Packer Notes: Bears Are Full-Go, Rodgers Is NFC Offensive Player Of The Week, and NFL Power Rankings
The Bears have clinched a first-round bye, and they're unlikely to do any better unless the Falcons are embarrassed by the Panthers next Sunday. Will the Bears mail-in their regular season finale? Mike McCarthy called that "a polluted mindset" and "we're going after them." QB Jay Cutler said he expects to play the whole game, and "we're going to be full-go." For what it's worth, the odds makers don't agree and opened with the Packers as a 10 point favorite.
More from Mike McCarthy. He's still not sure whether DE Cullen Jenkins can play on Sunday. Jenkins hasn't played since December 5th against the 49ers. Also, McCarthy believes the Bears best player is WR Devin Hester.
How well did QB Aaron Rodgers play last week? He was nominated for a GMC sponsored award, a FedEx sponsored award, and was NFC Offensive Player of the Week. You know he's in elite company when he's compared to QB Lynn Dickey (Rodgers had 404 passing yards against the Giants, which is the most in the game since Dickey threw for 418 yards in a game back in 1980).
The Packers are ranked No. 10 in the SB Nation NFL Power Rankings. Their record in games played against teams ranked No. 1 through No. 9 is 2-3, but it will improve to 3-3 after they beat the Bears on Sunday. They've also moved up to No. 5 in the Football Outsiders rankings, and as I expected, their pass defense is the new No. 1.
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#12s
As I recall, Lynn Dickey won only a single playoff game [St. Louis Cardinals, in a strike-shortened season, say 1981ish] and, like myself, only the more elderly and nerdiest fans have ever even heard of him. This is not a slam. Just saying, we gotta get Rodgers some post-season victories.
Dickey vs. Rodgers
I was at that 1977 game against the Rams when he broke his leg. Ouch.
Dickey was a really good passer. Still, i’d take Rodgers or Favre over Dickey because they were more mobile.
by uglyfatpimplynerd on Dec 30, 2010 8:04 AM CST up reply actions
Good pocket passer
But easily confused. I’d hate to see him versus today’s more complicated blitz schemes.
That said, he did crash out on a buddy’s couch after a late night once. Post-retirement, but I thought it was an amusing side-note to our once “QB of the future”.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
The Starr-Dickey Era
I also remember a pretty decent running game back in those days, with John Brockington and MacArthur Lane. That offense had to win alot of high-scoring games since that defense was kinda awful.
Thanks, guys. I was hoping somebody would talk about Dickey. I read the post and thought about how the only time he’s ever mentioned is in situations like this, where “so and so passed for more yards than any Packer QB since Lynn Dickey.” And he seems to get completely forgotten other than that. I mean, he must’ve been good to have his name still in the record books at all despite playing in an era when it was so much more difficult to get passing stats. …not to mention being on some mediocre teams.
I don’t remember that era. I have vague memories of Randy Wright (mostly of him pre-emptively crouching into the fetal position before the pass-rush could bury him) during the Forrest Gregg era. But I cut my teeth on Majik and the cardiac Pack. What a ride that was!
by Curly Lambeau on Dec 30, 2010 11:18 AM CST up reply actions
this
is what i’ve been saying. people don’t remember dickey or his name doesn’t come up because he didn’t win enough games. dickey had some nice stats, but they get forgotten.
the opposite case for star (which i’ve seen play as well), he didn’t have great stats—-not even for his era—-but he won alot of important games.
the question is—-what would you rather have? the stats or the wins?
Dickey
had a hell of a group of receivers to throw to. John Jefferson, James Lofton, Paul Coffman, if my memory is correct.
by bigbill992001 on Dec 30, 2010 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
yep
and 1 playoff win in the decade of the 80’s——-not too impressive.
A hell of a group of receivers -- and what else?
RBs, OL, ANY position on D?
He had nothing for a team to play with, especially on D.
Hence scores like 48-47.
I’ve been saying it for some time, now.
I would love to be able to know what he could have done with the teams that Bertt had to play with.
Methinks maybe he could have nrought home the hardware more than once.
The glass is still more than half-full!
I'd rather be correct, than politically correct.
I'd rather be right.
The Bears still suck!
I'll never forget
that Monday nite game……….ridiculous
by bigbill992001 on Dec 31, 2010 2:53 AM CST up reply actions
you'll
never now——well, because it didn’t happen.
just more assumptions and hypotheticals. nothing concrete or based on facts.
just imagine how many super bowls marino could have won if the dolphins would have had a defense. wait more hypotheticals—-my bad.
As is every OPINION posted on this site.
just more assumptions and hypotheticals. nothing concrete or based on facts.
including yours!
Geez! Lighten up, dude!
The glass is still more than half-full!
I'd rather be correct, than politically correct.
I'd rather be right.
The Bears still suck!
1 playoff win in the 80's?
what’s hypothetical about that?
i think that’s pretty much fact——or am i wrong?
Organization
THe Packer organization was a complete MESS in the 70’s and 80’s! There were businessmen on the board who had say in the draft and FA! Even if Favre were in GB during that time I don’t think he would have made much difference! Franchise was just a complete clusterfuck back then… I honestly don’t think anyone could have won during that time… Player or Coach!!! It took Harlan taking over as CEO and him defining the chain of command and seperating the business from the football decisions to get Wolf to GB! Wolf actually turned the job down a year or 2 before being hired, cuz it was such a clusterfuck!
You've been Stroh'd™!!!
more
ifs and buts———
let me clear things up—-
" imagine if erin was the qb in the the 90’s when bertt was the qb—-erin would have won mor super bow;s"——-hypothetical
“cullen jenkins is the the packers best d-lineman”———opinion
“the packers won 1 playoff game in the 80’s”——-fact
i hope this clears things up for eveybody.
PS
i’m still sticking with 10-6 and 1 and done.
…….“i hope i’m wrong with the 1 and done”—————guess.
Enjoy patting yourself on the back?!
Nobody cares! I guessed 11-5 and a good playoff run. SB was a decent chance. Still is…
You've been Stroh'd™!!!
You would have to have been too young,
a sick drunk, or now have dementia to not remember the high flying Dickey days. The guy made the 80’s very enjoyable.
The 49-48 Monday night Washington game (which the Pack won) was an all-time classic.
Rodgers, playing lights out against the Cardinals in the playoffs, was very Dickey-like.
That was the best QBing (with high precision throwing) in GB since the Dickey days.
Finally seeing Rodgers play at that level again against the NYG has my hopes up again.
Why did it take so long to open things up again this year???
"Elderly"
Jeez. And that was the early 80s when I could drink beer and appreciate at least some of teh nuance of the game. I also remember Jerry Tagge and Don Horn. And I remember where I was watching the Ice Bowl in black and white (but I was just a child).
How about “senior” or “experienced”? That’d sting a little less.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Dec 30, 2010 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
I agree
“Elderly” is a bit harsh. I’m in my early 40s and remember Dickey because he was the quarterback when I really started paying attention to the Pack. I though 40 was the new 20.
Elderly,
Like what Mormons have…. I saw my first game at County Stadium, against the Giants (Packers 20; Giants 10). I’m fuzzy on the year, Dan Devine era, 1971ish, and I want to say Scott Hunter was under center. I only have a dim memory of Super Bowl II, and a Donny Anderson football card from the following year (who was traded for Lane — DA, not the card).
It wasn't Devine's Packers baptism in the 1971 season opener.
The glass is still more than half-full!
I'd rather be correct, than politically correct.
I'd rather be right.
The Bears still suck!
Damn typing fail.
The Packers lost that game, 42-40.
I wonder if, prior to the game, anybody extended to Devine that universal expression of wishes for good luck, “Break a leg.” :)
The glass is still more than half-full!
I'd rather be correct, than politically correct.
I'd rather be right.
The Bears still suck!
Yeah
it seemed like after Devine broke his leg things went south for him.
by bigbill992001 on Dec 31, 2010 6:13 PM CST up reply actions
if there was a list of GB quarterbacks, Dickey would probably be fourth behind Starr, Rodgers, and the nameless one
maybe there was someone in the 1920’s (cecil?)
The only glove he needs is a batting glove. - RWShow on Adam Dunn signing.
For sheer entertainment value,
I’d have to put Majik right after Brent.
Lynn was a pretty good QB, with some great receivers, on a series of awful teams.
DESTROY THE BEARS!!!!!
We have oto win regardless this weekend. It is the bears. fter the first game, we can not let them come in to our house and have any kind of success. It is time for a complete demoralization!!!!
LET’S GO PACK!!!
I'd settle for a W with no major injuries
I don’t think the Cardinals were demoralized when we took them apart in game 16 last year either.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Dec 30, 2010 1:04 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, I don't think they were demoralized
They took their starters out in the second quarter, so they sort of planned on being blown out.
"Tragedy is what happens to me. Comedy is what happens to you." -Mel Brooks
and with 18 fewer penalties
and a completely refurbished line up, the Bears are in for a serious whoopin’
by Farveuless Pack on Dec 30, 2010 9:59 PM CST up reply actions
At least Masthay has a sense of humor
[On the gameplan for Devin Hester] "We’ve got a game plan. I’ll probably just hit low line drives down the middle and 45 yards and see if he can do anything with it."
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
Now *that's* funny
And it’s a semi-swipe at the Giants, too. Good stuff.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Only funny if
he actually avoids his part in setting Hester up for a big run back.
Good to see he is confident enough to express some good old Wisconsin sarcasm humor.
Now he has to follow through, or look like a fool.
That’s what they call “gallows humor.” …making a joke about what you’re dreading.
by Curly Lambeau on Dec 30, 2010 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
If I was Masthay
I wouldn’t be making jokes about contributing to 2 of our losses this yr.
by bigbill992001 on Dec 30, 2010 4:32 PM CST up reply actions
I am a Patriots fan
And I think the Packers are the best team in the NFC. If they get in, I think they go to the Super Bowl.
tell me if I’m crazy or is this accurate?
I think we should wait until we get to the playoffs.
I am a superstitious type, but I will tempt fate and give you a response! :)
I think the Packers are the most dangerous team when all cylinders are clicking. When the passing attack is going, it is a thing of beauty. The defense is giving up some yards, but there is always that aspect of getting a turnover from this defense. I wish they got more (so many dropped picks ugh), but they are doing enough. :)
If this team is prepared to play, they will be top-tier. If they come out flat, they can be pushed around. The ebbs and flows of this team are so wild and so drastically different. One week they look like world-beaters, the next they look like they never practiced together.
by Bush League All Star on Dec 30, 2010 12:19 PM CST up reply actions
I think injuries had a lot to do with that
I consider the packers my NFC team, btw.
But I do not want them to play the Patriots again if they have rodgers this time. I believe he is one of the best QBs in football.
by Marisa Ingemi on Dec 30, 2010 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
Hey, Marisa
are you just cruising my team blogs on SB Nation today? First I go to Camden Chat, and your there, now I go to Acme Packing Company, and your there, too.
"Tragedy is what happens to me. Comedy is what happens to you." -Mel Brooks
I just like to
check out different blogs a lot. I consider the orioles and packers my secondary teams actually, lol.
by Marisa Ingemi on Dec 30, 2010 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
yeah Marisa
im the same way
i like to read what other fans think about their teams and the teams they are playing, makes for some interesting reading sometimes
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Dec 31, 2010 4:05 PM CST up reply actions
orioles chat
dang i am from and live in bmore and dont go near that chat lol
Go Bears
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Dec 31, 2010 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
If the OL plays their Dr Jekyll game instead of the Mr Hyde one
and the LBs don’t get too schemed by the likes of a (for example) Tony Gonzales or Greg Olsen, the Packers are quite capable.
But if not, well next year looks VERY promising.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Dec 30, 2010 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
Or is it the mean nasty Mr Hyde game they SHOULD play?
anyway you catch my drift I hope. We want the OL that showed up against the Pats and the Giants and not the one that did against the Lions (or Bears for that matter).
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Dec 30, 2010 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not ready to
declare anybody the best team in the NFC until the playoff field is set. But as far as the AFC goes, nothing against the Patriots, but I think I like Baltimore to come out of there.
"Tragedy is what happens to me. Comedy is what happens to you." -Mel Brooks
Baltimore scares me
They are the one team I do not want to face in the AFC. Anyone else does not really worry me.
by Marisa Ingemi on Dec 30, 2010 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
They have proven to be able to beat them
And the game would be at new england, where they have not lost with Brady for three years.
by Marisa Ingemi on Dec 30, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
No kidding
You may have won your three last reg season meetings against them, but every win was as close to being a loss as it ever gets. Even in your prefect 2007 season, Baltimore and Kyle Boller was the team that come closest to spoiling that during reg season. That win was very very fortunate.
Of course the memories of that WC spanking last year in Foxboro should be very fresh. That D makes every QB look silly, even Tom Brady. Doesn’t help that Terrell Suggs seem to be a huge Tom Brady fan.
by Rodgers_for_MVP on Dec 30, 2010 1:53 PM CST up reply actions
I think this is accurate. I personally we’ve got more talent than anybody else but we also make more mistakes then anybody else. If we do make it’ll just depend on how many mistakes we make.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Dec 30, 2010 2:44 PM CST up reply actions
If we get into the playoffs
and that’s a big IF, since we are our own worst enemy, I’m sure there are some teams that aren’t looking forward to playing us.
by bigbill992001 on Dec 30, 2010 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
i think
we’ll have to wait 5 weeks for that answer——which includes the patriots as well.
Wow
No NFC West team has a weighted-DVOA better than 24. And one of them is going to the playoffs. Heck, the worst team by weighted-DVOA has a chance to make the playoffs (Seattle).
I’ve been thinking about this for the last couple of weeks, but if you were a fan of either the Seahawks for the Rams, would you rather they win this week (and the division), go to the playoffs, and get one of the last 12 picks in the first round, or lose and get seeded for the draft appropriately by record? Because it isn’t like both of those teams couldn’t use a high draft pick…
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
Interesting thing to think about. Both of them picked in the top 10 last draft, with the Rams going 1st! I think they could for sure both use another early pick but obviously they both can’t get it. Seems like making the playoffs will probably hurt whoever ends up making it. Maybe not so much for the Rams though because I think Bradford will eventually develop into a top Qb in the league.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Dec 30, 2010 2:50 PM CST up reply actions
My friend is a Rams fan,
and he’s cheering for the playoffs. They haven’t gone in several years, and he’s just cheering for as much success as possible after the last few seasons of complete suckage.
Omaha's Christmas List:
Anthony Tolliver to get healthy and resume doing this (see picture).
The Suns to go on a tear with their new parts.
A healthy Green Bay Packers team for a deep playoff run.
Gregory Echenique to become the love-child of Charles Barkley and Dikembe Mutombo.
Bubba Starling to say "Screw baseball" and head to Lincoln to take Taylor Martinez's job.
to be honest
im more afraid of the rams than any other team
they were picked to be last in the nfc or near that
for them to be in position to make the playoffs let alone make it forces them to be the most dangerous team
they have a young defense a rookie qb and a young receiver corps they have nothing to lost because they have already far exceeded expectations… thats the team that can just pin its ears back and fly on both sides of the ball
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Dec 31, 2010 4:07 PM CST up reply actions
Any chance Corey Wootton gets a standing ovation at Lambeau?

"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
The spread
I never gamble, but at Packers -10 I’m tempted to pick the Bears to cover, as a happy hedge for the weekend.
keep your money
The Pack is rolling and will have this one put away by the end of the 3rd.
by GM Gentry on Dec 31, 2010 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Biggest reason to beat the bears...
Favre’s personal request of Peppers after that beautiful showing
by Farveuless Pack on Dec 31, 2010 9:16 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
rodgers is a playing legend after a few seasons
the guy plays with a cool not seen since Montana
by Lukas John Van Hammond on Dec 31, 2010 1:46 PM CST reply actions
I'd say a QB that plays in NE
has that crown
I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005
by White92 on Dec 31, 2010 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Just wondering
I read a comment on another page like this which said that Rodgers refuses to sign autographs, and either is rude, or avoids all contact with fans during training camp. They also said that he refuses to take part in the bike-riding tradition thing that they do…
Can someone let me know if this is true? I’m a big fan of Rodgers so I was just curious
Difference
I think Rodgers refuses to sign autographs only when its for personal gain thing by the fans. He signs alot of autographs for charities and things of that nature from what I’ve heard. Can’t blame him too much if he doesn’t do the bike thing! Can you imagine how many kids would surround him while trying to ride a bike wanting an autograph or getting in the way. That seems more like a safety thing… I don’t know any of this for sure, but it makes some sense when looked at it in that light! So the difference is a matter of priorities, not being rude.
You've been Stroh'd™!!!
Maybe he doesn't know how to ride a bike?
Omaha's Christmas List:
Anthony Tolliver to get healthy and resume doing this (see picture).
The Suns to go on a tear with their new parts.
A healthy Green Bay Packers team for a deep playoff run.
Gregory Echenique to become the love-child of Charles Barkley and Dikembe Mutombo.
Bubba Starling to say "Screw baseball" and head to Lincoln to take Taylor Martinez's job.
He strikes me as more of a Razor Scooter kind of guy...
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
false
funny how a kid in arizona knows more than the people that acyually live in GB.
rodgers—-doesn’t sign autographs and isn’t accessible to the public. that’s who he is. right or wrong --i could care less, but to defend a statement that is true——from somebody that 0 knowledge of the fact isfunny.
Funny!!!
Is that I grew up and lived w/in 2 miles of Lambeau till I about 13 yrs ago!!! I know a little about the bike thing, since I was one of them! I haven’t live there for over a decade but that doesn’t mean I don’t read! Everything I’ve heard/read about Rodgers is that he signs autographs in certain situations only… Not that YOU would know when he does or doesn’t!
You've been Stroh'd™!!!
Everything I’ve heard/read about Rodgers is that he signs autographs in certain situations only…
Yep, I remember reading some on JS Online about this. I believe it was the 1st part of a two part segment that Lori Nickel did on Rodgers. I can only find part 2 right now, which didn’t talk about autographs at all. I remember him talking about signing autographs though, and saying that he didn’t like when people came up to him when he’s in a social situation with family or friends - I think he said something about being out to eat specifically.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Jan 1, 2011 10:18 PM CST up reply actions
Yep, thats what I read too...
Couldn’t remember the specifics, but I knew there were times he didn’t or wouldn’t sign… But your right, I think it was in social situations.
You've been Stroh'd™!!!
He signs stuff at training camp...
I went with my uncle and my two cousins—3 and 5 years old—and got autographs from him. He talked with us for a good 20 minutes as well. :) Proof is in the picture. Never been rude or shy. This is purely anecdotal, but that is my experience.
by Bush League All Star on Jan 1, 2011 10:13 PM CST up reply actions
There was a good reply to this question where you left it on another post.
Apparently he’s very gracious and signs a lot of autographs.
by Curly Lambeau on Jan 1, 2011 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

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