Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Electric Gridiron Classics- Super Bowl XXXI


Super Bowl XXXI was one of the best Packers games ever, and this being Super Bowl week, I thought I would put up one of my favorite moments from that game.

After Favre hit Andre Rison for a 54-yard touchdown pass on the Packs second play from scrimmage to take a 7-0 lead, Favre ran around the field pumping his fists in the air, and whirling his helmet around. Here is the moment as I remembered it.


As soon as M.F. Pack is ready, we will put up some animation up from that game. He has to let me know when he is ready.


Monday, January 22, 2007

A quick hello

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We are hammering out our offseason schedule at the moment and kind of sucking at it. Also, Blogger (the company we use to post this overly verbose magic) has decided to suck and blow at the same time and it's not helping matters any. Hopefully they'll pull their collective heads out of their collective butts and help us out.

So, this is it for today but you can count on posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as posts for any major Packer/NFL/Whatever Miscellaneous Junk I Find Entertaining as we go forward.

Thanks everyone for checking us out this season. It's nice to know that it's not just our moms and ladyfriends reading this thing. And yes I realize "ladyfriend" is a term generally only used by senior citizens for their dates at the Thursday Night Bingo & Polka Mixer. I'm cool with that.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Online Petition and an Electric Gridiron Classic

I guess it's time to start taking things in our own hands. If we don't want to see Aaron Rodgers taking snaps, then it's in all of our best interests to sign this thing. There is an online petition that someone started called "Brett Favre Cannot Retire This Year". Pretty catchy name, huh. It has over 3,600 signatures on it so far. So do your part for your country and put your Herbie Hancock on that thing. Hey M.F. Pack, should I start a petition to bring back Sherman? Here is the site link.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/number4/index.html


Electric Gridiron Classics- Charles Martin Hit List



In 1986, Mike Ditka was coach of the Bears and Forrest Gregg was coach of the Packers. The Bears were the defending NFL champions, and they defeated the Packers 25-12 at Green Bay in their first meeting in 1986. In that game, they had The Fridge do a late touchdown plunge, and Bears players were ripping off Packers towels that they had tucked into their pants. Ditka would give a cash reward for every towel he received.

For the rematch, Charles Martin of the Packers took the field on Nov. 23, 1986, wearing a towel displaying the numbers of three Bears offensive stars--9, 34, 83--McMahon, Walter Payton and Willie Gault, respectively, plus 63 and 29 for Jay Hilgenberg and Dennis Gentry. This was Charles "Hit List".

After Packers safety Mark Lee intercepted a McMahon pass in the second quarter of a game, Martin grabbed McMahon from behind and body-slammed him to the ground.

"It was at least 20 seconds after the interception," said Jerry Markbreit, a retired NFL official who worked the game. "I don't think he had an awareness of how late it was, or that the play was over. McMahon was walking to the sideline, had relaxed, and he picked him up and smashed him to the ground."

Markbreit worked 461 NFL games over 23 years. He had never been so shocked by a player's action. To that point in league history, no player had ever been thrown out of a game for anything but a fight.

But Markbreit, bothered by the severity of the hit and a little concerned Bears players "might kill" Martin, ejected the defensive tackle and escorted him off the field. Markbreit's decision ultimately cost Martin a two-game suspension and $15,000 fine.

"There were going to be some late hits and probably some cheap shots," says linebacker Tim Harris, who played for Green Bay from 1986-1990. "We just knew that was part of playing the Bears."

Charles Martin, you will always be remembered.


Monday, January 15, 2007

Working Against Itself

Well that sucked. The NFL has thinned itself out to the final four teams and I've almost lost all interest. Since I love football and since I only love professional football that should be a bit of an issue for the ol' commish. I'm a loyal fan and I'm already planning other things to do next Sunday.

To understand this it's probably necessary for me to break down why I lost all interest. The announcers and reporters. That's pretty much it. The pregame guys and the NFL blitz guys on espn 2 and all that also figure in to the equation but I don't watch them much anyway. But the announcers are tough to avoid. Sure I could listen to music and just watch the games on mute or something but that seems like something you'd do at a party just so the women didn't get upset.

Here's the thing NFL owners and managements. When you have your announcers choose heroes and hype them constantly with no criticism mixed in when they're playing awful it makes you sound like a bunch of zealots. And I don't trust zealots. It makes everyone uncomfortable and pretty soon the guys you're trying to make into heroes are pretty much universally hated by everyone except the hometown fans.

I was reading the AP game recap of the Colts 15-6 win over the thugs of Baltimore. The box score shows that Manning had no touchdowns and two picks. I believe he also played poorly in the prior game against the Chiefs and threw three picks. The AP story mentioned that the Colts couldn't score touchdowns but didn't even mention the two INTs. Subtle, but no criticism for Manning was to be found.

Then, watching San Diego vs. New England I was all confused. Phil Simms was talking about how "cool" Tom Brady was in the pocket. How smart he was with the football. Meanwhile he had thrown two picks, lost a fumble and missed BADLY on 5+ throws as well, including a wide open receiver that would have gone for a touchdown if he didn't screw the pooch.

This is nothing new of course, but just because Brady played well in the past doesn't mean he's playing well now. He absolutely crapped the bed, the dresser, the closet and left a trail on the way to the bathroom in that game. He easily could have been picked off 3 more times. If not for a few drops by the Charger DB's and receivers Tom Brady would have been THE reason why the Patriots lost the game. I didn't hear a word of it from Simms or the others.

This is why America has this backlash against Favre as well. It's painful and awkward and basically straight out lies most of the time. So people tune out or they hear John Madden telling people that Favre "just loves to play, he's like a little kid" and they throw up a bit and punch their sofa cushions. It's annoying. I beg you NFL, let it go.

Also, as all other teams in the playoffs have zero redeeming qualities except for them, I am now a Saints fan for the next couple of weeks. The Bears are evil, the Pats are boring and I can't stand Peyton winning it all. So, go Saints.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Electric Gridiron Classics-The Ice Bowl




We all know about the famous Ice Bowl, but for those who are under 6 years old, here is a quick summary.

The 1967 National Football League Championship Game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys was the 35th championship game in NFL history. Popularly known as the Ice Bowl, it is widely considered one of the greatest games in NFL history, due to the extremely hostile conditions it was played in, the importance of the game and of the rivalry between the two teams, and the dramatic conclusion.

To read more about this great event in Packer history, go here.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

My Thoughts Exactly

Post season blows without The Pack in it, but does it have too. Just like the regular season, you have to find the games worth your time. That's not easy, as we all know, no other team is really the second effort, but this week, I'm putting all of my chips in.

Last week was a bit of a bust. Who really cares about the Giants and Eagles. Like they really are going anywhere this post season. Most games were very predictable, but the Seahawk game had a great ending. So let's take a quick glance at what really matters in life; this weeks games.

Colts at Ravens

Will Manning choke? I hope so. This game could be tons of fun just to watch the Raven defense swarm Manning and send Dungy home with yet another empty season. The fun factor is way up on this one.

Eagles at Saints

Boring. Again, who cares about the Eagles....and the Saints? I've never even seen a Saints fan before in my life. Remember when we exploded on them at Lambeau last year. That was great. This game won't be. I hope they both lose.

Seahawks at Bears

Now we're talking. The Packers West go to....what's the field called now, Solider Field at Windy City...doesn't matter. This game is the game of the week for me, but sadly, the Bears will probably win this one. But we can always hope for the best, right? You Still Suck Bears. I hate you. I hate you.

Patriots at Chargers

Okay, again, an interesting game. I'm looking for the Pats to fall flat, and I'm ready to welcome who hope wins it all, the most non-threating to my Pack...the Chargers. Plus, there are too many Patriots fans nowadays. Time to thin out the herd.

As a special playoff bonus, here is the famous Jim Mora commenting on playoffs. This never gets old. Playoffs. PLAYOFFS!


Monday, January 08, 2007

The Playoffs

Much has been said about the Packers and their worthiness in the postseason. Assuming, y'know, that they had made it. They didn't. Which is a little frustrating at this point. When it was finally official that the Packers weren't going anywhere at the end of the year except for their homes and maybe a famous island or two for the winter I wasn't initially bummed out. I mean, they were 8-8. They hadn't beaten a good team all year, it was fine.

But then I watched the damn Seahawks-Cowboys game and I'm all higgledy-piggledy. Did you watch that game? Can anyone say the Packers couldn't have beaten either of those teams? True, that says more about the overall crappiness of the Hawks and Boys but hey, it's all relative.

I'm not the insanely optimistic sort but I'm feeling pretty good about this team for next year. Whenever I start thinking this team might have a run in them before Favre rides off into the sunset I start to get a little twitchy. $25 million under the cap and a decent draft pick or two and this team can be a contender in the craptacular NFC. You people realize that the Bears are probably the best bet to make it to the super bowl right? And they are horribly flawed. Like the advice from a drunk uncle kind of flawed.

So, an upgrade or two in free agency, a savvy draft and this team may be the top of the NFC. True, beating the AFC team next year is not going to be easy. At least, if the current teams (San Diego, Indy, Baltimore and New England) maintain some semblance of their dominance that is. But hey, I think there's a saying about what can happen in any one game. It has something to do with a day of the week. I'm sure it'll come to you.

So it's official. I'm geeked. I know that you care.

The Playoffs

Much has been said about the Packers and their worthiness in the postseason. Assuming, y'know, that they had made it. They didn't. Which is a little frustrating at this point. When it was finally official that the Packers weren't going anywhere at the end of the year except for their homes and maybe a famous island or two for the winter I wasn't initially bummed out. I mean, they were 8-8. They hadn't beaten a good team all year, it was fine.

But then I watched the damn Seahawks-Cowboys game and I'm all higgledy-piggledy. Did you watch that game? Can anyone say the Packers couldn't have beaten either of those teams? True, that says more about the overall crappiness of the Hawks and Boys but hey, it's all relative.

I'm not the insanely optimistic sort but I'm feeling pretty good about this team for next year. Whenever I start thinking this team might have a run in them before Favre rides off into the sunset I start to get a little twitchy. $25 million under the cap and a decent draft pick or two and this team can be a contender in the craptacular NFC. You people realize that the Bears are probably the best bet to make it to the super bowl right? And they are horribly flawed. Like the advice from a drunk uncle kind of flawed.

So, an upgrade or two in free agency, a savvy draft and this team may be the top of the NFC. True, beating the AFC team next year is not going to be easy. At least, if the current teams (San Diego, Indy, Baltimore and New England) maintain some semblance of their dominance that is. But hey, I think there's a saying about what can happen in any one game. It has something to do with a day of the week. I'm sure it'll come to you.

So it's official. I'm geeked. I know that you care.

Friday, January 05, 2007

I have a what?

So...this is frustrating. I'd like to recap the last game of the season so I can move on but alas, I haven't had any time to actually watch the game yet. Which is what I like to call "really damn annoying". Thankfully I've got a weekend here to catch up.

I know what you're thinking and yes, you're right I'm not being much of a fan missing the last game of the year like that. I know. I'm a tool. Usually that's not a problem but lately I've been a very busy tool. To take the analogy well beyond any particular purpose I would say that if I were a tool this week I would be an axe on one of Paul Bunyan's good days. A hammer on John Henry's final errand. Or a wrench in my dad's garage.

I hope that was as uncomfortable for you as it was for me.

So this weekend I'll be watching the final game of the year and sorting it all out in my brain. In the coming weeks I'll be doing little "year in review" columns about the NFC North and hammering out what the future looks like for each team. I'll give you a hint, I like one team a lot to improve and the other three to not be so good.

Not to go all Tobias Funke with you fine people but for the moment all I can think about are Tight Ends. We needs us a new one methinks. Maybe Carl Weathers is available.



I'm not much of a college football guy, I consider it the minor leagues, but if anyone has a hankerin' for a certain tight end I'd appreciate the heads up. I'm going to be putting together a draft wishlist and any input would be gladly considered.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Electric Gridiron Classics-Instant Replay Game

For the next few weeks or so, I'm going snap some pictures of famous moments in Packers history, as seen from the Electric Gridiron. That's right, I'm busting out my old electric football men and lining them up for a photo shoot. So here were are with the first one, from the hated Bears rivalry.

The instant replay game










On November, 5th 1989 The Packers beat the Bears 14-13, but not without controversy. Don Majkowski led the Packers to a comeback and a game-winning touchdown pass to Sterling Sharpe with only seconds left to play. Initially the play was called a touchdown, but line judge Jim Quirk had called a penalty on Majkowski for being beyond the line of scrimmage when he threw the pass. With a nervous and tense crowd at Lambeau Field, the call went up to the instant replay official, Bill Parkinson. Several minutes later the call came down and the touchdown was correctly awarded as recorded by instant replay. The Lambeau faithful and Packer players erupted with joy because it marked the first time since 1984 that the Packers had beaten their long-time rivals. The Packers would later beat the Bears again in the season.


Wednesday, January 03, 2007

The New Schedule

Well, that was entertaining was it not? Actually I don't totally know. I was up north in Two Harbors, Minnesota, for a New Year's Eve wedding. I've seen about 5 minutes of the Packer game and that was on the bar TV with no volume. It's oddly disconcerting to watch a Packer game with a soundtrack consisting of the Electric Slide emanating from the banquet room down the hall.

Anywho, thanks to modern technology I'll be watching the game in full tonight. Sorry for the lack of commentary, I know my game notes are probably the single coolest thing on this here internets. That last sentence was pretty much a lie.

In the coming weeks we'll be changing over to our offseason schedule. Which basically means we'll post whenever the team makes an important signing/draft pick/KoRo arrest detail. We'll also be commenting on the other teams still in the playoffs and general league news and, in what we hope will be a grand new tradition, we'll be reviewing the year for our favorite team.

I don't know exactly how the news will go, we'll probably operate pretty much as normal through the playoffs and then dial it down a bit for the offseason. I do know this, you won't hear any speculation on a certain fellow's possible retirement here until he checks the "yes" or "no" box. I don't think anyone wants to hear anymore about that decision, but if they do I'm sure there are ample sites where that sort of stuff is going on.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

The Golden Mullet Awards-Bears


Ain't it great at 8-8!





What a win. I'm still enjoying this one. How many teams in the NFL can finish 8-8 and feel good about it. Then again, how many teams finish on a positive note at all, exept for the Super Bowl winners. Finishing 5-1 in our division, beating the Vikes and the Bears back to back, and then not having a losing season. That makes all of us big winners.

Four weeks ago I challenged our Packers to finish 8-8, and they rose to the challenge. They won four in a row, who can believe it? They were 4-8, done for the year. Playoffs, playoffs? We almost made the playoffs.

Okay, on to the Golden Mullets. Four is the best, one sucks.

Quarterbacks

Not the best game Favre played all year, but 1 touchdown and 285 yards were enough for the once great Bear defense.



Running Back


Not the best game ever for Ahman, but very solid. Plus, I think he passed 1000 yards for the year. Nice.



receivers


Driver got a touchdown, and everyone seemed to step up. Where did all the dropped passes go?


Tight Ends

Bye bye Bubba and Martin. Bring back Ed West!





Special Teams


I'm getting a little worried about the missed field goals and extra points.




Defense

Simply the best. Better than the 85 Chicago Bears.




Coach


Coach Mike III did a bang up job getting these kids ready for the last game of the year. They had nothing to play for, but they played it like it meant something. You know what Bears fans, it did mean something. A win is a win sucka!

Bear Fans

Cry babies, to the last. They cry and complain how the game didn't mean anything. Oh, you are so wrong. This sets the tone for your horrible playoff push, and your fall from greatness next year. Yeah, oh yeah, you're through!



Now let's root against the Bears so they can continue to suffer like only Bear fans should.


Monday, January 01, 2007

Bad News Bears



Da Bears Lose!

Da Bears Lose!

Da Bears Lose!

Looks like ol' Favre was at it again Bear fans. The Pack ends the year on a positive note at 8-8. Ray Rhodes would be so proud. Way to turn it aound Packers! And way to limp into the post season Bears.

There will be a lot more about the Packer-Bear game and our thoughts about this season later this week from M.F. Pack, The Majikman, and more from The Packman.

Go Pack Go!