I didn't see the game because they didn't show it here in California, but I saw Bubba caught a touchdown pass. Chris and Dave, are you guys as nervous as I am that Bubba is back just in time for the playoffs? Is there any way we can make sure he doesn't get more playing time than Lee?

Well, not a legal way...

For what it's worth, I thought Bubba played well yesterday. He seems to be an asset in the running game (although perhaps it was just a coincidence that they had their best rushing day of the year when Bubba taking most of the snaps).

In any case, Lee is a far better receiver but relatively weak as a blocker. Having Bubba around to mix in on early downs should help Lee stay fresh for passing situations and, perhaps, boost the running game--a commodity that will likely be important on January 12.

Give and take I guess.

OK- just a query. Why was Franks so successful/deadly in the end zone for about three years, and why has he faded so badly?

He was hurt much of this year. He couldn't hang on to the ball last year. He was injured for a good part of the year before that.

At least that is how I would track it.

I used to really like Bubba. (That sounds like a line from Prison Break.) And I would agree that the injuries may have played a part, but injuries I can forgive because there is always the mental factor you have to get over when you start playing again. It is more just the memories of his dropped passes and fumbles last year that scare me going into the playoffs. I don't know what makes a receiver go from being a big Red Zone target to someone who starts dropping the ball. Hopefully they will just maximize him on running downs and utilize Lee for all the passing plays. That or just allow him to run that little five yard hook up the middle. He seems to be pretty consistent with that.

I think I am in the minority on this site, but I think the Packers will keep Bubba around next year mainly for insurance but also as a blocking tight end in short yard run situations. I also agree that he was having a nice year prior to his injury(yes again) plus he's a strong leader in the locker room, which may make his cap number a little easier to swallow for TT.

I'm glad Bubba is back. He's another option for the offense. I don't see him really taking Lee's snaps much either. I think we will still use Lee for the pass, and Bubba for the run. I think it should work out well.

Bubba's Return= Two Tight End sets, and it gives us Numerous options out of those sets, his blocking will give us a boost in running game and his hands seemed to have at least come back to a decent level allowing us to send both him and lee at Defenses causing match up problems. This can only help us.

Dear Bubba, I would like to extend to you my sincere apologies for worrying about having you back. If having you back means we average 200 yards a game rushing, then I will happily go pull your jersey out from my closet. Go Pack!

Not to mention that nice little first down stretch .

He really played his heart out in the run game today, i remember seeing at least 2 or 3 great blocks were he just dominated his assignment.


Question for anyone around, if you'd know, In the Zone scheme do the tightends block a zone as well or do they go man assignments, it seemed as though Bubba was targeting specific players assignments and not a "zone" per say.

Bubba in the Seattle game was dominant, he was one of the key reasons we ran so well our double tight is deadly.

No more talk of cutting him I want him here for a long time.