*Updated-Packers release KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA, Activated DT Justin Harrell_Packers looking to defeat the undefeated Titans; Re-sign Rodgers till 2014

Late breaking news I just heard on the local NBC affiliate here in Green Bay - DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, affectionetly known to GB fans as KGB has been released, just as the Pack announced the activation of DT Justin Harrell for tommorow’s game.  KGB struggled this season to get back to his normal output after offseason knee surgery and it appears things have not worked out, ending sadly a great run with the green and gold.

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Well - for anyone wondering if I had fallen off ‘the end of the earth’ fear not - my normal MidWeek in the Midwest blog will return in its grand entirety next week.  Personally, a car accident on this end created ‘MidWeek Madness in the MidWest’ and therefore left little room between conversing with Insurance companies and doctors office’ to do much blogging of any sort.  But - alas, Saturday and on with the show as the storm has passed and all appears better on this end.

The Packers should be a healthier, hungrier team coming off their late bye week.  Standing one game above .500 at 4-3 and tied for first in the NFC North - the Packers face the NFL’s only undefeated team this Sunday - the Tenneesee Titans (7-0, tops in the NFC South).  All credit goes out to the Titans team for winning seven NFL games consecutively to start the 2008 season - it is without question a very admirable accomplishment and noteworthy.  The Titans finsihed last yeat with a 10-6 record and look to go 8-0 for the first time in franchise history.

The Packers may recieve cornerback Al Harris’ back for tommorow’s game, along with safety Atari Bigby and defensive tackle Justin Harrell.  Also back in the mix are third string reciever James Jones and least I forget to mention QB Rodgers reports his shoulder seems to be getting better.  Rodgers also got a HUGE vote of confidence (or Trick or Treat) yesterday, a contract extension which supposedly (barring the unforeseen of course) keeps him the Packers QB into the 2014 season.  At this point in time, there is no harm in this move and if anything, midway through the season continues to give Rodgers the extra push to prove he continues to deserve this job.  And by no means has he displayed others.  Way to go Aaron!  Now, despite just having wrapped up Halloween, and heading towards the annual fall time change Sunday night, both the US Election (Nov 4) and Thanksgiving Holiday - it feels more like Christmas is this Sunday with all these returnee’s don’t it?

The Titans are favoured by about 3-5 points wherever you turn - but the Packers are hardly a team reflective of the 4-3 record they possess.  With this said, the Titans have also faced about three teams in the same tier of talent as the Packers - so Sunday becomes a game with playoff type intensity.  I suspect most games here on in for Green Bay will not only be ‘must-win’, but they will also be very much like playoff games in the sense the scores and technique will be weighed very heavily on every play.

The Packers must stop RB Chris Johnson, the AFC rushing yards leader and limit QB Kerry Collins options to be successful.  Collins has been solid in place of Vince Young as the starter.  Both teams front great secondaries who sit 1-2 in the NFL with interceptions - so this could also factor into the main storyline of the game’ final score.  All in all - like most of you, I am pumped up for this game

This and That..

- Last Wednesday, Coach McCarthy and wife welcomed a new baby girl into the world.  Congratulations on the new addition coach - get some sleep now!

 

Be sure to check out STB’s, Victor Mincozzi’s Titan’s fan perspective on the game here.

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Last post (s) by Patrick Mulroy

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