It's Official...

FOOTBALL IS BACK! The players and owners have agreed on a new deal that will last until 2021. Sorry we haven't reported much in the offseason, but honestly there hasn't been much to report. We probably should have addressed the draft, so i'll address it quickly right now...

I think that the first round pick was a solid pick just like last year by taking Bulaga. It gives the O-line depth and stability for the future.

I am the most excited about 2nd round pick Randall Cobb (WR). He's a utility guy who will likely play in the slot and should give the return game a boost.

The RB from Hawaii will most likely mean that Brandon Jackson will not be re-signed.

CB Davon House is a potentially good late round pick and gives the defensive backfield some more ridiculous (sub 4.4 40) speed.

I don't anticipate any big free agency signings or trades.

Notable unrestricted free agents are: Cullen Jenkins, James Jones, Mason Crosby, Brandon Jackson, and John Kuhn. I think Crosby and Kuhn are the most likely to be re-signed. The other 3 will only be inked for the right price (which i don't think Thompson will be willing to pay).

Packers players will report to training camp this Friday, July 29th. Got to be excited for football season! GO PACK!

About What We Expected...

The Bills are probably the worst team in the NFL, so the 34-7 victory comes as no surprise. Here are my notes:

Clay Matthews = still awesome (Defensive Player of the Week)

Ryan Grant = missed. Jackson and Kuhn are not going to cut it, Thompson will have to break out of his comfort zone and trade for someone who can get the job done.

Chad Clifton = getting old. This is also not new news, but Bulaga saw some significant playing time against the Bills. I like that he's starting to see the field, but it's not a good sign if Clifton is injured.

This week we travel to Soldier Field to take on da bears. Cutler and the offense have looked much more impressive so far this season under Mike Martz's direction. I think that Chef Dom has a special recipe cooked up for that attack though. GO PACK!

The Claymaker Strikes!

It was ugly…but it counts! The Pack looked like the better team during the first half on Sunday vs the Eagles, but the 2nd half was a different story. Michael Vick looked like the Pro Bowl QB for the Atlanta Falcons that seems like such a distant memory, and almost pulled the comeback victory that would have certainly won him the starting job in Philly (if it hasn’t already). But a win is a win, and we’re in 1-0.

Here is what I noticed in the game:

CLAY MATTHEWS IS AWESOME! He looked like a pro bowler. If he continues play like that, he will certainly be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year for 2010.

Ryan Grant out for the season. This is a HUGE blow to the offense. With Brandon Jackson and newly acquired Dimitri Somethingorother (who cares what his real name is), the running game will be suspect to say the least. Let’s hope that either Jackson will emerge as a great RB, or that Thompson will be willing to trade for a decent one (i.e. Marshawn Lynch, etc).

Tramon Williams looked solid. He looked like he deserved the be the starter. He didn’t give up any big plays or commit any pass interferences. Let’s hope that good play continues.

Morgan Burnett solid as well. Didn’t see anything that led me to believe that he wont be a good starter for years to come in the Green & Gold.

Sam Shields. This is definitely the weak spot on the defense. Sheilds is fast as lightning, but made a bunch of rookie mistakes, and the better QBs in the league will pick on him all year.

AJ Hawk did not play. With the nickel and dime defenses on the field the whole game, Hawk did not have a chance to get into the game at all. This will change against more run-heavy teams and I’m not concerned. It does say something about his value…especially for how much he’s being paid.

That’s a quick recap. Bring on the Bills! GO PACK!

Ahman Green & Gold

The Packers re-signed veteran and 2nd all-time leading rusher for the Green & Gold this week. I'm intrigued by the move, but I believe it's a good one...or at least the idea is good. The packers have had the youngest roster in the NFL for 4 years running and although it's a talented group, when someone gets hurt the youth of this team shows. I don't think that the impact of Ahman Green will be seen directly on the field on Sundays, but it does provide a solid 3rd down back with great hands coming out of the backfield and more importantly it provides veteran leadership to help develop young players like Brandon Jackson, DeSean Wynn, and even Ryan Grant.

The fact is that this team needs to make more moves like this and the signing of Tauscher. Not necessarily to start, but to provide depth and reliability. These guys aren't going to wow you with their play, but they've proven that they can do the job sufficiently enough.

There are still question marks on these guys (Green & Tauscher) as far as their health and ability to keep up with the game at their age (early to mid 30s). But regardless, I think it's good that Thompson is realizing that there is a need for veteran leadership on this team...even if it comes from the bench.

GO PACK!