Atari Bigby described missing the '09 MN game in the Dome as excruciatingly painful.

"Anytime I'm not playing, and my team is out there, win lose or draw, it's going to be difficult, because I want to play. I was that kid who said that if I'm not playing, you have to take my shoes, because I'll end up out there somehow playing anyway."

Atari is back, and most acknowledge that Bigby presence makes an enormous difference for Dom Capers and the Packers defense. When he is in the game lining everyone up the team becomes assignment sure and much more of the package is available for Dom to call his very diversified defense.

In the showdown in the Dome Atari's absence was huge as Brett Favre had a field day exploiting his absence, and embarrassing Bigby's replacement Derrick Martin to the point he need to be pulled from the game. Favre will not have that advantage this time out, and receivers will need to keep their heads on much more of a swivel knowing that Bigby would just as soon decapitate them if they think they can run free over the middle or hesitate after the catch.

Bigby, who always plays with great passion, knows that it has to be controlled passion despite his desire to make every play and every big hit possible -- especially in big games. However Bigby is one of the first to say that players have to play smart in big games and not let their emotions lure them into mistakes.

"If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. That's the way we look at it. It's very tough, because you can't load up the box like you would against other teams that just have a running threat. It's a dual threat. They can run and pass.

Bigby acknowledge Favre's unique ability to create confusion for defenses. "Favre is probably the best at that," Bigby said. "He's a guy that's going to look you off, pump fake you. He knows what your reads are. So that makes it difficult for us back there. We have to be honest as far as if we have deep coverage, stay deep. Don't bite on the run fakes."

Bigby is looking forward to facing his former teammate and chief rival in his (the Packers) house, and just might be the difference that makes a difference.

A quick note.....

Did any of you see the greeting & treatment Pedro Martinez received last night @ Yankee Stadium?
Its that same kind of jeering/loud response I would give Favre if I were at Lambeau and hope the Packer faithful supply in my abscence....although I tend to doubt they'll do it.

I hope the fans spend more energy creating crowd noise and cheering on their own players like Rodgers and (back to this thread) Bigby.

Now this thread is what I like to see.
Informative and positive. Get behind the team, cheer, LET'S GO PACK!!!!

I do think Atari being back is big!

Hey brother, I am positive and 100% behind my team. Discussion of other topics does not diminish this truth

I know! That's what I like about you!!!!
It is always fun to discuss, even if it's not complete agreement, with another fan that you know just loves his TEAM with no hidden agenda's. It's nice to hear differing opinions to a discussion even amongst like minded individuals. That is the true foundation of this forum.

Keep up the good work!!!! Love to read it.

The return of Atari and Winfield out... that's like a 14 point swing. You know, a team going in for a score and then a pick-6 the other way!

I hope you're right, because I'm getting a bit nervous about the game. I am also really curious to see how Capers handles the defensive schemes. He was absolutely on target against Peterson, but, as noted, Martin really embarrassed himself during the game, and Favre had a field day.

I am also excited to see Bigby back there. I love the way he hits...like he is just waiting for a moving target.

I agree that Capers definitely has more flexibility with Bigby back there. I think that you can definitely see a difference in the defense in general since he returned. Let's just hope that he can stay healthy.!!!!

But more than seeing Bigby back I am so excited to see some plays with Kampman putting his hand down again. I have been saying for the last couple of games, "let him put his hand down at least sometimes". Maybe the return of Atari is allowing for that change. Whatever the reason, I hope to see him doing that quite a few times.

Loadholdt struggled last week keeping LaMarr Woodley contained. If they turn AK loose on him I have no doubt that he'll either make some big plays or force Favre into making some bad decisions that hurt the Vikings. I don't think that this game is going to be anything like the first one. The line has been playing better and the defense is healthy and playing better as well. It should be a heck of a lot of fun.

That's huge, but I really hope Finley can play, and play well.

Great article Bruce! I also loved the pictures. Here is hoping Bigbys presence allows the Pack to be a lot more aggressive!

Yeah, I'm nervous about the game too!


Well, I'd certainly like to know what happened. Can you give me the backdrop to the story and then what happened last night? I'm really curious. You can PM me if you want, if Bruce doesn't want his thread blemished.

Terry, where is that coming from?

I responded to Leader's Favre comment and then commented on Bigby the original topic of the thread - I don't own this or any thread - and didn't try to imply otherwise.

Did I do something I am unaware of to piss you off?

Get ready to see plenty of this at, behind or near the line of scrimmage

Make him feel it Atari!!!