Fellow Cheeseheads,

I return from an absence feeling rejuvenated and anticipating the upcoming NFL season after a trip back to my homeland of Canada.

Another offseason has officially came to an end. The offseason program has been a huge success under and during the Mike McCarthy-Ted Thompson era. What this tells me, is that when you have players buying into the ‘team’ concept during the offseason schedule (or what others may call meaningless gatherings) this is a team worthy of note for the upcoming season. Yes many will quickly say the Packers of 08 will be looking to forge a new Favre-less identity, I disagree. This team is now Mike McCarthy’s more than ever before. Brett’s departure was a topic prior to McCarthy taking the reigns and with it all that changes is that they now put into play is hier apparent - Aaron Rodgers. This bus will continue to roll right along.

With the majority of his team returning, and having tasted the edge of a Super Bowl berth while keeping in mind there are many rookies now heading into there 2nd year with that pivotal first year of experience behind them. These things make the Packers simply one of the tightest ‘team’ units in the NFL. As in all sports, with team cohesiveness is being a key ingredient to success, it should not be overlooked in a ‘Google’ moment - that something special may be coming this season for this, the NFL’s youngest brigade.

Now the starting QB, Aaron Rodgers has thus far stepped in and up and looks good in his new role. He is already handling the early pressures (dealing with the press, critics, and the business on the field) well. I think most people forget how he has had three years here of grooming - yes Lambeau and playing QB for the Packers is a tough spot for any player to be tossed into, but this player isn’t new to this town, this team or this position.

By position, so far, heading to Training Camp…

Offense

Quarterback..Aaron Rodgers assumes a role he’s wanted the past few years. Poised, confident and skilled - I am most looking forward to Rodgers working his way through the season healthy and proving to all he is a legimate, if not a top 10 QB in this league. The backup position is wide open right now (with no veteran on the scene as backup). Brian Bohm, right now, is the pencilled in number two. Matt Flynn will need some time to adjust to this offense.

Running Backs..Ryan Grant enters ‘08 as the clear cut #1 RB on the team. Brandon Jackson, at this point, appears to be his backup. Others on the roster who could fall between the #3 role and anywhere else are Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, DeShawn Wynn, and the undrafted Kregg Lumpkin.

Fullbacks John Kuhn and Korey Hall will return 1-2, with Ryan Powdrell and Corey White available.

Wide Recievers..Donald Driver and Greg Jennings remain the top two. Behind them are up and comers Jordy Nelson and James Jones. Both are capable #3’s.

Offensive Line..Allen Barbre is making a strong case to be the starting left guard over Daryn Colledge. Josh Sitton has looked good during offseason activities and may get the slight edge in the event of injury. Right guard appears open with Junius Coston and Jason Spitz returning. At Center, Scott Wells appears once again as the center while newcomer Brennan Carvahlo studies up. At right tackle Mark Tauscher looks to rebound from late season injuries, while Tony Moll continues as his #2. At left tackle, Chad Clifton returns with newcomers Orrin Thompson and rookie Breno Giacomini battling for the #2 role.

Tight End..Donald Lee and the oft-injured Tory Humphrey should make a strong combination atop the teams tight ends. Humphrey broke a leg on the first day of training camp 07 so he wasn’t seen that much but looks pretty good, perhaps even a bit faster than Donald Lee and would be an excellent backup. Don’t count out rookie Jermichael Finley.

DEFENSE

Left and Right Corner Backs..Woodson and Harrison remain atop, but a great outstanding offseason puts Tramon Williams as the 3rd nickelback. Will Blackmon and Jarrett round out the field.

Strong Linebacker..This starting spot is up for grabs. The early edge goes to Brandon Chiller over Brady Poppinga.

Middle Linebacker..Nick Barnett continues to own this sport, while Abdul Hodge seems recovered from his medical woes of last season and will certainly be pushing.

Weak Linebacker..A.J. Hawk enters his 3rd year with Tracy White looking in.

Strong Safety sees Atari Bigby relatively unchallenged and Free Safety Nick Collins and Aaron Rouse having a good training camp battle.

Defensive Ends - Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins lead the pack. The return from offseason surgery of KGB should help and the emergence of others such as Mike Montgomery should help.

Defensive Tackles - Ryan Pickett along with Johnny Jolly are complemented by the likes of Colin Cole and Daniel Muir.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Specialists..Jon Ryan will return as the punter, while second year pro Mason Crosby retains his duties as the kicker. At long snapper both Thomas Gafford and J.J. Jansen appear to have a camp battle ahead to take hold of the position. Tramon Williams should be the kick returner while Woodson and Blackmon will handle Punt Returner duties.

Player News & Notes…

- The defense has started adapting to the new headset helmet. The new rule allows for one defensive player to wear one (similiar to that the QB already uses), most likely Nick Barnett who has let it be known he doesnt mind it.

- A few weeks back, Packers RB Noah Herron had quite the scare. One evening at his Green Bay area residence while he was home a few burgulars randomly targeted his place and forced entry inside. Herron, thinking clearing called 911 first, but obviously acting also on pure adrenaline then prepared himself with a bedpost. As it turned out, Herron would confront one of three burgulars with very that very bedpost and send that individual to hospital. Police arrived soon after and were able to apprehend all three thieves and found an unharmed but shaken Herron. As this isn’t about football at all (except for the fact Herron is a football player), this story is worthy to note. As a person, it is just good to hear the outcome was what it came to be and nothing more.

- RB Ryan Grant, is still awaiting a contract but has put himself in and around the team for the offseason programs; You have to like his mindset as he is not letting this business side of things disrupt what he wants to do, play football and be part of this team. I admire a player who can workaround off-field business, but still maintain his obligation as a teammate and his respect for the organization.

- Packers all-time sacks leader, DE KGB (Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila) is progressing well after having knee surgery and feels he is on target for a training camp return.

Player movement from May 30 thru June 27th..

June 20th - waived Rod Harper (WR)
May 30th - released Joe Toledo (OT)

Happening At Lambeau Field….

Fans arriving this year in search of Packers memoribellia will find an expanded Packers Pro Shop Game Day store on the iconic buildings west side.

Coming Up For the Packers

- Training Camp kicks off Sunday July 27th as players report, and then first onfield drills are Monday July 28th (for more information, check out www.packerstrainingcamp.com)

- Packers Family Night, Sunday Aug 3rd

All for now!

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