FINAL: Panthers 35, Packers 31
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- Greg Jennings, 21 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick is good), 13:47. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards in 4:19. Packers 28, Panthers 21. PANTHERS -- DeAngelo Williams, 1 yd run (John Kasay kick is good), 11:14. Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards in 2:33. Packers 28, Panthers 28. PACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 19 yd field goal , 02:00. Drive: 16 plays, 79 yards in 9:13. Packers 31, Panthers 28. PANTHERS -- DeAngelo Williams, 1 yd run (John Kasay kick is good), 01:33. Drive: 2 plays, 55 yards in 0:27. Panthers 35, Packers 31. INJURY UPDATE* DE Kenny Pettway, a core special teamer, was attended to by trainers after the kickoff following Jennings' score. UPDATE: It's a knee. His return is questionable. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* Rodgers was razor sharp on the TD drive, completing his last five passes, including the dart to Jennings on a deep slant against CB Ken Lucas for the score. He's 23-for-36 passing for 245 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. * The hole developed early and was enormous as Mark Jones brought the kickoff back to the 50 after Jennings' score. Jarrett Bush made the tackle and Will Blackmon would have had a shot if Bush missed, but it was a big field-position swing. * CB Tramon Williams, who had an interception called back on pass interference earlier on the touchdown drive, played Smith about as well as he could have on the post route that set up the TD. But it was a nearly perfect throw-and-catch that went for 36 yards as the Packers once again couldn't get to Delhomme in a timely manner. * The Packers unleashed the "Big 5" (five-wide) package for three straight plays -- and got three straight completions, including 17 yards to WR Ruvell Martin when the Panthers blew a coverage. S Chris Harris made what might have been a touchdown-saving tackle. * It's finally begun snowing here as the Packers face a fourth-and-goal from the 1 1/2-yard line at the 2-minute warning. If this is me, I kick the field goal, without question. It's too late to worry about making statements, and they've already been stuffed three times inside the 2. But Mike McCarthy has his offense on the field. * Late in the timeout, McCarthy send the field-goal unit onto the field and Crosby drilled it. Now, it's on the defense to make a stop against a Panthers offense that has 1:57 and one timeout to at least get into field-goal position. With swirling winds and the snow coming down, they'll have to get close. * The kick coverage unit didn't do its job -- again -- and it only took one play for Carolina to get inside the Packers' 1-yard line, on a 54-yard strike from Delhomme to Smith. * Williams barely even kept his feet as he took the handoff, then stumbled through a big hole for the score. And ... it's now on Rodgers to take the Packers the length of the field. * He didn't do it. WR Donald Driver appeared to be open deep with S Chris Harris trailing and a three-man rush on. But Rodgers' on-the-run pass came up well short, allowing deep-dropping LB Jon Beason to make the interception. And, probably, end the Packers' season. It's all going to be uphill from here, as the Packers -- barring a miracle in the final 13 seconds -- fall to 5-7 and, barring a tie tonight, will be two games back in the NFC North standings of either Chicago or Minnesota. It's tough to look at this team now and say it belongs in the playoffs. The Packers just have not won the close games, period. This one will be very, very tough for players and coaches to swallow -- as I'm sure it will be for all of you, too. So, take some time to breathe and then join me for the postgame chat, which will begin about 6:30 p.m. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
End of 3: Panthers 21, Packers 21
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 44 yd field goal , 14:01. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards in 0:59. Panthers 21, Packers 13. PACKERS -- Donald Lee, 5 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers , 05:22. Drive: 8 plays, 95 yards in 4:13. Panthers 21, Packers 21. INJURY UPDATE* Updating two first-half injuries, RB Ryan Grant (hand) is expected to return and DE Jeremy Thompson (ankle) is questionable. C Scott Wells (head) remains sidelined. * Panthers CB Ken Lucas was injured tackling WR Greg Jennings on a catch with 7:19 on the clock. UPDATE: His return is questionable. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* Give FB Korey Hall credit for the back-side block to spring RB Brandon Jackson, who cut a toss right all the way back to the left for a 32-yard gain on the first scrimmage play of the second half. But the Packers didn't try to run the ball again, and three straight incompletions stalled the drive and left the Packers with a field goal. * The Packers' pass rush has been stagnant enough they're trying LB Brady Poppinga as a hand-down rusher at right end. Anything to help Aaron Kampman, who remains a lone ranger. * Jason Baker is showing what good punting can do the tilt the field. His first punt of the second half rolled dead at the Packers 5 -- the second time he's pinned the home team inside their own 10 in three punts today. * The safety at Minnesota notwithstanding, coach Mike McCarthy once again called a deep drop deep in his own territory -- and QB Aaron Rodgers hit WR Donald Driver on a go route for 46 yards to jump start the Packers' second drive of the half. The first three plays of the drive were play-action passes, and all were completed. * Jennings went over the 1,000-yard mark with the catch on which Lucas was hurt. * The completion to Jennings that Carolina challenged, thinking it might be an interception instead, appeared to be a designed running play, with Rodgers throwing the slant to the backside against single coverage. CB Chris Gamble was in coverage and Rodgers' pass was far enough in front of Jennings for Gamble to make a play on it. But the call stood after review. * Lee executed a perfect slow block on LB Na'il Diggs to get free to the corner for his TD catch. * It hasn't been Panthers CB Richard Marshall's day. On the Packers' latest TD drive, he dropped an interception off a tipped ball and was beat to the corner for a 2-point conversion when he apparently thought CB Dante Wesley was going to swap with him. * Kampman's second sack -- again, of the coverage variety because QB Jake Delhomme is holding the ball way too long -- triggered the three-and-out to keep the Packers' momentum going. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Halftime: Panthers 21, Packers 10
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 32 yd field goal , 12:49. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards in 5:18. Panthers 7, Packers 3. PANTHERS -- Jake Delhomme, 1 yd run (John Kasay kick is good), 09:48. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards in 3:02. Panthers 14, Packers 3. PACKERS -- Donald Driver, 6 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick is good), 03:18. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards in 6:28. Panthers 14, Packers 10. PANTHERS -- DeAngelo Williams, 1 yd run (John Kasay kick is good), 00:37. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards in 1:55. Panthers 21, Packers 10. INJURY UPDATE* The safety group just keeps getting thinner. It was announced at 9:37 that Atari Bigby has gone to the locker room for X-rays on his shoulder. His return is questionable. * RB Ryan Grant came off the field slowly after the play before his replacement, Brandon Jackson, broke loose for 24 yards on a zone left run. Trainers are working on Grant on the bench. * CB Will Blackmon suffered a head injury on a punt return, and his return is questionable. He's been playing the slot in nickel; if he can't return, Jarrett Bush would have to take over those duties. UPDATE: Blackmon is back in. * C Scott Wells left the game after his horrible shotgun snap. The word is it's a head injury and his return is questionable. Jason Spitz moves to center and Josh Sitton comes on at right guard. * DE Jeremy Thompson limped off the field after the punt just before halftime. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* The Panthers are locking down the Packers receivers downfield, forcing QB Aaron Rodgers to throw underneath almost exclusively. He's completed two passes each to FB Korey Hall and TE Donald Lee, all on checkdowns, and also thrown underneath to WRs James Jones and Greg Jennings while starting 8-of-13 passing. A couple of those were throwaways, and Rodgers also scrambled out of bounds once. * The Packers' inability to stop the run is killing them again. It appeared S Nick Collins was out of his gap on Jonathan Stewart's 43-yard scamper that set up the touchdown. Collins also was the only Packer with a decent shot at the football after S Charles Woodson stripped Stewart, but Collins tried to pick it up instead of falling on the football, allowing OL Travelle Wharton to make a crucial recovery. * The life has been sucked out of this building. If the Packers don't get something going offensively on their next drive, the vibe is going to take a major turn for the worse. * The Packers answered the way they needed to, with a quick-hitting TD drive to pull back within four and revive this crowd. Panthers CB Richard Marshall played Driver's stop route terribly on the TD. * And just when the Packers defense steps up with a stop on the back end, C Scott Wells unleashes one of the worst shotgun snaps in NFL history, flipping the ball way right and several feet over Rodgers' head to give Carolina possession at the Packers' 17. Rodgers tried to field the ball on his feet, but it's tough to blame his effort as the ball was wobbling awkwardly away from him. * S Charlie Peprah was a late substitution on Williams' TD run -- and probably wishes he'd stayed on the sideline after Wharton ate him up on the left edge, allowing Williams to jog in untouched. That put the Panthers over 100 yards rushing in the first half, which is about par for the course against this run defense. * The Packers left the field to a round of boos from the home crowd. The botched shotgun snap and ensuing touchdown totally turned the flow of this game. But it's only an 11-point game, and with the season perhaps on the line, it's really now or never for the Packers to come out of the locker room swinging. If they don't, frankly, they don't deserve to stay in the playoff picture. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
End of 1: Panthers 7, Packers 0
SCORING PLAYSPANTHERS -- DeAngelo Williams, 1 yd run (John Kasay kick is good), 08:36. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards in 2:25. Panthers 7, Packers 0. INJURY UPDATE* Veteran Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad stayed down after a running play with 10:39 to go. Trainers had to attend to him on the field. * S Nick Collins stayed down after being run over at the end of a play with 9:33 to go. UPDATE: Collins has a hip injury, but he will return. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* Here's something we didn't know was coming: Charles Woodson is going to start at safety in place of Atari Bigby, who has struggled with an ankle injury in recent weeks. That means Tramon Williams will start at cornerback opposite Al Harris and Will Blackmon most likely will be the nickelback -- unless the Packers decide to put Bigby on the field when they go to nickel. The only other corner in uniform today is Jarrett Bush. * The Panthers tested Williams on the game's first play and beat him for 45 yards on a flea flicker to Steve Smith. But give Williams credit for catching up and stripping one of the game's stronger receivers after a 45-yard gain, averting a disaster in the earlygoing. * QB Aaron Rodgers' misfire for WR Jordy Nelson on third down, ending the Packers' initial drive with yet another three-and-out, continued a trend of route miscommunication that has popped up in the earlygoing of several recent games. * The crowd was all over Derrick Frost after his initial punt -- a spinner that traveled 40 yards on a hop with a hang time of 3.09 seconds. * The Panthers went to the no-huddle with three wides on their second drive, and the Packers countered by leaving their base personnel on the field. That meant Woodson came up as a corner, as he would in nickel, and Nick Collins played deep as a single-high safety. It's an unusual alignment, but given the personnel the Packers have available, it makes sense. When the Panthers were in base, Woodson took on the usual Bigby/Aaron Rouse role and played closer to the line of scrimmage. * The Packers offense lined up in base or two-tight on first and second down each of their first two drives but haven't had luck getting RB Ryan Grant going -- or anything else, for that matter. Grant's first three carries have gone for 8 yards on three carries, while Rodgers is 0-for-3 passing. All three passes were off target. * FB Brad Hoover absolutely pancaked MLB A.J. Hawk on DeAngelo Williams' 27-yard run that injured Collins and set up a TD run two plays later. Bigby, on after Collins' injury, got run over by Williams in the hole on the TD. * After a decent second punt, Frost uncorked another shaky one -- a low wobbler that went 41 yards on a hop with a hang time of 3.66. The boos came out again. * Give credit to the Packers' makeshift nickel defense for handing LE Aaron Kampman a coverage sack, ending a Carolina drive in three plays. PREGAME NOTES* The sky is overcast and there is a strong chance of snow arriving before halftime. Game-time temperature will be in the high 30s. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Tauscher in, Rouse out for Packers
Right tackle Mark Tauscher is active and will start today's game against the Carolina Panthers, while safety Aaron Rouse will sit out. Tauscher, who suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's loss at New Orleans, didn't practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday and Friday. Rouse suffered an ankle injury. Both players were listed as questionable. The Packers' other inactives are: No. 3 QB, Brian Brohm, CB Pat Lee, RB DeShawn Wynn, LB Nick Barnett, LB Danny Lansanah, T Breno Giacomini and G Allen Barbre. Receiver James Jones is active. So is end Jeremy Thompson, but Michael Montgomery will remain the starter at right end. The Panthers' inactives are: No. 3 QB Matt Moore, CB C.J. Wilson, LB Adam Seward, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, T Frank Omiyale, WR Dwayne Jarrett, WR Kenneth Moore and DT Gary Gibson. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Tauscher, Rouse questionable
Packers right tackle Mark Tauscher was a limited participant in practice for a second straight day and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina. "Mark feels very good about where he is today," coach Mike McCarthy said of Tauscher, who suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's loss at New Orleans. "Really, we'll see how he feels in the morning. He went through the jog-through and was taking his share of reps. You could probably put him anywhere between limited and full. We'll just see how he feels after his work today, and we'll give him every opportunity to play in the game Sunday." Safety Aaron Rouse (ankle) also was listed as questionable. Asked whether Rouse will play, McCarthy said, "We'll see. We have all three of those guys pretty much in the same boat. Aaron Rouse, Charlie Peprah and Atari Bigby. I'll go through the medical staff and see what they think. Also special teams will factor into that too. We'll look at that throughout the weekend. I'll probably go with two of the three, to answer your question." Bigby (ankle) and Peprah (calf) were among 14 players listed as questionable. Running back DeShawn Wynn (calf) missed practice all week and is doubtful. Linebacker Nick Barnett and cornerback Pat Lee are out with knee injuries. Carolina had only two players on its injury report all week. No. 2 running back Jonathan Stewart (heel) is probable. Backup linebacker Adam Seward (ankle) is out. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Dec. 14 game at Jacksonville stays at noon
No surprise here -- the Packers-Jacksonville matchup on Dec. 14 has been locked in as a noon kickoff. The NFL announced today the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game will remain the Sunday night matchup. The only changes under the league's flexible scheduling are the Pittsburgh-Baltimore and Denver-Carolina games getting moved back from noon to 3:15 p.m. Only one Packers game, the season finale Dec. 28 against Detroit, remains eligible to be moved under flexible scheduling. It's possible that, if the Lions are trying to finish off their "perfect" 0-16 season and the Packers need to win to make the playoffs, the game would carry enough intrigue be moved. But odds seem strong there will be a game with greater playoff implications. Any change would have to be announced by Dec. 22. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
19 on injury report
Coach Mike McCarthy is set to address the media shortly here at Lambeau Field. As usual, we'll have the injury updates and other newsy items here as they come. * First, the lengthy injury report: LB Nick Barnett (knee, out), S Atari Bigby (ankle, limited), CB Jarrett Bush (ankle, limited), T Chad Clifton (knees, limited), S Nick Collins (knee, limited), TE Tory Humphrey (ankle, limited), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle, limited), WR Greg Jennings (rib, limited), DT Johnny Jolly (ankle, limited), WR James Jones (knee, full), CB Pat Lee (knee, out), WR Greg Jennings (rib, limited), DE Michael Montgomery (ankle, limited), S Charlie Peprah (calf, DNP), S Aaron Rouse (ankle, limited), T Mark Tauscher (hamstring, DNP), DE Jeremy Thompson (groin, full), C Scott Wells (shoulder, limited), RB DeShawn Wynn (calf, DNP). * Plan with Tauscher: Will not practice today and Thursday. Might practice Friday, depending on exam. Tausher is optimistic about chances of playing. * On Jennings: Got hit in ribs vs. New Orleans. * On practice: Didn't adjust schedule. Got all work done that intended. Don't see number of limited participants being a factor. Should improve late in week. * On Lee: Likely out this week and next. Has a knee sprain. * On whether will replace Barnett on roster: It's day-to-day. Must be right person, right fit. A lot more was asked, but these are the most pertinent updates. Check the homepage for more later in the day. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Wednesday practice report
The Packers returned to the practice field for the first time since their 51-29 loss at New Orleans on Monday night. Right tackle Mark Tauscher, who left the Saints' game on the first series due to a hamstring injury, did not appear to be doing anything in practice other than some light stretching. Tony Moll, who replaced Tauscher in the gamed, looks like the favorite to play right tackle Sunday against Carolina if Tauscher can't go. The three safeties who were injured in the game -- Atari Bigby (ankle), Nick Collins (knee) and Aaron Rouse (ankle) -- all were on the practice field and appeared to be taking part at least on a limited basis. Defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (foot and ankle) also appeared to be working on a limited basis. Cornerback Pat Lee (knee) was not on the practice field. Mike McCarthy will update the injury situation when he meets with reporters at around 4:30 p.m. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy: We didn't play well against New Orleans
Coach Mike McCarthy is scheduled to address the media at 12:15 p.m. Check here for notable stuff as it comes in. * On injuries: Patrick Lee knee sprain, Atari Bigby chronic ankle, Nick Collins knee contusion, Brandon Jackson ankle sprain, Johnny Jolly ankle sprain, Aaron Rouse ankle sprain, Mark Tauscher hamstring (having MRI today). * On Tony Moll: Thought he played well. He's a tough guy. He went in and competed. Had one mistake on first or second series. * On breakdowns: Defense definitely not a strength against New Orleans. "We weren't intact ... We did not get pressure on quarterback that we prepared to do." Saints won the individual matchups. "It was not a good day for our defense." * How to move forward: Since it's a short week, team will spend a short time going through corrections from New Orleans, but then "we need to jump on Carolina." * On Saints QB: Said he doesn't think he gives credit often enough to play of other players. "I have to give credit to Drew Brees, he played at extremely high level last night." Said the Packers didn't play at the level they prepared for. "I anticipated us playing better." * On inconsistencies of season: Said he doesn't share same opinion -- that although the New Orleans game was "a sound defeat" he thinks the Packers have had "opportunities to win almost every football game (this year) but this one." * On Aaron Rodgers' INTs: Said that clearly turnovers were a big part of the loss, "but frankly I'm not going to get into all that today. The plan was to control the clock" and the team didn't in the second half. Turnovers were big factors in momentum swing for New Orleans. * On punting game: When asked whether the team would be looking for a new punter, McCarthy said "We didn't punt very well." He thought punter was well-prepared. When pushed several times about whether he'd cut another punter who didn't perform, McCarthy said he didn't discuss player acquisition, adding "I hear you gentleman. I know where you're coming from. It's been heard and well-received." * On rest of season: We need to concentrate on Sunday's game against Carolina, but McCarthy said he knows it's important to win every football game from here out. * Thanksgiving schedule: McCarthy said he realized players, coaches, staff need to be with their families, so the schedule has been moved up in anticipation of being finished between noon and 1 p.m. Thursday. -- PackersNews.com
FINAL: Saints 51, Packers 29
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- Ruvell Martin, 4 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Ruvell Martin pass from Aaron Rodgers), 11:50. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards in 5:41. SAINTS -- Pierre Thomas, 31 yd run (run failed), 08:54. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards in 2:58 INJURY UPDATE* DT Johnny Jolly left the field slowly and with assistance with 11:24 on the clock. UPDATE: It's an ankle injury. * Two plays later, S Aaron Rouse limped off with what looked like an ankle injury. Atari Bigby, pulled in the first half, is back in. UPDATE: It's indeed an ankle injury. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* Officials haven't gotten everything right tonight, but they made the right call picking up a flag on S Roman Harper's huge hit on WR Greg Jennings. Harper clearly led with his shoulder. * For what seems like the first time this year, the Packers let Martin use his superior size to his advantage. After beating CB Leigh Torrence with an in-and-out route at the goal line for six, Martin got the ball again on a jump ball over Torrence for the two-point conversion. * Rookie TE Jermichael Finley probably had the best chance to field Mason Crosby's failed onside kick after the Martin score, but it appeared Finley spent too long looking at the ball in the air and was a step late getting to the spot. * The Packers defense has completely collapsed here. Thomas could have jogged through the hole he had on the right side on his latest score, and S Nick Collins' tackle attempt looked half-hearted. Per our Web guy Jeff Ash, the Packers hadn't given up 50 points since losing 55-24 to Giants on Dec. 20, 1986. That puts some perspective on just how badly they are getting demolished tonight. * Rodgers third interception was, in essence, a Hail Mary against a prevent defense on fourth-and-long. And that, in essence, ends this game, which the Saints lead 51-29 with 5:56 to go. Barring a miracle, that's it for the blog. Come back for the postgame chat at 12:30 a.m. I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
End of 3: Saints 45, Packers 21
SCORING PLAYSSAINTS -- Billy Miller, 16 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick is good), 08:39. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards in 6:26. SAINTS -- Deuce McAllister, 4 yd run (Garrett Hartley kick is good), 07:37. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards in 0:08. SAINTS -- Marques Colston, 70 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick is good), 02:37. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards in 1:28. INJURY UPDATENone. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* S Atari Bigby has been replaced by Aaron Rouse in what is being called a "coaching decision." Read: He's benched. * No call is harder to overturn than the spotting of the football. But coach Mike McCarthy has pulled it off two weeks in a row, and it was a bigger victory this week. WR Lance Moore clearly was stopped short of a first down on a third-down pass on the opening drive of the second half, but a late-arriving official gave him close to a full yard extra. McCarthy challenged, and the ball was respotted about a foot short. However, the Saints went for it on fourth and got the first down anyway. * Jason Hunter is getting some rare work at left end to give Aaron Kampman a break. * It appeared LB A.J. Hawk thought LB Brady Poppinga was going to pick up Miller as he ran right down the seam for his score. Poppinga trailed the back into the right flat, and Hawk had no chance of recovering in time to pick up Miller. It's another example of the Packers defense looking like its head is spinning against this multiple offense. * WR Donald Driver was doubled on a post, which appeared to be the primary route on the play-action pass that turned into a critical interception for QB Aaron Rodgers. There wasn't much Rodgers could do when Jennings, who was open beyond David, slipped in his break on a deep out-breaking route. Rodgers also tested his right shoulder, which has been tender so much of this season, by decking David out of bounds with it on the return. He appeared no worse for wear. * It looked like WR Jordy Nelson needed to come inside harder out of his route on Rodgers' second interception. Receivers coach Jimmy Robinson had a few words for the rookie as he came off the field. * Perhaps Sean Payton was a little overconfident. Calling a receiver pass by Lance Moore with a 17-point lead and all the momentum in the home team's favor led to a gift interception for Rouse and new life for the Packers, who might have been done for if the Saints put one more TD on the board to go up by 24. Instead, it remains 38-21 with 5:35 to go and the Packers have the ball at their 43. Give LB Brandon Chillar credit for staying home and hitting Moore as he threw. * It was a simple out and up that got Colston free against CB Charles Woodson, who got caught peaking in the backfield. Rouse appeared to take a terrible angle as he tried to get to Colston at the left sideline. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Halftime: Saints 24, Packers 21
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- Greg Jennings, 7 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick is good), 13:47. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards in 6:01. SAINTS -- Lance Moore, 14 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick is good), 08:27. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards in 5:24. PACKERS -- Aaron Rodgers, 10 yd run (Mason Crosby kick is good), 01:52. Drive: 14 plays, 83 yards in 6:35. SAINTS -- Garrett Hartley, 30 yd field goal , 00:06. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards in 1:42. INJURY UPDATENone. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* Rodgers atoned for his earlier mistake by going back to Jennings for a 7-yard score on first-and-goal. Off play action, Jennings ran a double move off the line against CB Jason David, who had no chance of stopping Jennings from getting inside on what amounted to a slant route. * When the Packers went to their dime set, Brandon Chillar, not A.J. Hawk, was the lone linebacker. * In the matchup of strength vs. strength, the Saints offense is winning resoundingly so far. Brees has completed all 11 of his passes on the past three New Orleans drives -- all ending in touchdowns -- for 174 yards. The Packers are generating no pressure and seem a little out-of-sync even getting on and off the field against Sean Payton's multiple sets. * The Saints have to give CB Jason David some help. He seems to think he has some, repeatedly releasing Jennings into wide-open spaces. Jennings has four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown so far, but he's been open more times than that. * The Packers converted three consecutive third downs to start their latest drive, which had reached the Saints 13 by the 2-minute warning. Most notable is that two of those conversions came on running plays, including one on a give to backup Brandon Jackson. There simply is not much defense being played in this one. * With chants of "D-FENSE" raining down, the Packers made it four third-down conversions in a row. The Packers were in a three-wide shotgun set on third-and-6 from the Saints 10. The Saints only rushed four, dropping seven in coverage, but a gaping hole opened on the right side, and Rodgers rushed through it for the score. * It sure looked like Desmond Bishop was held early in Courtney Roby's 62-yard kickoff return, which set up the go-ahead field goal just before halftime. But Roby got past Bishop, Jason Hunter and Aaron Rouse on his sprint to the left sideline, and the Saints had little trouble gaining a couple of first downs to make sure they went into the locker room with the lead. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
End of 1: Saints 14, Packers 7
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- John Kuhn, 1 yd run (Mason Crosby kick is good), 08:42. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards in 3:13. SAINTS -- Lance Moore, 70 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick is good), 08:30. Drive: 1 plays, 70 yards in 0:22. SAINTS -- Pierre Thomas, 4 yd run (Garrett Hartley kick is good), 04:48. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards in 2:33. INJURY UPDATE* RT Mark Tauscher limped off after the game's second play. Trainers are stretching him out. It could be a hamstring or his back. UPDATE: It's a hamstring. Tauscher's return is questionable. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* The Packers had to burn a timeout after Tauscher's injury because they didn't make a substitution quickly enough. Josh Sitton and Tony Moll both came onto the field; Moll was called back, but then went in at right tackle after the timeout. * Another opening drive, another three-and-out for the Packers offense, which has struggled to start games all season. But the defense stood tall against a Saints offense that seems to think it can run the ball against the Packers. * The Packers' first touchdown drive was set up by a bad punt from Glenn Pakulak, whose low boot traveled 42 yards on a hop. Give coach Mike McCarthy credit for being creative -- in seven plays, he utilized five personnel groups, and the Packers' tempo had the Saints defense on its heels. * But the Saints answered right back, exploiting a slot blitz by cornerback Charles Woodson -- which has been successful several times as Bob Sanders has blitzed more the past four games. Moore, lined up in the slot of a twins right formation, backpedaled several yards dowfield, caught a hot throw from Brees and then flat out burned safety Atari Bigby down the seam. Bigby isn't himself. * The Saints had their way with the Packers defense on touchdown drive No. 2, but P Derrick Frost didn't help with his latest pathetic punt -- a 24-yard shank out of bounds that gave the Saints great field position. * QB Aaron Rodgers made one of the worst throws of his young career, missing WR Greg Jennings on a post route on second down from the Packers' 45. It appeared to be a blown coverage, with Saints CB Jason David releasing Jennings even though he didn't have deep help, and Jennings was 5 yards behind any defender on the left side of the field. But Rodgers, who wasn't under pressure, threw woefully short, and not even a diving effort by Jennings could allow him to make the play. If the Packers settle for a field goal, this one's on Rodgers. PREGAME NOTES* The noise here in the Superdome is substantial, but I don't think it rivals the Metrodome. As always on the road, keeping the crowd subdued early would help the visitors substantially. There are a fair number of Packers jerseys visible in the stands, but not as many as I would have thought. We'll see if they get the chance to make their presence felt as we go along tonight. * The Packers captains today are K Mason Crosby, CB Tramon Williams and TE Donald Lee. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Thompson, Jones won't play
NEW ORLEANS -- End Jeremy Thompson and receiver James Jones are on the Packers' inactive list for tonight's game at New Orleans, while Reggie Bush is inactive for the Saints. Like Thompson (groin) and Jones (knee), safety Charlie Peprah (calf) -- a core special-teams player -- and running back DeShawn Wynn (calf) will miss this one at least in part because of injury. Thompson and reserve defensive back Jarrett Bush (ankle) were expected to test their injuries before the game; apparently, Bush tested OK, because he's active, as is reserve guard Josh Sitton (ankle), who was added to the injury report after being injured in practice on Friday. Also inactive for the Packers are: No. 3 quarterback Brian Brohm, linebacker Nick Barnett -- who is out for the season with a knee injury but remains on the 53-man roster -- and offensive linemen Breno Giacomini and Allen Barbre. Bush hasn't played since undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on Oct. 20. He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday, leading to optimism he might be ready to play tonight, but he was listed as questionable and will miss a fourth straight game. Without Bush, the Saints' starting running back and a dangerous return man, veteran Deuce McAllister is expected to start and Lance Moore is expected to return punts. The rest of the Saints' inactive list consists of: No. 3 quarterback Joey Harrington, cornerbacks Aaron Glenn and David Pittman, fullback Mike Karney, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, tackle Jermon Bushrod and receiver David Patten. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Welcome to New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS -- Just a quick hello from The Big Easy as we count down from about 6 hours to kickoff. Packers fans certainly have descended on this city -- I don't think I walked a block today without seeing someone on the sidewalk wearing a green jersey. They won't be a majority in the Superdome tonight, but they'll have a presence. I'll be back with inactives around 6:30 p.m. and blog throughout the game as usual. Also, one reminder: I'll be holding my postgame chat beginning at 12:30 a.m. I'm going to try to open it up for questions earlier than that, but because of deadline, I won't be answering until I get back to the hotel. So, win or lose, throw on a pot of coffee and stay up with me. Or go to bed. I understand it is, you know, a Monday. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Dec. 7 Packers-Texans game stays at noon
The Packers' game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on Dec. 7 will remain a noon kickoff, the NFL announced this morning. The only Week 14 changes under the NFL's flexible schedule are the Washington at Baltimore game, which will become the Sunday night game, bumping the New England at Seattle game to a 3:05 p.m. start. Two of the Packers' last three games -- Dec. 14 at Jacksonville and Dec. 28 at home against Detroit -- are subject to change under the flexible schedule. All are scheduled to be noon starts. Any changes will be announced at least 12 days before game day, except in the last week of the season, when six days' notice is allowed. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Reggie Bush to miss Packers game
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports is reporting that Saints running back Reggie Bush will miss Monday night's game against the Packers. Bush didn't participate in a Sunday walk-through practice. He is rehabilitating a torn meniscus. The knee injury occurred Oct. 19 against the Panthers. Dr. James Andrews performed arthroscopic surgery the next day. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Thompson, Bush to test Monday
End Jeremy Thompson (groin) was downgraded to questionable today, and the Packers plan to test him and cornerback Jarrett Bush (ankle) on the field before Monday's game at New Orleans. Receiver James Jones (knee) also will be a Monday decision, coach Mike McCarthy said today. Backup guard Josh Sitton (ankle) was the only addition to the injury report. Someone rolled up on his leg in practice Friday. * "Every was very positive" in MLB Nick Barnett's knee surgery, performed Thursday by team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie, McCarthy said. * The team will stick to its normal travel schedule and depart for New Orleans at 1 p.m. Sunday. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice notes: Bunch of players sit out
The Packers are working in shorts and shells this morning inside The Don Hutson Center, and a bunch of players are getting the day off. End Aaron Kampman (calf), cornerback Jarrett Bush (ankle), receiver James Jones (knee), safety Charlie Peprah (calf) and running back DeShawn Wynn (calf) all departed for treatment after the jog-through. Left tackle Chad Clifton (knees) and center Scott Wells (shoulder) also did the jog-through and then watched practice from the sideline. Wells, Clifton and Kampman are probable for Monday's game at New Orleans; the other four are questionable. The Packers did team drills with crowd noise being pumped through speakers, as they usually do leading up to road games, and also pumped in noise during the punt team's work. Backup guard Josh Sitton wasn't at practice. The reason for his absence wasn't immediately available. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Former Packer Bob Jeter dies
Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Bob Jeter, who played eight seasons in Green Bay (1963-70) and was a starter for the first two Super Bowl championship teams, died Thursday in Chicago of a heart attack. He was 71. The 6-1, 200-pound Jeter became a starter during the 1966 season for the Packers at cornerback and continued in that role through 1970. After leaving the Packers he played three seasons with the Chicago Bears. In 11 seasons, Jeter had 26 interceptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Jeter was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1985. Jeter had worked for the Chicago Park District, coordinating citywide sporting events for kids. Jeter’s son, Rob, is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Payton optimistic Bush will play
In a conference call with Wisconsin reporters, Saints coach Sean Payton expressed optimism that running back/receiver/return man Reggie Bush will be available for Monday's game against the Packers. Bush, who hasn't played since Oct. 19 because of a knee injury, has practiced on a limited basis the past two days. "He’s further along than he was last week at this time," Payton said. "I was encouraged with the workout. I’m anxious to see (today) the effect of him moving around out there (Thursday), but he took a good deal of the reps, so I’m optimistic this additional time has helped him and certainly, with the game being on Monday, this time off has helped him. … He looked pretty comfortable. So, we’ll see. I’m hopeful, though." Asked whether Bush could be used on punt returns, Payton said, "If he’s healthy enough, we’ll do that, and we’re hopeful that he is. ... Hopefully, by the weekend we’ll know." * The Packers added DE Aaron Kampman and backup S Charlie Peprah to the injury report as limited participants, each with a calf injury. DT Colin Cole (elbow) and C Scott Wells (shoulder) also were added but were listed as full participants. WR Donald Driver (not injury related) and CB Jarrett Bush (ankle) did not participate for the second straight day. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice notes: Driver absent again
As expected, Packers receiver Donald Driver was absent from practice again today. It is believed Driver is in Houston, where his father, Marvin, is hospitalized after what his family claims was a police beating. Coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday that he expects Donald Driver to be available for Monday's game at New Orleans. Driver has not released any statement, and McCarthy is not scheduled to speak with reporters today. * Not much else newsworthy from practice. DT Colin Cole, who has been battling an elbow injury, arrived late and might be added to the injury report. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Reports: Driver's father hospitalized
Updating the status of Donald Driver, there are numerous TV and Internet reports saying the Packers receiver's father is hospitalized in Houston and that his family is claiming he was beaten by police. According to the KHOU report, "Family members said the arresting officers also made disparaging remarks about Donald Driver, the NFL player. 'It could be somebody he knew, or something,' said Michael Driver, the player's brother." Rob Demovsky is working to get more on this, so I'll leave it at that for now. Obviously, it's a serious situation. Asked if Driver would play on Monday at New Orleans, coach Mike McCarthy said that is "the intention." -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com UPDATE: Here's the statement from the Houston Police Department: "Mr. Marvin Driver Jr. was arrested during a traffic stop and placed into custody on outstanding traffic warrants about 1:30 am on Monday (Nov. 17). Officers placed him in the back seat of a patrol unit and transported him to our Southeast Jail at 8300 Mykawa Road. Upon arrival to the jail, our officers stated Mr. Driver was unresponsive. One of our jail doctors examined Mr. Driver and advised officers to contact HFD paramedics. HFD then transported Mr. Driver to Memorial Hermann Hospital. The Houston Police Department's Internal Affairs Division investigates allegations of police misconduct. The allegations being raised by Mr. Driver's family are that injuries he sustained following his arrest were the result of an assault on Mr. Driver by two HPD officers. We take allegations such as these very seriously and will begin a thorough investigation into the matter. The two officers remain on duty pending further investigation." -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy: Driver dealing with personal situation
Here are the newsy items as coach Mike McCarthy addresses the media at Lambeau Field ... * First, the injury report: LB Nick Barnett (knee) is -- surprise -- out. CB Jarrett Bush (ankle) and WR Donald Driver (not injury related) did not participate; LT Chad Clifton (knees) and CB Charles Woodson (toe) were limited; and DE Jeremy Thompson (groin) was a full participant. That's a good sign for Thompson's chances of playing Monday night at New Orleans. * On Driver: Will give off today and tomorrow. Has personal situation that came up, so he's been excused. Any further comment on that situation would be inappropriate. Expect to have him back by Monday. * On practice: Broke up a Wednesday workload and spread it out over today and Thursday. Wanted to make sure players did heavy work closer to game. That's a change from the past, when did it earlier in week before Monday night games. This gives an extra-half day to rest. Also will get an extra lift in. * On today's schedule: Also had meetings and an optional player programs meeting. * On whether his players know there are ties, unlike Donovan McNabb and others: Have team business category in Wednesday meetings and addressed that today. If didn't know, know now. * On DT Colin Cole vs. Bears: Think elbow was bothering in second half. Had some sacks that got away. * On replacing Barnett on roster this week: Potentially, but no decision yet. "It's a possibility." * On Barnett's surgery: Will be done by Dr. Patrick McKenzie. That's it for now. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice notes: Driver gets day off
As expected, receiver Donald Driver was not in The Don Hutson Center for practice this afternoon. Coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that Driver would get the day off to rest various ailments. Leaving early for treatment were CB Charles Woodson (toe), CB Jarrett Bush (ankle) and LT Chad Clifton (knees). -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers mailing playoff ticket invoices
It's standard procedure for NFL teams in the playoff hunt to mail out invoices for potential home playoff games about this time of year, and the Packers have announced they're doing so this week. Ticket prices, which are set by the NFL for the entire stadium, are $98 (per seat) for a wild card game, $107 for a division playoff game and $148 for the NFC championship. As usual, "green package" (Green Bay) ticketholders get first dibs on the seats they hold for regular-season games. Any unclaimed seats are allocated at random to "gold package" (Milwaukee) ticketholders. The payment deadline is Dec. 3. Tickets would be mailed in late December. * In news that could affect the Packers' chances for making the playoffs, Vikings DE Jared Allen has been fined but not suspended for the latest in his series of illegal hits on quarterbacks -- a helmet-to-helmet shot on Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on Nov. 9. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Herron signs with Bucs
One of the veteran running backs the Packers cut at the end of training camp is back in the NFL. Full-time player and part-time crimefighter Noah Herron reportedly has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost Earnest Graham to a severe ankle injury over the weekend. The Packers released Herron and Vernand Morency in the final roster cutdown. It was a surprising move, since it left undrafted rookie Kregg Lumpkin as the third halfback on the roster. The Packers cut DeShawn Wynn in the initial August cutdown but re-signed him to the practice squad, then elevated him to the active roster when Lumpkin's hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve. Morency has met with multiple teams, including the Detroit Lions and New York Jets, but remains a free agent. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Nov. 30 Packers-Panthers game stays at noon
The Packers' game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on Nov. 30 will remain a noon kickoff, the NFL announced this afternoon. The only Week 13 change under the NFL's flexible schedule is the New York Jets' home game against the Denver Broncos. That will be a 3:15 p.m. CST start and will be televised on CBS. It had been a noon start. Three of the Packers' last four games -- Dec. 7 at home against Houston, Dec. 14 at Jacksonville and Dec. 28 at home against Detroit -- are subject to change under the flexible schedule. All are scheduled to be noon starts. Any changes will be announced at least 12 days before game day, except in the last week of the season, when six days' notice is allowed. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy's day-after media conference
Coach Mike McCarthy will address the media beginning sometime after 12:15 p.m. As usual, we'll have the newsworthy stuff here as it comes. Refresh for the latest. * The team came out of the game healthy. Nick Barnett will have his knee surgery on Thursday. Donald Driver is banged up and might miss practice Wednesday, but he's fine. * On Driver's injuries: Has a number of little nicks. Doesn't specify what. * On challenges of rest of season: Two Monday night games on holiday weeks. Complicates things from a scheduling standpoint on short weeks. * On Aaron Rodgers and Chad Clifton practice schedule: "I would anticipate that." Better answer on Wednesday. This is the best Rodgers has felt coming out of a game since his injury. Clifton will go back-to-back, but not sure on which days. * On importance of November and December football: "We stress it all the time. It's important for us to play our best football." * On offensive line's performance: Three or four mental errors on offense as whole, but even a couple of those were questionable based on the defensive look. Felt line was strong in both passing and running games. Notes that Rodgers wasn't hit. "They played at a very high level." * On how A.J. Hawk looked on tape: "I thought A.J. played very well." Did well with communication even in no-huddle situations. "It didn't look like we missed a beat with the boundary communication ... and he was productive." Played downhill in his gap responsibility. Did well against RB Matt Forte when matched in crossing routes. "A.J. graded out very well." * On team's mind-set with playoffs approaching: "I'd say we're an extremely focused football team." * On altering practice schedule late in week: Friday practice this week, which will be a Thursday schedule because of the Monday night game, will be the first to reflect the late-season adjustment. Cuts 15 minutes of practice and 15 minutes of meeting time. * On changes down the stretch to keep teams guessing: Won't overload scheme people. Doesn't think there's a point in change for the sake of change. Thinks teams do better job changing from week to week than even five years ago. For instance, Chicago's pressure percentage was higher this year than he could remember, but the Bears dropped into coverage more on Sunday. * On Matt Flynn not relieving Rodgers late: Had warmed up and ready to go. Would have liked to get him some snaps, but wasn't going to insert during series. * On James Jones' knee: Banged it again. Didn't get as many snaps as would have liked. "Though he played OK, played well. ... I'd just like to get him healthy." * On Rodgers' decisions: Graded out fine in both run and pass. That's it for now. It's a victory Monday, meaning players won't be around during the media access period, but we'll post any other newsy stuff if it comes up here. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
4th quarter notes
SCORING PLAYSPACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 33 yd field goal, 09:54. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards in 6:55. PACKERS -- Jason Hunter, 54 yd fumble return, 07:43. INJURY UPDATENone. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* And there's the pass to TE Jermichael Finley out of that base I set with him split wide right. It appeared that was a run-pass option. * This one is dead and buried after Hunter's fumble return for a touchdown. It was a fine shotgun snap on fourth down, and Orton simply dropped it. Credit LB Brandon Chillar with getting enough of RB Matt Forte around the Bears 40 to let Hunter go the distance. * Bring on the reserves. Rex Grossman and Adrian Peterson are in for Orton and Forte. * After a Bears turnover on downs, the Packers offense is back on the field -- and though Tony Moll and Josh Sitton are in on the line, Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Grant remain in the game. * Yet even behind that line, Brandon Jackson rips off a 19-yard run, getting Crosby in position to tack on three more. I'm packing it in for now. This one was a blasting, and unless Minnesota comes back in the final 2 minutes at Tampa Bay, we're going to have a three-way tie atop the NFC North Division. Check the homepage for more updates throughout the afternoon, and come back for my live chat from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypresgazette.com
End of 3: Packers 24, Bears 3
SCORING PLAYS* PACKERS -- Donald Lee, 5 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick is good), 03:06. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards in 5:10. INJURY UPDATE* WR James Jones (knee) is back in. NOTES AND ANALYSIS* Tally another third-down completion to TE Greg Olsen, who is a big body for CB Tramon Williams to handle outside. * The Packers came out of halftime playing almost exclusively single-high safety, with S Atari Bigby -- back in for Aaron Rouse -- lining up near the line of scrimmage. The Bears countered by trying to throw, but Kyle Orton was only 2-for-5 passing before they punted. * Credit FB John Kuhn with two third-down conversion runs. Kuhn was a one-back at Shippensburg and looks surprisingly comfortable with the ball in his hands. * A blown coverage left Lee wide open as he released to the right flat for the touchdown off a play-action fake. * The blocking up front continues to be superb for RB Ryan Grant, who sprung a 22-yard run to set up the Lee touchdown and now has 128 yards on 18 carries. The most notable except was the play that followed that run -- a hurry-up zone left run that went for a 4-yard loss in large part because LT Chad Clifton was shoved into the backfield by RE Alex Brown. * The Packers' pressure has been effective again today. On the latest failed third down for the Bears, Bob Sanders dialed up a six-man pressure out of the 3-3 nickel defense, and LB Brandon Chillar got a big hit on Orton as he overthrew a well-covered Desmond Clark. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
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