The Packer Pundit

Potential abounds in GM's blueprint
By Mike Vandermause
Two years ago today, Ted Thompson was named general manager of the Green Bay Packers. He was given a broom and free rein to clean house. Instead, he took a bulldozer and embarked on a major remodeling project. Just 16 players remain from the 53-man roster of two seasons ago, which means Thompson blew up 70 percent of the team. Job security in the NFL is shaky under normal circumstances. But with Thompson at the helm, the revolving door at Packers headquarters has been spinning rapidly. It begs the question: Are the Packers better off than they were two years ago? Yes and no, which is a reflection of Thompson's approach to rebuilding. For example, the Packers in the short term have a worse offensive line than they did two years ago, because a pair of rookie guards was thrust into the starting lineup this past season.

Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz aren't as good as Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera … yet. But based on the potential of the rookies, the long-term outlook is promising. Under Thompson, the Packers' linebacking corps went from a position of weakness to strength. A.J. Hawk and Brady Poppinga are significant upgrades over Na'il Diggs and Hannibal Navies. All told, the Packers are better on defense and worse on offense, where age has eroded the team at running back and tight end. You can do only so much in two years, and Thompson hasn't gotten around to drafting anyone at those positions. The Packers' record since Thompson took over is just 12-20, which doesn't sit well with those who demand instant gratification. But there is reason to believe the team is in good hands.

The Packers no longer waste draft choices like quarters at an arcade. Under Thompson, the draft is seen as the lifeblood of the team. Thompson still must prove he is an effective talent evaluator, and that only will come with time. The early indications, however, bode well. His 2006 draft has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory. It has produced four starters — Hawk, Colledge, Spitz and receiver Greg Jennings. Of the 12 draft choices, 11 are with the team.

Thompson also has displayed a willingness to open his checkbook in the free-agent market when necessary. Cornerback Charles Woodson and defensive lineman Ryan Pickett were key acquisitions last offseason. Despite his mild-mannered temperament, Thompson has some Ron Wolf blood in his veins. He is capable of making tough choices, such as the sacking of coach Mike Sherman. He also isn't shy about carrying out unpopular decisions, such as the hiring of an unproven coach in Mike McCarthy or the signing of troubled receiver Koren Robinson.

Like any GM, Thompson has made mistakes. He extended Sherman's contract too soon and cost the team millions of dollars; he failed in his first attempt to retool the offensive line in 2005; he let Javon Walker's discontent fester and was forced to trade the talented receiver. Twenty-four months into the job, Thompson has a lot of work to do. The retirement decision of quarterback Brett Favre looms large, and Thompson's career could ride on his ability to find a replacement. There aren't any guarantees in the NFL. But in Thompson, the Packers have a leader who offers hope for the future. -- Story






Arizona passes on Sherman
Cardinals name Whisenhunt as coach
Associated Press
Posted: Jan. 14, 2007
Ken Whisenhunt helped the Pittsburgh Steelers and their young quarterback win a Super Bowl. Now he will take over for the Arizona Cardinals, where another youngster is at the controls of the offense, but the franchise has made losing a way of life. The Cardinals hired Whisenhunt, Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, on Sunday to replace head coach Dennis Green, who was fired after going 16-32 in three seasons. The 44-year-old coach signed a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth. Whisenhunt becomes the Cardinals' eighth coach since the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988. He was one of eight candidates interviewed for the job, but one of only two who got a second interview. The other was former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman.




Cheerleader of the Day --

Lori
Oakland Raiderettes

Lori is entering her third season representing the Silver and Black. Originally from Radford, Virginia, she attended Radford University after completing the Music, Arts and Humanities program at the University of Richmond. While at Radford University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Music, with a concentration in piano. She was an Honors Recitals performer and an accompanist to staff. She also participated in gymnastics and served as captain of the team. Lori then moved to Georgia, where she attended the University of Georgia and received her Master's in Chamber Music and Piano Accompaniment. There she became a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Honors Fraternity. Currently, Lori teaches private piano and gymnastics lessons. She donates her time as a pianist for local churches and participates annually in Relay for Life. She is also dedicated to helping animals and volunteers often with the SPCA, Humane Society or any other local shelters that need assistance.