Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) congratulates San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Packers 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

We’re nearing the completion of our Reader’s Mock draft and the rivals to the North, the Green Bay Packers, are next on the clock.  The Packers took a step back in 2012 and that’s tough to say considering they ended the season at 11-5.  Another disappointing playoff exit following their unlikely Super Bowl run a few years ago leaves the Packers searching to address some key needs to try to stay atop the NFC North and make another run at a Lombardi Trophy.  (more…)

Bears coach Lovie Smith said he fully expects Cutler to practice on Friday and to play on Sunday against the Packers.

Cutler’s health has been an issue all season long for the Bears. Before last weekend, the quarterback had been dealing with concussion problems. Then, during Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, it was a neck problem. And now, it’s a sprained MCL yet again. The Bears will get a small amount of help on the offensive line with Chris Spencer returning from injury, but that’s not enough to keep Cutler off his back against a Clay Matthews-led Packers defense. Sure, Cutler may start Sunday’s game, but with a slew of injuries, albeit minor ones, can he really finish it?

If you ask me, Jason Campbell better start warming up right now.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)

On the final play of the game, Russel Wilson heaved up a prayer that was seemingly intercepted by Green Bay Packer defender M.D. Jennings.  Seahawks receiver Golden Tate appeared to get an arm on the ball and wrestle it from Jennings after the interception and a touchdown was ruled.  Check out the game highlights, including the controversial last play here.

In case the replacement refs want to call this a simultaneous catch, here’s the rule right from the NFL Rule Book, Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5:

There was clearly confusion on the part of the refs, as evidenced by this snapshot, where one ref is waving his arms signaling dead ball and another signaling touchdown.

Even after the call of the field was blown, they got a chance to redeem themselves and review the scoring play and the ruling was upheld.  The stadium erupted, Pete Carroll fist pumped and the teams left the field.  Uh, the refs forgot that by rule, an extra point must be attempted.  Teams had to be pulled back onto the field for the try.  All that was missing was the Stanford band on the field.  Mass chaos, confusion.

Again, let me say that the Packers lost and that makes this Bears fan happy.  But at the expense of the integrity of the game?  That’s a tough one to swallow.  If this doesn’t get the NFL back to the negotiating table, nothing will.

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Chicago Bears line up for a play against the Green Bay Packers during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

It’s Bears vs Packers to kick off Thursday Night Football for the 2012 season (in your best John Facenda voice) to continue the oldest rivalry in the NFL.  This doesn’t set up to be the usual “black and blue” Bears and Packers 13-10 type of game, but what do I know.  I’ve enlisted the help of Lombardi Avenue‘s Ray Rivard to tackle our 5 Questions to get us ready for this epic battle.

1. There’s been a lot of chatter from the Bears after their Week 1 win over the Colts including Jay Cutler wishing Packers DB’s “Good luck” on Thursday.  How does that type of chatter resonate with the Packers, bulletin board material or just pointless yapping?  What’s the view from up North of Jay Cutler? (more…)

Now, before the dust has even settled, Cutler has words for a new group of people — the Green Bay Packers’ secondary. This time, Cutler’s cockiness could come back to haunt him.

When asked about the Packers’ press coverage and tendency to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, Cutler replied “Good luck”.

“We’ve got some dudes that, if you’re gonna get up in their face, even our speed guys are gonna get around them, and our big guys are gonna throw and go,” Cutler said during his Tuesday press conference. “So we invite press coverage. We invite man (coverage). If we get that type of game, our guys outside have to make some plays for us.”

I’m all for confidence. I’m all for having faith in yourself and your new weapons on offense, Jay. But please, please, please let’s tone it down a little bit when it comes to taunting an already pissed off defense that has owned you in the past.

Sep 25, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Brandon Meriweather (31) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) in the second half at Soldier Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Two days before the oldest rivalry in the NFL is renewed, star wide receiver Greg Jennings did not practice Tuesday in Green Bay.  Jennings did not have a good first game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday. First he only had 5 catches for 34 yards in the opening day loss. Secondly, Jennings left the last drive of the game with a groin injury.

Since he left the field he has not been scene.  He was unavailable after the game to the media, and Jennings was no where to be scene today at practice.  Jennings was also hindered by injuries during training camp. Also missing practice today was running back James Starks and linebacker Terrell Manning.  Jennings obviously would be the biggest star to miss the game if he doesn’t recover from the groin injury before the game Thursday night.

James Jones would most likely be Jennings replacement. Jones had a good game Sunday catching 4 balls for 81 yards and 1 TD.  Jones has a tremendous amount of talent if you overlook his hands of stone.  It wouldn’t be devastating if Jennings doesn’t play, but it wouldn’t help the Packers  chances of snapping their two game home losing streak, and it would be one less weapon in Aaron Rodgers arsenal.

It was BEARly worth mentioning, but they are our biggest rival!

DA BEARS!!!

You have to give those Cheeseheads credit, it’s pretty funny.  Now if only they knew they were making fun of themselves…