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Packers Confident In '06 Draft Class

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 22:03:57 CST

It's time for the Green Bay Packers staff to get some rest with the conclusion of the 2006 NFL Draft.

The Packers dealt their way from seven to 12 picks and managed to distribute them equally between offensive and defensive players. Highlighted by the fifth overall pick of linebacker A.J. Hawk, the Packers were very pleased with how things went for them draft weekend.

"I am happy for the work and dedication everybody did to put this together," an upbeat Ted Thompson said in a press conference at the end of the draft. "A lot of it is blind luck, but we think we got a little lucky. There were some players on the board a little bit later than we thought they would be and we were able to take them, and also able to accumulate a few more picks.

"I said before I think we needed to add some young core players to our team, and I think we got some outstanding players. Certainly in A.J. Hawk and some of the other players taken yesterday, but even some guys taken t..

Tollefson Catches Bass, Pro Career In Final Round Of Draft

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:44:01 CST

Nothing gets you over a bad day of fishing like being selected in the NFL draft.

Dave Tollefson, the Green Bay Packers' final pick in the 2006 draft, was fishing off the California Delta for largemouth bass in a fishing competition with a friend when the Packers phoned him the good news.

Tollefson, on his way to weigh-in his catch, said it had been a tough day of fishing during his media teleconference, but was excited about his opportunity with the Packers.

"I did kind of a trial run a week ago to make sure I would have service everywhere on the water," Tollefson said. "Fortunately enough I got the call."

Tollefson had a long road to get to this point. After playing the 1999 and 2000 seasons in junior college, Tollefson suffered injuries that kept him off the field for three years. He even decided to become a carpenter's apprentice for a little more than a year. Finally, with the encouragement of a friend, Tollefson got back on track at Northwe..

Moll Puts On Pounds To Pave Way To NFL

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:26:15 CST

Not too many people can say they have gained 50 pounds in the last year and admitted it's been a good thing.

The Green Bay Packers' Tony Moll can.

The Packers selected Moll with the 165th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Moll, from the University of Nevada, made the decision before his senior year to put on weight and switch from tight end to offensive lineman.

"It was definitely a need for the team and a gap that needed to be filled," Moll said. "My head coach came up to me and asked me if I wanted to make the change. It was an easy switch for me because we had a talented tight end core."

Moll said he hit the buffet and started eating like a lineman the night of his discussion with his coach. In January of 2005, Moll weighed 250 pounds. Now, Moll weighs in at around 308 pounds. Playing only one season as a lineman, Moll had no idea he would be able to get to the pro level.

"I felt like my best chance might be going as a free agent h..

Packers Add "Coach" To Secondary

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:14:48 CST

Tyrone Culver's role in the Green Bay Packers secondary might be unknown, but what is known is the Packers have an intelligent man to work with.

The Packers selected Culver, a safety, with the 185th overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft. Culver, out of Fresno State University, comes to Green Bay with a history of academic accolades.

Culver was a four-time Academic All-Western Athletic Conference selection with the Bulldogs. Add together 109 combined tackles in his last two seasons, and it is easy to see why his coaches have labeled him a "coach on the field."

His leadership and field smarts will be welcomed by the Packers.

"I'm a student of the game," Culver said. "I try to make the right decisions on the field and make the plays that need to be made."

Along with making the right decisions on the field, Culver has had to make decisions off the field as well. Culver, who says he always has made good grades, has a 3.5 GPA and has alread..

Jolly Joins Former Aggie Teammate Montgomery On D-Line

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:09:52 CST

The Green Bay Packers looked to a familiar place for their first pick in the sixth round.

With the 183rd overall selection, the Packers took defensive tackle Johnny Jolly from Texas A&M University.

In the 2005 draft, the Packers selected current defensive lineman Michael Montgomery with their first pick in the sixth round, which was the 180th overall selection. Montgomery also was from Texas A&M. The two played alongside one another for two years.

So Jolly will be familiar with at least one teammate.

"We played right on each side of each other," Jolly said. "You know, he was really able to teach me a lot. His motor stays running and he is a hard worker just like me. We always pushed each other. I look forward to getting to play with him again with the Green Bay Packers."

Jolly was a durable force in the Aggie defense and started his last 35 games. He was a 2005 All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention by the league's coaches. He fi..

Martin Looking Forward To Absorbing Favre's Knowledge

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 17:47:03 CST

With the 148th overall pick the Green Bay Packers decided to go value over need.

The Packers selected quarterback Ingle Martin with their first of two fifth-round picks.

Martin will once again have the opportunity to learn from an experienced quarterback. As a freshman, Martin backed up Rex Grossman at the University of Florida under the direction of Steve Spurrier in 2002.

"Rex was a good a player as I've ever been around, and it was great to be around such great competitors there," Martin said. "I learned a lot while I was there and it was a great experience for me."

Martin is looking forward to coming in and absorbing all he can from Brett Favre.

"It's a great chance to come in and learn from a guy who has been in so many situations and excelled," Martin said. "To watch him compete, and to be a part of one of the most storied teams in football history is amazing. I'm happy I'll be up in Wisconsin."

Martin left Florida fo..

Packers Hope Rodgers Can Make Impact On Special Teams

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 15:53:01 CST

Returning both punt and kickoff returns takes a special talent. The Green Bay Packers are hoping their first pick in the fourth round can fill that role.

In an attempt to find a versatile kick returning solution for next season, the Packers selected wide receiver and return specialist Cory Rodgers with the 104th overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft.

"First and foremost this is a tough kid," special teams coordinator Mike Stock said. "He is very competitive and makes good decisions with the ball. The big thing is that he secures the ball. So he brings a lot of good, positive things to the table. We're very enthusiastic about the chances of him coming here and being the guy."

Rodgers, from Texas Christian University, received All-America and All-Mountain West Conference honors as a kickoff returner in 2005. He ranked third in the nation with a 30.3-yard average on 17 kickoff returns.

Returning is not Rodgers' only threat. He played receiver an..

Versatile Blackmon Could Play Either Side Of The Ball

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 15:48:55 CST

Continuing a versatility theme in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers once again selected a player who has experience at multiple positions.

The Packers selected cornerback Will Blackmon of Boston College with the 115th overall pick.

Blackmon began his college career as a cornerback, and started 22 times there with the Eagles. After both starting receivers graduated going into his senior year, his coaches wanted him to play wide receiver with his playmaking potential.

Even after playing all season as the leading Eagles receiver, Blackmon played in the Senior Bowl as a cornerback, which is where the Packers intend to use him. The Packers see him as a raw talent, but see big potential in his defensive abilities.

"He is a guy to be excited about," Secondary Coach Kurt Schottenheimer said. "We know there is a learning curve, but we love to get a guy like this and look forward to being able to bring him along in our system."

Schottenheim..

Spitz Adds Depth To Young Offensive Line

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:38:34 CST

Continuing a trend of adding depth to key positions, the Green Bay Packers took their second offensive lineman of the 2006 NFL Draft.

With the 76th overall pick, the Packers selected Jason Spitz of the University of Louisville. Spitz joins Daryn Colledge of Boise State as offensive linemen picked on draft Saturday by the Packers.

Spitz is another versatile addition to the Packers. He can play both guard positions. He started in his final 39 games at offensive guard and earned post-season honors in each of his last three seasons.

During that time he helped lead an offense that generated 5,785 yards. The Cardinals ranked ninth nationally in total offense.

The Packers, however, hope to be able use Spitz to add depth at the center position.

"My understanding is that I was drafted as a center, but I am a swing-guy so I can compete at both guard and center," Spitz said.

Spitz says he has no problem fitting into whatever role the Pa..

Lombardi Award Winner Could Be Perfect Fit For Titletown

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:20:54 CST

A.J. Hawk could be the most humble player the Packers have ever drafted.

He has an undying dedication to not be seen as better than others and has a history of "rules" he has used to help ground himself.

When Hawk was in high school in Ohio he instructed his parents they could cheer for team touchdowns, but they couldn't cheer for him. He also never wore varsity jackets to prevent seeming "big time."

At Ohio State he personally requested that an inch be taken off his roster height, going from 6-2 to 6-1, so that he would never meet anyone who thought he would be taller in person.

It's clear the smallest market in the NFL will be a good place for the Midwest native. The Packers staff raves over the character and quality of individual they have in Hawk.

"I think he is a small-town guy," GM Ted Thompson said. "I think the fans here are going to love him. This is the perfect place for him. He understands what it means to be a Green Bay Packe..

Hodge To Make Wisconsin Football A Family Affair

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:10:55 CST

Abdul Hodge was able to take care of his Mother's Day gift early this year.

The Green Bay Packers selected Hodge with the 67th overall pick, their first of two third- round picks in the 2006 NFL Draft.

Hodge, a linebacker from the University of Iowa, now will be closer to his brother, Elijah, who is a linebacker at the University of Wisconsin. His mother won't have to travel too far to see her sons in action.

"A couple weeks ago I went to one of his spring practices up there and told him it would be a great situation if Green Bay would select me," Hodge said. "You know my mom could come see both of us play, and I could drive down and see him and I would still be in the Midwest, which would be great."

Hodge is the second linebacker taken by the Packers in this year's draft following the first-round selection of A.J. Hawk.

Like Hawk, coaches believe Hodge is a versatile athlete that can play any three of the linebacker positions.
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Jennings Provides Depth At Receiver Position

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 23:58:57 CST

With the departure of Jevon Walker in a trade with Denver in the second round, the Green Bay Packers had depth to add at the wide receiver position.

The Packers sought to shape up the position by selecting Greg Jennings with the 47th overall pick.

Jennings may have flown under a lot of radars during his career at Western Michigan, but his numbers put him in elite company among college wide receivers. He became only the 11th player to gain over 1,000 yards receiving three times in a career. He also had a school-record 238 catches his senior season, which placed him third all-time in receptions in the Mid-American Conference.

"He runs, catches and blocks," wide receivers coach Jimmy Robinson said. "He's a complete player. He played really well against good competition and should be a good player for us. I think he has the ability to be a starter."

Jennings led the nation with an average of 8.91 catches per game, and ranked second in receiving yard..

North Pole's Colledge Finds Home On Frozen Tundra

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 22:09:18 CST

Boise State is an untapped football resource, but then again so is the North Pole.

After bolstering their defense in the first round, the Green Bay Packers moved to help the offense by drafting tackle Daryn Colledge.

A native of North Pole, Alaska, Colledge was a 2005 first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection with Boise State. In his senior season he also tied a school record with 51 consecutive starts. He also set school records in the weight room. He holds Boise State records in the power clean, hang clean and back squat.

Durable, powerful and quick, Colledge hopes to make an immediate impact on the Packers' offense.

"We feel very strongly he can be an inside or outside player," Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "We'll just have to work him in. He's very powerful; I think he can be very effective run-blocking on the second level in our scheme. We're trying to put the best five guys out there, and we feel he can help us get there..

Packers Circle In On Hawk

Eddie Watson, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:34:36 CST

With all the anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the Packers' fifth pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, it turns out Ted Thompson has had his heart set for weeks on the guy he wanted.

Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, did a lot of praying Friday night that linebacker A.J. Hawk would still be available come the fifth pick.

Everything worked out for Thompson as the Packers got their man.

Hawk comes to Green Bay from Ohio State, where he had an illustrious college career. He earned first-team All-America honors in his junior and senior seasons. Last season he also was chosen as the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year and was the recipient of the Lombardi Trophy.

A mirror of consistency, Hawk led his team in tackles in each of the three seasons he started, and never missed a game during that time. He finished his collegiate career with 394 total tackles, ranking fifth on the Buckeyes' career-r..

Rodgers Continues To Prepare For All Possibilities

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:45:42 CST

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have to wait at least one more year before taking the reins from three-time MVP Brett Favre, who will return to the Packers for his 16th NFL season. But for Rodgers, a time to wait is a time to get better.

"I kind of expected (Favre to return)," said Rodgers, who has spent much of the offseason studying with Head Coach Mike McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements in Green Bay.

Amongst media speculation that Favre would retire, Rodgers was all but anointed the Packers' starting quarterback. And that's exactly how he plans to approach each and every day.

"Regardless of whether or not Brett would have come back, I'm a leader on this team and that's how I have to approach it," Rodgers said. "I have an opportunity right now to lead these guys everyday when I come in and see them and that's part of our preparation."

McCarthy, who also served as Packers quarterbacks coach in 1999, is imparting his knowledge o..

NFL Europe Week 7 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:43:23 CST

AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS (5-1)
at HAMBURG SEA DEVILS (0-5-1)
AOL Arena, Hamburg, Saturday, April 29, 6 p.m.

SERIES NOTES
Overall: Series tied 1-1
At Hamburg: Hamburg leads 1-0
At Amsterdam: Amsterdam leads 1-0
Streak: Amsterdam 1
Last Season: Amsterdam 24 at Hamburg 30 (OT); Hamburg 10 at Amsterdam 27

TELEVISION
US: LIVE/ DirecTV (noon ET, Saturday April 29).
Play-by-play announcer CHRIS CARLIN joins Oakland Raiders and current Philadelphia Eagles fullback JON RITCHIE in the broadcast booth.

COACHES
BART ANDRUS is the reigning NFL Europe League Coach of the Year...Has won 12 of his last 17 games with the Admirals, including a World Bowl victory over Berlin last June....Also won a World Bowl ring as a member of the Rhein Fire coaching staff in 2000....Served as quarterbacks coach of the Tennessee Titans in 1999, the year the club went to the Supe..

NFL Europe Diary: Therrian Fontenot, Part IV

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:08:12 CST

Rhein Fire cornerback Therrian Fontenot writes a diary for Packers.com, logging his NFL Europe venture. This weekend, the 4-2 Fire host the 2-3-1 Berlin Thunder. This week, Therrian writes about the game, his experiences in Dusseldorf and the unique bond he has with his teammates.

I just finished a meeting with Darren Sharper and a couple of the NFL Network guys. They just basically asked me about going up against Berlin this weekend. I had two picks the last time we played them and they asked me about Berlin's routes and also about the Packers. I've only really done a few interviews, which has really been good, but I've also had a lot of time to just hang back and get ready for the games.

I'm not any more confident than I was last time we played Berlin, even though I was successful against them. I'm just watching extra film, doing extra studying and just looking forward to playing a great offense. They have two good, accurate quarterbacks who know where the..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Quarterbacks

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 14:57:03 CST

The quarterback position is the ultimate team need. That's why 26 quarterbacks have been selected first overall since the beginning of the draft in 1936.

In the last five drafts, and seven of eight, a QB was selected No. 1 overall. In 2000, Cleveland took defensive end Courtney Brown with the first choice. Chad Pennington was the first signal-caller taken, but he wasn't plucked off the board by the Jets until No. 18.

Of the past 11 quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall, nine have led their respective teams to the playoffs. The only exceptions, so far, are David Carr (Houston, 2002) and Alex Smith (San Francisco, 2005). With experience on their side, don't bet against Carr and Smith in the near future.

Since 1970, four quarterbacks taken with the first overall selection started on teams that have won a total of 11 Super Bowls -- Terry Bradshaw (four) and Troy Aikman (three) were with the same team that drafted them. Also, Jim Plunkett (two) and John Elway (..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Running Backs

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 13:01:02 CST

For the first time since 1995 and only the second time since 1986, a running back will most likely be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Times have changed as far as drafting running backs. Back in 1938 and 1941 when there were 10 teams in the NFL, nine running backs were drafted in the first round each of those years.

Included in this group was former Supreme Court Justice Byron (Whizzer) White of Colorado. In a six-year period from 1969-74, the Dallas Cowboys drafted four running backs in the first round. In the next 31 years (1975-2005), they selected just two running backs in the first round -- Tony Dorsett (1977) and Emmitt Smith (1990).

Over the past 10 years, 29 running backs have been picked in Round 1. Twenty-three backs have been selected with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. However, only one has been taken first overall in the past 19 years -- Ki-Jana Carter by the Bengals in 1995.

Because of the proliferation of multiple-receiver sets..

Packers Pleased That Favre Is Returning

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 09:06:57 CST

Packers React: Audio Video

***

Ending months of rampant media speculation, Packers quarterback Brett Favre Tuesday confirmed his intention to play for the team this year. Of course, as Favre himself would say, he never had said that he wasn't planning a return to the field.

"The Green Bay Packers are very pleased that Brett has come to this decision, and look forward to a successful 2006 season," said Ted Thompson, the team's executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations.

Favre, who enters his 15th season as the team's starting quarterback, looks to add to his consecutive regular-season starts streak of 221, an NFL record among quarterbacks. He also likely will have the opportunity to break several significant NFL passing records in 2006, including Dan Marino's all-time mark for career touchdown passes..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Wide Receivers

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 13:36:48 CST

Speed is important at this position, but the ability to run routes (Steve Largent), have a burst (Jerry Rice), catch the quick slant for a first down to keep the drive alive (Michael Irving and Cris Carter), or make a block to help the running game, are all important as well.

Wide receiver is a position in which players selected after the first round have a chance to play and excel at a high level -- Deion Branch (NE), second round; Anquan Boldin (ARI), second round; Chad Johnson (CIN), second round; Chris Chambers (Miami), second round; Hines Ward (PIT) third round; Steve Smith (CAR), third round; Terrell Owens (DAL), third round; Joe Horn (NO), fifth round; Donald Driver (GB), seventh round; Rod Smith (DEN), undrafted free agent -- just to name a handful.

This year will most likely go down as the first time in 12 years a wide receiver will not go in the first half of Round 1 -- 16th pick or better. It will also most likely be the first time in the last 14 years th..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Tight Ends

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 13:28:27 CST

This year might be the best tight end class in a long time. Only one tight end -- Kellen Winslow Jr. -- has been drafted in the top 10 over the last nine drafts. He was the sixth player selected in 2004.

The most tight ends selected in the first round since 1996 was three in 2002. All three were selected after the teams moved up in the first round. Two of the three -- Jerramy Stevens and Daniel Graham -- have played in the Super Bowl. Sixty-one tight ends in the past 10 drafts have been selected on Day 1 (the most in one draft was nine in 2002).

Times are changing in the NFL. It used to be a rarity when a tight end was taken in the first round of a draft. While tight ends were important to an offense, they weren't considered a vital part -- you could get by without a tight end.

Well, there isn't a GM or head coach in the league that thinks that way in 2006. A good tight end has become a priority for teams to acquire. The great ones are highly valued and are..

NFL Europe Week 6 Recap

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 19:12:02 CST

Week 6 of the NFL Europe season resulted in the Amsterdam Admirals earning a No. 1 ranking.

The Admirals (5-1-0) are the top team in the league after defeating the Rhein Fire (4-2-0), 30-21, defeating the Fire for the second consecutive week. The Admirals have won five straight and are 3-0 on the road. The Admirals stepped up after halftime, allowing only seven points during the second half, while forcing two turnovers.

Admirals QB Gibran Hamdan completed 14 of 21 attempts for 203 yards and one touchdown. Admiral's running backs Larry Croom and Diamond Ferri each ran for scores. Amsterdam Ryan Killeen converted all three field goal attempts (26, 20 and 31) and all three PAT tries. Green Bay receiver Vince Butler finished second from Amsterdam in receiving yards with 43 on two receptions. Packers Chad Lucas and Tory Humphrey each caught one pass, among 10 Amsterdam receivers with at least one reception.

In the tightest game of the weekend, the Frankfurt..

GM Thompson Holds Pre-Draft Press Conference

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 15:07:07 CST

Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations for the Green Bay Packers on Monday held a press conference to preview the 2006 NFL Draft.

The Green Bay Packers have 7 selections to make in the 2006 NFL Draft, April 29-30.

Here are some of the highlights:

On the goal in the days leading up to Saturday:
"This week is more focused on fine-tuning on where we stand (in football operations) as opposed to where position coaches or the offensive and defensive coordinators stand on a particular player. We try to get that in unison. It never gets all the way where everybody's exactly OK with every name on the board, exactly where they are, but we do work it as a group process and I think everybody feels part of the process. I think there's some value to that."

On positions of strength in the 2006 draft pool:
"The Commissioner frowns on us if we talk about a particular pos..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Special Teams

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:19:39 CST

Every team in the NFL has a special teams coach (some even have two). They are the coaches who teach their players to prevent the game from changing on a punt or a kickoff return. They find the guys who can block kicks, which is very important. They are the coaches you see on the sideline during games, urging their players to cover those kickoffs, stay in their lanes and keep an eye out just in case there's an onside kick.

The onside kick can really be dangerous. Did you know that nearly all the onside kicks failed last year? Only four of the 50 attempts (8.0 percent) worked when an opposing team anticipated the onside kick. Teams were more successful with surprise onside kicks, as three of nine (33.3 percent) worked for the kicking team. There was just one attempt in the playoffs and it was unsuccessful.

In 2005, 61 of 225 games during the regular season were decided by three points or less (27 percent). The Cowboys lost three games by three points or less. One of ..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Offensive Line

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:09:20 CST

Offensive linemen got bigger, faster and stronger over the past three years (2003-05). The listing below gives you an idea on the height, weight and speed of offensive linemen taken in the first four rounds over the past three drafts.

Height
Shortest: 6-1
Median: 6-5
Tallest: 6-8

Weight
Lightest: 295
Median: 312
Heaviest: 366

40 Time
Slowest: 5.61
Median: 5.16
Fastest: 4.85

Only three of 50 offensive linemen invited to the 2006 NFL Scouting Combine were under 300 pounds. The lightest was Minnesota's Greg Eslinger (292). The heaviest was Georgia's Max Jean-Gilles (355).

There were 15 offensive linemen 6-6 or taller. The tallest was Georgia's Dennis Roland (6-9 5/8). The fastest was Oklahoma's Chris Chester (4.84); two others ran under 5.0.

The 49 players who lifted at the Combine averaged 25 reps of 225 pounds. The strongest was Virginia Tech's Will Montgomery, who..

NFL Europe Week 6 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:54:15 CST

The marquee game of Week 6 of the NFL Europe season will decide the league's top dog.

In a scheduling quirk that occurs every season in NFL Europe, the Amsterdam Admirals (4-1-0) and Rhein Fire (4-1-0) will play the second game of a home-and-home series on Saturday at LTU Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany. Last week, Amsterdam came away with a 35-31 home victory to end Rhein's winless season. Packers-allocated players Chad Lucas and Tory Humphrey each caught touchdown passes for the Admirals.

The victor of this weekend's game will earn sole possession of first place in the league. The Admirals have won seven of the last nine contests between the two teams. Amsterdam still boasts the No. 1 offense in the league, amassing 361.8 yards per game and 160 points. Five of the top six wide receiver performances have been produced by Admirals receivers. The Fire have the NFLEL's top defense, allowing 247.2 yards per game and are have a league-best +12 turnover ratio (18 takeawa..

GM Thompson To Hold Pre-Draft Press Conference At 12:30 P.M. Monday

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:33:10 CST

Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences.

***

Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations for the Green Bay Packers, will hold a press conference to preview the 2006 NFL Draft at 12:30 p.m. (CDT) on Monday, April 24.

Packers.com will provide live, uninterrupted coverage from the Lambeau Field Media Auditorium, so be sure to come back to the team's official Web site to hear news directly from the team's top football decision-maker.

NFL Europe Diary: Chad Lucas, Part IV

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 13:48:28 CST

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Chad Lucas writes a diary for Packers.com, chronicling his NFL Europe experience as a member of the Amsterdam Admirals. Last week, the Admirals beat the previously undefeated Rhein Fire, 35-31. Chad had a chance to play against best friend and Fire cornerback Therrian Fontenot. Chad plays with three other Packers: TE Tory Humphrey, S Atari Bigby and WR Vince Butler. This, week Chad writes about the victory, playing against Therrian, his fellow Packers on the Amsterdam roster and team camaraderie.

It was a great win. I got a touchdown, but it wasn't on Therrian. I got to play against him on a few plays and I got a pass interference call on him. We had a great time. During the game, we were competing against each other, but after the game, we talked and laughed about different stuff that happened during the game.

It was the most challenging game we've played in this year. They were the No. 1 team going into the game. They had th..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Linebackers

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 14:04:37 CST

Over the past five drafts (2001-05) only nine linebackers were drafted in the first round. (Terrell Suggs, Jason Babin and DeMarcus Ware played defensive end in college but converted to linebacker in the NFL.) Over the past 10 years, 30 linebackers have been selected in Round 1, with seven first-rounder in 2000 setting the high-water mark. Over this 10-year period, only five were selected in the first 10 picks of Round 1 (LaVar Arrington, Chris Claiborne, James Farrior, Kevin Hardy and Brian Urlacher). Another name, Ohio State's A.J. Hawk, most likely will be added to the list in 2006.

The 2006 crop of linebackers is very fast with eight running under 4.6. The average time of 38 linebackers at the combine was 4.69 with Stanford's Jon Alston running under 4.5 (4.40 and 4.46).

With more teams going to the 3-4 defense, we are going to see teams draft players who played on the defensive line and try to convert them to players who can play down and rush the passer, and..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Defensive Linemen

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 13:48:29 CST

How important are defensive linemen? Over the past 10 years (1996-2005), we have had 19 selected in the top 10 picks of the draft. In comparison, over this same time period, 13 offensive linemen, 12 quarterbacks and 10 running backs have been selected in the top 10 picks. Since 1967 (39 drafts), 11 defensive linemen have been selected first overall; only the quarterback position with 15 has had more No. 1 overall picks.

In the 2003 NFL Draft, 11 defensive linemen were selected in the first round -- the most ever. In the 2005 NFL Draft, 20 defensive linemen were taken in the first three rounds; that compares to 19 offensive linemen that were picked in Rounds 1-3.
The four teams that have played in the last two Super Bowls have had very good defensive lines with lots of sacks (Seattle 50, Philadelphia 47, Pittsburgh 47 and New England 45). To win games, teams must be able to stop the run and pressure the passer, which helps defensive backs play well. Defensive ends who ca..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Safeties

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 14:28:47 CST

The safety position seems to become more important every year, but it still ranks behind cornerback when the draft comes around.

In the 2005 NFL Draft, the first safety picked was Thomas Davis by Carolina with the 14th pick in the first round. Three cornerbacks had already been taken by that point. There were a total of five safeties taken the first day of the draft and another seven were selected in the fourth round. Over the last 10 years, only two safeties were top-10 picks -- Roy Williams by Dallas in 2002 (eighth) and Sean Taylor by Washington in 2004 (fifth).

In 1998 we had three first-round picks -- Donovin Darius, Jacksonville; Tebucky Jones, New England; Shaun Williams, N.Y. Giants. That is the most first-round safeties taken in any draft in the last 10 years. However, not a single one was taken in the first round of the 1997 or 2000 drafts.

In the same 10-year time frame, 67 safeties have been picked in the second and third rounds combined. Two..

Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Cornerbacks

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 14:01:58 CST

How important are cornerbacks in the NFL? On March 4, 2005, the Carolina Panthers gave Ken Lucas $8.4 million to sign as a free agent with an additional $4.5 million due this year. That same day, the Cleveland Browns signed Gary Baxter with a $9 million signing bonus. One day earlier, on March 3, the Dallas Cowboys gave Anthony Henry $10 million to sign with an additional $2 million in roster bonuses.

Because of the one-back and multiple-receiver sets, teams feel it's important to have three cornerbacks on the field a high percentage of the time in order to match up against all the fast receivers. Some teams played three cornerbacks as much as 65 percent of the time, with the league average being about 57 percent of the time.

In 1996 and 1997, we had 33 cornerbacks selected in the first three rounds. In the last two drafts (2004 and 2005), that number increased to 42. Nine of the 42 were selected in the first round compared to seven in the 1996 and 1997 drafts com..

NFL Europe: Week 5 Recap

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 16:49:23 CST

Week 5 of the NFL Europe season saw a game between the league's two premier teams, a closely contested game in Hamburg, and a Monday night game that marked a NFL-E milestone.

The much-hyped contest between the Amsterdam Admirals (4-1-0) and Rhein Fire (4-1-0) did not disappoint, as the Admirals ended the Fire's undefeated season with a 35-31 victory at Amsterdam Arena on Saturday. Two Packers, receiver Chad Lucas and tight end Tory Humphrey, each caught a touchdown for Amsterdam. Skyer Fulton led the team with two touchdown receptions. Rhein receiver Chris Samp, who spent part of last preseason with Green Bay, caught two touchdowns, including a 14-yard score in the fourth quarter to give the Fire a 31-28 lead.

Later in the fourth, Fulton made a 42-yard touchdown reception and Amsterdam went ahead, 35-31. On the subsequent drive, Admirals safety Cory Peoples intercepted a Drew Henson pass to secure the win. In an odd scheduling quirk, the two teams will again face..

NFL Europe Week 5 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 15:51:19 CST

The league's two hottest teams face off this weekend. The Amsterdam Admirals (3-1-0) will host the Rhein Fire (4-0-0) in what is probably the most anticipated match up of the season thus far. Packers wide receiver Chad Lucas set a NFL Europe record with four touchdown catches last week for the Admirals and now leads the league with six scores. His efforts earned him Offensive Player of the Week.

Lining up across from him for the Fire will be Green Bay teammate, cornerback Therrian Fontenot, who has two picks this year for the NFL-E's top defense.

Amsterdam's top-ranked offense is on pace to post 312 points this season, which would eclipse the record of 310 set by the 1991 London Monarchs. Among several other offensive categories, the Admirals also are the leaders in plays covering 20-plus yards with 17 (eight rushing, nine passing). The Fire have surrendered a league-low 37 points in four games; they are on pace to allow 92 points, which would best the current r..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 11:43:46 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a new feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

This week's batch includes special anecdotes from the Green Bay Packers faithful. Packers fans from Dallas traveled to Lambeau Field to see their beloved team take on their hometown team, siblings took a 20-hour bus ride from Canada to watch the Packers play and a couple from Washington state made their first trip to Lambeau for a Christmas day game. Seeing the Packers for the first time served as a dream come true for a 35-year resident of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students enjoyed meeting Samkon Gado and hearing about his unique life experienc..

NFL Europe Diary: Chad Lucas, Part III

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 10:02:26 CST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Chad Lucas writes a diary for Packers.com, chronicling his NFL Europe experience as a member of the Amsterdam Admirals. Last week, Chad set an NFLE record with four touchdown receptions in one game against Berlin and subsequently received the Offensive Player of the Week award. This wee, Chad writes about the record, his team, the upcoming game versus the Rhein Fire and friend Therrian Fontenot, and his rise as one of the league's top performers.

I always dreamed of having big games, but I never could have imagined I'd catch four touchdowns in one game. The most I've scored at any level is two. I did it in high school and in college a couple of times plus a couple of weeks ago against Frankfurt. I knew it might be that kind of day after I scored the second touchdown. We still had some plays that we hadn't run that I thought we could score on. Luckily (Head Coach Bart Andrus) called them and I made the plays.

I think I have sc..

NFL Europe Diary: Therrian Fontenot, Part III

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 09:58:48 CST
Rhein Fire cornerback Therrian Fontenot writes a diary for Packers.com, logging his NFL Europe venture. His team is 4-0, the only undefeated in the league. This week, the Fire travel to play the Amsterdam Admirals and his Green Bay teammate and close friend, Chad Lucas. Lucas set a NFLE record last week with four touchdown catches in a single game. This week, Therrian writes about playing against his best friend, his personal progress and the success of his hard-working team.

It's exciting to go up against Chad. He was my boy in Green Bay. We hung out everyday. It will be cool to go against him and his team. They've got a good group of receivers there. When I first heard about someone catching four touchdowns (this past weekend), I had to find out who it was. When I found out it was Chad, I smiled real big. I'm happy for him.

All week I've been thinking about how I'm going to approach playing against Chad. It's basically bragging rights, but I'm going to trea..

Jr. Power Pack Football Clinic Slated For June 3

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 09:22:04 CST
May 19 was the deadline for sign-up for this year's football clinic.

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Kids, here's your chance to practice with the Packers!

The annual Junior Power Pack Experience will take place Saturday, June 3, 2006 from 1-3 p.m. at the Packers practice facilities.

Reserved exclusively for members of the Junior Power Pack kids fan club (ages 5-14), this event features an afternoon of football skills and drills with up-and-coming Packers players.

Invitations for this year's clinic will go out in the mail to members in mid-April.

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Click here to become a member of the kids club!

Click here to download the Junior Power Pack Fact Sheet

Barry And Whitticker Visit Local Elementary School

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:21:25 CST
Green Bay Packers offensive linemen Kevin Barry and William Whitticker spent Thursday afternoon at Denmark Elementary School, celebrating the children's fundraising abilities.

The students at the 500-person school, located outside Green Bay, Wis., collected $10,500 for the American Heart Association by accepting pledges for their "Jump Rope for Heart" program. That total represents the largest amount the school has raised through their annual program.

To commemorate that achievement, Barry and Whitticker spent almost two hours at the school. The linemen went to classrooms, congratulating the children on their effort and urging them to keep reading.

The Packers then served a lunch of macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs and cookies to the kids and played outside with them during the mid-60 degree day. Barry tossed a football around while Whitticker led a game of kickball.

Play The Packers.com 2006 Draft Day Challenge

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:07:33 CST
Click here to enter!

Packers.com Draft Central

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Hey all you football fans and draft gurus, the NFL Draft will soon be upon us and here at Packers.com we have an exciting way you can get involved in the action.

The official Web site of the Green Bay Packers is pleased to announce the third annual Packers.com Draft Day Challenge in which fans can win cool prizes by correctly predicting the team's first pick of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Here's how it works:

From Thursday, April 13, through the eve of the draft, Friday, April 28, fans can log on to Packers.com and try and predict the identity of the player the Packers will choose first in the 2006 NFL Draft, held in New York City, April 29-30.

Participants must be at least 13-years-old and must fill out the entire entry form to be eligible. Only one entry per person will ..

Getting To Know... Donald Lee

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 13:33:57 CST
How well do we know the men who make up the Packers roster? Even the most ardent fan - the one who studies every play, knows the 40-yard-dash time of every prospect, is at every practice during training camp - most likely is familiar with what the players of the Green and Gold do on the field.

Packers.com is taking a look at some of the off-the-field interests of the players who you cheer for during the football season. This is a chance to get to know the players through a series of questions and answers, some football-related and others having nothing to do with the gridiron.

It's time to get to know... Donald Lee.

Tight end Donald Lee did not join the Packers until a week before the 2005 regular season began, but he proved to be a quick study.

A fellow Mississippi native, Lee formed an instant bond with Brett Favre. His first two receptions went for touchdowns, including a 16-yard touchdown catch during Week 4 on Monday Night Football

Ryan Pickett Could Anchor Young Defensive Line

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 10:10:16 CST
With the Green Bay Packers finishing the 2005 season ranked 23rd against the run, common perception was that they signed St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett to engulf opposing running backs.

"I've been labeled as a run stuffer," Pickett said. "I'm going to surprise people with my ability to rush the passer."

With Pickett helping against both the run and the pass, he represents one of the Packers' most significant offseason additions. He could fortify a defensive line, which features both depth and youth. Colin Cole, Cullen Jenkins, Corey Williams, Donnell Washington and Kenny Peterson will vie for playing time, and each player is 25-years-old except for Peterson (27).

The 26-year-old, Pickett, signed on March 17, had 65 tackles and three sacks during the 2005 season. The former statistic was the second best total of his career while the latter tied for a career high. Pickett does not attribute his best season to any change in conditioning or techni..

NFL Europe: Week 4 Recap

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 11:46:48 CST
You could say the Amsterdam Admirals are glad the Green Bay Packers allocated wide receiver Chad Lucas to NFL Europe.

One week after scoring two touchdowns, Lucas set an NFL-Europe record with four touchdowns and helped lead the Admirals to a 38-31 win against the Berlin Thunder.

"It just goes to show hard work pays off," Lucas, who caught six passes for 120 yards, told NFL Europe.com. "As an offense we work hard all week long, staying after practice running routes, getting the little things down, and it paid off tonight. I caught four touchdowns, but if everybody else wasn't doing their job than I wouldn't have caught those touchdowns."

Other players doing their job for the Admirals, included Atari Bigby, a Packers player who started at free safety and tied for the team lead in tackles with seven. Packers tight end Tory Humphrey started and caught two passes for 22 yards. Wide receiver Vince Butler played but did not catch a pass.

On the opposing ..

NFL Europe: Week 4 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 12:56:29 CST
The fourth week of NFL Europe play features one undefeated team, one winless squad and a pack of other teams trying to rise above the heap.

The Amsterdam Admirals (2-1) and Berlin Thunder (1-1-1) face off in a Week 1 rematch. In the first game, Berlin squeaked out a 33-29 victory but has not won a game since. Conversely the Admirals have a two-game winning streak and a high-octane offense, leading the league in several offensive categories. Amsterdam quarterback Gibran Hamdan was named Offensive Player of the Week after posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating, going 12-of-15 for 189 yards and three scores in a 38-20 win against Frankfurt. Berlin is last in the league running the ball with all 12 of its touchdowns coming on passing plays.

NFL Europe's only undefeated team, the 3-0 Rhein Fire, will host the only team still seeking a win, the 0-2-1 Hamburg Sea Devils. The Fire has given up a league-low 16 points and one touchdown in three games, a league record through t..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 11:38:14 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a new feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

This week's batch includes special anecdotes from the Green Bay Packers faithful. A 46-year-old attended his first game in Lambeau Field last year while a North Carolina resident went to her first Packers game in Ericsson Stadium. One lucky set of fans met Don Majkowski at Brett Favre's Steakhouse, and another family met Jerry Kramer at Fan Fest. Perhaps the most heartwarming story involves how Lambeau Field provided solace for a woman who lost her home during Hurricane Ivan.

I have many Packers memories, but the most obvious one would be my firs..

2006 Schedule Offers Chance To Reclaim Lambeau Advantage

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:13:11 CST
With its frigid conditions and raucous fans, Lambeau Field has the potential to become a significant home-field advantage. The Green Bay Packers, however, slipped last year, going 3-5 at home.

Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy wants to return to the days when opponents dreaded going to Lambeau.

"It's very important for us to get the Lambeau advantage back," McCarthy said.

The Packers can recoup that advantage during the very start of the 2006 regular season. They kick it off by hosting the Chicago Bears in Week 1 and the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

The Packers began playing the Bears in 1921, and the two franchises have played each other more frequently than any other two NFL teams. Starting the season with such a game should energize the fans and players of both organizations.

"The opener is exciting," McCarthy said. "Chicago's obviously a very important game. It's a big rivalry game. History speaks for itself."

In ad..

2006 Preview: Breaking Down The Packers Schedule

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:05:56 CST
In the parity-filled, salary cap-controlled NFL, any team can win on any given Sunday. But Packers.com has studied the tea leaves to analyze each of the Packers' 16 regular-season games. In a preview of the Packers' 2006 season, we highlight what to look for in each matchup on this year's docket.

Sunday, Sept. 10 vs. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are likely favorites to win the NFC North division crown, according to several pundits. The Bears, who owned the No. 2-ranked defense in the league in 2005, will once again line up a stout unit. Last year five defenders -- Tommie Harris, Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown made the Pro Bowl. More questions exist on the offensive side of the ball. Will Brian Griese supplant Rex Grossman at quarterback? Will Cedric Benson take away some of running back Thomas Jones' carries? Regardless of the answers, expect the Packers season to begin with a low-scoring, slug-it-out game typical of the ..

Packers' 2006 Slate Features Three Prime-Time Games, 11 Noon Kickoffs

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 11:36:26 CST
The Packers' complete 2006 schedule won't be known until 1 p.m. CT Thursday. But, in anticipation of that, packers.com has learned some advance details.

To highlight several important items about the Packers' 2006 schedule in advance of its full release, Green Bay begins the season with three of its first five games at home. The Packers then have their open date in Week 6, which is the earliest it has been for the team since 1999, when it fell in Week 4. After the bye, three of the next four games are on the road. Green Bay later closes out the season with three straight division games, allowing ample opportunity to affect the team's standing within the NFC North in the final month.

There is one bit of good news in this year's schedule for area churches. After playing amidst the Christmas holiday the past two seasons -- Friday, Dec. 24, 2004, at Minnesota and Sunday, Dec. 25, 2005, vs. Chicago -- Green Bay gets its Christmas Week game out of the way early thi..

Watch NFL Network's Schedule Announcement Show Live Thursday At 1 p.m. CT

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 21:45:13 CST
Live Archived

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For the third straight season, the National Football League's release of the regular-season playing schedule will be made into a two-hour television show on NFL Network's signature show, NFL Total Access. The show will air this Thursday, April 6, at 1 p.m. CT.

The NFL Total Access Schedule Show Presented by GMC will be hosted by Rich Eisen, alongside guest analyst Steve Mariucci.

NFL Total Access will announce the 2006 regular-season playing schedule on a week-by-week basis, highlighting the new changes taking place this season, including flexible scheduling, the addition of NBC and NFL Network as broadcasters, plus all the compelling matchups.

In addition to highlighting the key games of the 2006 season..

Billy Cundiff Looks To Fill Longwell's Shoes

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 15:37:27 CST
When Ryan Longwell signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 11, that acquisition meant the Packers would have a new kicker for the first time in nearly a decade.

And that burden now falls on Billy Cundiff, signed on March 27, to replace the Packers' all-time leading scorer with 1,054 points.

"I definitely take it as a challenge," Cundiff said. "I know what (Longwell) did, and his accomplishments are very significant. But now it's time to kind of show what I can do."

Cundiff can boom both kickoffs and field goals. He nailed more than 44 percent of his field goals beyond 50 yards during his career and helped the Dallas Cowboys lead the league in opponent's kickoff return average in 2004. Last year he nailed a 56-yard field goal in Texas Stadium in Week 11, farther than Longwell's career long of 54.

"My leg strength is an upside," Cundiff said.

Another strong point for Cundiff should be his ability to withstand Lambeau Field's wintry condi..

Roy Manning's Offseason: Hitting The Weights And Mingling With All-Stars

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 15:42:10 CST
Work hard. Play hard.

That's been the story of Roy Manning's offseason as the linebacker prepares for his second year in the NFL.

Before reporting for the Packers' offseason workout program on March 20, Manning stayed in his hometown of Saginaw, Mich. The burly 245-pound linebacker who lists weightlifting as one of his favorite hobbies focused on becoming more powerful.

"I don't know if I necessarily got too much bigger," Manning said. "I'm definitely stronger and feel a lot better."

To become more explosive, Manning performed squats, leg press and lunges at the Potential Energy gym in Saginaw. Strengthening his hamstrings and trunk also should take pressure off his back. Last year he suffered a back injury during preseason practices, which bothered him the rest of the season and caused him to miss Week 4.

The back injury, however, did not prevent him from making an auspicious debut. Although undrafted rookie free agents are lucky just to ..

NFL Europe: Week 3 Recap

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 12:07:15 CST
The Rhein Fire remain the hot team in NFL Europe, but Packers wide receiver Chad Lucas also sizzled in Week 3.

Lucas' two receptions -- for 24 and four yards -- both went for touchdowns in the Amsterdam Admirals' 38-20 victory against the Frankfurt Galaxy. Admirals Quarterback Gibran Hamdan, allocated by the Seattle Seahawks, posted a perfect passer rating of 158.3, completing 12-of-15 attempts for 189 yards and three touchdowns.

Hamdan's arsenal included three Packers players. In addition to Lucas, tight end Tory Humphrey also started for the Admirals, catching one pass for nine yards. Wide receiver Vince Butler played but did not catch a pass. The win vaulted the Admirals to 2-1, one game behind the scorching Fire.

The 3-0 Fire remained NFL Europe's only unblemished team by defeating the Cologne Centurions 20-10. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson passed for 165 yards and one touchdown, but two Packers players also contributed to the Fire victory.