McCarthy at the Super Bowl: Picking up hardware
 When he met reporters in Green Bay a week ago, Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn't sound too enthusiastic about anything having to do with the Super Bowl. He said he probably wouldn't watch the game because he'd be on a flight to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. But McCarthy made the trip to Phoenix today to pick up an award as the fans' choice as NFL coach of the year. He was chosen as the winner of the Motorola NFL Coach of the Year Award from a field of five finalists that included New England's Bill Belichick, Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio, Washington's Joe Gibbs and Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin. Fans chose the finalists in online voting earlier this month. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Favre at the Super Bowl: I haven't decided on return
 As he picked up an award honoring him as the fans' choice as the NFL's best quarterback, Brett Favre today fielded questions about whether he'll return to the Green Bay Packers for the 2008 season. "I'm going to take a few more weeks," he said at a press conference in Phoenix, according to the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger. "Our coaching staff is coaching in the Pro Bowl. When they're done, (coach) Mike (McCarthy) and I will sit down and discuss it. We've already talked about it some, but we'll talk about it more in a couple of weeks." Favre said he won't base his decision on the Packers' overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC championship game. "I've always said I won't base it on one game," he said. Favre was honored as the FedEx Air Player of the Year. The company will donate $25,000 to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation. He was selected over New England's Tom Brady and Dallas' Tony Romo. Jacksonville's Fred Taylor won the Ground Player of the Year award as the top running back. He was chosen over Minnesota's Adrian Peterson and San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson. Fans voted online earlier this month, and a panel of NFL experts chose the six finalists. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Patriots' Hobbs: Packers erred in covering Giants
 New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs has watched the film and has learned from what he sees as the Packers' mistakes in covering the New York Giants' receivers in the NFC championship game on Jan. 20. When Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe asked him how best to defend against the Giants' receivers, Hobbs said: "You have to get as tight and as close as you can to them." Wait a minute. Isn't that what the Packers did?
"There were flaws in (Green Bay's) game plan. There were errors in judgment. We saw some things that could have been done better," Hobbs said, "and we are looking to take advantage of that." -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Moss: 'I didn't really want to go to Green Bay'
 New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss was asked during a Super Bowl press conference this morning whether he thought he would be traded to the Green Bay Packers last offseason, and whether Packers quarterback Brett Favre called him. Moss, appearing on an NFL Network telecast, replied: "I think Brett wanted to talk to me. I think the time that he wanted to talk to me I was a little tied up. I forgot what I was doing, but I was a little tied up and was unable to talk to him. "But Green Bay was in the picture, but the things that was told to me about maneuvering money around and making it a good fit, the Packers were really talking a lot about the wrong things and not the right things. "When they started talking more about the wrong things I just hung the phone up and didn’t want to talk to them anymore. I thought that at first, it’s something that could have worked out, for the fact that Brett Favre was there, but I think as the conversations continued throughout the day or the next day, I didn’t really want to go to Green Bay." Moss was eventually traded by the Oakland Raiders to the Patriots on draft weekend last April. Favre later publicly complained that the Packers organization didn't do enough to acquire Moss. Moss later was asked to explain what he meant by the Packers talking about the "wrong things." He replied: "They were just talking about how their team concept, and the wide receivers, and Donald Driver, things like that. It's like they were telling me that they're going to somewhat take a chance on me, but if you do come here, these are the things that you have to watch out and be on your best behavior. And Donald Driver is the top receiver, so don't come in here and try to step on his toes, you know, things like that. "I didn't think that was right because my whole career I have been taken out of (context) sometimes but, you know, at the end of the day, all I wanted to do is win games, and it's hard in this league to win games. I think that's why if we go ahead and do this thing the way it's supposed to be done on Sunday, going undefeated, man, it's an historical moment. I didn't feel that they really wanted me. I think Brett wanted me. I didn't think the Packers organization really wanted me." -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Readers support Favre
Response to the informal, comment-based poll I posted in the Blog on Thursday more or less matched response to the actual poll posted last week on the packersnews.com homepage. Of 62 people posting an opinion on Packers quarterback Brett Favre’s future as of early Monday evening, 43 (69.4 percent) want Favre to return in 2008, nine (14.5 percent) want him to retire and 10 (16.1 percent) are undecided. That follows a 76 percent majority in favor of Favre’s return in that poll last week — also a significantly higher percentage than one might have anticipated after reading those heat-of-the-moment posts. Those opposed this time primarily cited Favre’s poor play in the two games with the worst weather, Dec. 23 at Chicago and in the NFC championship game against the Giants on Jan. 20. Other reasons included wanting to see more of Aaron Rodgers, wanting a young quarterback to grow with a young team, Favre not being worth his $12 million base salary next season, Favre’s poor play in recent postseasons and, simply, “it’s time.” You can read my thoughts on the topic in today’s live chat. For those too lazy to click the link, here’s the short version: Favre should come back, and the organization should have him. — Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Sources: Brandt out as VP of player finance
Andrew Brandt no longer is the Packers' vice president of player finance, NFL sources said today. One source said it was Brandt's decision to leave the organization, but the Packers have not made any official announcement. An official announcement is expected this week, perhaps as soon as this afternoon. Brandt, who joined the organization in 1999, had been responsible for negotiating contracts and managing the salary cap. His contract was to expire at the end of April, after the NFL draft. Brandt was strongly interested in succeeding Bob Harlan as the Packers' team president -- a position that went to Mark Murphy -- and was disappointed when he wasn't a finalist. -- Rob Demovsky, redemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com UPDATE, 2:22 p.m.: The Packers have confirmed Brandt's departure in a press release. “After nine years of having the privilege of working for the Green Bay Packers and its incredible fan base, I have decided it is time to move on to pursue other opportunities, goals and challenges,” Brandt said. “I have hopefully contributed in a small way to the success of this franchise over the years and am certain there is much more success ahead. I will cherish my time working for this unique organization and will forever have fond memories of the people, the players and the fans of Packer nation.” Said General Manager Ted Thompson: “We want to thank Andrew for his contributions the last nine years. We appreciate his fine work in the area of contract negotiations and salary cap management. He will be missed. The Green Bay Packers wish him the very best in his future endeavors. With regard to contract negotiations and salary cap management, we currently have people in place internally to effectively operate in this area until we have a new person to fill this role.”
Punter Dougherty re-signed
 The Packers have re-signed punter Ryan Dougherty, who spent 21 days with the team during training camp last summer. Dougherty, who's not related to Press-Gazette sports reporter Pete Dougherty and has significantly more hair (see: above photo), probably has little chance of unseating current punter Jon Ryan. He's the 11th player the Packers have signed to a reserve/future contract since the season ended. -- Press-Gazette
Turning on Favre?
Seventy-six percent of the 13,000 people who voted in a PackersNews.com poll earlier this week felt Brett Favre should return for the 2008 season. However, comments left on the final blog post after Sunday's NFC championship game loss suggest plenty of people feel even Favre's MVP-caliber regular season isn't enough to justify returning this fall. Was that just emotions talking after a bitter loss and one extremely ill-timed interception? Or are fans turning on Favre? Now that you've had time to cool off, post a comment with your thoughts on Favre's future. If you haven't read them, check out the comments I'm referring to by clicking here. Also, here are excerpts from a few e-mails I received: * "Unfortunately one only need to look at the second Bears game to understand that not only did Brett appear not to want to play in the cold but also his teammates. The effort in both the Bears and Giants games was the same - Zero." * "The PACKERS COACH DID NOT HAVE A PLAN B .. THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD 1 BECAUSE FARVE CAN'T DO IT ALL. SHAME ON THE COACH AND OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR FOR NOT USING THE RUNNING GAME MORE. WHY DID THEY GET A GREAT RUNNING BACK AND NOT USE HIM. THIS COACH SUCKS BY NOT HAVING A PLAN B READY TO GO IN THE SECOND HALF AND JUST DEPENDING ON FARVE ALL THE WAY. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A TEAM. THE HEAD COACH & OFFENSIVE COACH SHOULD BE GONE. THEY NEED A NEW COACH ASAP RIGHT NOW. DON'T KEEP A COACH WHO THROWS A FLAG TO CHALLENGE A CALL THAT WAS DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO BE OVER TURNED. GET THAT NEW COACH, NEW OFFENSIVE COACH, MAKE SOME TRADES FOR SOME NEW PLAYERS TO HELP WITH THE "TEAM". AGAIN, FARVE CAN'T.. AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE 1 TO CARRY THE TEAM. HE SHOULD STAY.... HE CAN'T QUIT LIKE THIS....BUT THERE BETTER BE A CHANGE IN THE COACHING POSITION BEFORE FARVE MAKES HIS DECISION." (Editor's note: It's 'Favre.' And your caps lock is on.) * "Farve was (expletive) and he acted like it was no big deal as did the rest of the team. ... Manning, the paperboy, outplayed Farve in every way. Brett hang it up, he acted like an old man who was looking at his watch." -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Ten signed to reserve/future contracts
The Packers have signed 10 players to reserve/future contracts: quarterback Dalton Bell, receiver Chris Francies, linebacker Spencer Havner, guards Ryan Keenan and Cameron Stephenson, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, tackle Chris Patrick, defensive back Joe Porter, tackle Cliff Washburn and running back Corey White. All but Bell and Patrick finished this past season on the practice squad. Bell spent one week on the practice squad in September; Patrick ended the season on injured reserve. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy's season-ending news conference
Coach Mike McCarthy had his season-ending news conference this afternoon at Lambeau Field. Some quick hits from his remarks: * He spoke with QB Brett Favre on Tuesday and discussed both sides of whether Favre will return next season. Favre and his family left for Mississippi today and will take a couple of weeks to discuss the decision. McCarthy expects to be in contact with Favre every seven to 10 days until the decision is reached. It's unclear whether Favre will attend the Pro Bowl, in which the Packers coaches will lead the NFC squad. * If Favre returns, his obligations in the offseason likely will be the same as a year ago, when he went through most of organized team activity practices but was not in attendance for review days. * McCarthy is "hopeful" DT Corey Williams will be re-signed. He'll meet with LS Rob Davis after the Pro Bowl but said he wants the veteran back. * Defensive quality control assistant Eric Lewis has accepted a job coaching the secondary at the University of Louisville. McCarthy said he has not been contacted about any other assistant coaches. * McCarthy has not yet watched the film from Sunday's game, because he's been busy with exit interviews and other postseason duties. However, he does not believe he could have done anything different strategically. * If the game were played again, he still would match up top cornerback Al Harris on Giants receiver Plaxico Burress. * The main issues with the offense on Sunday were poor production in normal down and distance and the inability to convert on third downs. * He isn't planning to consider practicing outdoors, despite the team's struggles in cold-weather games. * He said he wasn't ready to address what positions need to be upgraded. He'll meet with coordinators the rest of the week but probably won't meet with other assistants until after the Pro Bowl. * He considered calling timeout before Lawrence Tynes' winning field goal on Sunday but decided not to, in part because he didn't think Tynes would make it. * He won't watch the Super Bowl because he'll be traveling to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. * He had no update on CB Charles Woodson, who had an MRI on his injured knee. He also said no plans have been set for offseason surgeries for players. * First- and second-year players will begin the offseason program March 17. Other veterans won't start until March 31. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Locker room reax
Some thoughts from inside the Packers locker room a day after their 23-20 loss to the New York Giants in the NFC championship game ... DL Corey Williams: "They made plays and we didn’t. Would I say they’re a better team than us? No, I wouldn’t say that. They just made the plays and we didn’t. We had chances to win the game, but we just didn’t capitalize on their mistakes." P Jon Ryan: "You don’t expect it. When you’re kind of riding that high, you don’t expect it to come to an end like that. It always comes to an end so quickly and so abruptly that it’s a tough pill to swallow. Still kind of in shock, really." DL Cullen Jenkins: "Hopefully, this is something that stays with us the rest of our careers to keep us working harder. We’ve just got to go in and put in the work and do that much more to make it. ... Anytime you get tired, you may feel like you’re not doing something, you can think back to this feeling that we’re having now, and that’ll give you that extra incentive." WR Greg Jennings: "We know what we’ve established, and we obviously didn’t accomplish what we wanted to get accomplished this year, but it is what it is. There’s always next year, and hopefully, it turns out better than what this year did." -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Woodson to have MRI on knee
Cornerback Charles Woodson will have an MRI on his injured knee on Tuesday, but he's hopeful he won't have to undergo surgery. Woodson said today his knee "blew up" the week before the St. Louis game on Dec. 16 and bothered him the rest of the season, even more than the toe injury he sustained Thanksgiving Day at Detroit. Players were at Lambeau Field today to meet with position coaches, go through exit interviews, have physicals and clean out their lockers. Refresh the Blog this afternoon for more day-after reaction. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
It's all over
Lawrence Tynes' 47-yard field goal has sent the Giants to the Super Bowl and ended the Packers' season. A Brett Favre interception gave the Giants the ball in Packers territory for the winning possession. There's no way to put all this in perspective in one hasty blog post, so I'll have to leave you here. Back in a few hours to chat. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
The magic continues
Lawrence Tynes has missed again, this time from 36 yards, to keep alive the chance for a Packers victory that seemed impossible with 5 seconds remaining. Jay Alford's snap was very high and Tynes yanked the kick left. The Packers have won the toss for the second time today and will receive to start overtime. The last NFC championship game decided in overtime was after the 1998 season, when Morten Andersen and the Falcons stunned the Vikings in Minnesota. Buckle up, everybody. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Be ready with your questions
Before I forget to post the link for the postgame chat, here it is: http://forums.packersnews.com/viewtopic.php?t=27455 No idea yet whether it will be a happy chat or a furious one, but either way, it should start a little before midnight. At the 2-minute warning, it's Giants ball at their own 47, facing second-and-15. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Tynes misses, keeping game tied
After the Packers cut Dave Rayner this past fall, his first trip was to New York, because the Giants were considering dumping Lawrence Tynes. After Rayner's audition, the Giants opted to stick with Tynes More than 4 1/2 months later, Tynes' miss from 43 yards has kept this game tied with 6 minutes, 49 seconds to play in regulation. Even though the Packers went three-and-out on their ensuing possession, this was a huge missed opportunity for the Giants, who now are back to their own 37-yard line after a short Jon Ryan punt. INJURY UPDATE: Packers cornerback Al Harris and safety Nick Collins left the game because of cramps but have returned. Giants guard Rich Seubert has a knee injury, and his return is questionable. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers knot score at 20
It only resulted in a tying field goal and not a go-ahead touchdown, but the bizarre interception-fumble play was a huge break for the Packers. Brett Favre broke a couple of tackles in the backfield before making a ridiculously poor decision by heaving a pass into traffic. R.W. McQuarters intercepted it, but Ryan Grant stripped him during the return and Packers tackle Mark Tauscher fell on the ball. That set up Mason Crosby's 37-yard field goal, which tied the score at 20 with 11:46 to play in regulation, instead of a huge swing in momentum for the visitors. That play also is Grant's biggest contribution today. Throw out his 13-yard run, and he only has 14 yards on 11 carries. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Giants back on top 20-17
Eli Manning continues to play efficiently despite the elements, and the Packers just don't have an answer for the Giants' receivers. Manning was 3-for-4 -- one completion to Plaxico Burress, two to Amani Toomer -- as the Giants went 57 yards in seven plays and regained a 20-17 lead as Ahmad Bradshaw danced into the end zone from 4 yards out. It only took 2 minutes, 48 seconds for the Giants to answer the Packers' go-ahead score and suck the life out of this building again. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers back in front 17-13
It goes both ways. This time, it was a personal foul against veteran Giants cornerback Sam Madison that gave the Packers second life after a failed third down. Madison got into it with running back Vernand Morency near the Packers sideline after the play, drawing flags from all angles. On the next play, Brett Favre hit tight end Donald Lee in the back of the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown, putting the Packers in front 17-13 with 5 minutes to play in the third quarter. There have been small altercations since the opening kickoff, and discipline will be key these next 20 minutes. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Giants regain lead, 13-10
Penalties killed the Packers on the Giants' go-ahead touchdown drive, which Brandon Jacobs capped with a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:56 to play in the third quarter. There were four penalties in all that helped the Giants take a 13-10 lead, and two of them were damning -- an illegal contact call against Al Harris that wiped out his apparent interception and a roughing the passer call against Nick Collins that erased a failed third-down pass. Contrary to the opinions of everyone booing in the stadium, both calls were correct. Harris, who has burned all day by Plaxico Burress, knocked Giants receiver Steve Smith to the ground to get the interception. And though it would have been difficult for Collins to avoid contact with Eli Manning, he made no effort to slow down and took an extra step before leveling the quarterback. They're aggressive mistakes, but they proved costly here. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Heating up at Lambeau Field
OK, not really, but it does feel a little warmer on the field as the second half kicks off. It's now 3 degrees below zero, but the winds have dipped to 10 mph, raising the wind chill to only 20-below -- up from minus-23 at game time. I've never seen two teams sprint off the field quite as quickly as these did at halftime. It cannot be pleasant down there. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers extend lead to 10-6
The Packers' screen game has had its moments this year, but it never has been a strength. Their latest drive ended when rookie Brandon Jackson caught a screen pass but couldn't elude linebacker Antonio Pierce -- the only player with any chance to prevent him from getting the first down, and one who was engaged with guard Jason Spitz -- on third-and-8 from the Giants' 19. The Packers instead settled for a 36-yard Mason Crosby field goal that made it 10-6 Packers with 1:30 to play in the first half. That's a disappointment after a strong defensive stand gave the Packers possession at the Giants' 47, with a chance to score a second straight touchdown and push their lead to eight before halftime. However, momentum clearly is on the Packers' side. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Driver, Packers in front 7-6
The Packers strike back. Donald Driver got wide open off a Brett Favre pump fake, then caught Favre's pass and outran three Giants down the right sideline for a 90-yard touchdown. The extra point put the Packers ahead 7-6 with 11:18 to play in the first half. Driver got behind cornerback Corey Webster at the line, but he wouldn't have gone for the touchdown if safety Gibril Wilson hadn't taken a horrendous angle. Wilson cut off teammate James Butler and didn't catch Driver himself, helping complete the longest completed pass in Packers playoff history. That's one way to cure the offensive blues. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Giants make it 6-0
Given the offense's failings, the Packers defense deserves credit for keeping the Giants from doing more damage in the first 20 minutes. Lawrence Tynes' second field goal -- a 37-yarder with 11:41 to play in the first half -- made it 6-0 Giants. But that total could be worse, considering the Packers offense only has generated 27 yards in three possessions. Ryan Grant, a force in last week's attack, only has 7 yards on three carries. * Paid attendance is 72,740, breaking the record set last week against Seattle. * CB Charles Woodson left the game briefly, apparently because of a helmet problem, but has returned. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Manning starts strong; Giants lead 3-0
Eli Manning hasn't played in this type of weather before, but he looked pretty good throwing the football on the Giants' methodical opening drive. Manning completed 5 of 8 passes, including a key third-down strike to Plaxico Burress, as the Giants went 71 yards in 14 plays over 7 minutes, 48 seconds and opened the scoring with Lawrence Tynes' 29-yard field goal with 4:50 to play in the first quarter. Manning's only notable mistake could have cost the Giants that 3-0 lead. He hit Cullen Jenkins in the hands while under pressure from Aaron Kampman, but Jenkins couldn't hold on. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Passing tough early
Whether it's the bit of wind or just the cold, the elements seemed to hurt the Packers' passing game on the opening possession. After starting with two playaction dump-down throws, Brett Favre misfired on a deep ball for Greg Jennings -- nearly leading to an interception for Gibril Wilson -- and a third-down pass for Donald Driver, forcing a punt. Whether either team has any luck throwing down the field remains to be seen, but early indications are it will be difficult. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Second-coldest game
Honorary Packers captain Bart Starr entered the playing field through the south end zone. How appropriate. It was in that end zone Starr scored the winning touchdown in the Ice Bowl -- the coldest game in team history -- in 1967. Today's game will be the second-coldest. The temperature at kickoff is 1 degree below zero, with 12 mph winds out of the west creating a wind chill of 23 below. The wind blew the ball off the tee twice before the opening kickoff, which the Packers will receive. This one is going to be interesting. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Weather update
It's now 1 degree below zero with 8 mph winds and a wind chill of minus-17. More Packers than not, though, are going without long sleeves. The stands are packed and almost all fans on their feet as the clock ticks down the final 23 minutes to kickoff. That probably has a lot to do with the cold metal bleachers, but it is a festive and energetic atmosphere, to say the least. FEEDBACK: Yes, Backpack, I'm toasty warm in the press box. You couldn't pay me -- or just about anyone else up here -- enough to work outside in this weather. Tough to type with choppers on. There is no outdoor press area. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Braving the elements
Whether thanks to peer pressure or sheer mental toughness, it appears a lot of Packers are determined to brave this cold without long sleeves. Of six players who just came onto the field for return-game warm-ups, four -- Charles Woodson, Greg Jennings, Koren Robinson and Tramon Williams -- are wearing short sleeves. James Jones and Ruvell Martin are wearing long sleeves, and Martin still looks like he's absoltely freezing as he hops around near midfield. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Field-goal range
The wind is blowing the flags on top of the stadium, but it doesn't appear to be having a huge effect down on the field. It does seem, however, it will be easier to kick north -- from right to left on your TV screen. Kicking toward the north end zone with the wind slightly behind him, Packers kicker Mason Crosby had plenty of leg on a 48-yarder, sneaked a 53-yarder over the crossbar and was short from 55. Kicking south, he had just enough on a 48-yarder and didn't try any from farther. Crosby clearly has a stronger leg than Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, who barely had enough from 49 yards toward the north end zone. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbypressgazette.com
This just in: It's friggin' cold
The announced temperature at roughly 4:20 p.m. was 1 degree, which would be the third-coldest game-time temperature for a Packers home game. The wind chill is minus-17, as winds are gusting to 25 mph. The coldest was the Ice Bowl against Dallas on Dec. 31, 1967, which began with a temperature of 13-below and wind chill of minus-46. It was zero degrees with a wind chill of 22-below on Dec. 26, 1993, when the Packers beat the Los Angeles Raiders. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Blackmon inactive
Packers cornerback/punt returner Will Blackmon is inactive for today's game. Blackmon returned to practice this past week after aggravating a foot injury in the Dec. 30 regular-season finale. He seemed to be running and cutting well all week, but coaches either didn't feel he was ready to come back or couldn't make room for him on the 45-man roster. Another surprise inactive is former Giant Frank Walker, who was the No. 4 cornerback a week ago, when the Packers played a significant amount of dime coverage against the Seahawks. That means Jarrett Bush becomes the fourth corner, though it's unlikely the Packers will play nearly as much dime today. Also inactive are: WR Shaun Bodiford, T Orrin Thompson, TE Ryan Krause, DT Conrad Bolston and DT Daniel Muir. Craig Nall is the No. 3 QB. The Giants' inactives are: No. 3 QB Jared Lorenzn, RB Danny Ware, CB Kevin Dockery, T Adam Koets, DT Manny Wright, WR Sinorice Moss, TE Jerome Collins and DT Russell Davis. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Welcome to Championship Sunday
The tarp is being rolled away here at Lambeau Field, a little more than two hours before kickoff of the NFC championship game between the Packers and Giants. The sun is shining and there isn't a cloud in sight, but it's zero degrees with 12 mph winds. According to the Weather Channel, the temperature will be near zero with a wind chill of 13-below when the action kicks off at 5:42 p.m. I'll have inactives in about an hour. Any pressing last-minute questions? Send them my way using the 'Comments' link below. 3:56 p.m.: Punter Jon Ryan is the first Packer to exit the tunnel. There also are a remarkable number of fans in stands already, given the conditions. 3:58 p.m.: Two Giants linemen have come onto the field in short sleeves. Have fun, guys. 4:05 p.m.: The last of the tarp is being rolled off the south end of the field. A fair amount of snow is caked into the turf in the south end zone; a worker with a shovel is clearing away the edges to make the boundaries more visible. There is little snow anywhere else on the field. 4:19 p.m.: Tom Brady's third interception in the AFC championship game elicited a loud response in the press box. Late in the third quarter, New England is clinging to a 14-12 lead over San Diego. Wow. There is a lot of blaze orange in the stands, which have begun filling up more quickly. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Friday's mailbag
It's been a long week and I'm ready to get out of here, but first, a few questions to take care of. The Blog will get fired up again at about 4 p.m. Sunday. * Packer Backer in AK asked whether I would blitz Eli Manning or sit back in coverage. Normally, I would espouse more pressure. But if the weather is as bad as it sounds like it will be on Sunday, I think the same strategy that prevailed against Matt Hasselbeck will work again -- mix in an occasional blitz, but otherwise let the cold and wind be the fifth pass rusher. Simply facing the Packers' bump-style corners may be enough to disturb Manning's rhythm, especially in the type of cold he's never faced in his career. * backpack said: "Tom, can we get Bart Starr in uniform with a one-day contract to come on the field at the end to take the 'Victory Formation' kneel-down snaps? That would be sweet." I'm guessing there would be some sort of insurance risk there. No chance. * A bunch of people asked about players putting vaseline on players' bodies. I'm not even going to get into the rules about foreign substances. All I'll say is, the wind chill might reach 30-below on Sunday -- cover yourself in vaseline, go to the game shirtless and then let me know how that works out for you. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Injury report: Blackmon questionable
All 53 Packers were full participants in practice today, according to the injury report released this afternoon, and cornerback/punt returner Will Blackmon is the only player listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game. Coach Mike McCarthy said Blackmon (foot) will be a game-time decision, but all indications are he would be available if the Packers decide to activate him. Receiver Greg Jennings (groin) was removed from the injury report today. Linebacker Nick Barnett (hamstring), tight end Bubba Franks (knee), receiver Koren Robinson (knee), center Scott Wells (glute) and cornerback Charles Woodson (knee) are probable. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice notes: Wells, Blackmon practice
Per my esteemed colleague Pete Dougherty, center Scott Wells (glute) was back on the practice field this morning, and cornerback/return specialist Will Blackmon (foot) practiced again. In other words, it appears your Green Bay Packers are about as healthy as possible for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Giants. Coach Mike McCarthy will provide an injury update in a couple of hours, but barring some sort of setback, it seems likely all seven players listed on the injury report will be removed or listed as probable. Keep the comments coming. Another mailbag will come your way this afternoon. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Final injury update from the Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Friday that nickel cornerback Kevin Dockery (hip flexor) didn't practice again on Friday and has been ruled out for Sunday's NFC championship game at Lambeau Field. Coughlin was optimistic that his two starting cornerbacks, Sam Madison (abdominal strain) and Aaron Ross (shoulder), would be available. Madison didn't practice on Friday, but that was as planned. Madison took part in most drills during the week and was given the day off Friday, Coughlin said. Madison was injured in the regular-season finale and missed both playoff games. Ross practiced all week on a limited basis and is expected to play. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Thursday's mailbag
As promised, I'm back to respond to some blog comments. Keep them coming using 'Comments' the link below. I'll try to answer another batch Friday. * packer backer in ak asked about the quality of practice. I haven't sensed much, if anything, different this week. We've gotten to see a little less than usual, but by and large, it's been as loose and loud as ever. Here's what coach Mike McCarthy said about today's workout: "Great energy today, execution was a lot better. We had some things we needed to clean up from yesterday. We accomplished that. I thought the energy was excellent, the tempo was very good. When we finish, on the norm (it's) between 5, 8 minutes ahead of schedule. We were 8 minutes ahead of schedule today, so I thought today's work was very good without viewing the film." * packer backer in ak also asked about whether the Packers would try any trick plays. I couldn't tell you even if I knew something, but sure, every team has trick plays, and McCarthy never has been one to coach scared. * R.D. in Menasha wrote this: "No one has mentioned the fact that the Packers are playing at night in the middle of January up north. What about frost-bite, breathing in artic air to the lungs, etc. Do the networks have that much power that they can put players lives at stake." This isn't about network power. The NFC game always was scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff, whether it was here, in Dallas or elsewhere. These guys hurl their bodies into 330-pound linemen for a living -- breathing in cold air probably is the least dangerous thing they'll do this week. Certainly, each team's medical staff will make sure precautions are taken and monitor players during the game. * joel asked about the 'C's on the Packers' uniforms last week. You're right, they weren't there during the regular season. That's because the Packers rotated captains each week. Before the playoffs, six players -- Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Aaron Kampman, Nick Barnett, Rob Davis and Tracy White -- were elected playoff captains. So, those guys had the letters on their jerseys. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Giants practice outside again
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Amid reports that the weather in Green Bay on Sunday might be even colder than expected, New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin took practice outdoors for the second straight day. Once again, the weather was a major topic at Giants Stadium. While several Giants players insisted they will wear short sleeves, defensive end Justin Tuck predicted defensive end Michael Strahan will wear several layers. "I told him I'm wearing layers," Strahan said. "I'm not trying to impress anybody. For what? I guarantee you Justin Tuck's goose bumps will be bigger than his muscles." Here's the Giants' injury report: WR Plaxico Burress (ankle), limited participation. CB Kevin Dockery (hip flexor), did not practice. CB Sam Madison (abdominal), limited participation. T Kareem McKenzie (ankle), full participation. CB Aaron Ross (shoulder), limited participation. UPDATE: Here are some of the highlights from Coughlin's post-practice news conference: Q: The fact that the weather forecast is now calling for even colder conditions that originally forecast. Coughlin: I saw where it was written on the board that it is cooler, but we will know when we get to the stadium probably. Q: There is a story out of Green Bay today where some of the Packers are complaining about contact after the whistle the first time the two teams met. Shaun O’Hara, Plaxico…. Coughlin: I have no idea what was said. I will check the officiating log for you if you want, but I’m unaware of any of that. Q: In the past, Brett Favre had trouble with interceptions. Was that due to pressure from the pass rush, and the difference this year is that he has only been sacked 15 times? Coughlin: That is a part of it; that is a part of it. I just think that what Brett Favre has done this year is that he literally eliminated that part of his game. I haven’t really seen anything like that for quite some time. Q: People have talked about Eli’s progress. How important has the offensive line been to that progress? Coughlin: It has been very important. Very important to have the continuity, to have the offensive linemen work together the majority of the time for the season. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice notes: Wells sits out but 'will be fine'
Center Scott Wells did not suit up for today's padded practice. Wells (glute) left Wednesday's practice after he "felt something," and coach Mike McCarthy said the team was being "safe" with the injury. Wells watched the jog-through portion of today's workout before leaving The Don Hutson Center, presumably to get treatment. Jason Spitz is the backup center, and Tony Moll probably would take Spitz's place at right guard if Wells can't play in Sunday's NFC championship game. However, it wouldn't be a surprise if the team remains cautious with Wells all week in practice and he plays anyway. UPDATE: Wells "will be fine for the game," McCarthy told reporters this afternoon. "That's the communication that he has given me and the training staff," McCarthy said. "Just being smart with him. He has a glute strain." The only change on today's injury report will be to the status of receiver Greg Jennings (groin), who returned to full participation. The other six players on Wednesday's injury report will remain limited. The other player pulled from Wednesday's workout, linebacker Nick Barnett (hamstring), was back on the field and showed no ill effects. Meanwhile, cornerback/punt returner Will Blackmon (foot) participated in practice for the second consecutive day and once again appeared to be moving well. The hardest part of activating him Sunday may be finding a spot on the 45-man roster; fellow backup cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Frank Walker play in defensive sub-packages, and Jarrett Bush is on many special teams. UPDATE: Blackmon "responded very well" after practicing Wednesday, McCarthy said. "He practiced the whole time today, so he's progressing, and we'll just see how the week finishes for Will." FEEDBACKThanks to those who filed comments overnight. (You can do the same by clicking the 'Comments' link below.) Joel, to answer your question, we can't write about game-planning stuff -- it's one of the conditions of having a practice credential. To give you an idea what reporters see, though, today's workout included a brief stretching period, then a 30-minute jog-through, a brief ball-security drill and some special-teams work. We were escorted out before any of the team (11-on-11) periods began. A pretty standard Thursday, though that's a little less access than we had during the regular season. Keep the comments coming. I'll be blogging my face off all week. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
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