11/29/2006
Together, finally
For the first time this season, the Packers' secondary seemed to be playing as a unit. Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris both had solid games against receivers Darrell Jackson and Deion Branch, and safeties Marquand Manuel and Nick Collins both seemed on the same page with their cornerbacks. The Packers' secondary had three - two by Woodson - and eight passes broken up. Two of the blemishes were a 23-yard touchdown and an illegal contact penalty allowed by nickel back Patrick Dendy and a 4-yard touchdown allowed by Woodson. "We had the three interceptions and a fumble forced," Collins said. "All week we were getting turnovers (in practice) and getting the ball out, Al and Charles were breaking on the ball really fast. We can be good when we want to. When we go out with that mind-set, we play good football." Woodson said he thought it was the first time the defense was on the same page. "I felt really comfortable," he said. "It's a matter of the whole defense feeling comfortable together. At times we have been and at times it's been like we're not together at all."
Total collapse
The Packers came into the Seattle game ranked fourth in the NFL in kickoff coverage, but they didn't look as if they deserved that ranking when the game was over. Returner Nate Burleson averaged 25.8 yards per return and had a 45-yard return that set up the Seahawks for their clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter. McCarthy said it all came down to basic principles of special teams that were not followed by the coverage unit. He said the coverage people didn't hold their lanes and allowed Burleson too much room to run. "Lane integrity after the first one was very poor," McCarthy said. "It was a poor performance in the kickoff coverage."
Tough call
Though his players all thought the personal foul penalty called against defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins was unjust, McCarthy did not go out of his way to criticize the officials. Referee Tony Corrente flagged Jenkins for hitting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in the back of the head as he forced a third-down incompletion with the Packers trailing, 27-24. Replays showed Jenkins hit Hasselbeck with his body and lifted his arms up to make sure he didn't hit him with a forearm. The penalty kept alive a Seahawks drive that resulted in the clinching touchdown. Had the call not been made, the Packers would have gotten the ball back behind by three points with about 10 minutes left. "When something like that happens in the game, what do you tell the player?" McCarthy said. "When the player does exactly what he's told or taught to do and he's penalized, that's when it's tough. That's kind of the never-ending challenge between coaching, officiating and playing. I think with the system they have in place, there's a lot of communication. We have communication every week with the league office as far as our concerns going into the game, and then we'll send in a bunch of plays today as far as concerns we had from the game, and then they respond. So the communication part of it, everybody wants to get it right, but it's tough when things like that happen."
Short yardage
-- McCarthy said Collins (hamstring) and running back Noah Herron (thigh) would probably be listed as questionable this week. Receiver Greg Jennings (knee), Manuel (thigh) and center Scott Wells (elbow, hamstring) would be probable.
-- The Packers worked out wide receiver Todd Devoe of Central Missouri and defensive end Markell Thompson of Florida. Both are street free agents.
-- McCarthy said there was penetration up the middle on Dave Rayner's blocked field goal in the second quarter. He said it also was a low kick.
Bubba Franks Selected As Packers'
'Walter Payton Man Of The Year'
packers.com
Packers tight end Bubba Franks, a longtime exemplary performer both on and off the field, was selected as the Packers' 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. As the Packers' winner of the award, Franks will direct a $1,000 donation to the Salvation Army and is nominated for the league-wide award to be selected from 32 NFL players. The overall NFL winner will be chosen by a blue ribbon panel in December and recognized at a press conference during Super Bowl week in South Florida. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation to the 501(c)3 organization of his choice.
In his seventh season as the team's starting tight end, Franks is a consistent offensive threat who has established himself as one of the top tight ends in Packers history. Combining excellent hands with outstanding blocking ability, he's a key contributor in both the Packers' passing and running games. Until suffering an injury in 2005, Franks had not missed a game during either his pro or college career, spanning nine seasons. He entered 2006 ranked second among all-time Packers tight ends in catches and touchdowns, and has since reached 2,000 receiving yards in his career. He was a Pro Bowl pick for three consecutive years (2001-03). Off the field, Franks has been a strong, consistent supporter of the Salvation Army, acting as a spokesperson for the organization on multiple occasions. In addition to taping several commercials encouraging people to volunteer as bell ringers as well as to donate to the Salvation Army during their annual Red Kettle campaign, he often dons the red apron himself and rings the bell. He has participated in bell-ringing contests against Detroit's Marcus Pollard and former Minnesota tight end Byron Chamberlain, and was victorious in raising the most funds on both occasions.
Franks has contributed his time and talents to various other organizations and individuals throughout the state of Wisconsin and beyond. He spent evenings in December 2002 and 2003 with cancer patients at Green Bay's St. Vincent Hospital, reading Christmas stories and handing out gifts. In 2002, Franks spent roughly $5,000 to buy championship rings for the Miami Edison High School girls basketball team; the inner city school, which captured its second straight Class 6A state title in 2002, had gone without rings following its initial championship the prior year. He was "recruited" to purchase the rings by Kiejon Johnson, a forward on the Edison team and the daughter of his collegiate position coach, Curtis Johnson. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Franks helped to raise money for the American Red Cross relief effort by signing autographs at an area mall. He has supported the fundraising efforts of his fellow players and coaches, regularly participating in the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation's Celebrity Softball Game, and Edgar Bennett's Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon. This past summer, Franks took part in the four-day, four-city Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour, a trip designed for the team to literally reach out across the state and thank fans in person for their enduring and enthusiastic support of the club through the years. The tour made planned and surprise stops en route to each day's final destination, a tailgate party hosted by and benefiting a local non-profit organization. On the tour, Franks met with fans, young and old, throughout Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse and Wausau. -- Story
Positives Not Enough In 34-24 Loss At Seattle
By Mike Spofford / Packers.com
Posted 11/27/2006
For everything that went right for the Packers, the outcome certainly could have been different. Four first-half turnovers, a defensive score, and a big pass play for a touchdown to open the second half gave Green Bay a tremendous chance to knock off the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. But missed opportunities, costly penalties, and a surprisingly porous run defense took away that chance as Seattle posted a 34-24 decision at a snowy and noisy Qwest Field. "I feel that we let it slip away," center Scott Wells said, summing up the feeling throughout the locker room after the Packers slipped to 4-7. Shaun Alexander's 40 carries for 201 yards and Matt Hasselbeck's three touchdown passes in the second half proved to be the difference for Seattle, which remained atop the NFC West at 7-4. But it was early in the game when the Packers didn't build the lead they could have, the type of lead that may have forced Seattle out of its game plan to pound away with Alexander. Hasselbeck, returning from a knee injury that forced him to miss the past four games, struggled early. He threw three interceptions in the first half and lost a fumble that rookie linebacker Abdul Hodge picked clean out of midair and returned 29 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter. Cornerback Charles Woodson had two of the interceptions, the first coming on the game's opening series when defensive tackle Ryan Pickett batted the ball several feet in the air and Woodson ran under it for an easy catch. The Packers capitalized on that, driving 36 yards in four plays and getting a 5-yard touchdown run from Ahman Green for an early 7-0 lead. But Green Bay failed to do anything with the other two interceptions. The Packers went three-and-out after Al Harris stepped in front of Deion Branch for a pick. Then after Woodson's second interception, the Packers drove inside the Seattle 10-yard line, only to get pushed back by a false start and then have Dave Rayner's 28-yard field goal attempt blocked by Craig Terrill. "Against a good football team, you really need to take advantage of turnovers and their mistakes, get up on them and make them play from far behind, and we didn't really do that," Wells said. "That was a huge factor." -- More 
Line play dooms run game
Rookies struggled against Seattle
By TOM SILVERSTEIN / journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 28, 2006
Until the Green Bay Packers get their three rookie offensive linemen blocking like veterans, they're going to be a one-dimensional team unable to move the ball on the ground when all else fails. The Packers had everything going for them Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. The elements, the turnover battle and second-half momentum were all in their favor, yet their inability to finish off the Seahawks with the kind of consistent running game they have vowed to establish this season ultimately cost them a chance to upset the defending NFC champions. It was the Seahawks who won the battle at the line of scrimmage on the way to 235 yards rushing and a 34-24 victory at Qwest Field. The Packers, with 51 yards rushing, were merely bystanders when it came to establishing the run. "It all starts up front," offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said. "We did not do a good job. We saw the pictures (as the game was going on) and we could see we weren't getting it done. You have to execute down there." Since starting right tackle Mark Tauscher went down with a groin injury against Minnesota, the Packers have been starting three rookies and the drop-off in production has been noticeable. Guards Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz and tackle Tony Moll might be solid prospects but when they line up against solid defenses like Minnesota's, New England's and Seattle's, they are often overmatched. Such was the case Monday night in snowy conditions that previous Packers teams dreamed about. The offensive line should have been able to push Seattle's defensive line around on the slippery turf, but too often it was the one giving ground. -- More 
McCarthy expresses frustration
By Dylan B. Tomlinson
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
After having several hours to reflect on Monday night's 34-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was frustrated at his team's inability to close the deal in what appeared to be a very winnable game. "Well, the roller-coaster really comes in my view in the wins and losses," McCarthy said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference. "There are a number of things in last night's ballgame that we needed to do better. Fundamentally, technique, recognition, things like that. And that's a weekly challenge, particularly with the experience level we have in some areas. And frankly, that's what showed up in a big way last night against us." The Packers led by nine points in the second half on Monday night, but turnovers and Green Bay's inability to take advantage of its opportunities on offense allowed Seattle to dominate the game on the ground as Shaun Alexander ran for 201 yards to help the Seahawks rally for the win. McCarthy seemed most agitated that the Packers couldn't take better advantage of Matt Hasselbeck's four turnovers in the first half. "That's part of the factor. When you have four turnovers like we did and you don't generate point production on two of them, that speaks volumes," McCarthy said. "We had the field goal block and the interception thrown down in the (end zone). I mean yeah, that clearly factors. We should at a minimum have six points out of that."Injury updates
McCarthy said safety Nick Collins, who injured his hamstring Monday night, would be questionable for Sunday's game against the New York Jets. McCarthy also said tackle Mark Tauscher (groin) would be doubtful and linebacker Nick Barnett (hand), tight end David Martin (ribs) and running backs Noah Herron (quadriceps) and P.J. Pope (hamstring) would all be listed as questionable. McCarthy also said safety Marquand Manuel (quad) and center Scott Wells (hamstring and elbow) would be probable. -- Story
Hodge Scores Defensive TD In First NFL Start
By Mike Spofford / Packers.com
Posted 11/27/2006
Middle linebacker Abdul Hodge made his first NFL start on Monday night in Seattle, and it didn't take long for him to make a big impact in the game. The Seahawks had seemingly all the momentum after erasing an early seven-point deficit with three field goals, and Seattle was looking to put together a two-minute drive to add to their lead late in the first half. But on the first play after the two-minute warning, Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was hit from behind while winding up to throw, and the ball fluttered into the air. Hodge snagged the fumble in midair and raced untouched 29 yards for a touchdown to put the Packers ahead 14-9. "Our d-line tipped the ball and it just came straight to me," Hodge said. "And I took it." Hodge's big play was part of an opportunistic first half by the Packers defense. Green Bay had four turnovers in the first half alone, including three interceptions. Charles Woodson had his first two-interception game since playing for Oakland against Chicago on Oct. 5, 2003. Al Harris also had an interception in the first half. But unfortunately, the Packers turned those four turnovers into just 14 points, and the defense wasn't able to get any more takeaways in the second half. "Turnovers are a mystery," linebacker Brady Poppinga said. "You just have to take them when you get them." Hodge, a third-round draft choice out of Iowa, was starting for Nick Barnett, who broke his right hand in last week's game against New England and missed a game for just the second time in his four-year career. Hodge had recovered from an injury of his own, missing five games with a bad knee before returning to action last week against the Patriots. He finished his first start with six tackles, including five solo. He was upstaged in that department by fellow rookie and Big Ten alum A.J. Hawk, who tallied a career-high 15 tackles (10 solo), but overall it was a solid beginning for the promising rookie. -- More 
Meet AmyPhiladelphia Eagles
Cheerleader
Years As An Eagle Cheerleader: 3
College: Drexel University
Major/Degree: Nursing
Career/Profession: Operating Room Nurse
What's your sign? Pisces
If I Had A Superpower, it would be ... the ability to fly, because I can't stand traffic.
My dream vacation would be ... to travel to Italy.
How does a guy get your attention? With a smile.
Favorite Eagle: David Akers because he is one of the most talented and accurate kickers in the league. You can always count on him to come through for the team when it counts!
Reality Show You'd Want To Be On: Survivor because I'm the type of person who loves challenge, and in that situation, I would not only be competing against other people, but I would be challenging myself to push beyond my limits.
If I'm on a deserted island, I'd have to take ... my cell phone, so I could call someone to pick me up!
What I love about Eagles fans is ... that they are the most dedicated and passionate fans in the NFL. They are crazy and have energy like nobody else in this league!
Favorite Cereal: Lucky Charms
I've Never Been Able To Say No To ... my grandmother's apple dumplings.
On a Saturday night, I'll Be ... out in the city with my closest friends.
I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for ... my mom and dad.
My best friend would say that I am ... honest, trust-worthy, loyal and fun to be around. My friends can always count on me to be there for them at any place, any time.
Favorite Childhood Memory: Having sleepovers at my grandmother's house with my sister.
If I Had One More Hours In The Day, I Would ...: sleep... I can never get enough of it!
Published by PackerPundit On Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 5:08 AM.
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