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.

NFL vs. College Football

                                            




                                            vs.







It has long been the debate between football fans, which league is better the National Football League (NFL) where the greatest college athletes go to play, or College Football (NCAA) where young men g.o to try and achieve their dream of being a professional athlete. There is tailgating, rivalries, tradition, and more that all will be compared to try and solve the age long question, which is the better game.

Tradition:

Nothing can beat the tradition and
history more then Vince Lombardi

Both sides are deep in tradition with the NFL starting in 1922, and NCAA Football forming in 1906.  The National Football League has brought us greats like Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Bill Bellichick, Bill Parcells any many other great coaches. In College Football we have seen Robert Neyland, Joe Paterno, Knute Rockne, Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden and several other greats. On the players side most of those who were stars in college saw the same recognition in the NFL, but for the millions that didn't make it, still left an impact on their schools' history. Both leagues have long standing tradition, but when you consider who the greats have been on both sides, and the history, there is one clear winner.

Advantage: National Football League

-While College Football was the first league created, the rich tradition belongs to the NFL. Their history of Hall of Famers, legendary teams, and incredible records rise above College Football. It was a close contest, but the National Football League pulls ahead 1-0

Rivalries:


The games that every fan loves to watch more then any other are rivalry games.  Bears vs. Packers, Michigan vs. Ohio State these are the games football fans love to watch. In the NFL we have rivalries like the Patriots vs. Jets, Steelers vs. Ravens, and Raiders vs. Broncos. On the college side we have Texas vs. Oklahoma, Florida vs. Tennessee, and Army vs. Navy. These are the games that make your blood boil, you love to hate the other team and if you lose to them it ruins your work week, but if you beat them you will gloat about it for the rest of the year. It goes on in both leagues, but who has the better rivalries, and which rivalries are the strongest.



The greatest rivalry in football has to be Michigan vs. Ohio State



Advantage:  College Football         

-While the NFL does have long standing rivalries, they don't match up with the college rivalry games. Nothing beats college kids who cringe at the thought of having to sit near a rival fan, no matter in what sport they want to see them fail. Then the icing on the cake is the rivalry names, the "Red River Rivalry" between Texas and Oklahoma, "Third Saturday in October" Tennessee vs. Alabama, and hundreds more. You have to give the advantage to college football, sorry NFL but nothing beats college rivalries.

Playoff System
-Really this is not even a contest but I will try and make an argument for both sides as to who has the better system. In the NFL you have the traditional playoff system. 6 teams, the Top 2 seeds from each conference get a bye week, and there are 3 rounds leading up to the Super Bowl. It is a well balanced system that gives all 12 playoff teams an equal shot at the championship. The most hated playoff system in all of sports has to be college football. No playoff system just a computer assigning points to decide which bowl the top teams will go to. It is a money maker for the NCAA they have different endorsement names for each bowl, and bowl games give lower ranked teams a chance to play in a post season game.

Advantage:
- NFL and this one is not even a close comparison. The playoffs is a win or go home atmosphere that every fan of those 12 teams has their eyes wide open during the game knowing one play could decide if they are one step closer to a Super Bowl, or if they will be going home early. That compared to a system where depending what division your team is from you get the better bowl, and there is really no comparison

Overtime

Really NFL a Coin toss, you can do better then that

One of the most intense moments in sports is Overtime. Neither team succeeded in outscoring the other in regulation, so the fans get free football. The NFL and NCAA have 2 very different methods however, and both are controversial. In the NFL possession is decided by a Kickoff and if that team scores first they win (unless it is in the playoffs, then only a TD wins it. If a FG is converted the other team gets a chance to score). It has long been a controversy due to the fact that one game is decided on a lucky coin toss, and what kind of effect that can have on playoff implications, and games could also end up in a Tie. In College Football each team starts with the ball at the opponents 25 yard line. After their possession the other team will get their chance to score. If both teams fail to outscore the other after 2 OT's, then after every touchdown going for a 2 point conversion is mandatory. The game will continue to go on until each team gets a position and one can't match the others score. Some people believe it is a easy Overtime, because each team gets the ball at their opponents 25.

Advantage:

 College Football reigns supreme when it comes to overtime. While it may easier to automatically get the ball at the 25, they have 2 key deciding factors in this. First, both teams get the ball, meaning the game isn't left up to a coin toss. Then the main factor, there will never be a tie no matter how long the game takes. The NFL lacks those two elements and until they find a way to fix their system, they fall short in this race.

Trophy

 For all the marbles it comes down to this, which side has the better trophy. The NFL and the Vince Lombardi trophy awarded to the best team in the NFL, or is it the Heisman trophy awarded to the most phenomenal college football player that year. The argument for the NFL is that what is better then knowing your team is the best in the entire league. After a long season with 52 of your teammates you sit atop the world with the beautiful Lombardi trophy made out of the best silver money could buy. Then you have the Heisman trophy, you were the best college football player that year and you get to join the selected few to ever win the ward. Sure it is made out of bronze, but every person on earth has done the Heisman pose, at least once in their life, and that in itself makes it great. It all comes down to this though, which side has the better trophy.

Advantage:

The closest race between the two leagues, and it goes to the National Football League. While the Heisman trophy is awarded to one single player, and billions of people have done the pose, the title goes to the NFL. The Lombardi trophy is awarded to the best team in football, is the most historical trophy in either sport, and it costs more to make it. There is no I in team, and every team trophy means more then an individual trophy. For those reasons the best trophy is awarded to the NFL.

The NFL is the winner here, they have the best trophy and they
get the NFL vs. NCAA trophy

Winner:

The Winner is the National Football League. While they fall behind College Football in rivalries and Overtime, they take the cake due to their deep tradition, great playoff system, and amazing trophy. Every college athlete dreams of making it to the National Football League, and only some are successful. The greatest players and coaches are in the NFL, and more people watch the Super Bowl then any other television program. I hope this answers the debate for some of you, but this is just one writers opinion.

What do you think college football and NFL Fans, which league is better. Leave your thoughts below               

2011 NFL Season Prediction

NFC North
1.) Green Bay Packers (12-4):
-The Defending Super Bowl Champions are hungry for another ring, and they took a step in the right direction thanks to the return of starters Jermichael Finley, Ryan Grant and Morgan Burnett. Clay Matthews missed out on DPOY last year and will be looking for revenge this year, which is bad news for opposing QB's. The defense is young and strong. the offense is one of the best in the NFL, and they are ready to defend their title
Team MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Defensive MVP: Clay Matthews

2.) Detroit Lions (9-7):

-The Detroit Lions went from the laughing stock of the NFL, to the favorites to be this years Breakout team. Matthew Stafford is incredibly talented and has great weapons to throw to in Calvin Johnson and Titus Young. They have built the best defensive line in football, one that will create nightmares for opposing QB's. The problem, the offensive line still has problems, and Matthew Stafford has not proven he can stay healthy. This team will go as far as Matthew Staffords' shoulder.

Team MVP: Ndamukong Suh
Defensive MVP: Ndamukong Suh

3.) Chicago Bears (9-7):

-The Bears were the surprise team of 2010, and went as far as playing the NFC Championship Game in Chicago. Jay Cutler faced alot of criticism in the off season for his "lack of toughness" (which i strongly disagree with). The Bears added veterans Marion Barber and Roy Williams in the off season, but saw Devi Aromashadu and Greg Olsen both head to new teams. The offensive line is still atrocious, meaning Jay Cutler is in alot of trouble. The Bears are likely in for a let down in 2011.
Team MVP: Jay Cutler
Defensive MVP: Julius Peppers
4.) Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
-After Brett Favre nearly led them to a Super Bowl trip in 2009, the 2010 season was a much different story. Favre saw his Consecutive Starts streak end, he threw more INT then TD, and he still couldn't play well with Randy Moss. Favre lost his job, Childress got fired, and now Randy Moss is retired. Fortunately for the Vikings Adrian Peterson is the best RB in the NFL, and veteran Donovan McNabb should give them a decent option. Sidney Rice left in the off season, leaving the Vikings with Percy Harvin as their only legitimate starting WR. The Vikings still have many questions both on offense and defense, making the odds of finishing at .500 very low
Team MVP: Adrian Peterson
Defensive MVP: Kevin Williams

NFC South
1.) New Orleans Saints (11-5)

-The team that won the Super Bowl in 2009 was upset by the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs. It was a tough year for the Saints, their defense was bad, Drew Brees was inconsistent and Reggie Bush was a no show. During the off season they bolstered their defense with Cameron Jordan, they drafted Mark Ingram who should have an instant impact on their running game, and they swapped out Reggie Bush and brought in Darren Sproles, the offense is as dangerous as ever but there are still questions on defense. They play in a tough division, but if Drew Brees can stay at his Elite level they should win the division.

Team MVP: Drew Brees

Defensive MVP: Jonathan Vilma

2.) Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
-The Falcons took a big step last year, and finished with the best record in the NFC, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately, they were humiliated in the 2nd round by Green Bay 48-21. In the off season they bolstered their pass rush with the addition of Ray Edwards, and the moved up in the 1st round to grab play making WR Julio Jones. Jones will pair up with one of the best WR's in the NFL in Roddy White. It means passing the ball will be even easier for Matt Ryan, and the team could make that next stop in the playoffs. Only time will tell though, and we will have to see how they play in a tough division.
Team MVP: Matt Ryan
Defensive MVP:
3.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
-The Buccaneers are starting to build a very young, explosive team. Raheem Morris who is definitely one of the most underrated coaches in the game has helped groom Josh Freeman into the QB he is now. Meanwhile Legarrete Blount was a bulldozer last year, and is poised to be even better this year. The defense is on the right track, and the team is making quick progress towards the top. They are however the 3rd best team in their division for now, and will have to try for a Wild Card spot this year.
Team MVP: Josh Freeman
Defensive MVP: Gerald McCoy
4.) Carolina Panthers (5-11)
-After finishing with the worst record in the NFL last season and taking Cam Newton 1st overall, the Panthers are hoping to begin a new Era. Ron Rivera is now at the helm and will lead a good defense led by Jon Beason and Charles Johnson. On offense they may end up starting Newton from Week 1, if that happens they will be in for a rough year. Fortunately they have two very talented RB's in Deangelo Williams and Jonathan, so as long as those two stay healthy, they should be able to reach 6 wins.
Team MVP: Jon Beason
Defensive MVP: Jon Beason
NFC East
1.) Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)
-The "Dream Team" is in place to finally make a deep playoff run, and the Off season additions of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cullen Jenkins, Nnamdi Asomugha and others gives them one of the best defenses in the league. After a breakout year in 2010 Michael Vick is poised, to have another MVP like season. All the pieces are in place for the Eagles to make a run at the Super Bowl, but can they do it. This will be a make or break year for the Eagles, and Andy Reid.
Team MVP: Michael Vick
Defensive MVP: Nnamdi Asomugha
2.) Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
-After a disappointing 6-10 season that saw the team lose QB Tony Romo, and forced Wade Phillips out the door, the Cowboys are ready for a fresh start. Jason Garrett is the perfect coach for them, and should help them get back to their winning ways. Felix Jones is the featured back in this offense, and we will get to see how he does in that role. On defense they still have problems in the secondary, and will likely struggle throughout the season. But the Cowboys should have a turn around season in 2011
Team MVP: Tony Romo
Defensive MVP: Demarcus Ware
3.) New York Giants (9-7)
-After falling short of the playoffs in 2010, the Giants are hungry for a playoff appearance this year. Eli Manning ran into alot of problems with turnovers last year. In the off season the Giants lost Kevin Boss and Steve Smith to free agency, both were security blankets when Manning got pressured. On defense they have a stacked defensive line where everyone can get after the QB quickly. They addressed their need in the secondary by drafting Prince Amukamara to be their shut down CB. The loss of Smith and Boss will hurt Manning, and the offensive line is going to be a trouble spot all year. 9 wins is the most reasonable total for this team.
Team MVP: Eli Manning
Defensive MVP: Justin Tuck
4.) Washington Redskins (5-11)
-The 2010 trio of Mike Shannahan, Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth, was the biggest failure of the year. McNabb was benched for Rex Grossman, Albert Haynesworth was rarely on the field, and the Redskins struggled to win games. Now as the Redskins head into 2011 McNabb and Haynesworth were traded for 6th rounders still 3 years away, and a QB competition of John Beck and Rex Grossman. Things don't look bright for the Redskins even if Beck proves he can be a good NFL QB, the Redskins are likely headed for the cellar again, and if that happens Mike Shannahan may not be around in 2012.
Team MVP: Brian Orakpo
Defensive MVP: Brian Orakpo
NFC West
1.) St. Louis Rams (9-7)
-Sam Bradford showed everyone last year that he is going to be one of the best at his position in a few years. The Rams fell just short of the playoffs, despite injuries to top WR Donnie Avery and others. In the off season they brought in Cadillac Williams, Jerious Norwood and drafted Robert Quinn in the 1st round to bolster their pass rush. In 2011 the Rams are poised to take the division Donnie Avery is healthy, Sam Bradford is in his 2nd year and the defense is improving. The Rams are the team to beat in the NFC West.
Team MVP: Sam Bradford
Defensive MVP: James Laurinaitis

2.) Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

-The Cardinals made the big move in the off season trading Rodgers-Cromatie and a 2nd round pick for young Kevin Kolb. Kolb will pair up with Larry Fitzgerald who has been one of the best receivers in the game for a long time. They drafted RB Ryan Williams to boost their RB core, but he was lost to a knee injury for all of 2011. The offensive line is still weak and Kevin Kolb will face alot of pressure week after weak, but the Cardinals WR core should help him. On defense the 2 bright spots are Darnell Dockett and rookie Patrick Peterson. Peterson is being slowly progressed into the starting CB role, but should have an instant impact as a rookie. Behind Kolb, Fitzgerald, and Peterson the Cardinals have a chance to win the NFC West, but it is going to be a tough road with the Rams standing in their way.
Team MVP: Larry Fitzgerald
Defensive MVP: Patrick Peterson

Could the first game of the season be a preview
of the NFC Title Game.

3.) Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

-The team that went 7-9 in the regular season in the regular season, then shocked the football world by knocking off the Saints in the first round saw some major changes in the off-season.  Long time QB Matt Hasselbeck is now with the Titans, Sidney Rice is the No.1 WR and Tarvaris Jackson will be the starting QB in Week 1.The team is unlikely to be in contention for 1st in the weak NFC West, but they still should manage to win 6 games.
Team MVP: Earl Thomas
Defensive MVP: Earl Thomas

4.) San Francisco 49ers (5-11)

-After starting off the season 0-5 the 49ers managed to turn things around and finished just outside of the NFC West Crown.  Alex Smith was signed to a 1 year deal, Braylon Edwards was brought in, and they hired Jim Harbaugh as their coach of the future. There will be alot riding on Alex Smith because if he doesn't play well fans will want to see Kaepernick put in. The 49ers won't be good enough to win the division, but they could be bad enough to reunite Andrew Luck with Harbaugh.

Team MVP: Patrick Willis

Defensive MVP: Patrick Willis

NFC Playoff Seeds

1.) Green Bay Packers

2.) Philadelphia Eagles

3.) New Orleans Saints                                                    

4.) St. Louis Rams
5.) Atlanta Falcons
6.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers