The Packer Pundit

Defense makes quick turnaround
By Jason Wilde / wsj.com
Bob Sanders never stopped believing. No, we're not talking about the Man Upstairs, although Sanders is a Bible-belt bred, God-fearing Southerner who does lean heavily on his Christian beliefs. No, what the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator really kept the faith in was his defense - the scheme and the players - while just about everyone outside of Lambeau Field was questioning whether he was fit for the job. "I try to be a man of faith," Sanders said late last week, after the Packers' 9-7 victory over Minnesota Thursday night. "I believe in the scheme. I've seen it work; I know it works. And, I believe in our guys here. We're far from being a finished product, by any stretch of the imagination, but we've made strides. Guys have hung together. "When you have an organization you believe in and you believe in the players that you have and the scheme you have, there's going to be some storms, but if you believe you're doing the right things and you're in it for the right reasons, your faith sustains you through those times and your belief sustains you. You just keep on keepin' on." And that's what the Packers defense has done. After their 38-10 loss to the New York Jets at Lambeau Field Dec. 3, the Packers were ranked 29th in the 32-team NFL in total defense, 17th against the run and 30th against the pass. But after a three-game winning streak that included dominating performances against Detroit and Minnesota in a five-day span, the Packers moved up to 13th in total defense (321.2), 14th against the run (112.7) and 17th against the pass (208.5). -- More







Herron won the numbers game
Versatile back earned his keep
By RICK BRAUN / Packer Plus writer
Posted: Dec. 20, 2006
Noah Herron could have arrived at the Green Bay Packers' training camp and seen foreboding numbers. He could have arrived at training camp and seen little chance of winning a spot on the Packers' final 53-man roster. But then Herron has never operated that way before, so he didn't start then. Herron entered training camp with three running backs clearly ahead of him as far as reputation and performance. Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport had histories with the Packers dating back to 2000 and 2001 respectively, and Samkon Gado was coming off a rookie season where he was one of the biggest stories on the team. Yes, Green and Davenport were coming off season-ending injuries suffered in 2005, but both were healthy and expected to resume their careers. Gado, on the other hand, was expected to pick up where he left off in 2005 before missing the final two games with a knee injury. So Herron was something of an afterthought after joining the Packers three-quarters through the 2005 season off the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. "It was like me against the world," Herron said. "There were three guys ahead of me, so I was just fighting for any spot coming in." -- More



Settling in
Packers' Miree adapts to role as fullback
By GARY D'AMATO / journalsentinel.com
Posted: Dec. 23, 2006
Brandon Miree still catches himself thinking like a tailback, still sees himself carrying the ball, slashing through a hole, running to daylight, taking it to the house. Maybe even doing the Lambeau leap. "When you're back there in that tailback position and you touch the ball, man, there's nothing like that," Miree said. "Definitely, that feeling is always with you. It never leaves you." The reality, however, is that Miree now plays fullback for the Green Bay Packers, which means his days as a ball-carrier are pretty much ancient history. His primary job is to plant his facemask in a linebacker's chest and try to move him out of the way for Ahman Green and Vernand Morency. Occasionally, the coaches throw him a bone and Brett Favre throws him a pass. In nine games (three starts) since being promoted from the practice squad Sept. 26, he has caught nine passes for 57 yards, a 6.3 average. But he has yet to take a handoff from Favre. In fact, his last carry was in 2005, when he played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. And, literally, it was one carry. Thus, his rushing statistics as a pro are one attempt for 1 yard . . . and a cloud of rust. "Oh, man," Miree said, when asked when he'd get a chance to tote the rock for the Packers. "I'm wondering that myself." -- More







If you ask me, Favre will be back
By Pete Dougherty
Speculating on whether Brett Favre will retire is futile and a colossal waste of time. So here goes. Based solely on observing the Packers quarterback's behavior and demeanor from the start of training camp through this week, at every press conference and on the field, the guess here is he'll come back for at least one more season.

The main factors: First and foremost, Favre clearly enjoys playing and thinks he can continue to do so at a high level. After two years of demoralizing losses, there are signs of hope for a playoff run next year. Favre's recent comments suggest that after the last two seasons, he can handle the risk that things won't work out as he'd like.

Other, lower-priority factors that can't be dismissed: His $11 million salary for 2007. That's a lot of money, and as wealthy as Favre is, this isn't Bill Gates we're talking about. The chance to break Dan Marino's record for career touchdown passes, which is football's equivalent of baseball's career home-run record. Marino has 420; Favre has 413. That's a solid formula for Favre's return in 2007, when he'll turn 38. It's just a guess, and only Favre and his family know what he's likely to do, though several Packers sources also figure he'll be back for another year. Regardless, the Packers should hope he comes back. -- More

Meet Kristen
Oakland Raiders
Cheerleader

The Oakland Raiders would like to extend congratulations to Kristen for being recognized as this week's "Raiderette of the Week."

In her second season with the Silver and Black, Kristen has proven that hard work and dedication can go a long way. Each week, she trains at the highest level, so she is can perform to the best of her abilities.

"Kristen is one of our most dedicated Raiderettes," said Raiderette Director Karen Kovac. "She gives 100 percent all the time in rehearsal, always has a positive attitude and really enjoys the process of getting ready for game day. In the community, Kristen is outstanding with her level of commitment to those in need. She is always available for any charity appearance and makes a difference in the lives she touches."

A recent graduate of University of California at Berkeley, Kristen earned her Bachelor of Arts in theater, dance and performing arts. Accomplished in her academics, she attended U.C. Berkeley on a full academic scholarship. She maintained a 3.5 GPA and was named as a member of the Dean's List. Kristen was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Today, Kristen is pursuing her Master's of Fine Arts in choreography and dance technique.

A top-notch performer and always willing to excel in her projects, Kristen is always willing to lend a hand to her fellow teammates and others around her. To her, a positive attitude is key to representing "Football's Fabulous Females" and the Raider organization.

In addition to being a Raiderette, Kristen dedicates a large portion of her time to several community activities. She volunteers with the Shriner's Children's Hospital, Toys for Tots, and the Center for Environmental Justice, to name just a few. Kristen has also increased her knowledge on a global scale, as she has learned to speak Spanish and Korean. Once Kirsten accomplishes the majority of her recreational and career goals, she hopes to open her own dance studio.