As expected, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has promoted quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to the position of offensive coordinator, replacing Joe Philbin, now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Clements has been McCarthy's QB coach for the past six years and has been instrumental in the development of Aaron Rodgers into a Pro Bowl quarterback and the likely NFL Most Valuable Player this season. Before joining the Packer staff, Clements coordinated the Buffalo Bills offense for two seasons in 2004-2005. He has also been an assistant in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, New Orleans and his alma mater, Notre Dame. He led the Irish to the national championship in 1973 and finished 4th in the Heisman Trophy voting the following year. Clements never really got a shot in the NFL but went north of the border and became a star in the Canadian Football League, winning a pair of Grey Cup championships and making the All-Star squad six times. He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame after a 12 year career. McCarthy could promote another assistant into Clements position, tight ends coach Ben McAdoo is a possibility.
The Oakland Raiders have asked permission from the Pack to interview secondary coach Joe Whitt for the job of defensive coordinator for new Raiders head coach Dennis Allen. Allen was hired by former Packers personel director and Oakland's new GM Reggie McKenzie who has given his coach authority to fill out his staff. Whitt, 33 is an up and coming coach who joined the Packers 4 years ago as a quality control defensive assistant.
Mike Holmgren, the 11th head coach in Green Bay Packers history, who led the Pack to the Super Bowl XXXI Championship and took the team to a second consecutive title game, will be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame this summer. He won 84 games in his 7 seasons as head coach, made the playoffs 6 straight years and helped ressurect a franchise that had gone dormant for nearly a generation. On Tuesday, Wisconsin reporters, including myself who covered the entire Holmgren era, had a chance to visit with him about his induction and his memories of a magical time in Titletown. Here are some of the highlights.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy held his season ending news conference this afternoon at the Lambeau Field Media Auditorium. It lasted about 30 minutes and covered just about every topic imaginable. Some of the more minor details included JohnKuhn suffering a knee sprain that will keep the fullback out of his first Pro Bowl unfortunately. Greg Jennings suffered a rib sprain against the Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff but he should be able to play in Hawaii, along with Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and Scott Wells. McCarthy and his staff will coach the NFC squad in Honolulu on January 29. Mike spent Monday and Tuesday conducting exit interviews with every player, Wednesday he reviewed all aspects of the defense with coordinator Dom Capers, he'll do the same with special teams and Shaun Slocum Thursday and finally Joe Philbin and the offense on Friday. Philbin interviewed with the Miami Dolphins for a second time and is among the three finalists for the job. There's also a report quarterback coach Tom Clements will interview for the Tampa Bay head coaching position. McCarthy said he has a quality staff and there will be opportunities for some in the coming weeks. There was also plenty of big picture questioning and to hear the highlights, click on the link below. It was odd leaving the stadium today after grinding through another campaign that began in July and carried to the post-season, with such a suddenly disappointing finish. Time for the team, the fans and yes, the media to decompress a little bit before the cycle starts over with free agency, the draft, the mini-camps, organized team activities, training camp and...can't wait 'till next year!
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame announced today it will induct Mike Holmgren into the hall this summer. The Super Bowl winning coach will be the only member of the Class of 2012 when the Hall of Fame holds the induction banquet at the Lambeau Field Atrium on Saturday July 21. Holmgren was hired by General Manager Ron Wolf in 1992 and led the resurgence of the Packers culminating with the 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI. The former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator began the turnaround immediately, going 9-7 in his first season, a five game improvement from the previous season. It started a run of 7 straight winning seasons and club record-six consecutive playoff appearances. In 1993 and 1994, the Packers under Holmgren earned Wild Card berths and defeated the Detroit Lions only to fall to the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round. In 1995, the Packers won the NFC Central Title for the first time since 1972, defeated Atlanta in the opening round and then broke through with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Candlestick Park, before bowing out in the NFC Championship game, again, against the Cowboys in Dallas. Not to be denied, in Holmgren's 5th year, the Packers produced the NFC's best record at 13-3 and defeated the 49ers and hosted the NFC Title game against Carolina, winning 30-13 to reach the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Led by Brett Favre, Reggie White and Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard, the Packers defeated the Patriots to capture their third Super Bowl title and 12th NFL Championship. Holmgren led the Packers to a second straight Super Bowl in 1997, only to be denied back to back titles by the upset minded Denver Broncos. In Holmgren's final year, the Pack again reached the post-season with an 11-5 record but were knocked out of the Wild Card round by the 49ers at Candlestick 30-27 when Terrell Owens caught a Steve Young touchdown in the closing seconds. Holmgren's career record of 84-42 included a regular season mark of 75-37 and 9-5 in the playoffs. It's third on the franchise victory list behind Curley Lambeau and Vince Lombardi and only Lombardi had a higher winning percentage. Under Holmgren, the Packers went 47-5 at Lambeau Field and reeled off a club record 25 straight victories, second longest home winning streak in NFL history. Holmgren went on to become head coach and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, leading that team to a Super Bowl berth and after a year in retirement, returned to the NFL as president of the Cleveland Browns. Holmgren and his wife Kathy have three daughters.
Tickets for the banquet which begins with a cash bar reception at 4:30 with a dinner and program following at 7:00 PM, are $135.00 each and can be purchased by calling Gwen Borga at (920) 965-6984.
Cleaning Day
Posted January 17, 2012 by
Mark Daniels
The Green Bay Packers spent Monday attending one final team meeting and then one by one, visited with head coach Mike McCarthy for a little exit meeting. The plan was to do all this in another couple of weeks but that was derailed by the New York Giants who came to Lambeau Field Sunday night and eliminated the 15-1 Packers 37-20 in the NFC Divisional Round. The Packers became the 6th consecutive Super Bowl champion that failed to win a post-season game the year after their title. It was an understandably quiet locker room when the players broke from the team meeting around 9:00 AM to clean out the lockers, stuff boxes or garbage bags full of shoes, toiletries and photos of the wife and kids. The locker room was open to the media for about an hour but several players avoided the press ready with more questions about what happened Sunday and what are your off-season plans? Clay Matthews came down the hall from the meeting room, took one look at the assembled media corps, turned and headed for cover in the trainer's room. With a crowd surrounding his locker, Matt Flynn strolled in but was quickly grabbed by guard Josh Sitton who escorted him to the player's lounge, off-limits to the press. If only Aaron Rodgers had that kind of protection Sunday! Flynn is among a group of unrestricted free agents who's contract expires in March. He will be sought after by several teams. Third stringer Graham Harrell thinks Flynn will be an excellent starter and he's anxious for his first off-season as a Packer, including McCarthy's quarterback school in the spring, bolstering his shot to become the number 2. Donald Driver talked about his future, hoping it's with the Packers. Several other players strolled in and offered their thoughts on the Giants game and the off-season. On the link below, you'll hear some of those players who were willing to share their thoughts on the unexpected last day of the season.
They did it again. Decided underdogs on the road in the playoffs, the New York Giants unceremoniously ended a glorious season for the defending Super Bowl champions, knocking the Packers out of the post-season with a convincing 37-20 victory before 72.080 fans. The visitors played the Pack tough at home just five weeks ago and came to town after a 24-2 Wild Card victory over Atlanta, while the Packers' excitement of the first home playoff game since the bitter 2007 NFC title game loss to yes, the Giants, seemed to have been dulled by the turbulent week leading up to kickoff. It wasn't just the tragedy that struck Joe Philbin's family, the Packers lost their number two personel man in Reggie McKenzie which led to speculation some Green Bay assistants were high on his list to coach his Oakland Raiders. There was the shocking Monday learning of the death of Michael Philbin, the wake on Thursday, the funeral on Friday and the Packers quite frankly, played very distracted football. After fumbling only 6 times all year, they lost three and it could have been five. There were more dropped passes, at least a half dozen from nearly every receiver and there was an embarrassing hail mary touchdown on the final play of the first half that gave the Giants a 20-10 lead at intermission. Hakeem Nicks out jumped Charles Woodson and Charlie Peprah for a stunning 37 yard score from which the Packers could not recover. The teams traded field goals and touchdowns on the game's first four posessions. Green Bay should have had the first touchdown but Aaron Rodgers missed an open Greg Jennings at the five which led to Mason Crosby's tying 47 yard boot. Nicks then took a medium pass a long ways, bouncing off a Peprah hit for a 66 yard touchdown. The Pack came right back with John Kuhn scoring on an 8 yard pass from Rodgers. The Packer special teams and defense then made a couple of plays, Brad Jones blocked a Lawrence Tynes field goal try and Morgan Burnett intercepted an overthrown pass from Eli Manning, about the only mistake he made. But four snaps later, Kuhn fumbled which led to a Tynes field goal and when the Packers couldn't move, punted the ball away. The Giants were without a timeout with 41 seconds left in the half and faced third and one at their own 40 with 15 seconds remaining. Ahmad Bradshaw then reversed his field on a sweep left and gained 23 yards getting out of bounds with :06 to go. Manning then heaved the ball deep and Nicks silenced the Lambeau crowd with his catch. The Packers deferred on the coin toss and had it first ini the third quarter, moving to the New York 30 but Osi Umenyiora knocked the ball out of Rodgers' hand and Deon Grant recovered. The Packers got it back which led to a Crosby 35 yard field goal and Green Bay was within 7 and forced another three and out. McCarthy gambled on a 4th and 5 at the New York 39 and Rodgers was sacked by Michael Boley. The Giants tacked on three more before the backbreaking turnover arrived. Ryan Grant fumbled at the 44 and Chase Blackburn picked up the loose ball and returned it to the 4 yard line. On the next snap, Manning hit Mario Manningham for a touchdown that made it 30-13. A Donald Driver touchdown catch of 16 yards pulled Green Bay to within 10 but New York recovered the onside kick and Brandon Jacobs closed out the scoring with a 14 yard with only 2:36 remaining. New York outgained the Packers 420-388 as Manning outperformed Rodgers to the tune of 330 yards passing and a rating of 114.5 to Rodgers 264 and 78.5. New York won the turnover battle 4-1 and had far fewer mistakes. Rodgers was also sacked 4 times and got flushed enough that he was the game's leading rusher with 66 yards on 7 scrambles. Green Bay is now just 2-4 in it's last 6 playoff games at home with the visitors from the Big Apple winning the last two. The 15-1 regular season and the number one seed went poof! in an agonzing 3 hours and 14 minutes. On the link below, post-game quotes from both the winning Giants and the embarrased and very disappointed Green Bay Packers.
It's been a difficult week on Lombardi Avenue and it seems like it's been a month, not a week since the Packers last played but the NFC Divisional Playoff against the New York Giants is finally at hand. The two teams who have combined for 20 NFL titles kick it off Sunday afternoon at 3:30 at Lambeau Field, the 4th and final Divisional round game of the weekend. The death of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin's son cast a pall on the organization, understandably so and the funeral for 21 year old Michael Philbin is Friday afternoon. Several players attended the visitation Thursday night as did former Packers head coach Mike Sherman. A large contingent is also expected for the service. Philbin has taken a leave of absence from the team and is not expected to be in his customary spot in the press box Sunday. Philbin's leave impacted the players during the week, in meetings and on the practice field where he normally would conduct the power point presentations on the game plan and run the offensive portion of team drills on the practice field. Mike McCarthy will notice the absence on game day where Philbin is usually in constant communication with McCarthy on play calls, suggestions and tendencies. I'm not sure how the duties will be allocated Sunday but my guess is either running backs coach Jerry Fontenot, receiver coach Edgar Bennett or tight end coach Ben McAdoo will handle that role.
The Packers will have a nearly clean bill of health for the game, in fact they'll start the preferred offensive line of Chad Clifton, T.J. Lang, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton and Bryan Bulaga for the first time together since week 3 against the Chicago Bears. Greg Jennings, James Starks and Randall Cobb are also good to go on the offense. Sitton, along with A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop missed the first Giants game at MetLife Stadium December 4 and they'll be back on the field Sunday.
As for the matchups: You have to start with the Giants strength, their pass rush. 48 sacks on the season, 41 just from the defensive line led by Jason Pierre-Paul with 16.5. Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Chris Canty and Dave Tollefson join Pierre-Paul to form an interchangeable group that doesn't need a lot of blitzing help to create pressure. If Clifton shows any signs of rust, the Packers won't hesitate to turn to Marshall Newhouse who admittedly had a hard time containing Pierre-Paul last month. Given just a smidgen of time, Aaron Rodgers will have to make quick reads against a lot of 7 man coverage sure to clog route lanes and passing windows. I expect the Packers to treat this game a lot like they do when they face Chicago, hold the line and work underneath to Jermichael Finley or checkdown running backs, picking spots to challenge downfield. A significant running game can not only reduce pressure from the rush, but possibly break into the second and third levels of a defense intent on not getting beat through the air. For the Packers defense, it has to start with the run. Brandon Jacobs and Amad Bradshaw are finally rounding into form, they ran strong against the Packers in December and were even better in New York's wild card victory over Atlanta. Taking away the run and denying play action opportunities for Eli Manning will go a long way toward cutting down the explosive gains in the air that hurt this defense in the last meeting. Tight end Travis Beckum, receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz all had gains of at least 40 yards in that game. Communication has to improve at the back end and with better coverage comes more opportunities to swipe an errant Manning throw. He hurried decision on the first place of the second quarter last month led to Clay Matthew's pick six. Another key for the Pack, the hunger factor from the players who could only watch last year's run to the Lombardi trophy in Dallas. 15 players on injured reserve last season including Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, Brad Jones and Morgan Burnett, all expected starters this weekend. They all need to be productive for the Packers to advance. Finally, 16 players on the roster where bundled in layers the last time these two teams met in the post-season, the bitterly cold January night in 2008 that ended in a most-bitter overtime loss, 23-20. While the Giants have the same feeling of destiny on their Super Bowl run, culminated by the victory that denied New England an unbeaten championship, the Packers who took part in that NFC title game do not want to let that happen again. I think the Packers want to help Joe Philbin recover from his loss by delivering a well executed game, and they also want to get one step closer to a second straight Super Bowl appearance. I like the Pack to win 27-21. On the link below, hear the quotes from both the Packers and the Giants on how they view the NFC Divisional Playoff matchup.
The first significant snowfall of winter descended upon Titletown today and chased the Packers inside the Don Hutson Center for practice. Head Coach Mike McCarthy said it was still productive, they left all the doors open and even turned on the fans to simulate a little more winter wind. It will be the final strenuous workout of the week. A shells practice, again likely inside Friday will wrap up the preparation for the New York Giants and the NFC Divisional Playoff game Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field. McCarthy said one of the most difficult decisions coming before the game will be to decide who will sit it out. For the first time since perhaps mid-September, the entire squad took part in the practices this week. Settling on the inactives and the 46 who will dress will require some deliberation at the game management meeting on Saturday. Only two players were limited at practice, Randall Cobb with a sore groin and Robert Francois with a hamstring pull. McCarthy talked with Cobb during the return portion of practice and said with a light workout Friday and 50 hours to rest before game time, he should be fine. I spoke with Cobb in the locker room after practice and he has no doubts he'll be ready. He could give the Packers a big field position boost, finishing number one in the NFC and second in the league this year in kickoff returns. Full participants again included the starting tackles, Bryan Bulaga and Chad Clifton along with James Starks and Greg Jennings.
The Playoff captains were elected by the squad this week. It'll be Aaron Rodgers and Donald Driver on offense, Charles Woodson and A.J.Hawk on defense and Mason Crosby and Jarrett Bush on special teams.
Visitation for Michael Philbin is being held Thursday afternoon and evening with funeral services Friday afternoon in Green Bay. McCarthy said the team will be finished with meetings and practice on both days and he's left it up to the individual players if they want to attend. The 21 year old son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin died Monday, his body found in the Fox River in Oshkosh after what's been ruled a drowning. Toxicology test results won't be back for several weeks. The death cast a pall on the organization all week and it's not known if Philbin, on a leave of absence, will attend the game Sunday.
The Packers got back on the practice field under incredibly balmy, January conditions today and Mike McCarthy reported his team is healthy as it's been in months. Nobody was withheld completely from the workout in 45 degree temperatures on Ray Nitschke Field. The only players limited were Chad Clifton with his knee and back but he's expected to start against the Giants on Sunday. Robert Francois was limited with a sore hamstring and Randall Cobb was still limited with a sore groin. Bryan Bulaga was a full participant coming off his knee sprain, as was James Starks, for the first time in weeks working off a nagging ankle injury and wide receiver Greg Jennings was a full participant for the first time since spraining his MCL against the Oakland Raiders in December. McCarthy said there was excellent energy and tempo at practice and the team is anxious to protect the hard earned homefield advantage on Sunday against New York. That was the good news. As for the bad news, the Joe Philbin tragedy was openly discussed by the team for the first time and on the link below you'll hear the quotes from McCarthy and the players about pressing on without their offensive coordinator who lost his son Michael on Monday.
Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, on a leave of absence from the Packers following the weekend death of his 21 year old son Michael, issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon through the team's public relations department. It reads, "We love Michael so much and will miss him dearly. He loved his family, friends and life. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. We are appreciative of the prayers and the support of our family, friends and the Packers family. We ask for continued respect and privacy for our family as we deal with our loss. Our family also wants to thank the Oshkosh Police Department, Winnebago County Dive/Rescue/Recovery Team and the Winnebago County Coroner's office for their efforts and compassion during this difficult ordeal."
Michael Philbin was reported missing early Sunday morning and after authorities received a report of a man heard yelling for help in the Fox River, discovered the body Monday and made a positive identification Monday night. Joe Philbin is not expected to be with the team when the Packers host the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff game Sunday afternoon. Mike McCarthy said earlier this week contingency plans are in place to deal with Philbin's absence.
Former Green Bay Director of Football Operations Reggie McKenzie was formally introduced as the new General Manager of the Oakland Raiders Tuesday afternoon. He didn't waste any time getting to work, firing head coach Hue Jackson after he finished 8-8 in his only season on the job. McKenzie said he understands the tradition of the Raiders but, "it's time for a change and that time is now." There are numerous reports McKenzie is very interested in Green Bay assistant head coach and linebackers coach Winston Moss to succeed Jackson. McKenzie will likely have to wait until the Packers are eliminated from the playoffs or win the Super Bowl to talk to Moss. Safety coach Darren Perry has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
There was supposed to be a ton of excitement at 1265 Lombardi Avenue on Monday as the Green Bay Packers returned from their well deserved bye week to formally open defense of their Super Bowl Championship by beginning preparations for the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff coming this Sunday. Instead, it was a somber place as the news just kept getting worse. Police in Oshkosh reported the 21 year old son of Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin was missing. Michael Philbin, a Ripon college student, was visiting friends in Oshkosh over the weekend but was last seen early Sunday morning. Then came a report a body was found in the Fox River and by Monday night, Philbin's worst fears were realized. Identification was confirmed and the Packer coach had lost a son. Philbin has taken a leave of abscence and head coach Mike McCarthy said the entire organization's prayers are with his long-time confidant and contigency plans are in place to deal with his departure from the team to deal with the loss. Monday was also the day guard T.J. Lang was in Michigan to bury his 55 year old father who passed away last week. McCarthy's press conference lasted all of five minutes and after taking a few questions about the Phiblin story, he unenthusiastically fielded queries about the Giants. A Packers public relations employee then informed the assembled media the normal open locker room to visit with players was cancelled. It will now be Wednesday afternoon, following practice when we'll get to hear from the team about the Sunday matchup. The professionalism of the franchise will be tested but it will be nothing like the challenge facing Philbin and his family.
ESPN reported late Thursday night the Oakland Raiders have hired Green Bay Packers Director of Football Operations Reggie McKenzie to be their new General Manager. McKenzie, 48, has been with the Pack's personel department since 1994. He was hired by then, GM Ron Wolf, himself a former Raider executive, who gave Oakland a glowing reccomendation. McKenzie played collegiately at Tennesse and was a 10th round pick of the Raiders in 1985. He played for years for the Raiders while they were located in Los Angeles before wrapping up his career with the Cardinals and 49ers. Joining the Packers as a pro personel assistant, McKenzie gradually worked himself up the ranks to become one of the most trusted evaluators of talent for GM Ted Thompson. McKenzie has extensive scouting experience in all facets of personel, from the college draft, to current NFL players and talent in various other leagues from Canada to Arena Football. Reggie and his wife June have four children. On a personal note, I've known Reggie since he came to Green Bay and the Raiders have hired a very good man.
Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is getting another head coaching interview, this one with the Miami Dolphins. Philbin interviewed in Kansas City earlier this week.
The Wild Card weekend is here and while the Packers get to sit back and enjoy the football, by Sunday evening, they'll know who is coming to Lambeau for the Divisional Round of the Playoffs on the 15th. They might know by Saturday night if the Detroit Lions spring the upset and beat the Saints in New Orleans. The over-under for this aerial circus is a playoff record 59. The Saints went unbeaten at home and defeated the Lions 31-17 at the Superdome earlier, a game that Ndamukong Suh missed as part of his two game suspension. I pity the secondary coaches for both teams and unless the Saints make a ton of mistakes with turnovers, I can't see the Lions outscoring them. I like New Orleans to win in the dome, 34-27. The opening game features two unlikely teams Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston against the Texans in the first playoff game in that franchise's history. For the first time in playoff history, a pair of rookie quarterbacks will start against each other. Andy Dalton for the Bengals and T.J. Yates, the third stringer for the Texans. Houston won at Cincinnati on a last second touchdown pass in the regular season and jacked up by a rabid home crowd at Reliant Stadium, I expect big days from Arian Foster and Ben Tate on the ground and the Texans will make their first playoff game a pleasant one, Houston 23, Cincinnati 19. On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants were given up for dead just a month ago but the defensive line caught a second wind and came up with 11 sacks in their last two games against the Jets and Cowboys. That rush covered up a weak secondary and Eli Manning put together perhaps his best regular season yet with the emergence of Victor Cruz at receiver. The Falcons mortgaged their draft to get Julio Jones to give Matt Ryan another target beyond Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Thrown in Michael Turner's thousand yards and the Falcons will prove to be a tough out but I think it will be New York at home, 31-23. Finally, the 8-8 Denver Broncos welcome the 12-4 Pittsburgh Steelers to Mile High. The Tim Tebow luster faded badly down the stretch as the Broncos lost three in a row but still won the West. The Steelers are without Rashard Mendehall and Ben Roethlisberger is still gimpy with a high ankle sprain. Defensive back Ryan Clark will stay home with a medical condition that gets dicey in the high altitude. The rest of the Steeler defense will make life miserable for Tebow and my pick is the Steelers getting it done on the road 20-10. That would create the following matchups for the Divisional round, the Packers hosting the Giants and New Orleans traveling to San Francisco in the NFC, while the Steelers would pack their bags for New England and Houston will travel to Baltimore. Let's watch it unfold.
