OK, lets put Sunday's Minnesota game aside and look forward to playing the dismal Bucs. The Bucs are in disarray. Raheem Morris, the HC, looks like he is in over his head. The game should be similar to what we saw against Detroit and Cleveland- a good team (the Packers) playing a really bad team (the Bucs).

The only hope Tampa might have is if GB is anticipating the game against Dallas, but I think that is a faint hope. I think MM has been very good about keeping the guys focused. This should be a great game for Rodgers and Grant, and I'm hoping Rodgers can lead the team to some quick scores so Flynn could play the second half, and get some game time experience.

This should be a game where the Packers should work on some things, like fewer penalties, and improved special teams play, not to mention the OL blocking and the DL creating pressure on the QB.

Like I said, this should be a win.

We'll clobber Tampa and go into the Dallas game riding high, naively believing we've turned a corner...and then get manhandled by Dallas.

Yeah, you could say I'm officially jaded now.

Side note: I'll be at the Tampa game. Dad and I are flying in that morning.

Double post.

Is this a record for fastest post of the next week game day thread? BTW, I whole hearted agree in putting the last game behind the team and us fans!!!

No. I had the Packers v. Vikings post ready about fifteen minutes after the Cleveland game. Really, though, I posted this a bit earlier so we could talk about something more positive, rather than tearing at each other, the team, etc. after the Minny-ha-ha game. Like I stated, this should be a win- and, I agree with Sinatra- I think the Packers are going to have a very tough time against a resurgent Dallas. Dallas had a "statement game" against Atlanta- that they were ready to play some serious football. The Packers also made statement in the Minny game- when push comes to shove, the Packers get pushed around.

I remember a game in 1995 in Tampa that i attended with same feeling. Tampa had how may consecutive double digit losing seasons . They had lost 5 of their last 6 games, we beat them in GB 35-13 2 weeks earlier. We lost 13-10.

It'll bne a good game to gain some confidence and momentum going into Dallas. With some comments about the D being handcuffed and such, I think we'll see some guys playing with a little extra fire in their belly. Pack needs to show that they can rebound from a tough loss and get a little steam built for Dallas.

My question is: If they get a big enough lead(what's a big enough lead), does MM sit AR and rest him? He seemed a little hobbled after Sunday's game.

Yeah, I'd give him a rest, and was kind of surprised that didn't happen in a couple of the blow out wins The Pack had last month. Especially considering the pounding he takes , it might not be a bad idea to get his back up some real game reps.

I heard on the TB message board, they have given Raheem Morris the nickname of "radio."

I'm not sure if that is a reference to the movie with Cuba Gooding, Jr or to the move "Do the Right Thing" with the character "Radio" Raheem.

Safe to say, that guy looks in over his head.

The only chance the Bucs had in this game was for Green Bay to beat the Vikings, and float into this game over confident. While I really, really, really wish that was what happened, it didn't.
From what I've seen of the Bucs, they are a little punchier version of the St. Louis Rams. The fact that they dumped the underachieving Gaines Adams means they have one less potential pass rush threat.
I think it will be largely unsatisfying to watch this game. But get the W. 5-3 at the halfway point.

I don't believe in SHOULD's, but I do believe in BETTER's.

This BETTER be a Packer win- or some heads should roll.

If the Packers don't win this game, it would seem to be a good indication that the team suffered a hangover of sorts from the Vikings game. There was a little bit of public grumbling after the game from a couple players. There's likely even more frustration in the lockerroom. If they let that spill over into this week, it doesn't say good things about McCarthy.

or the leadership in the locker room

It'll be interesting to see if the same problems persist even against a bad team. Protection breakdowns, penalties, etc. That's really going to determine my optimism for the following week. IMO, the next two are must-wins for the Pack. Tampa shouldn't be a problem. If we can beat Dallas and go to 6-3, I'll be much more confident that maybe, just maybe, we can land a wild card spot.

I don't think it will Heat. They got it cleaned up for the Rams, Lions and Browns and I suspect this week will be no different. It'll be a good momentum builder for the next game. Just like those games mentioned above, positives from this game will be brought forward. Hopefully they'll continue to build momentum.

Penalties? Probably.

Protection breakdowns? I hope not. With Bates running the TB defense I don't expect much blitzing.

True, but I thought Rodgers would get off clean against the Lions and that didn't happen.

Tampa might be awful, but from what I've seen, they'll at least bring a fight.

I'm hoping this is the start of a nice 4 game win streak.. In my opinion we have to win the next 4... TB, Dallas, SF, Detroit.

True enough that if we had trouble protecting against DET, it's tough to expect good protection against anyone.

I think that is very doable R. I think Dallas is in for a rude awakening coming into Lambeau. Just keep the focus on the game in front of them and things will fall into place. The playoff race just got a little more interesting.

If the O-line can start playing the way they did in the second half of the viking game this team should win more. If they don't well it is going to be a long second half to the season.

GB... I think you are on to something...I read something about the second half of the vikings game where they stated the team had to come out and play or something to that nature for a start of the rest of the season...

In reality if they can come out and play the rest of the season like they did in the second half , we could turn things around. I am still not convinced now is the time to juggle the O line... I may be wrong..But it always comes back to bite us...Let Lang and Barberie play.... Just knowing they have Cliffy and Tausch behind them should get them playing Better and hopefully Tausch and Cliffy are helping these guys... Cause in the second half they did not look that bad... I still say we could have ran more behind Lang over at Allen....but that is coulda should woulda....

JMO

Ryan Pickett is going to have his family at the game.

"Packers NT Ryan Pickett, a Tampa native, on the Buccaneers wearing throwback jerseys Sunday: "That's alright. I'm used to seeing those, that what I grew up seeing." Pickett plans to have around 50 family members attend the game, but could have used a lot more tickets."

That is A LOT of family.

On another note, at least Jennings won't be taking the Bucs lightly.

"We know each week anything can happen," Packers WR Greg Jennings said of Sunday's match-up against the winless Buccaneers. "They're a football club. You can't go off what their record is. They are coming off a bye; they're fresh, they've had time to prepare. So we have to have due diligence to go down there and win."

If the OL can give A-Rod any kind of protection than the PAckers should role over TB. 34-10. This like all the rest of the remaining Games are must wins, and of the remaining 8 games the Packers needs 6 victorie to have playoff possibilities-my opinion! iT'S TIME TO STEP-UP AND REESTABLISH THE WINNING TRADITION? GO PACK!

I'm hoping for renewed focus for all the players. The Minnesota loss had to be a real wake up call, especially as it happened at home. The defensive players who made public complaints, or displayed poor attitude must have been taken down a notch, as all have retracted any controversial statements, or apologized for acting without remorse in regards to any stupid penalties. Maybe it's finally come to "put up or shut up" time for the coaching staff in Titletown; and it's about time. It may finally be time to see a disciplined and prepared unit hit the field, and continue to do so for the remainder. Of course I can be the eternal optimist some days..........................

Bruce,

What's up with all this negativity?

You coming over to the sunless side?

Just kiddin ya.

I will not be able to watch or hear the game. I will be in Allentown, PA for a High School Band Competition. If they do lose, I will be in a better place.

That's the ticket.

If they lose even one of those games, the remaining tough opponents (Pitt, AZ, Ravens, CHI at home) become a minefield where a loss could abruptly end the wildcard hopes.

I don't want to be playing;

"If so n so loses and THE PACKERs win by 21.5 points"

If the Packers want to make the playoffs this year IMO that means needing to be 11-5. A 10-6 recored might get them in but I think even that might be iffy. So that means they MUST win thee 4 games and 3 out of their last 5 which is against the Ravens at Bears and at Steelers then the Seahawks and to finish at the cards. They should beat the seahawks which means needing 2 out of 4 of other playoff contending teams.

Agree about the record. The NFC has more quality teams then it has had in a long time. 9-7 just isn't going to cut it, and I think 10-6 might be a stretch too.
What is working to the Packers advantage is the schedule itself.
At Chicago and at Pittsburgh are pretty rough games, but the Packers will have an 11 day layoff before the home game against the Ravens, and the Cardinals are the last week of the season, which means they could very well not be playing for anything other then pride. Ideally, the Cardinals enter that week with the division sewn up and their playoff seeding determined. Can't imagine they'd start any significant player in that game in that scenario.
In any event, that only sets up well for Green Bay if they take care of business in Tampa, where they have not had a lot of luck as of late. As bad as the Bucs have been, winless teams this late in the season will put up tremendous fights, especially at home.
I don't care how it looks, or how ugly the game might be, the Packers need to win this game if they want to compete for a wild card spot.
I can't believe I'm getting this nervous about an 0-7 team.

God if the Packers lose to the Bucs, I don't know what I'd do.

37-7 Packers

This one shouldn't even be close. This will be a statfest for all involved. D-rankings will go through the roof, possibly pitch another shutout. AR's stats will be godlike again and I suspect the running game will be revived. I know this is the NFL and 'any given Subday' but this Bucs team is in disarray. Blowout should be forthcoming.

Kind of a joyless week for Packers fans. A win doesn't mean anything no matter how lopsided, and a loss means it's over.

woo hoo.

Sure they came out and rocked beginning the 2nd half. Gave up a 51 yd TD pass and had to settle for a FG on the next drive. Folks the game turned on a fumble not on McCarthys Notre Dame speech. As many have said if he needed that halftime speech where was the fire before the game???. If Minny does not fumble they have the ball on the 40-45...my gut tells me they at least get 3. Has this team tuned out????????? Just saying

For the record.....

Should the Packers fail to show up and play hard in Sundays game against the Bucs - even if they win - its on the players - not the coach - and certainly not the GM.

So all those "fire everybody including the janitor" folks best keep your powder dry should that occur.

I have a feeling that even if the Pack wins by 40 you will still hear that.

Yes, I'm afraid some fans will still grouse even if we shut out the Bucs all because we had problems against #4 and his bunch. If we aren't perfect some fans will howl. And if hell freezes over and the Pack loses then I will not be able to read any online forums. If you thought it was bad last week... Let's step away from the ledge here. This Sunday is a perfect opportunity to right the ship against a weaker opponent and get some wins under our belt the next couple of weeks. There is lot of football yet to be played and nobody knows what the future will bring to the Pack and our divisional rivals. The season ain't over yet...

Also just a little note that the Bucs will be wearing their old orange and white uniforms with "Bucco Bruce" Pirate logo on the helmet.

Speaking of "Next Opponents"......

I think its fairly important that PHILLY BEAT DALLAS this weekend.
Figuring that we beat the Bucs - our records would then be tied heading into the Week 10 matchup.

Other target games and hopeful outcomes:

- CHARGERS BEATING THE GIANTS.
- CARDNIALS BEATING CHICAGO.
- WASHINGTON BEATING ATLANTA (unlikely - but hope springs eternal)
- TENNESSEE BEATING SAN FRAN.

Maybe Leroy Selmon will come out of retirement to help them out. Despite some of The Pack's shortcomings, I think this game could be over by halftime. The Buc's are another really poor team.

Green Bay 31 - Tampa Bay 10

We can't even hope for a Min loss, cuz they're on a damn bye. Hope the Cards destroy the Bears.

If everything goes according to plan and the Pack beats Tampa we'll get a half game closer to MN. I'm not about to annoint MN division champs just yet. There is still a lot of football to be played and anything can happen. We just have to take care of business and shoot for the wild card. If we get in the post season who knows....?

Inactives Announced

Packers: WR Jake Allen, S Derrick Martin, FB Korey Hall, LB Brandon Chillar, OT Breno Giacomini, WR Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DE Jarius Wynn.

Scott Wells will start for Jason Spitz, who was placed on injured reserve. Mark Tauscher starts in place of Allen Barbre at RT.

Bucs: QB Byron Leftwich, WR Yamon Figurs, CB Mike Mickens, FB Chris Pressley, G Shawn Murphy, T James Lee, WR Antonio Bryant, DT Dre Moore.

Almost kickoff! Here's hoping The Pack cleans up the penalties and plays crisp, smart ball. No sacks. Go Pack.

For anyone watching, great pre game effort from the FOX NFL Sunday guys going overseas to spend some time with the troops. Absolutely awesome.

holding already ugh

70 yrd strike. Yes.

Rodgers saw something he liked on that play and it payed off for the audible. I think Rodgers is going to have a 3-4 TD day.

ESPN had a nice interview with Pat Tillman's widow.

Messed up on that one!