3
Nov
2011
Lions fans think Nickelback sucks for Thanksgiving Day game
(Photo: cheezburger.com)
With the early success of the 6-2 Detroit Lions this season, their traditional Thanksgiving Day game (this year coming against their NFC North foe Green Bay Packers) should actually be worth watching for the first time in ages. As such, this year’s Turducken Bowl has taken on added meaning for the franchise and city of Detroit.
Detroit prides itself on being a city known for it’s rich musical history. From Motown to the MC5, Bob Seger to Kid Rock, and Madonna to the White Stripes, the Motor City has spawned some of the most important acts in modern music, earning yet another well-deserved nickname, “Rock City”. So it should come as no surprise that its citizens were none too pleased when they learned which musical performers the Lions had booked to perform at halftime of this year’s Thanksgiving Day game. Of all of the thousands of talented bands out there, including those who hail from Michigan, someone in the Lions’ front office thought it would be a good idea to book Canadian rock band Nickelback to perform.
Needless to say, this isn’t sitting well with many Lions fans, who have taken to the internet and started this petition to replace Nickelback as the halftime entertainment:
This game is nationally televised, do we really want the rest of the US to associate Detroit with Nickelback? Detroit is home to so many great musicians and they chose Nickelback?!?!?! Does anyone even like Nickelback? Is this some sort of ploy to get people to leave their seats during halftime to spend money on alcoholic beverages and concessions? This is completely unfair to those of us who purchased tickets to the game. At least the people watching at home can mute their TVs. The Lions ought to think about their fans before choosing such an awful band to play at halftime.
This is just classic. Nickelback is terrible, and the people of the mitten simply aren’t going to stand idly by while their ears are raped by this particularly crappy brand of corporate rock. We support this petition wholeheartedly.
9
Sep
2011
Randall Cobb performs “Barrel Roll” en route to 108-yard kickoff return (GIF)
(Image via Imgur.com)
Packers rookie WR/KR Randall Cobb made a pretty strong impression on his new team last night with this record-tying 108-yard kickoff return in the 3rd quarter, which helped Green Bay on to a thrilling season-opening 42-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The most impressive part of the play came as Cobb crossed the 20 yard line and got seemingly upended by Saints CB Leigh Torrance. Cobb then performed a “barrel roll” maneuver and managed to put down a hand as one of his teammates helped prevent his fall and keep him moving forward. The 2nd round draft choice then burst from the pack and used his speed to do the rest.
Since the NFL seems determined to have all kickoffs go into the endzone, it’s nice to know that there’s still plenty of young kids with no fear who are willing to eschew taking a knee in favor of taking one to the house.
WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
6
Mar
2011
Potential work stoppage dooms some teams more than others
Keep smiling: Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are built to last through good and bad -- including a potential work stoppage. (Source: 141characters.com)
The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to a seven-day extension to the current collective bargaining agreement, giving both sides another week to hammer out a deal and prevent the league’s first work stoppage since 1987.
The fact that both sides are communicating is hopeful, but the reality is that a tremendous amount of work must be done by March 11 to prevent a hammer dropping on football as we know it.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, coaches and general managers indicated to a man that it was “work as usual” until told otherwise.
Teams claim to be fully prepared for whatever lies ahead. That’s easy to trumpet, but in a normal offseason, we see winning clubs run an organized ship, while other clubs appear lost. How much more so if we move into rocky, uncharted waters?
7
Feb
2011
Monday Morning Super Bowl XLV round-up: Packers outlast Steelers to re-claim Lombardi Trophy
This year's trophy also came with a championship belt (Photo: Getty Images via ChicagoBreakingSports)
The Green Bay Packers are bringing the Lombardi trophy back to Titletown.
As the whole world watched, the Packers hung on to defeat Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV, with Aaron Rodgers throwing 3 TDs and taking home the MVP trophy. Green Bay jumped out to an early 21-3 lead, and for a minute it looked like we might be headed for a blowout. But the Steelers were able to turn the momentum and mount a comeback in the second half to cut the lead to within a score. But down by 6 points with just under 2 minutes to go, Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t able to summon the last-minute heroics needed for a game-winning drive, and the Packers held on for the victory. In the end, the difference in the game came down to turnovers. Pittsburgh committed three turnovers, and Green Bay committed none. Plus, the Packers were able to capitalize on all three of the Steelers turnovers with touchdowns. It’s pretty simple, really: when you spot a team 21 points in the Super Bowl, it’s difficult to win.
Rather than re-hash every angle you’ve probably heard overanalyzed a dozen times by now, we’ll just provide a few links to some of the more interesting side notes to this year’s big game:
- Yes, Christina Aguilera screwed up the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner. Deport her immediately.
- After all of his ploys to add extra attendees for the game (including selling tickets for standing room only party plazas outside the stadium) Jerry Jones missed setting the Super Bowl attendance record by 766
- And thanks to that attempt by Jerrah, 400 ticket buyers, who each paid $800 for newly constructed seats at Cowboys Stadium, were forced to watch the game on TVs in the stadium after the fire marshal deemed their seats unsafe. But the league is hooking each of the displaced fans up with $2,400 cash, NFL merch, tix to SB 46 … oh, and they got to go on the field during the post-game celebration last night.
- Only one record was set during SB XLV: fewest combined rushing attempts by both teams, with 36 (Packers 13, Steelers 23)
- Injured Packer CB Charles Woodson apparently gave an emotional, “Gipper-esque” halftime speech to his teammates, which helped fire them up to take home the championship.
5
Feb
2011
ReadAndReact’s Super Bowl XLV Picks
(Image via deviantart.com)
Since the big day is almost upon us, we wanted to get our official Super Bowl picks on record for tomorrow’s game. And if you’ve been paying any attention to our picks so far this year, you already know that we’re pretty awful at this prognostication thing … so we don’t advise that anyone wager their children’s college funds or anything on our selections. Or even your lunch money. We really stink at this.
So with that rousing introduction, here they are, direct from R&R HQ … and for the record, none of these take into account point spreads. This is straight win/loss:
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
As you can see, we’re split down the middle on the big game, with myself and C-O-U-R-T-N-E-Y taking the Packers, while TDH and steverodgers like the Steelers and Big Ben to win. And TheDarkHorse got real specific:
“The game will be tied 24-24 at the end of regulation. Per the new playoff overtime rules, the Steelers will win the toss and drive down the field for a touchdown. The Packers will do the same on their first possession, making the game 31-30 — before missing the extra point.”
Soooo … yeah. That should really help clear things up for those of you still on the fence. Enjoy the game!!!
3
Feb
2011
What does the “G” in the Packers logo stand for? Gullible (VIDEO)
Greatness or Green Bay ... what do you think?
FINAL UPDATE: The guys over at MidwestSportsFans.com were skeptical too, so they reached out to the Packers organization to verify Tiki’s claim … and this is what they found:
Update 2/6/11: The Packers’ Assistant Director of PR and Corporate Communications had the following to say: “There’s nothing in our history that suggests there’s any truth to this. The Packers Hall of Fame archivist said the same thing.”
So that should put an end to that debate.
__________________________________________________
Media Day at the Super Bowl rarely delivers any real groundbreaking information, but with thousands of media personalities from all over the world on-hand looking for every angle imaginable, occasionally you find out something new and interesting. And here’s one I bet you didn’t know, courtesy of our old friend Tiki Barber.
According to this video report filed to Yahoo by Barber on Tuesday, the “G” in the Green Bay Packers logo actually stands for “greatness” … not “Green Bay”, like most of us probably assumed. Watch here as Tiki quizzes the Packers players on their team’s history as a ploy to deliver this surprising piece of info:
Cool, huh? The story has taken the internet by storm this week, with blogs and websites everywhere fascinated by this newfound bit of NFL trivia.
The only problem is, it probably isn’t true. In doing a little bit of research, there seems to be no legitimate source to back up Tiki’s claim anywhere online. Nothing from Brashier, who created the logo, and nothing on record from Lombardi … nothing from any reputable news source that suggests the “G” actually stands for “Greatness”. Every single reference to this on the web has shown up recently, and leads back to either Tiki or Wikipedia. And it’s not like there hasn’t been enough research and documentation of the Packers team history over the years. Were it true, we probably would have heard about this before now, don’t you think?
After doing some more digging, it appears that the Packers Wikipedia page was edited on July 7, 2010 to include the “Greatness” reference. In looking at the history of the user who made the change, you can see that the same person edited the Wikipedia page for the Minnesota Vikings on June 25 to read: “The Vikings have never won a Super Bowl, therefore, they suck!” So it’s clear that this guy is a Green Bay fan … and probably not the most credible source on the planet.
UPDATE: The guys over at PackersUniforms.com – who I would expect to be experts on the subject – are shooting down Tiki’s claim too. And we’re putting out the call. If anyone out there has any evidence that supports the idea that the “G” stands for Greatness, please post it in the comments section.
UPDATE #2: The Packers’ Wikipedia page has now been updated with Barber as the source of the “Greatness” reference, which would appear to be circular since he got it from Wikipedia in the first place. And if you look at the Wikipedia discussion of this entry, this “fact” is certainly still in dispute.
Some have suggested that it was originally Lombardi’s idea. And while I can easily envision Lombardi telling his players that the “G” on their helmets stands for “Greatness”, that was most likely a motivational tactic rather than a factual statement about the design of the logo. Without any more credible support, this could at best be categorized an urban myth.
31
Jan
2011
Bill Murray is a huge Bears fan, thinks Ray Nitschke is a pussy
This is just fantastic. From the guys over at BlackBook comes this tremendous first-person account of one Green Bay Packers fan’s experience at last weekend’s NFC Championship game.
Apparently, while braving the Soldier Field crowd to root on his beloved Packers, this gentleman had an encounter with none other than diehard Bears fan and comic legend Bill Murray, who was seated right behind him. And even though Green Bay won the game, ole’ Bill wasn’t going to let this interloper intrude on the Bears’ home turf without at least giving him a little bit of the business.
"This picture is of him laughing in my face" (Photo: BlackbookMag.com)
From the source himself:
My friend Matt Katrosar flew to Chicago last weekend to hang out with some of his Windy City pals and attend the Bears/Packers NFL playoff game. He was wearing a Green Bay jersey (in support of old-school Packers legend Ray Nitschke) amid a sea of Chicago blue. During the 2nd quarter, Matt celebrated a considerably good play on the part of Green Bay with the usual hootin’ and hollerin’ reserved for such moments. That’s when he was blatantly shoved from behind. Turning to catch a glimpse of his assailant, he discovered his pusher was none other than Bill Murray, a huge Chicago Bears fan, who was unapologetically enjoying the moment.
Matt’s friend managed to capture a photo of Murray in mid-celebration, laughing at the rival fans. Naturally, Matt wanted a picture with the legendary actor. Murray’s response to his request? “Nitschke is a pussy.” So much for “No one will ever believe you.”
LOVE IT. And Bill Murray wins again.
26
Jan
2011
Packers to leave injured players out of Super Bowl team photo
Well this kind of sucks for Jermichael Finley (Photo: SI.com)
UPDATE: The Packers have apparently caved to public pressure. Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has been told that the Packers’ Super Bowl team photo has been moved to Friday, so that all of the players on IR will be included.
Whew … our long national nightmare is over. That was almost the non-story of the year.
___________________________________
In a move that has caused confusion and frustration among its players and around the league, the Green Bay Packers have elected not to include players on injured reserve in their official team photo, to be taken next Tuesday prior to Super Bowl XLV. Among the players listed on IR are some guys who have been major contributors to the Packers’ success this season, including TE Jermichael Finley, LB Nick Barnett and RB Ryan Grant.
For their part, Finley and Barnett aren’t too happy about the decision, and took to Twitter to express their feelings:
- Said Barnett: “Kinda sad… Found out basically IR guys can not be in team picture… It’s kinda sad to think.. Just goes you injured yourself you not part”
- Said Finley: “I never trip abt anything, but the way IR players are getting treated not cool..”
According to a Packers team spokesman, the decision was “driven by the sheer number of players on IR”, so that the rest of the team can focus on preparing for the big game. As the second-most injured team this season, Green Bay has made liberal use of injured reserve list, with FIFTEEN players out for the year. One of the main factors in the decision (according to the team) is the limited medical space available while on the road to team trainers, who will need all of that space to care for active injuries next week. So instead, the 15 Packers on IR will be flown to Dallas on Thursday, at which time the will get to participate in the full Super Bowl experience, including standing on the sidelines during the game.
Seems like a cop out to me. It’s fully ridiculous to leave core players like Finley, Grant and Barnett out of the team photo … especially when back-up scrubs who signed with the team two months ago will be included. It’s not like these IR’d players are going to come down to Dallas and distract their teammates from the goal at hand. Do the Packers’ brass really think that Finley is going to hop on the training table in front of Aaron Rodgers to get ultrasound treatment? Please. And it’s certainly not unreasonable for players to want to be included in such a historic team photo, and to feel a little bit hurt at being left out.
Later, Barnett apologized for his earlier outburst:
- “I was not trying to be a distraction nor was I downing the organization they have done so much for me over last 8 years. … Just saying I am sad that it worked out the way it did. This game is bigger then my feelings and my body of work. It’s about “One Goal!”
These guys are professionals, and should be treated as such … as it is now, Green Bay may not exactly be stacking the karma deck in their favor for this game.
24
Jan
2011
Charles Woodson and the Packers are coming to see President Obama (VIDEO)
BJ Raji does the getdown after scoring on an interception return in the NFC Championship (Photo: JSOnline.com)
Lost in all the back and forth over whether Jay Cutler is or is not a wuss seems to be the fact that the Green Bay Packers soundly defeated their third consecutive road playoff opponent, and are headed to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV. As the number six seed in the NFC, the Packers have gone into hostile territory and beaten the Eagles, Falcons and Bears in consecutive weeks, and done so in impressive fashion. Quite simply, Mike McCarthy’s team is playing the best football in the league right now … and with or without Cutler, the Packers were going to win that game.
While Aaron Rodgers may get all the (well-deserved) love from the media, perhaps the biggest factor in the Packers’ success has been the play of their defense. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers’ group allowed only 15 points per game in the regular season, and have been able to recover from some key injuries along with way. Led by shutdown corner Charles Woodson, agile big man BJ Raji and All-Pro LB Clay Matthews, Green Bay has effectively contained some of the game’s most dangerous offenses this post-season. So if you’re a believer that defense wins championships (and I am), take note that the Packers D is dominating games and peaking at the right time.
After the victory, Woodson addressed his teammates and took the opportunity to address President Obama, who had said he would attend the Super Bowl if his hometown Chicago Bears won on Sunday. To which Woodson replied that the Packers will instead come to see Obama … when they visit the White House as Super Bowl champions:
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
23
Jan
2011
Jay Cutler Journal Excerpts: NFC Championship Week
Cutler secretly journals in his helmet during practice (Photo: Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune)
Monday January 17
Playing Packers on Sunday. Papers are calling this a big deal. I am the only one in the locker room that reads the paper. Tribune is a rag. The Packers uniforms look stupid. I might have pancakes for dinner.
Tuesday January 18
Eating a Chipotle burrito. Reading nutritional content. Wildly caloric. Not surprising how fat the women are in this town. Does not explain overall stupidity, however. Spent some time last night watching tape of Packers. One of their linemen looks like a G.L.O.W. wrestler. Possibly shaved armpits. The world is going down the crapper one shaved manpit at a time.
Wednesday January 19
Urlacher gave a speech at the end of practice. Wasn’t listening. Distracted by strange cracks in locker room ceiling. Poor paint job. Shoddy union work. Players seemed fired up when he was done. Slipped out the back door when no one was looking. Sat in car in the parking lot. Listened to an old mix tape from old Vandy girlfriend. Counting Crows. The players stream out into the lot. A lot of the guys on the team drive really stupid cars.
Thursday January 20
Parents forwarded me a column from espn.com about me by some hack Rick Reilly. Parents still have AOL account. Print out and read article while in the hot tub. I remember Elway, very equine-shaped head. Very successful owner of car dealerships. I did not realize he was a football player. Just another thing Shanahan could not explain succinctly. Martz comes by drinking tea. He nods at me. Have ignored him since week 6 and life has been better for it.
Friday January 21
Spend evening with girlfriend. When she falls asleep head downstairs to watch TV. NFL Films is showing old Packers/Bears games. Make turkey sandwich and drink a glass of sodium-packed Spicy V-8. Watch grainy film and read poorly written scouting reports until I get tired and then go to bed. Even scouting reports on the Packers are boring.
Saturday January 22
I can tell that some of the guys are getting nervous about game on Sunday. Have to tell one of the receivers what the route is on simple audible during walk through. Gather the offense around me before heading into locker room. I tell them tomorrow is just another game. I tell them the Packers are idiots with shaved armpits and have a bush-league coach that couldn’t solve a crossword puzzle in a Highlights magazine much less come up with a plan to stop our offense. I look them in the eye for the first time all season, every single one of them, I promise them that we will win the game. When we break I notice the turf, as usual, looks like it has been taken care of by a drunken cadre of moronic, blind groundskeepers.
Sunday January 23
Wake up early. Write check to children’s hospital. Read paper. Girlfriend makes me toast. Poorly. Drive car the long way to stadium. Bears flags fly from apartment windows and from car antennas. Whole city seems to be wearing our jerseys. I even see an attractive woman amongst the general flab. She is pushing her young son in a stroller. He is holding a stuffed bear and smiling. I smile too. It will be a pleasure to beat the Packers today. What a stupid team.
