NFC North Draft Grades

Green Bay Packers
Draft Recap:
1 (28): Nick Perry DE/OLB, USC
2 (51): Jerel Worthy DT/DE, Michigan State
2 (62): Casey Hayward CB, Vanderbilt
4 (132): Mike Daniels DT, Iowa
4 (133): Jerron McMillian S, Maine
5 (163): Terrell Manning ILB, North Carolina State
7 (241): Andrew Datko OT, Florida State
7 (243): B.J Coleman QB, UT-Chattanooga

Impact Rookie: Nick Perry OLB, USC
-Nick Perry played DE at USC, but because the Packers are in dire need of a 3-4 OLB opposite Clay Matthews, he will have to make the transition in Training Camp. Perry possess rare speed (4.5 40) considering his size (6'3 270 lbs). The negative on Perry in the draft is his consistency with the belief around the league he took plays off at times causing teams to question his motor. When Perry is going 100% he is one of the best Pass Rushers in his class thanks to his impressive strength and speed off the edge. If the Packers can keep Perrys motor going he should have a fantastic rookie season with Clay Matthews drawing the double teams.
Pick for the Future: Terrell Manning ILB, North Carolina State
-The Packers had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year and General Manager Ted Thompson made it a focal point to fix that in the draft. While 5th Round LB Terrell Manning won't bring an instant impact, he could develop into a 5th Round steal down the road. Manning possesses great pass rushing skills, thanks to his great athleticism. What Manning still has to work on is his ability to wrap up and tackle, along with how to read the play and take the right angles to get to the ball carrier faster. He will sit behind Desmond Bishop for the next year or 2, but could find a starting job down the line.
Questionable Selection: B.J Coleman QB, U.T Chattanooga
-In the 7th Round, you can usually take a chance on a guy, and not have it be a risk to your franchise, and while this was a late 7th Round Pick, the QB selected is what I had a problem with. Coleman originally committed to University of Tennessee before transferring because then HC Lane Kiffin went with a different QB. Once Coleman was at U.T Chattanooga the issues continued as he chose to blame his teammates and coaches for his mistakes rather then take responsibility. A 7th Round pick is a 7th Round pick but when guys like Kellen Moore and Case Keenum were available, and Colt McCoy was available for a late pick, taking Coleman doesn't make much sense.


Draft Grade: B

Detroit Lions


Draft Recap:
1 (23): Riley Reiff OT, Iowa
2 (54): Ryan Broyles WR, Oklahoma
3 (85): Dwight Bentley CB, Louisiana-Lafayette
4 (125): Ronnell Lewis OLB, Oklahoma
5 (138): Tahir Whitehead OLB, Temple
5 (148): Chris Greenwood CB, Albion
6 (196): Jonte Green DB, New Mexico State
7 (223): Travis Lewis OLB, Oklahoma


Impact Rookie: Riley Reiff OT, Iowa
-While people will question if Riley Reiff can play the LT position in the NFL because he lacks great athleticism. In this case, I don't question his ability to protect. The Lions have holes throughout the Offensive Line, so even if Reiff had to make the transition to OG it is still a great pick. Reiff can steps into the Lions Offensive Line right away and give them a reliable player, who can start there every game for the next 10 years.
Pick for the Future: Ronnell Lewis OLB, Oklahoma
-Ronnell Lewis is one of the OLB's I absolutely loved coming into this draft. Lewis is all hustle with his balance of power and speed he can be a force off the edge. The main reason he fell to the 4th Round was knee injuries suffered earlier in the year, and the fact that he still has no moves to get off the blockers. If developed properly he could turn into a nice player on an already impressive Lions defense.
Questionable Selection: Ryan Broyles WR, Oklahoma
-I question this pick not because I don't think Broyles is talented, and not because I think he wasn't worthy of a 2nd Round Pick. I question this pick because Broyles was a 2nd Round WR before he tore his ACL, and he is still mid way through the rehab process. Broyles is a talented WR and showed that early on during the 2011 season, but ACL injuries don't heal quickly. It takes just over a year for players to recover from them, and that's what the Lions will have to expect in this case. Given the fact that Broyles tore his ACL I think it was a reach in Round 2.
Draft Grade: B

Chicago Bears










Draft Recap:
1 (19): Shea McClellin OLB, Boise State
2 (45): Alshon Jeffery WR, South Carolina
3 (79): Brandon Hardin FS, Oregon State

4 (111): Evan Rodriguez TE, Temple
6 (184): Isaiah Frey CB, Nevada
7 (220):Greg McCoy CB, TCU

Impact Rookie: Shea McClellin OLB, Boise State 

-McClellin was probably one of the hottest names rising up Draft Boards on Thursday, but I was surprised when the Bears took him at 19. McClellin was scene more as a 3-4 OLB, but will now have to put his hand in the dirt in the Bears 4-3 Defense. There is no doubt McClellin has talent, and despite the 4-3 not being a perfect scheme fit, there is no doubt he should dominate at the next level.

Pick for the Future: Evan Rodriguez TE, Temple

-After trading Greg Olsen last off season the Bears are still looking for their TE of the future. While Rodriguez may not be the most strongest TE in this class, he has nice athleticism and many believe his future is as an H-Back. The problems for Rodriguez are there, including legal issues that date back to his days at West Virginia. If the Bears can keep his head in check, and make sure he stays in the weight room, he could turn into a nice piece on that Bears offense.

Questionable Selection: Alshon Jeffery WR, South Carolina

-If Alshon Jeffery can get in shape and stay that way then this will turn into a great pick, but I am not entirely sure that can happen. After a stellar season in 2010, Jeffery saw a big production drop in 2011 due to poor QB play and conditioning issues. Jeffery came into the combine weighing in at 235 lbs and looked slow. Weeks later he showed up to his Pro Day weighing 215 lbs. There is no question Jeffery is talented, but when guys like Reuben Randle were still on the board, this pick doesn't make as much sense.

Draft Grade: B-

Minnesota Vikings

Draft Recap:

1 (4): Matt Kalil OT, USC

1 (29): Harrison Smith FS, Notre Dame

3 (66): Josh Robinson CB, Central Florida

4 (118): Jarius Wright WR, Arkansas

4 (128): Rhett Ellison FB, USC

4 (134): Greg Childs WR, Arkansas

5 (139): Robert Blanton CB, Notre Dame

6 (175): Blair Walsh K, Georgia

7 (210): Audi Cole ILB, North Carolina State

7 (219): Trevor Guyton DE, California

Impact Rookie: Matt Kalil OT, USC

-When you think of the prototypical Left Tackle, you think of Matt Kalil. Kali was considered to be one of the best OT's this decade and should serve as the future star of the Vikings Offensive Line. While many people will look down on the O-Line as a star position, the LT is the 2nd most important position in football, and is the difference between a healthy QB and the backup QB. After taking Christian Podner in the 1st last year, the Vikings had to give him the protection he needs.

Pick for the Future: Greg Childs WR, Arkansas

-After taking Kalil at No.4 the Vikings had to start giving their franchise QB some weapons to throw to. Childs was considered an early round pick before suffering a devastating knee injury in 2010. The size is there for Childs (6'3 219 lbs) Childs has shown the tools to be a go to guy thanks to his big body and ability to stretch the field. The big question for Chidls remains if he can stay healthy and if he is fully recovered from the knee injury. If Childs is given time to work on catching the ball with his hands, and can stay on the field he could develop into a nice No.2 WR for the Vikigns.

Questionable Selection: Harrison Smith FS, Notre Dame

-I Don't question Harrison Smith the football player, I question the Vikings trading back up into the 1st Round to take Smith. While Smith should have a nice career in the NFL with his great instincts and size, he isn't the game changer you trade up for. Also the Vikings had a pick6 picks later, where I think they could have still picked up Smith. 

Draft Grade: C

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AFC North

Pursuit to Perfection: Green Bay Packers Ep.3

12-0

Overview:

-18 Weeks (including the 2010 playoffs) and 18 straight wins, that is just how amazing the Green Bay Packers have been in the past year. IN that 18 game span Aaron Rodgers has thrown a whopping 51 TD Passes to only 8 INT's. Greg Jennings has been Rodgers favorite target, but ever since the Super Bowl Jordy Nelson has stepped up with 57 Catches for 1,016 yards and 10 TD's. As for Sundays game against the Giants, we saw what Rodgers could do in crunch time. After the defense gave up a TD and 2 Point Conversion. Then with 58 seconds left on his own 20, Rodgers took the team down the field and set up a 31 Yard Game Winning FG by Mason Crosby. It was a very close game, but when it comes down to the final result, they got the W, and that's all that matters.

Breakdown:

Offense: It was a shoot out between the Giants and the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers once again came out on top. Rodgers passed for 369 Yards and 4 TD's, but he also threw an INT inside their own 20 that resulted in a Giants TD. As for the running offense, well it wasn't looked to very often, but when the ball was handed off not much was done with it. Ryan Grant carried it 13 times for 29 yards, and the real story was undrafted rookie Brandon Saine carried it 6 times for 16 yards and catching it out of the backfield 4 times for 29 yards. The young RB was recently added off the Packers Practice Squad, drawing praise from Coach Mike McCarthy, and QB Aaron Rodgers who said Saine, may have the best hands on the team. If Brandon Saine can step up more in the running game and improve as a blocker, that will just give Aaron Rodgers another new target to throw to.

Fans Opinion: "I was amazed with the performance of Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. The Giants had minimal success on defense early on, the Packers D was putting pressure on Aaron to perform and boy did he ever! He had two huge 4th quarter drives leading us to the win. Aarons the best player in football and I think that was displayed on Sunday" (@packFANattic)

Grade: A-

Defense: In the past 4 games the Packers Defense has been up and down, from very bad to impressive in a matter 0f 7 days. It started in Week 11 against Tampa when Josh Freeman had a career day and LeGarette Blount broke a big time TD run. The next week they limited the Lions all game and managed to force 3 Matthew Stafford INT's, this week however was a different story. They were picked apart by Eli Manning who threw for 375 Yards and 3 TD's with only 1 INT, and on the ground Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 97 yards on 19 Carries (5.1 YPC). They only forced 2 turnovers, and nearly cost the Packers the game after letting the Giants march down the field to tie the game. Granted they were without Starting MLB's A.J Hawk and Desmond Bishop, but there is no excuse for giving up 35 points. A bad day for the Packers defense, but fortunately they were bailed out by Aaron Rodgers.

Fans Opinion:"The defense is how we won the game, especially because of Clay Matthews Pick Six, and his sack on Eli that forced the fumble. Although the Packers Defense did let the Giants score way more then they should have (35 points) but it wasn't a terrible performance" (@JackieDriver80)

Grade: C-

Special Teams: They say you can make up for one bad play by making a great play the next time around. Well, Mason Crosby did just that for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. After missing a 43 yard Field Goal at the end of the half, Crosby again got his chance at the end of the game. With 3 seconds left, and a 12-0 record on the line Crosby sent a 31 yarder right down the uprights to win the game, and send the Packers to their 18th straight win. After making a key miss in the 1st half, Crosby made up for all of it in the end,

Grade: B+

Injury Updates

Desmond Bishop /A.J Hawk MLB: Calf Strain, Questionable Week 14

-The Packers were without MLB's Desmond Bishop and A.J Hawk Sunday against the New York Giants. Both players have Calf Strains and as of now are listed as Questionable on the injury report. Updates will be made throughout the week, but if both are unable to go rookie D.J Smith (had the Microphone on Defense) and Robert Francois will make their 2nd consecutive starts.

Andrew Quarless TE: Knee, OUT for Season

-The Packers will be without their No.2 TE Andrew Quarless for the rest of their season, after Quarless  twisted his knee and had to be helped off the field. While no specific details were shared, it was confirmed that he will mest the rest of this season. Backup TE Tom Crabtree is expected to step up as the No.2 TE and could be seen in more 2 TE Sets.

Charles Woodson: Concussion, Probable Week 14

-In the 4th Quarter of Sundays game against the Giants Woodson suffered a COncussion while trying to make a tackle on Ahmad Bradshaw. He immediately left the game and did not return. McCarthy said Woodson will undergo the mandatory tests throughout the week, but expects him to be cleared to play Sunday against the Raiders, a game Woodson will not want to miss against his former team.

Next Game:

Sunday December 11th, 4:15 PM EST

Location: Lambeau Field Green Bay, Wisconsin

Preview: The Packers will be taking their undefeated streak back to Green Bay this week as they take on the Oakland Raiders. The story lines will be can they keep the streak going, is Charles Woodson going to be extra motivated against his old team, and will Rodgers have another MVP game. The answer to all those questions is YES. The Packers should be able to pass the ball against the Raiders 17th ranked Pass Defense, and the Raiders may also be without some of their key players. RB Darren McFadden likely may miss his 5th straight game with a foot injury, and WR's Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore are Questionable. With 3 of their offensive weapons out and coming off a 34-14 loss to the 4-8 Miami Dolphins, the outlook for the Raiders is not very bright. Expect the Packers to bounce back on defense, and Aaron Rodgers to be his usual self, MVP numbers and having fun in the process.

Prediction: Packers 35

                    Raiders: 21

The Packers will need to keep an
eye on Seymour, who can be a dirty hitter

Matchup to Watch: Raiders Defensive Line vs. Packers Offensive Line
-The battles always come down to the Offensive Line vs. the Defensive Line and we have another matchup to watch when the Packers take on the Raiders. The Raiders Defensive Line is anchored by Richard Seymour who has a rare tenacity and meanness that strikes fear into the opposition.Seymour can be dirty at times he punched Ben Roethlisberger last year, and was ejected from last weeks game after throwing a punch at Dolphins OG Richard Incognito. LB Kamerion Wimbley also has shown ability to get pressure on the QB with a team high 7 Sacks. It will be another tough test for the Packers Offensive Line, but one that they should be able to handle. If the Raiders do get alot of pressure on Rodgers, expect Rodgers to be throwing on the run, which he also excels at.

Pursuit to Perfection: The Green Bay Packers Ep.2

11-0

Overview:

-The Green Bay Packers faced a tough test early on Thanksgiving Day on the road against the Detroit Lions. The Packers (10-0) came into Detroit in their first match up against the young up and coming team this year. The Detroit Lions (7-3) were being led by Matthew Stafford and his 25 TD Passes, along with the dirtiest player in the league on defense in DT Ndamukong Suh.The 1st half of football was close, but after a Suh ejection and 3 Stafford INT's the Packers took advantage and went on to win 27-15. Now it's time to break down all 3 sides of the ball. With help from some of the most knowledgeable fans in the game of course.

Breakdown:

Offense: It was a tale of two halves for the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, as they managed to score only 7 points in the 1st half, but exploded for 20 points in the 2nd half. As you looked at the Packers in the 1st quarter on Thanksgiving you got the sense that the WR's were having problems holding onto the ball. On the 1st drive Rodgers made a nice read to TE Jermichael Finley that would have given the Packers a first down, but instead Finley dropped. it. Finley also had another drop later on in the game, although made a impressive catch over a defender on a key Packers drive in the 2nd half. Meanwhile Jordy Nelson struggled to get open only 4 Catches for 26 yards and no TD's, but Greg Jennings and James Jones stepped up in his p[lace. Rodgers hit Jones on a 65 yard PA Pass late in the 3rd quarter for 6, and also  found Greg Jennings open from 3 yards out in the 2nd quarter. Both WR's combined for 8 catches for 168 yards and 2 TD's to help Rodgers finish with another impressive stat line of 22/33 for 307 Yards and 2 TD's with no picks and a 116.6 QB Rating on the day. The Packers didn't look to run the ball only handing it off 17 times with 6 going to Ryan Grant, 4 to James Starks (who re-aggravated his ankle injury), 5 to FB John Kuhn who had a goal line TD, and 2 going to rookie Brandon Saine. They combined for 53 total rush yards. Fortunately for the Packers they don't have to run the ball to win football games with MVP Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

Fans Thought: "McCarthy has the offense playing with a mechanical swagger: confident but not arrogant, both systematic and passionate." (@PackerInsanity)

Overall Grade: B+

Defense: After struggling last week against the Tampa Bay Bucs at home, the Packers found their groove again defensively, even without starting MLB's Desmond Bishop and A.J Hawk. They came into the game with the 31st worst Pass Defense allowing 287 YPG to go along with 19 INT''s. They were able to limit Calvin Johnson down the field, which made Stafford have to spend more time finding the open man, and because of it he threw 3 INT's. The first came in the 2nd quarter on a tipped pass in their own territory, and resulted in the Packers first score of the day. The second and 3rd INT's came in the 3rd quarter, and both resulted in Packers TD's and a 24-0 lead entering the 4th quarter. Stafford was able to find Megatron late in garbage time for a TD, but besides that his 276 yards were meaningless. On the ground the Packers caught an early break when Kevin Smith was forced to leave the game with an injury so backup RB Maurice Morris took over but with Detroit trailing most of the game only managed 7 carries for 39 yards. The Lions did finish with 136 total rush yards thanks to 4 scrambles by Stafford and early yardage by Smith before he was injured. The Packers gave up alot of yards but when it mattered most they forced the big turnover, made the big 3rd down stop, or the Lions shot themselves in the foot with a penalty, always killing whatever momentum they had. It was a very solid game for the Packers, especially considering how they performed the previous week.

Fans Thought: "The Defense plays with reckless abandonment, set free to gamble for INT's by an unstoppable offense. They make the big play when they need to" (@PackerInsanity)

Overall Grade: A-

Special Teams:  In a game filled with offense and defense, there wasn't a whole lot of note worth plays or performances in the Special Teams department, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Mason Crosby made all 3 of his XP's along with 2 FG's the longest from 35 yards out. In the return game Randall Cobb had little impact as he only had 3 opportunities (2 KO's 1 Punt) and neither went for a long gain. It wasn't a game that stands out on the highlight reel, but one that can be taken as a good day. If there was any problem it was the lack of discipline of Pat Lee who was ejected after punching one of the Lions players. It will likely result in a fine, but hopefully a learning experience for Lee.

Fans Thought: "One of the most vastly improved areas of our team this year, but often gets overlooked. Mason Crosby ahs quietly become one of the best kickers in the game. Cobb is an excitign return man and the kick coverage has strongly improved. The Special Teams are helping us win each week, and that showed again this week" (@packFANattic)

Overall Grade:B-

Final Grade: B+

-

Injury Updates:

Desmond Bishop, MLB: Calf Strain, Questionable Week 13
-The Packers lost their leading tackler early in Thursdays game against the Lions, as Desmond Bishop limped off the field with a calf injury. He was not able to return the game, and even with 10 days rest this week, his availability for Week 13 against the New York Giants. . Backup D.J Smith filled in nicely in his place filling in running lanes, and making some nice tackles.
A.J Hawk, MLB: Calf Strain, Questionable Week 13
-The Packers are without Desmond Bishop, and they very well could be without their other MLB A.J Hawk after he also suffered a calf strain against the Lions. If Hawk is unable to go backup LB Robert Francois, who had a nice INT against the Lions, will likely start in his place.
Josh Sitton, RG: Knee Sprain, Doubtful Week 13
-The biggest it the Packers took injury wise, also ends up being the most significant one. Right Guard Josh Sitton suffered a Knee Strain against the Lions, and it now appears he could be out for awhile. The knee sprain is significant enough to the point where it likely could keep Sitton out 2-3 weeks, although he hasn't officially been ruled out against the Giants.

Next Game:

 

Sunday December 4th, 4:15 p.m EST

Location: Met Life Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey

 

Preview: After a tough game against division rival Detroit, the Packers now have 10 days before they take on another tough opponent on the road. When the Green Bay Packers (11-0) take on the New York Giants (6-5) it will definitely be a game to watch. Eli Manning who has proven himself as a very talented QB will take on the Packers 30th ranked Pass Defense, but also a Defense that is very opportunistic. Meanwhile on the other side of the ball the Giants front 4 of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre Paul will look to put alot of pressure on Aaron Rodgers, and limit his time to throw. The Giants ability to get pressure will dictate how close this game will be.

 

Pierre-Paul is 3rd in the NFL with 10.5 Sacks

Prediction:Packers 35

                   Giants: 24

 

Matchup to Watch: Giants Pass Rush vs. Packers Offensive Line

-The Giants are known for their ability to get to the Quarterback and with Jason Pierrre-Paul (10.5 Sacks), Osi Umenyiora (7 Sacks) it will be a true test for the Packers LT Marshall Newhouse and RT Bryan Bulaga. Expect the Packers to bring in an extra blocker to give the young tackles help, and protect Aaron Rodgers from getting alot of pressure. If Aaron Rodgers has all day to throw he could have a strong day against the Giants secondary, but if the Giants can get pressure it will be a very close game.

Pursuit to Perfection: The Green Bay Packers

10-0

-As we reach Week 12, the main storyline this year has to be that of the undefeated Green Bay Packers. At 10-0 comparisons are already being made to the 1972 Miami Dolphins who are still the only team in NFL history to run the table, and to the 2007 New England Patriots who had Tom Brady with his NFL record breaking 51 TD Passes and WR Randy Moss and his 23 TD Catches, also an NFL Record. From now until the Packers either lose, or run the table to the Super Bowl we will review their most recent game, breakdown their offense, defense and special teams play in that game and make predictions for their remaining schedule. In this article we will also get quotes from the Lambeau faithful who go to games every Sunday and see everything that goes on firsthand.

Week 11: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
Offense: On offense it was business as usually for the Packers as they put up 35 points against a suspect but dangerous Buccaneers Pass defense. On the ground the Packers only ran it only 23 times for 91 yards and 2 TD's. Both TD's came from inside the Bucs 2 yard line, one going to FB John Kuhn in the 1st quarter, and the other going to NT B.J "The Freezer" Raji on a 1 yard dive in the 1st quarter. The Packers looked to the air often in this game as MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers went 23/34 for 299 Yards 3 TD's and 1 INT. 2 of Rodgers 3 TD's went to WR Jordy Nelson, with the 3rd going to rarely used TE Tom Crabtree from 5 yards out. Rodgers did throw an INT in the 4th Quarter with 5:55 remaining. The Bucs took advantage 4 plays later scoring a TD to make it a 28-26 GB lead. It was only Rodgers 4th INT on the year, and his first since a Week 6 INT against the Rams. Rodgers finished with a 112.3 QB Rating, which is his 10th straight game with a 110+ Rating (an NFL Record). It was a solid day for the offense in general but the INT was costly, as it resulted in 7 points for Tampa Bay.
Grade: A-

From the Fan: "The offense was doing pretty good today, Rodgers was spot on for basically most of his throws (as usual), and the O keeps getting closer and closer to breaking franchise records" (@Pack80_Brew8)
Defense: After a strong performance last Monday Night against the Minnesota Vikings, the bad Packers defense showed up again. Against the Buccaneers 24th rated rush offense, the Bucs didn't have much trouble finding holes to run through. The biggest run play was a 54 yard TD run by LeGarrette Blount, which included 6 broken tackles. It showed that the Packers are still having problems defending the run, and they aren't fundamentally sound when it comes to tackling. The Bucs finished with 20 carries for 121 yards, 107 of those coming from Blount. The Packers also had problems against Josh Freeman as he went 28/38 for 342 yards with 2 TD's.  They had trouble covering TE Kellen Winslow (9 catches for 132 yards) and WR Mike Williams ( 7 Catches 83 yards 1 TD). One of their biggest problems was rushing the QB as they only registered 2 sacks, one coming on a Charles Woodson blitz. The Defensive Player of the Packers had to be CB Tramon Williams who picked off Josh Freeman twice, including one with 2:47 left in the game that sealed a Packers victory. It wasn't an impressive performance by the Packers defense, but it was just enough to get the W.
Grade: C-

From the Fan: "I have mixed feelings about the defenses performance. They have up alot of yardage and struggled at times, but they came through. They forced turnovers and got stops late, which seems to be a trend this year. Good performance but I'd like to see a boost from the Defensive Line" (@packFANattic)

Special Teams: Everyone used to make jokes about the Packers special teams, well not anymore. It was another solid game for the Packers as a whole. K Mason Crosby made all his 5 XP attempts (43/43 on the year), but he did miss his first FG of the year from 29 yards out. Punter Tim Masthay punted it 3 times for an average of 54 yards, and one inside the 20. He also turned a fumbled punt into a key first down for the Packers. In the return game Randall Cobb taking 3 kick returns for 51 yards, and returning 1 punt for 55 yards. It was a nice day for the Packers Special Teams and proof that they aren''t the Special Teams of previous years.
Grade: B-

From the Fan: "Although he (Cobb) has things to work on still, it's nice to have that threat on the return team. Cobb is quick, and makes his cut and goes. Also, our special teams aren't allowing the big plays like they did last year. It really makes a huge difference in the game" (@packfansince89)

Injury Updates:

Mike Neal, DE:  Knee, Probable Week 12
-Mike Neal made his 1st appearance this season after missing the first 9 games with a knee injury. Neal didn't record any tackles but showed that he should finally be healthy. He will likely start seeing extended playing time as the season goes on.
Greg Jennings, WR: Shin Bruise, Probable Week 12
-Greg Jennings suffered a minor injury in Sundays game, and wasn't as productive.
James Starks, RB: Knee Sprain, Doubtful Week 12
-While the Packers aren't known at all for running the ball, James Starks being injured is a significant injury for their offense. Late in the 4th quarter as the Packers were trying to run down the clock, Starks suffered a knee sprain inside the 10 yard line. The Packers play in 4 days at Detroit, and without Starks they lose their top pass catching RB on the team. If Starks is out, expect Ryan Grant to get a majority of the carries.

Next Game:

Thursday, November 24th @ Detroit

Prediction: Packers 31 Lions 27

-This isn't your Detroit Lions of old when they are on, they can beat anyone in the league. Against the Panthers Matthew Stafford threw for 5 TD's and recently signed Kevin Smith ran it 16 times for 140 yards and 2 TD's, along with 4 receptions for 61 yards and a Receiving TD. Their defense struggled against Cam Newton, but did force him into 4 INT's. It will be electric in Detroit and we may see alot of false starts because of it. If the Packers want to win this game it will come down to keeping pressure off of Rodgers, and finding a way to beat the Lions press pass coverage. This game will come down to who can stay hot the longest, and whoever does will win this close rivalry game.

Keep an eye on Ndamukong Suh, if he gets to Rodgers often
then it will be a long day for the Packers

Match up to Watch: Aaron Rodgers vs. Ndamukong Suh
-Last year the Packers lost in Detroit because Aaron Rodgers was knocked out early in the game. The game plan for Green Bay has to be to keep Rodgers upright, and make sure Suh and the rest of the Lions don't have chances to get a big hit on him. If the Packers give Rodgers time to throw, he should have no problem against the Lions secondary, but if Suh gets pressure it will be a tough game to watch.