The Packer Pundit

Nobody does it worse
Ranking reflects state of special teams
By BOB McGINN / journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 15, 2007
The Green Bay Packers changed their kicker, their punter, their kick returners and their special-teams coach last season. It just didn't do much good. Based on the Dallas Morning News' annual statistical analysis, the Packers finished 32nd in overall special-teams performance in 2006, just as they did in '05. "A thirty-second rank in special teams is not OK," coach Mike McCarthy said. "We definitely need to improve. There's no question about it." The analysis ranked teams in 22 areas of special teams, with one point assigned to the best team in each category and 32 points for the worst. After finishing last with 442½ points in 2005, the Packers were even worse in '06 with 493½ points. Chicago was first with 237½ points, followed by Tennessee (240), Buffalo (252½), the New York Jets (295), Cleveland (296½) and Detroit (296½). Four of the eight teams at the bottom of the rankings were coached by first-year head coaches with offensive backgrounds. The list included Green Bay under McCarthy, Houston under Gary Kubiak, Minnesota under Brad Childress and St. Louis under Scott Linehan. -- More






Fuzzy Thurston opens ticket, tour business
MILWAUKEE — Former Green Bay Packers player Fuzzy Thurston has opened Fuzzy Thurston's Tickets and Tours at 3500 S. 92nd St. The company specializes in providing game tickets, tailgate parties, private boxes and tour packages to Green Bay Packers home and road games. It also has an office in Green Bay. Tickets for Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers and area concerts also will be available. The Milwaukee office was formerly occupied by Deluxe Tickets. Mark Pemper, the owner of Deluxe Tickets, has been retained as general manager. For information, call (414) 321-5200 or visit www.fuzzys63.com.