgery in KC

• Driver: Games like this bring you back to reality

• Counterfeit bills surface at Packers games

Coach Mike McCarthy’s Monday press conference is here.

Falling Flat in Arrowhead

2011-12-19T00:00:00.004-06:00

We had a feeling that something like this might happen. The Packers went into Kansas City looking to come away with a 14-0 record, and now all of that “perfection” and “undefeated” talk can finally end. Green Bay looked like they had just played a game on Friday and were ill-prepared to play another game on Sunday. Well, when we say they “looked” like that, we didn’t actually see the game — we listened to it on the radio. It turns out that maybe we were better off not seeing this performance. It sure sounded pitiful on the radio. Sheesh.

Sure would be nice to see someone catch the ball consistently, especially when they make public statements about not getting the ball enough.

WIth a revolving-door offensive line, there was too much of this.

And, as always, not nearly enough of this. It sure would’ve helped.

We shouldn’t have to need the QB to score with his feet.

Rodgers broke the team record for TD passes in a season. One bright spot in an ugly game.

There is a lot of work to do this week, Mr. McCarthy. Playing like this and being defeated by the Bears next week is not an option. The Bears’ fans already expect their team to lose, so let’s not disappoint them. Now we need to try and get this Chiefs game out of our brains...

PACKERVILLE NEWS

2011-12-18T23:37:00.006-06:00

REGULAR SEASON GAME #14 WRAP-UP:

• Game Story: Green Bay Press-Gazette

• Game Story: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

• Game Story: The Kansas City Star

• Game Story: Associated Press

• Game Story: ESPN-Milwaukee

• Game Story: Packers.com

• Game Story: Chiefs.com

• Official Statistics

• Official Box Score

• Official Play-By-Play Summary

• Scoring Summary

• Photo Galleries: Here, here, here, and here

• Game Notes

• Packers Replay

• Packers Notes

• Packers Notebook

• Packers Insider

• Rants and Raves

*****

• Instant Analysis: Packers vs. Chiefs

• First loss raises many questions

• First loss exposes weaknesses

• Finley takes blame for drops

• Rodgers disappointed at loss

• Offense stagnates without Jennings

• Chiefs disrupt Packers' high-octane offense

• Scrambling to patch banged-up offensive line

• Loss gives Packers singleness of purpose

• Winning formula fails Packers

• Raji: Chiefs were playing inspired football

• Tramon Williams: Losing is no relief

• McCarthy misses challenge on apparent turnover

• Streaks over for Packers, Colts

• Crennel’s confident defense stands tall

• NFC playoff picture

• Packers' loss might mean at least one gain

The official game highlights are here.

Coach Mike McCarthy’s post-game comments are here.

QB Aaron Rodgers’ media session is here.

TE Jermichael Finley talks to reporters here.

CB Charles Woodson’s comments are here.

NT B.J. Raji meets with reporters here.

WR Jordy Nelson’s post-game comments are here.

Various sound bites from around the locker room are here.