Morning Buzz: Packers have more work to do
Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers and their upcoming showdown with the Houston Texans from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a cup of coffee (or brew some tea) and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.
First up, It’s probably safe to say there is a great sense of relief around 1265 Lombardi after the Packers put an end to their extended losing streak. Michael Cohen chronicled the aftermath in Philadelphia and McCarthy’s somewhat emotional release at the podium Monday.
From player to player and coach to coach, the Packers assured reporters that any criticism of the organization — with Rodgers, McCarthy and Thompson the primary targets — fell on deaf ears.
Until McCarthy aired everything out.
“Today compared to 10 years ago, there’s a day in this league where you’d say, ‘Hey don’t read that stuff. Pay no attention to it,’ McCarthy said. “But I mean they all read it, and their families read it. It’s there. It’s real whether you want to admit to it or not.
“We expect to win every week regardless of what people think about us, what they say about us. Personally I like it when they don’t like us. It’s hard not to have people like you. Hell, we’re the Green Bay Packers. We’re the Green Bay Packers. So we take that with a lot of pride.”
Bob McGinn’s weekly Rating the Packers feature is up. As you might expect, Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers receive high marks. One thing you might not expect? So does inside linebacker Joe Thomas.
Joe Thomas might have played his finest game in Green Bay. In 10 rushes he flattened Wentz twice; on the first, he ran over RB Darren Sproles. He carried TE Zach Ertz to the deep middle on the overthrown pass that was intercepted by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He took on blocks three times and made the tackle for short gains.
Eric Baranczyk's and Pete Dougherty’s tape study takes a look at Rodgers’ superior outing and a few other film-study nuggets.
The triple option the Packers ran on third-and-1? It’s called “Bazooka.” Ryan Wood has the goods.
I listened to Packers fans voicemails after Monday night’s game.
Mike Pennel is suing the NFL and NFLPA after reportedly being handed another suspension:
Brett Favre likes the Packers' chances of winning the NFC North:
Julius Peppers was on fire Monday night:
McCarthy was in a feisty mood Monday, but his message was clear.
Former Packers tight end Tom Crabtree appeared on Pardon My Take:
The quarterback the Packers will be facing Sunday is having a dismal year:
The Packers’ trainer has weighed in on the sideline tent from Monday night:
Several players will be wearing custom cleats during Week 13 games around the league to bring awareness to various causes. Aaron Rodgers will be participating.