Another Heartbreaking Loss...Reinforcements on the Way...

In another tough-to-swallow overtime loss, the Packers' Defense looked decent at times, but it was obvious that Clay Matthews' presence was missed. There was little to no pressure on Chad Henne, and the secondary couldn't find an answer for Brandon Marshall. Even with a big TD drive at the end of regulation, the offense looked flat without Jermichael Finley or a running game. And the big kicker was penalties. They weren't as often or as serious as they were a few weeks ago against the bears, but a 5 yard penalty on 4th and 3 set up the go-ahead TD for the Dolphins and essentially lost the game for the Packers. That's what happens when you have inexperienced players in the game. Francois, who was called up from the practice squad last week, was the culprit for the penalty. But there is good news...

Atari Bigby, James Starks, and Al Harris could return to action this week after being released from the PUP list. If they pass their physicals on Wednesday they will be able to begin practicing with the team and see immediate action. The question is whether or not they can return to form and help out a suspect secondary and running game.

Harris is returning from major knee surgery, Bigby from an ankle injury that has plagued him since 2008, and Starks will try to see his first NFL action after being drafted in the 6th round in this year's draft. Can these guys provide the needed spark to get the team back on the winning track? I think they can. Bigby has significant experience and will be better than any of the other safety options we have in Morgan Burnett's absence. If Harris is confident in his knee, then he will be a much better nickel corner than Sam Shields, Bush, or any of the other corners we have tried in that spot. Can Starks jump start the running game? I have my doubts, but I'm hopeful. These additions come at the most opportune time with a HUGE divisional matchup against the queens this week.

Ted Thompson also traded a conditional 7th round pick to Jacksonville for safety Anthony Smith, who was cut from the team at the end of the pre-season in 2009. This fortefies the safety position with Bigby returning, and makes me feel much better about our secondary. GO PACK!

Packers sign Safety Smith

The Packers made thier first free agent acquisition by signing former Steeler Safety Anthony Smith. The Pack has been after a safety this offseason for some reason. Smith has some experience in a 3-4 defense, but didn't start a single game for the Steelers in 2008 and had only 9 tackles on the year. My question is, what do we really expect out of this pick up? We have Nick Collins and Atari Bigby as starting safeties for this season and I suppose adding depth on defense isn't the worst thing, but as expected, any addition that the Packers were going to make this offseason weren't expected to be a big name or an immediate contributer but more of a value player. Its always exciting for me to see that the Packers are adding new players to the team, but we let Igor Olshansky, who could have made an impact on the D-Line go to the Cowboys, and there is no sign that they are seriously looking at anyone else who may be able to help this team greatly in 2009.