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For four area teams, this year's trip to the 2003 Wisconsin High School Football Championships in Madison, Wis. included a layover in Titletown.

The Green Bay Packers organization this week opened the doors to the Don Hutson Center indoor practice facility -- which has the same FieldTurf surface as the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium -- for practice sessions for teams from Brillion, Notre Dame, Ripon and St. Mary's Springs High Schools.

Brillion (12-1) will challenge Poynette (13-0) Thursday (4 p.m.) for the state title after advancing to the finals with a close win over Lady Smith, 14-7, in Division 5 play, while St. Mary's Springs (10-3) will play Stratford (13-0) for the Division 6 crown (1 p.m.).

In Division 4 play, Ripon (13-0) will face Brodhead/Juda (11-2) in the final game Thursday night (7 p.m.).

Green Bay Notre Dame (13-0) continued their unbeaten streak last week with a 27-22 victory over Medford to advance to the finals t..

Packers Honored At 22nd Annual Marian College & Industry Awards

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 16:08:39 CST

The Green Bay Packers were one of nine Wisconsin businesses and individuals recently honored at the 22nd annual Marian College (Fond du Lac, Wis.) Business & Industry Awards.

The Regional Economic Development Award recognizes the Packers' efforts to transform Lambeau Field into a year-round tourist destination following the completion of the $295 million renovation of the hallowed stadium.

"It means a great deal to us that they would include the Packers with some of the elite businesses of our state," said John Jones, Packers executive vice president and COO. "It's a great tribute to all the great people on the management team of the organization and how hard they have worked to make the stadium and the new world of an everyday destination tourism venue successful."

In 2002, with only the new Pro Shop open and several gate sponsorships sold, the Packers' NFL revenue ranking for the fiscal year 2002-03 jumped from 20th to 10th. And with this month's openi..

Packers To Host Punt, Pass & Kick Competition

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 16:17:27 CST

Having survived the local and sectional competitions, 40 youngsters from throughout Wisconsin will compete in the Team Championships of the NFL/Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick Competition before the Packers-49ers game, Sunday, Nov. 23 at Lambeau Field.

Divided into four age divisions (8/9, 10/11, 12/13 and 14/15) with boys and girls competing separately, the participants in each age group will compete for an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Finals at an NFL playoff game in January.

Brock Makholm (boys age 8-9), grandson of Packers director of corporate security Jerry Parins, and Mitch Wagner (boys 10-11), son of Packers director of ticket operations Mark Wagner, are among six local participants competing in the tournament.

Shannon Gilbertson, Green Bay (girls 10-11); Shana Vandertie, Kewaunee (girls 12-13); Matthew Rickert, Bowler (boys 12-13); and Alicia O'Donnell, Green Bay (girls 14-15) also advanced to the Team Championships.

Last year, local..

Fewer Passes No Problem For Packers

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 23:10:46 CST

Wednesday, standing in the media auditorium at Lambeau Field, Brett Favre found that even in his 13th NFL season, football can still surprise him.

He'd just finished talking about the importance of a strong rushing attack, even supporting his argument by pointing out that the only time he passed for 400 yards, against the Chicago Bears in 1993, the Green Bay Packers lost the game.

But as Favre harked back to last weekend's 20-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, he couldn't hide his amazement.

"Who would have thought," Favre marveled aloud, "(that) I'd throw for 92 yards and we'd beat Tampa at Tampa?"

Until last weekend, probably no one.

Although Favre's legions of fans perhaps over-romanticize some of his abilities from time to time -- imaging a man who throws for 300 yards just by rolling out of bed -- his reputation as a gunslinger is well earned.

None of Favre's records, including three NFL MVPs, has ..

Butler: Big Win Could Turn Things Around

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:42:32 CST

If you're a fan of the Green Bay Packers, last weekend's win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was yet another example of how important it is to stay loyal to your team and not jump ship.

A few weeks back, the Packers had their backs against the wall and won in the Metrodome. Last week they had their backs against the wall and won at Raymond James Stadium.

Now, all of a sudden, the Packers are only one game behind Minnesota for first place in the NFC North, and all they need to do to make the post-season is keep from backing up against that wall again!

There are six games left in the regular season, and a lot can happen in that time, but the Packers look like a team that's on a mission.

To get to the playoffs, they're going to need the support of their many great fans, especially with a big home game coming up against the San Francisco 49ers.

Of course the way the Packers played last weekend, it looks like they could win any place, any tim..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

By LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:15:41 CST

LeRoy, the Packers have a better road record than home record. What is wrong with them at Lambeau? Do they still believe that the other team will fold just because they are playing at the most hallowed field in the league, or are the Packers just that inconsistent? - Matt (River Falls, WI)

It is interesting that the Packers have struggled at home this year, but I don't think it's because they expect teams to lay down for them at Lambeau Field. Remember that two of the Packers' losses, against quality opponents in the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, were games in which the Packers gave up leads in the fourth quarter.

That said, I'm sure the Packers have been extra motivated on the road recently. Their last two road games against the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers came in must-win situations. And try as they might, it's hard to replicate that 'me against the world' attitude when the stakes aren't as high.

But, as I've said ..

Packers.com Adds To Special Edition Wallpapers

Tue, 18 Nov 2003 15:05:34 CST

Since the 2003 season began, Packers.com has been paying tribute to the Green Bay Packers' storied past with the Legends of the Green and Gold desktop wallpaper series.

Already, wallpapers have been released honoring each of the 20 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who played the majority of their careers for the Packers.

Today, the series continues with a new wallpaper paying tribute to the Packers' 12 world championships -- the most in NFL history.

Winning their first three titles by league standing (1929, 1930 and 1931), and nine since the NFL's playoff system was established in 1933 (1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1996), Green Bay is the only NFL team to win three straight titles, having done so twice (1929-30-31 and 1965-66-67).

In addition, the Packers won the first two Super Bowls (over Kansas City in 1966, 35-10, and over Oakland in 1967, 33-14), as well as Super Bowl X..

Sherman Counting On Favre Against San Francisco

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2003 17:26:33 CST

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman doesn't doubt that Brett Favre was in pain Sunday night after the Green Bay Packers quarterback struck his broken thumb on the helmet of offensive guard Mike Wahle in the fourth quarter of a 20-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But he's just as confident that the incident -- while potentially devastating -- did nothing to hurt Favre's chances of starting this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field.

Considering that Favre has now started 200 consecutive games, including postseason -- an NFL record among quarterbacks -- that prediction hardly puts Sherman in the company of Nostradamus, but it's still good news for a team that's clawed itself to within one game of the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings.

"It's healing as we speak," Sherman said Monday of Favre's broken thumb, which was initially injured on a similar play against the St. Louis Rams, Oct. 19.

"Obviously, when you bang it, it's going to hu..

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Mon, 17 Nov 2003 10:27:17 CST

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AP Story: Packers Top The Bucs, 20-13, In Tampa Bay

Sun, 16 Nov 2003 18:51:00 CST

Green Bay had Tampa Bay 's once-vaunted defense on the verge of collapse, so coach Mike Sherman was determined to finish them off.

Facing fourth-and-1 from the Buccaneers 16 in a tie game, the Packers sent Najeh Davenport barreling up the middle for 5 yards instead of going for a go-ahead field goal. Three plays later, Ahman Green scored from the 1 to finish a 98-yard march that gave the Packers a 20-13 victory.

"It was such a beautiful drive, I just hated to let it go to a kicker. I thought we had to finish it off," Sherman said.

"I think everyone, including some of our players, expected us to kick a field goal," quarterback Brett Favre added. "But we just wanted to make a statement at that point, and I think we did."

Playing with a broken right thumb and shrugging off five years of futility at Raymond James Stadium, Favre fueled the nearly 10-minute winning drive with a 23-yard completion to Robert Ferguson on third-and-9 from the Green Bay 3..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Buccaneers

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2003 13:32:57 CST

If as fans your mood is down and you're feeling low and everything around you seems dark, that's because the Green Bay Packers have dug themselves a hole.

But cheer up, because even at 4-5 it's not too late to throw away the shovel and start climbing back toward the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not look like the team you want the Packers to face in this situation, but I think otherwise.

Just like the Packers, Tampa Bay has fallen on hard times. Both teams are 4-5. Both teams have lost leads at home. Both teams are in desperate need of a win.

But if the Packers want to turn things around, there's no better way than to get a crucial win on the road against a rival opponent in a tough place to play.

Just look back on that win at the Metrodome and remember how that win had the potential to catapult the Packers on a second-half winning streak. They let one get away last weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, but it's not incon..

Packers Notebook - Down, Not Out

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2003 14:54:37 CST

The Green Bay Packers certainly didn't want to be 4-5 heading into a tough road game against the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who also, coincidentally, are off to a 4-5 start.

But there's no reason to believe that it's too late for the Packers to turn things around.

Just two games behind the Minnesota Vikings in the race for the NFC North title, the Packers can find comfort in the fact that since 1990, 12 teams have come back from 4-5 or 3-6 starts to make the playoffs.

Two teams did so last year: the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets recovering from 4-5 beginnings to finish 9-7.

Equally encouraging is the Packers' second-half schedule, which, statistically speaking, looks to be an easier stretch than the opening act.

Of Green Bay's remaining opponents, only the 5-4 Denver Broncos have a winning record to this point.

And in recent years, the Packers have been a strong second-half team.

Since 1990, ..

Favre Learning To Live With Wrap

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2003 18:03:56 CST

If Brett Favre could have his way, he'd rid himself immediately of the protective splint that's been taped to his right thumb for the last three weeks and counting.

But as the hairline crack in his damaged digit continues to heal, he realizes that the bandage will have to stay for at least another week.

"I hate to," Favre said of playing with the wrap, "but it's a must."

Monday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Favre struggled to maintain his grip of the football on a rainy night at Lambeau Field.

The Packers fumbled six times in the game -- the most since Nov. 1, 1999 -- and Favre was responsible for half of that, three times having the ball slip out of the back of his hand as he cocked his arm to throw.

Favre said this week that neither the injury nor the wrap directly caused any of the fumbles, but admitted that both could have been contributing factors. The bigger problem, he suggested, was the rain.

"Those conditions the othe..

Clifton Calls Sapp Incident 'Ancient History'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2003 19:15:46 CST

Not even a year ago, Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Chad Clifton lay on the turf at Raymond James Stadium writhing in pain with a separated pelvis.

The injury was the result of a hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp.

A hit that Clifton didn't see coming, that ended his 2002 football season, that landed him in the hospital for days, that left him bedridden for weeks and then required him to use a walker just to get around.

A hit that, despite all the hardship since, Clifton swears he doesn't think about now, even though the Packers are returning to Tampa Bay for the first time since the incident.

"It's ancient history," Clifton said Wednesday. "It's in the past. I swear, I do not think about it at all."

The 'it' that Clifton has chosen to forget was almost impossible to avoid last November.

ESPN replayed the incident frequently, showing a 303-pound Sapp unloading on an unsuspecting Clifton during Brian Kel..

Sapp Has No Regrets

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2003 10:25:53 CST

A lot has happened since Nov. 24, 2002, when Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp brought an end to Chad Clifton's season with a blindside hit.

Clifton regained the ability to walk, for one.

But not even time has changed the way Sapp feels about the incident.

Wednesday, in a conference call with members of the Wisconsin media, Sapp once again made no apologies about delivering the blow that landed the Green Bay Packers offensive tackle in the hospital.

Sapp might feel sorry about the outcome of the hit -- which, although away from the play, was deemed a legal block by the NFL -- but he doesn't regret the act itself.

"If you're talking about, 'Was I concerned with (Clifton) getting better?,' that's a different question than asking me, 'Do I regret something?'" Sapp said. "Because regretting something means that you've done something wrong, or out of line, or in the context of something against somebody.

"I've done not..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2003 16:45:20 CST

Why did the Packers run the ball three plays in a row with 2:53 left in the game to give Philadelphia the ball back with great field position? - Kim (Port Washington, WI)

Kim, you were one of many to ask a question like this. First of all, the Packers ran it twice in a row with Ahman Green and then passed to William Henderson on third down, but he was tackled near the line of scrimmage.

Those plays come straight from a 4-minute offense sheet, which is what the Packers go to when they have a late lead and want to control the clock while also picking up yardage. You can criticize the Packers for not executing well enough to get the first down, or you can credit the Eagles with the stop, but to complain about the Packers running the ball at that point is kind of silly.

For the game, the Packers averaged 6.5 yards a carry. Meanwhile, the passing offense had been pretty ineffective. Had the Packers thrown the ball instead of running it, not only might..

Butler: Packers Must Cash In On Opportunities

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2003 16:10:57 CST

Obviously I sound like a broken record when I say the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was heart-breaking for the Green Bay Packers.

But of all of the Packers' losses this season, Monday night's might have been the most disappointing.

As players all you ask for in the NFL is the opportunity to make plays. And the Packers had plenty of opportunities against the Eagles, but didn't cash in enough to win.

For a team that has had trouble holding on to the football this season, the cold and wet conditions at Lambeau Field didn't do the Packers any favors.

Monday night, Ahman Green had two fumbles, including one that was recovered by the Eagles. Najeh Davenport also had a fumble.

Brett Favre had three fumbles on the night, one of which ended a Packers drive, while the other two hurt the Packers' offensive rhythm and field position.

Favre's problems might have had as much to do with his injured thumb as the wet conditions, but even when ..

Legends Wallpaper Series Continues With Lambeau, Lombardi

Tue, 11 Nov 2003 10:37:08 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Paul Hornung, Bart Starr and Jim Taylor, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Earl L. (Curly) Lambeau and Vince Lombardi.

In future weeks, Packers.com will offer additional tributes to some of the great players and moments in team history.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Earl L. (Curly) Lambeau --

Without Curly Lambeau, there are no Green Bay Packers.

The former Packers player, head coach and vice president ..

Jerry Kramer - Fan Favorite

Hannah Gordon, NFLPlayers.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2003 11:32:33 CST

The barber has started collections. So sad. Oh, you hadn't heard? Jerry Kramer died.

Or so the rumor went, until there the Packer guard appeared, on the field for the first exhibition game of 1965. He was a ghost of his former self, underweight after multiple abdominal surgeries that had, in fact, nearly killed him. The crowd at Lambeau Field went wild.

"To have that kind of ovation, that happens very seldom for a lineman," Kramer recalled recently. "Normally, if you go through a game without attracting attention, you are doing a hell of a job."

Yet Kramer, who played for the Packers from 1958-68, managed to be the best-known offensive lineman of his time for one of the most famous blocks in football history.

It was the 1967 NFL Championship, a game that came to be known as the Ice Bowl for the minus-13 degree temperature and 15 mile-per-hour winds. Although Green Bay took a 14-0 lead in the first half, they found themselves down 17-14, startin..

AP Story: Packers Fall To Eagles, 17-14, At Lambeau Field

Mon, 10 Nov 2003 23:45:29 CST

Donovan McNabb threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Todd Pinkston with 27 seconds left to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 17-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on a rainy Monday night.

The Eagles (6-3) stayed one game behind Dallas in the NFC East and the Packers (4-5) blew their shot at closing within a game of slumping Minnesota in the NFC North.

"It surely wasn't pretty. I would imagine Mike Sherman would say the same thing," Eagles coach Andy Reid said of his counterpart. "But we overcame the adversity. In the fourth quarter, it was great leadership by Donovan. In that last drive he really put it together."

Pinkston caught his first touchdown pass of the season when he beat cornerback Bhawoh Jue off the line and got free in the left side of the end zone. Jue had replaced starter Al Harris, who was bothered by cramps.

"We just came together at the end," McNabb said. "What we showed tonight is why we're a winning team. Never count us out. It's ..

Packers Honored With Business Partner In Tourism Award

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2003 14:09:22 CST

Having recently completed the $295 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field -- transforming the legendary stadium into a year-round destination venue for visitors from around the world -- the Green Bay Packers were honored this week with the inaugural Business Partner in Tourism award presented by the Packer Country Regional Tourism Office.

"I can't think of a more deserving recipient of this award," said Kari Sliva, president of the Packer Country Regional Tourism Office. "The love affair between the fans and this team is remarkable, and now with the additions to the stadium, tourists will stay longer, enjoy the community, and feel even more connected to their beloved Packers."

Marked by the November openings of Paparazzi Pizzeria and Frozen in Time Ice Cream shop, complementing the recently-opened Curly's Pub, Lambeau Field now boasts three year-round restaurants, the new Packers Hall of Fame and the Packers Pro Shop, plus four locally based eateries that are open ..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Eagles

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2003 11:15:33 CST

Officially it's the Philadelphia Eagles against the Green Bay Packers this Monday night at Lambeau Field.

But this upcoming game offers a little something more: a civil war between head coaches Andy Reid and Mike Sherman.

Like so many times this season, Sherman is going up against a former colleague, with Reid having been a Packers assistant coach from 1992-98.

Not only are these two men close friends, they're also two of the best game-plan coaches in football.

And that should provide an extra spark to what is already a thrilling match up.

The Eagles are 5-3. The Packers are 4-4. And, believe me, both teams thought they'd have better records at this point of the season.

Philadelphia wants to win this game badly to keep pace with the Dallas Cowboys. The Packers on the other hand, need this game just as much to keep close to the Minnesota Vikings and every other NFC team in the playoff race.

But these teams have more in ..

Packers Notebook - Walker On The Rise

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2003 11:14:28 CST

Since the Green Bay Packers made him their first-round pick in 2002, wide receiver Javon Walker has been an active part of the offense.

But it's safe to say that none of Walker's performances to this point contributed more toward a win than his three-catch, two-touchdown effort against the Minnesota Vikings last weekend.

And based on that effort, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman believes the 25-year-old is rapidly coming into his own.

"I think the confidence level that he's playing with now is at an all-time high," Sherman said this week. "Initially, when he got here, I thought he was inconsistent as a pass-catcher. But I think he's become very confident in his ability, particularly throughout the course of this season."

Walker's success is hardly out of the blue. At the end of his rookie season he set a Packers rookie record with 104 receiving yards against the Atlanta Falcons.

But quarterback Brett Favre believes Walker is learning how to u..

Butler's Breakdown Alert

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 11:17:38 CST

Because the Green Bay Packers don't play until Monday night, the Butler's Breakdown preview of the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles won't run in its customary Saturday slot.

Instead, check back to Packers.com Sunday to read LeRoy Butler's special analysis of the coming game.

Likewise, the Ask LeRoy Butler feature will open up Monday night and remain available through Tuesday morning.

Butler's features will return to their Tuesday-Saturday rotation after this weekend.

Packers Women's Association Hosts Inaugural Fashion Show

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 10:37:08 CST

Normally saving it for the gridiron, several Packers took to the fashion runway Friday night to strut their stuff at the Packers Women's Association Inaugural Fashion Show at Lambeau Field Atrium.

Along with their wives or significant others, many Packers players and coaches modeled the latest fashions available at the Fox River Mall in Appleton, Wis.

Among the participants were Josh Bidwell, Najeh Davenport, Donald Driver, Tony Fisher, Jethro Franklin, Curtis Fuller, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Cletidus Hunt, Aaron Kampman, Chukie Nwokorie, Doug Pederson, Jamal Reynolds, Marco Rivera, Javon Walker and Lionel Washington.

Erin Davisson, news anchor for WFRV-TV and Dayton Kane, program director for Mix 95.9 FM, served as masters of ceremonies for the event, which was sponsored in part by the Fox River Mall, WFRV-TV and Mix 95.9 FM, with proceeds from the show to benefit area charities.

Rivera Surrenders To Green In Friendly Feud

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2003 16:53:20 CST

There is debate between them as to who started it, but offensive guard Marco Rivera made it clear Friday that he's the one calling for a truce in the friendly practical joke war he'd been waging with running back Ahman Green since training camp.

In what turned out to be the game's final move, Green had all four wheels of Rivera's Hummer H2 secretly removed while the team was in meetings Wednesday morning.

That meant Rivera didn't become aware of the incident until he left the locker room to go to practice and discovered his vehicle resting on stilts.

"How about that?" Rivera marveled Friday. "Ahman Green grabbed my wheels. Did you see, it was on (ESPN's) SportsCenter?

"I told him, I ain't going to do nothing. I give up. I got punked and I'll take it on the chin, but he won."

Wednesday's antics weren't the first involving the duo and an automob..

Favre Returns To Practice Field

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2003 16:34:34 CST

Having rested his injured thumb since defeating the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome last Sunday, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre returned to the practice field Friday.

But neither the four-day layoff nor the freezing temperatures outside at Clarke Hinkle Field seemed to have an effect on the three-time NFL MVP.

"Brett looked great," wide receiver Robert Ferguson said. "The ball was on the money."

Favre continues to wear a splint to protect his right thumb, which he injured in the Packers' Oct. 19 contest against the St. Louis Rams.

He expects that he'll have to continue wearing the splint for at least four more weeks as the hairline fracture heals naturally.

That timetable could extend however if Favre takes a hit on the hand and aggravates the injury, something that didn't happen against Minnesota.

An X-ray performed Monday showed no negative repercussions from last weekend's 194-yard, three-touchdown performance. <..

Longwell Keeps Memory Short

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2003 15:08:43 CST

If Green Bay Packers kicker Ryan Longwell wanted to look back over his professional career, this week's opponent would come up a few times in the scrapbook of his memory.

There would be a page for the heartache of 1997, when in his second NFL game Longwell missed a 28-yard field goal -- having already converted three prior attempts -- that would have defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in what went down as a 10-9 loss.

And there would be a page for the triumph of 2000, when his 38-yarder defeated the Eagles 6-3, in what was the first game-winner for Longwell and first win of Mike Sherman's career as head coach.

But ever-aware of his past with Philadelphia, Longwell doesn't spend a lot of time looking back. Not over his misses, or even his makes.

And through eight games this season, Longwell has nothing but the latter: a perfect 38-of-38 for field goals and PATs combined.

"I take it one kick at a time," Longwell said this week. "I go into ev..

Live Chat To Welcome Mike Wahle, Friday

Thu, 06 Nov 2003 17:13:04 CST

Ahman Green gathers the rushing yards and Brett Favre completes the passes, but it's the Green Bay Packers' offensive line that opens the running lanes and provides the pass protection.

This season the Packers' O-line has been outstanding in both departments, and sixth-year guard Mike Wahle is one of the reasons why.

A tough veteran who hasn't missed a game since his rookie season, Wahle's punishing blocking has been unmistakable and is generating talk of a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Friday, Wahle will join Packers fans as he sits down for an exclusive Live Chat at Packers.com, starting at approximately 1:15 p.m. CT.

In recent weeks, Live Chat has welcomed such guests as Nick Barnett, Craig Nall and Josh Bidwell. We've had some excellent chats this season, largely due to the outstanding questions submitted by Packers fans.

If you plan to take part in Friday's chat, please be sure to remember the following tips:

Be courteous and res..

Jackson Joins Packers At Last

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 17:11:07 CST
For Grady Jackson, it's a chance to start fresh.

For the Green Bay Packers, it's an opportunity to boost an injury-depleted defensive line.

And for both, it could be a case of better late than never.

Thursday afternoon, Jackson took part in his first practice as a member of the Packers, having been claimed off waivers Tuesday evening.

In doing so, he landed back in the same town that he'd almost called home prior to the 2002 season, when as a free agent he turned down a contract offer from the Packers and signed instead with the New Orleans Saints -- the same team that waived him earlier this week.

"This is a great opportunity for me, a new chapter in my life," Jackson said Thursday, standing in the middle of the Packers locker room. "I think (Green Bay) is where I should have played a couple years ago."

If Wisconsin was closer to Jackson's offseason home of Mississippi, he probably would have.

Instead, after five seas..

Favre: Offense Good As Ever

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 10:54:53 CST
That offense has been the strength of the Green Bay Packers' 2003 season should come as no surprise.

Since Brett Favre became the starting quarterback in 1992, joining forces with then-head coach Mike Holmgren, a productive West Coast attack has been the Packers' calling card.

But eight games into his 12th Packers season, the NFL's only three-time MVP suggests that this year's Green Bay offense has the makings of something special.

"We're doing as good as I've ever seen," Favre said Wednesday of the offense that racked up 451 total yards in a 30-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome last Sunday.

Although to many Packers fans that will come as an astonishing revelation.

It wasn't long ago that the Packers' offensive unit, and more specifically coordinator Tom Rossley, was under fire from disgruntled fans.

But even though the Packers have gotten off to an uncharacteristic slow start as a team, the proof of the offense's..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2003 16:11:32 CST
Hey, LeRoy, it sure was great to watch the Packers beat the Vikings. It looks like things are starting to turn around now. What would you say was the biggest difference in the Packers' play that led to the big win? - Philip (Alma, MI)

I think the bye week helped. It gave the players time to come to grips with their frustrating start and gave the coaches some extra time to plan.

I think it was a turnaround that started from the top with Mike Sherman. In my opinion, he doesn't get enough credit. He's the guy who keeps all those different personalities pointed toward one goal. But unfortunately some fans always think they could do it better.

LeRoy, what did the defense do differently this week in order to virtually silence Randy Moss, after allowing him such a big game in Week 1? Thank You! - Karly (McFarland, WI)

For starters, they were patient in their defensive schemes, but in terms of coverage they were also very physical. I t..

Butler: Coaches Had Them Ready

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2003 16:10:40 CST
Last Sunday night, at about 5 p.m., I was sitting on the bus outside the Green Bay Packers' team hotel, waiting to head over to the Metrodome.

The Packers were two and a half hours away from taking on the Minnesota Vikings, and after I sat down next to wide receiver Antonio Freeman -- a former teammate of mine -- we started to talk about some of the horrors of playing under the roof in Minneapolis.

"It just seems like every time we have them on the ropes, we let them off and lose the game," Freeman told me.

So I asked him, how did he think the Packers were going to respond that night, facing a must-win in the race for the NFC North Championship?

"We're going to take it to them," he told me.

Right then and there, a few hours before the game, I could tell the Packers were ready.

Around 5:30 p.m., I was walking through the visiting team locker room when I ran into GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman.

He told me how the Packers had ha..

Legends Wallpaper Series Continues With Lofton, Ringo

Tue, 04 Nov 2003 11:50:18 CST
In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Herb Adderley, Henry Jordan and Johnny (Blood) McNally, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to James Lofton and Jim Ringo.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of two of the names most synonymous with Green Bay Packers football: Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi, plus additional tributes to some of the great players and moments in team history.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

James Lofton --

The Packers' ..

Injury Update - Favre Fine After Win Over Vikings

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 16:17:28 CST
Throwing three touchdowns in the Green Bay Packers' 30-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Brett Favre proved once again Sunday night that he can respond to adversity and play through pain.

What remains to be seen is whether Favre's cracked right thumb will respond just as well to repeated reps.

As of Monday though, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman was giving the three-time NFL MVP's injured thumb two thumbs up.

"It didn't appear to be a factor in the game, in regard to his ability to throw the football," Sherman said. "I'm sure he was in pain during the game, but we don't anticipate there to be an issue."

Wearing a splint to provide stability and protect the thumb, Favre made 28 official attempts Sunday night.

Favre has had fewer attempts only once this season, when he threw 25 passes in the Packers' Oct. 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks, but those numbers fail to include warm-up tosses or throws negated by penalty.

Sunday's..

AP Story: Packers Defeat Vikings, 30-27, In Minnesota

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 23:13:15 CST
Brett Favre felt pain on every pass. It didn't stop him from picking up a rare win in the Metrodome.

Ignoring the broken thumb on his throwing hand, Favre passed for 194 yards and three touchdowns and the Green Bay Packers saved their season Sunday night with a 30-27 victory over Minnesota.

"If you're going to play, suck it up," said Favre, who improved his career record at the Vikings' noisy home to 3-9 after resting his injured thumb during Green Bay's bye week.

After two straight losses at home, the Vikings (6-2) saw their NFC North lead over the Packers (4-4) shrink to two games.

Ahman Green rushed 21 times for 137 yards to lead a ground game that gained 261 yards. He also had five catches for 52 yards and a score. Two of Javon Walker's three receptions went for Green Bay touchdowns.

"The Vikings have nothing to be ashamed of," Favre said, "because we played about as flawless as we can play."

Favre completed 18 of 28 pass..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Vikings

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 01 Nov 2003 11:51:31 CST
Off to a 3-4 start, heading into the Metrodome to face the 6-1 Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers are playing for pride this week.

Pride and respect.

I know everyone is going to be betting against the Packers this weekend, but a win would mean so much more to this team than one game in the standings. A victory here could launch the Packers into a second-half charge into the playoffs.

But getting that win won't be easy.

The Packers defense has struggled of late, but I think the biggest match-up of the game will be the Green Bay offense against the Minnesota defense.

Under Brett Favre the Packers are 2-9 in the Metrodome. It's a tough place to play, probably the second-loudest stadium I've ever played in behind Kansas City's Aarowhead Stadium.

But the beautiful thing about the Metrodome is how quiet it gets if you can jump out to an early lead. If the Packers strike early, it'll be so silent that you could hear a cat chasin..