CaliforniaCheez
12-16-2007, 09:29 AM
Packers-Rams 5 Things To Watch
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/16/2007
Fabulous Favre
There was a time when Brett Favre struggled indoors. Like the NFC playoff game in St. Louis six years ago, when he was intercepted six times by the Rams. Two of those six interceptions were returned for a touchdown by Aeneas Williams. But those days are gone. In four indoor games over the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Favre has posted a passer rating over 100 each time. He has 10 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in those contests. Under second-year head coach Mike McCarthy, Favre has been given more freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage and seemingly has learned to reign himself in when it comes to throwing careless passes. Almost no one blitzes him these days because he gets the ball out so quickly. At age 38, Favre doesn't run much any more, but he can still escape the rush. So he's as tough as ever to beat, particularly with an improved running game and a top 10 defense on his side.
"His is sort of revived," Rams defensive tackle La'Roi Glover said. "Now, with the sort of resurgence of a running game, it takes a lot of pressure off of Brett. He doesn't have to be the guy every single play, every single quarter, every single series. ... He's got a good supporting cast now."
On the receiving end
The Packers don't have any household names among their wide receiver corps, but they have put together one of the best and deepest pass-catching units in the NFL. The Packers are five deep, and will go "five wides" with an empty backfield 10-12 times a game. Don't be surprised if the Packers go "empty" more frequently against St. Louis in an effort to gain a matchup edge. The Rams are thin at cornerback following Tye Hill's season-ending wrist surgery. Donald Driver, with a team-high 73 catches, is the Packers' top interior receiver. He's used in the slot and is willing to take the pounding going over the middle. Greg Jennings, with his 11 touchdown catches in 11 games, is silky smooth, can adjust to the ball, and gets deep despite a lack of burning speed. Rookie James Jones, a third-rounder from San Jose State, is a power player (6-1, 207) with 43 catches. Veteran Koren Robinson has 13 catches in six games since returning from an alcohol-related suspension, and also returns kickoffs. Ruvell Martin has excellent size (6-4, 210) and has three touchdowns.
"They're all pretty good," Rams cornerback Ron Bartell said. "They're capable of making big plays. The one thing about them, they're great at run after the catch. We're going to have to do a good job tackling."
The Packers lead the NFL in yards after the catch (1,851).
Ryan's song
Who's the NFL's leading rusher since Week 8? Hint: It's not LaDainian Tomlinson, Willie Parker, or Brian Westbrook. Try Green Bay's Ryan Grant, who has gained 717 yards in seven games since bursting onto the scene with a 104-yard performance Oct. 29 at Denver. Grant wears jersey No. 25 like former Packers great Dorsey Levens, and some observers feel he plays like Levens. Grant runs with speed, toughness, and smarts at 224 pounds, and is coming off a 156-yard rushing game last week against Oakland.
"He tries to run guys over if he can," Glover said. "He's got the ability to make people miss. And he outworks a lot of guys. He just brings sort of a workman's style to the running back position."
Gorin vs. Kampman
Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman had 13 1/2 sacks in his first four seasons in the NFL, and then suddenly broke out with 15 1/2 sacks last season, earning a Pro Bowl berth. With 11 sacks this season, Kampman is showing that 2006 was no fluke. Kampman is a relentless player; he never takes a down off, and excels at the bull rush and the dip move.
"He makes things happen, and he causes a lot of havoc," Rams right tackle Brandon Gorin said. "He's just a good player."
It will be Gorin's task to slow down Kampman on Sunday, thus keeping Marc Bulger's head clear (after sitting out the last two games with a concussion). But Kampman suffered what was described as back spasms early in the practice week. He did not practice Friday, was listed as questionable, and the Packers say it will be a game-time decision on his availability against the Rams. It's a big break, obviously, for St. Louis if Kampman does not play. Replacement Mike Montgomery isn't nearly in the same class as Kampman.
The corner market
In Charles Woodson and Al Harris, Green Bay has a pair of talented, 10-year veteran cornerbacks. Woodson has experienced a career resurgence since joining the Packers (from Oakland) as an unrestricted free agent in 2006. A natural athlete, and a physical player, Woodson may be the Packers' best player on defense. Harris excels at press coverage. He's very competitive and intense, but has given up a lot of big plays lately. Woodson and Harris get penalized frequently for their physical play. They represent a big challenge for Rams veterans Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
Sunday Morning QBs: Rams-Packers predictions
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/16/2007
Jim Thomas
Post-Dispatch football writer
Marc Bulger's return helps, but Green Bay is playing for a first-round bye Sunday, and Brett Favre can make history by topping Dan Marino's passing-yards record.
Packers 27
Rams 20
******
Bill Coats
Post-Dispatch football writer
The Rams get treated rudely in their house, as Packers fans turn the sold-out Dome into Lambeau South.
Packers 31
Rams 18
******
Kathleen Nelson
Post-Dispatch football writer
Favre and his receiving corps have been formidable all season. Now that RB Ryan Grant has emerged, the Rams will have to pick their poison.
Packers 30
Rams 13
******
Bernie Miklasz
Post-Dispatch columnist
I hope that with the Packers in town, Rams management takes a look at the Green Bay roster to see how you draft players, and sign quality free agents.
Packers 31
Rams 16
******
Bryan Burwell
Post-Dispatch columnist
Favre's last go-round in St. Louis will be memorable ... for him, not the Rams.
Packers 31
Rams 17
******
Jeff Gordon
POST-DISPATCH online columnist
Jim Haslett will throw a lot at Favre and Steven Jackson will get constant work ... and then the Rams will fade in the second half.
Packers 31
Rams 17
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/16/2007
Fabulous Favre
There was a time when Brett Favre struggled indoors. Like the NFC playoff game in St. Louis six years ago, when he was intercepted six times by the Rams. Two of those six interceptions were returned for a touchdown by Aeneas Williams. But those days are gone. In four indoor games over the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Favre has posted a passer rating over 100 each time. He has 10 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in those contests. Under second-year head coach Mike McCarthy, Favre has been given more freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage and seemingly has learned to reign himself in when it comes to throwing careless passes. Almost no one blitzes him these days because he gets the ball out so quickly. At age 38, Favre doesn't run much any more, but he can still escape the rush. So he's as tough as ever to beat, particularly with an improved running game and a top 10 defense on his side.
"His is sort of revived," Rams defensive tackle La'Roi Glover said. "Now, with the sort of resurgence of a running game, it takes a lot of pressure off of Brett. He doesn't have to be the guy every single play, every single quarter, every single series. ... He's got a good supporting cast now."
On the receiving end
The Packers don't have any household names among their wide receiver corps, but they have put together one of the best and deepest pass-catching units in the NFL. The Packers are five deep, and will go "five wides" with an empty backfield 10-12 times a game. Don't be surprised if the Packers go "empty" more frequently against St. Louis in an effort to gain a matchup edge. The Rams are thin at cornerback following Tye Hill's season-ending wrist surgery. Donald Driver, with a team-high 73 catches, is the Packers' top interior receiver. He's used in the slot and is willing to take the pounding going over the middle. Greg Jennings, with his 11 touchdown catches in 11 games, is silky smooth, can adjust to the ball, and gets deep despite a lack of burning speed. Rookie James Jones, a third-rounder from San Jose State, is a power player (6-1, 207) with 43 catches. Veteran Koren Robinson has 13 catches in six games since returning from an alcohol-related suspension, and also returns kickoffs. Ruvell Martin has excellent size (6-4, 210) and has three touchdowns.
"They're all pretty good," Rams cornerback Ron Bartell said. "They're capable of making big plays. The one thing about them, they're great at run after the catch. We're going to have to do a good job tackling."
The Packers lead the NFL in yards after the catch (1,851).
Ryan's song
Who's the NFL's leading rusher since Week 8? Hint: It's not LaDainian Tomlinson, Willie Parker, or Brian Westbrook. Try Green Bay's Ryan Grant, who has gained 717 yards in seven games since bursting onto the scene with a 104-yard performance Oct. 29 at Denver. Grant wears jersey No. 25 like former Packers great Dorsey Levens, and some observers feel he plays like Levens. Grant runs with speed, toughness, and smarts at 224 pounds, and is coming off a 156-yard rushing game last week against Oakland.
"He tries to run guys over if he can," Glover said. "He's got the ability to make people miss. And he outworks a lot of guys. He just brings sort of a workman's style to the running back position."
Gorin vs. Kampman
Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman had 13 1/2 sacks in his first four seasons in the NFL, and then suddenly broke out with 15 1/2 sacks last season, earning a Pro Bowl berth. With 11 sacks this season, Kampman is showing that 2006 was no fluke. Kampman is a relentless player; he never takes a down off, and excels at the bull rush and the dip move.
"He makes things happen, and he causes a lot of havoc," Rams right tackle Brandon Gorin said. "He's just a good player."
It will be Gorin's task to slow down Kampman on Sunday, thus keeping Marc Bulger's head clear (after sitting out the last two games with a concussion). But Kampman suffered what was described as back spasms early in the practice week. He did not practice Friday, was listed as questionable, and the Packers say it will be a game-time decision on his availability against the Rams. It's a big break, obviously, for St. Louis if Kampman does not play. Replacement Mike Montgomery isn't nearly in the same class as Kampman.
The corner market
In Charles Woodson and Al Harris, Green Bay has a pair of talented, 10-year veteran cornerbacks. Woodson has experienced a career resurgence since joining the Packers (from Oakland) as an unrestricted free agent in 2006. A natural athlete, and a physical player, Woodson may be the Packers' best player on defense. Harris excels at press coverage. He's very competitive and intense, but has given up a lot of big plays lately. Woodson and Harris get penalized frequently for their physical play. They represent a big challenge for Rams veterans Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
Sunday Morning QBs: Rams-Packers predictions
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/16/2007
Jim Thomas
Post-Dispatch football writer
Marc Bulger's return helps, but Green Bay is playing for a first-round bye Sunday, and Brett Favre can make history by topping Dan Marino's passing-yards record.
Packers 27
Rams 20
******
Bill Coats
Post-Dispatch football writer
The Rams get treated rudely in their house, as Packers fans turn the sold-out Dome into Lambeau South.
Packers 31
Rams 18
******
Kathleen Nelson
Post-Dispatch football writer
Favre and his receiving corps have been formidable all season. Now that RB Ryan Grant has emerged, the Rams will have to pick their poison.
Packers 30
Rams 13
******
Bernie Miklasz
Post-Dispatch columnist
I hope that with the Packers in town, Rams management takes a look at the Green Bay roster to see how you draft players, and sign quality free agents.
Packers 31
Rams 16
******
Bryan Burwell
Post-Dispatch columnist
Favre's last go-round in St. Louis will be memorable ... for him, not the Rams.
Packers 31
Rams 17
******
Jeff Gordon
POST-DISPATCH online columnist
Jim Haslett will throw a lot at Favre and Steven Jackson will get constant work ... and then the Rams will fade in the second half.
Packers 31
Rams 17