Ah, the vitriol of a loss.

Never ceases to amaze me. Obviously, last week's stung a bit more than a, "normal" loss, but regardless, today, the Packers stand at 4-3. Is it Armageddon for this Packers season? Hardly. Even the most cynical person (i.e. me) has to realize that things are far from over. Hell, we can pretty much pencil in a win this week -- giving us just one win shy of our TOTAL from last year -- with many more opportunities to add to that. I think that puts things into perspective, no?

This week, the boys in green travel down to the warm confines of Tampa to take one arguably, the worst team in football.

Pencil in a win? Probably. But as they say, that's why you play the game.

So this week, the guy who makes the difference to me is:










Ryan Grant
Let me rephrase that. He's the one that NEEDS to make a difference. To be honest, Grant is on my, "list." I'm sick of the lack of production by him and pretty much assuming he's getting 2.5-3.0 yards/carry every time he touches the ball. Sure, the o-line can take some of the blame, too, but Grant needs to get it going. Particularly with Rodgers not at 100%. If Rodgers is forced to pass the ball too much, it'll just open more opportunities for the Bucs to get sacks and ultimately, hurt Rodgers even more. So, Grant's gotta be the guy how does some ground n' pound, wears down the defense, and gives Rodgers a much needed break from his weekly thrashings.

Switching gears on the thread a bit.....but this is an excellent chance for the Packers to get their OL s*** in gear - hopefully not get anybody hurt - and get ready for last years sack leader DeMarcus Ware of Dallas. He's having an "off" year so far...but then again, he's not had the luxury of playing the Packers twice - so I'd imagine he's licking his chops and will be looking for some "catch up" when they come to Lambeau next week.

Again this week as in every week so far this week's key players? The offensive line! They surely should be able to keep Rodgers upright and open holes for Grant. Only guys like Barry Sanders can get decent yardage behind lousy O lines...

I have this as a blow out:

Packers: 38
Tampa: 10

Key player: Donald Driver, 7-122 2 TD's

I'm still waiting for a monster game from Jennings. HUGE disappointment so far.

Since I won't be watching or listening to the game this week, I'm just gonna look ahead to The Dallas Game and say the key player will be Havner.

Gotta agree with Ryan Grant. We have to run the ball this week with Aaron dinged up. If he can't get it going let's see Jackson and Green. Hey, running back by committee if we have to. Just pound the crap outta the Yucks!

I'll say Rodgers simply because I want to see him get rid of the ball much more quickly than he has in the past.

I hope this weeks Key player is Jennings. He'll likely have Talib covering him (who is one of the leagues best) So if he's able to flourish, then GJ may just be back. Which his hot hand will be needed the following week too.

Cliche to pick a WR, but I think its a 'want' this week moreso than a 'need.'

The runner-up for me may be Barnett in Covering the only option TB has in K2. He's really the only guy that can hurt teams.

Josh Freeman

I'm in Tampa but havent seen this guy once and since the local paper's gotten as thin as the Community Flyer, I've not read up on him either - but if Capers and crew cant confuse / shut down this kid - we've got some serious problems. My guess is we'll shut down their run game fairly easily - so Josh Freeman to K.Winslow becomes the game in my mind.

Its supposed to be in the mid 80's - so heat could be a factor later in the game.

We better come to play and not play down to these jokers on their home field.

I've gotta go with Jennings, he needs a breakout game. He's overdue.

I agree that Jennings is long overdue, however, given the current state of this team...

my vote for the key player will sound a lot like a cop out, but it is sincerely offered...

The key player needed this week to right this ship is not a single player, rather for the team to play as a team - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There is too much division and finger pointing happening. Come out play and execute as a TEAM not a collection of individuals.