The Packer Pundit

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Catching on
The Packers severed ties with veteran receiver Robert Ferguson because of the emergence of Ruvell Martin and Carlyle Holiday. Martin caught three passes for 45 yards in last week's preseason opener against Pittsburgh, while Holiday caught a 3-yard TD. Both must continue to play well from scrimmage and on special teams.

Downright offensive
Green Bay's first-string offense was putrid against the Steelers, going three-and-out on each of its four possessions. Quarterback Brett Favre completed 2 of 7 passes for 7 yards, justifying his fears about being on the same page with the young players surrounding him on offense.

Jackson Five (or Fifteen)
With Morency, Pope and Wynn out again, rookie Brandon Jackson will get another shot at solidifying himself as the clear starter at halfback. Last week, he gained 57 yards on 16 carries, including 16- and 14-yard runs in the second half, but he managed 8 yards on three attempts while the starters were playing. Jackson needs to be more productive when the first-stringers are on the field, and McCarthy plans on getting him 15 more carries tonight to prove himself.

Kicking himself
Incumbent Dave Rayner has fallen behind rookie sixth-round pick Mason Crosby in the hotly contested kicking race, but the funny thing about the preseason is you never know how the games are going to play out. Crosby has never kicked at Lambeau Field, and Rayner has. They're slated to alternate kicks just like they did last week, when Rayner made a 32-yarder and Crosby a 52-yarder.

Return engagement
The Packers are desperate for someone to jump-start their return units, which have provided next to nothing over the past several years. Right now, wide receiver Shaun Bodiford and cornerback Will Blackmon appear to have the most potential, although special teams coordinator Mike Stock maintains cornerback Charles Woodson is still the team's best punt returner.





Packers' injury report
RB P.J. Pope (knee), RB Vernand Morency (knee), RB DeShawn Wynn (quadriceps) and DE DeVon Hicks (groin) are out. FB Brandon Miree (stinger) is doubtful. RT Tony Moll (stinger) is questionable

Cheerleader Corner

Name: Georgia
Occupation: Realtor
Years as a Sea Gal: 2
High School: Eastlake High School
College: Seattle Pacific University
Major or Degree: Communication

Dance Background: High school cheer and drill team, SPU Cheerleading
Hobbies: Babysitting my nieces and nephews, scrapbooking and cooking
How I stay fit: Hiking, rollerblading, yoga and running

Major Goal I have met: Trying out for and making the Sea Gals for 2 years
Best Experience: Running my first full marathon in Kona, Hawaii
Most Prized Possession: My wedding scrapbook
Place most interested in visiting: Clapham, London

Best part of being a Sea Gal: Performing on game day as a talented, unified team in front of the NFL's loudest fans!