NFL FanHouse

Meet the Robinsons: Packers Cut Koren; Tariq Arrested for Slinging Ecstasy

Sportz Assassin — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Carolina, Milwaukee

It hasn't been a great week for the Robinson family.

First off, receiver Koren Robinson was cut by the Packers, ending his tumultuous career in Green Bay. Robinson was suspended for a year after alcohol problems but seemed to have turned his life around. Last year, he was a serviceable part of the Packers' receiving and return corps and putting behind his history of alcohol abuse.

Next comes Tariq Robinson ... Koren's brother ... who was arrested for trafficking ecstasy in Cary, NC -- just outside of Raleigh.

Koren (who starred at NC State) owns the house that Tariq lives in. The good news is that there seems to be no other link between Koren and these charges. According to WRAL, the brothers have been estranged for over a year.

While this could cause teams to pause from signing Koren ... it really shouldn't keep him from finding another gig somewhere fairly soon. Buzz is that there are teams interested and if Koren really has his ish together, he'll be fine.

Meet the Robinsons: Packers Cut Koren; Tariq Arrested for Slinging Ecstasy originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 10 May 2008 19:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brett Favre In a Dolphins Jersey? Even Orlando's Patrick Ewing Thinks That's Dumb

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:14:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Milwaukee

There have been some chatter about Brett Favre maybe going to the Miami Dolphins (not happening) that got me thinking. What if Favre decided he really did want to play ... but Green Bay didn't want him back? Would he actually put on the jersey of another team?

I hope not, so he can avoid staying off a list of other athletes who stayed on too long in a jersey that wasn't for him:

Chicago Blackhawks' Bobby Orr

Denver Broncos' Tony Dorsett

Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Wade Boggs

New Orleans Saints' Earl Campbell

Milwaukee Brewers' Hank Aaron

Washington Redskins' Deacon Jones

New York Jets' Ronnie Lott

Miami Dolphins' Thurman Thomas

Carolina Panthers' Reggie White

Atlanta Falcons' Eric Dickerson

Brett Favre In a Dolphins Jersey? Even Orlando's Patrick Ewing Thinks That's Dumb originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Random YouTube Magic: Brett Favre Interview; His Last as a Backup Quarterback

Sportz Assassin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Video, Milwaukee

Before he was a Hall of Famer, Brett Favre was a second string QB for the Green Bay Packers. Here is a rare video of Favre discussing his young NFL career on a local Wisconsin TV station.

When this interview took place, Favre had just replaced an ineffective Don Majkowski in the second half of a Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Green Bay lost that game, 31-3). His first pass in that game was deflected by the Bucs' Ray Seals into his own hands.

Oh. By the way, the next week Favre replaced an injured Majkowski and led the Packers to an unprobable comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He hasn't backed up anyone since.

Random YouTube Magic: Brett Favre Interview; His Last as a Backup Quarterback originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Random YouTube Magic: Brett Favre Era Begins Against Cincinnati

Sportz Assassin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:11:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Video, Milwaukee

This is video of September 20th, 1992. Green Bay was hosting the Cincinnati Bengals when Packers QB Don Majkowski was injured in the first quarter. In comes Brett Favre, who joined Green Bay in the offseason when he was traded from Atlanta for a first round pick.

The dramatics came when Favre led the Packers on a 92-yard drive on just five plays ... the final one being a 35-yd TD pass to Kitrick Taylor to give Green Bay a 24-23 lead -- and win.

The win was also Mike Holmgren's first as an NFL head coach. Holmgren was hired that season after the team fired Lindy Infante.

After the game, you can see Bob Costas, O.J. Simpson and Buddy Ryan chat it up with the young Favre on NBC's NFL Live.

Random YouTube Magic: Brett Favre Era Begins Against Cincinnati originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bar Owner is Murdered After Dispute Over Packers-Seahawks Game

Sportz Assassin — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, Seahawks, NFC North, NFC West, NFL Video, Seattle, NFL Police Blotter, Milwaukee

A Florida bar owner was murdered as revenge for an earlier fight with another man over the Seahawks-Packers game:

Sunday afternoon, four teens and a 21-year-old had been arrested on charges related to the slaying of Richard Oaks, the owner of the Par 33 Lounge on Lakeland Hills Boulevard.

The 17-year-old daughter of the man who was struck in the head with the beer bottle was among those arrested and the other four are her friends, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

The man who was hit in the head wasn't part of the attack on Oaks and won't be charged, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies charged Charles Bonfiglio, 21, of Lakeland, his 17-year-old brother, Cody Scarpa of Lithia, and Brock Winkler, 17, of Lakeland, with first-degree murder and burglary.

Alexia Pierce and Tiffanie Hemness, 19, both of Lakeland, who sheriff's officials said drove with the men to the home, were charged with being accessories to a burglary.

The way the story goes is that Oaks got into an argument with neighbor Alan Pierce (at a bar Oaks owned) over the game and broke a bottle over Pierce's head. Pierce, who went to the hospital to have 13 stiches to close the head wound, called his daughter. She and three friends came to the hospital and ran into a buddy of theirs, who happened to be there visiting someone else.

The teens and Bonfiglio became enraged about the incident with Pierce's father and vowed to do something about it, said sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Rodgers.

Oaks was taken to his home on Lakewood Road off State Road 33 by friends Saturday evening, and when they left him, he was fine, Rodgers said.

But during the night, Bonfiglio, Winkler and Scarpa broke into the home and beat him with their fists and an umbrella, reports said.

When Oaks' wife, Stephanie, came home about 4 a.m. after closing the bar, she found him dead.

The five young people were taken into custody without incident and were questioned by detectives.

(Hat tip: Sports by Brooks)

Bar Owner is Murdered After Dispute Over Packers-Seahawks Game originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Brett Favre Play Next Week?

Sportz Assassin — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Milwaukee

One of the great things about clinching your playoff position is that you can rest your guys. Those that are nicked up and get some rest while the guys you cannot afford to lose will just take a seat.

Will Brett Favre be one of those guys?

With the Green Bay Packers' blowout loss to the Bears today, the Dallas Cowboys have clinched the #1 seed in the NFC and the Packers will be #2. Green Bay will have a first round bye and host someone in the divisional round. It's all locked in. So why play Favre against the Lions next week?

Why play the 38-yr old future Hall of Famer? Why not rest him? Oh yeah, that 251 consecutive start streak. If I was head coach Mike McCarthy, I'd have a serious sitdown with Favre and ask him what's more important: the streak or another shot at the Super Bowl.

Honestly, I'd expect him to say both. If McCarthy does anything more than throw Favre out there for the first play and hand the ball off ... then walk off the field and have Aaron Rodgers finish it off I'd be disappointed. Anything can happen in that game ... especially in a meaningless game. Especially in a meaningless game against a division rival. Favre has already hinted he is coming back in 2008 so this won't be his home finale. Even if he was retiring ... the divisional playoff game in three weeks would be that swan song.

Look, aside from the streak (he holds the record for QBs and is 18 games back of Jim Marshall for the all time record), he has no reason to step on that field. None. Get him his one snap and then take him out.

Will Brett Favre Play Next Week? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brett Favre Passes Dan Marino (Yet Again) to Become Pass Yardage Leader

Sportz Assassin — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Milwaukee

Brett Favre is having quite the year, eh? His Packers are on their way to being 12-2 and owning a first round bye in the playoffs; he is the SI Sportsman Of The Year and he's been shattering all of those Dan Marino records.

Against the St. Louis Rams today, he passed Marino to become the all-time passing yards leader. Marino held the record with 61,361 yards.

This year alone, Favre has broken records for the NFL's all time TD passes (passing Marino), pass attempts (Marino again), wins as a starting quarterback (passing John Elway) and most interceptions (passing George Blanda). He already owns the completions record, most games with at least three TD passes and consecutive starts by a QB. He is 20 games behind Jim Marshall for consecutive starts by any player.

Brett Favre Passes Dan Marino (Yet Again) to Become Pass Yardage Leader originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Packers 38, Raiders 7: Favre Works His Magic

Larry Brown — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:40:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, Raiders, AFC West, NFC North, Oakland, Milwaukee

Sure, there were several factors that contributed to Green Bay's convincing win over the Raiders Sunday, but it was Brett Favre's performance that was paramount to me. How often do you see a quarterback bounce back from a separated shoulder and injured throwing arm one week, only to throw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns in freezing cold weather the next? Not too often, which is why Brett Favre is a special player.

Favre led a Green Bay offense that racked up 445 total yards, including 156 and a touchdown on the ground from Ryan Grant, who has emerged as an elite ball carrier this year. Not only did the Packers offense dominate the Raiders, but their special teams also lit up the scoreboard. Will Blackmon returned a punt for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter, and followed that up by returning a Tim Dwight fumbled punt for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Those mistakes put the game out of reach for Oakland, as the Raiders could only muster 233 total yards.

Both Justin Fargas and Josh McCown were replaced late in the game for Oakland. Andrew Walter came in to take the snaps with the Raider offense that was too ineffective for Lane Kiffin to throw JaMarcus Russell in the mix. The Raiders, who showed promise by winning back-to-back games in weeks 12 and 13, were put back in their place, showing how far they have to go to compete with the NFL's elite. Green Bay on the other hand, completely outclassed the Raiders, proving that with key defensive players Charles Woodson and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamilia back healthy, they can dominate on both sides of the ball.

Packers 38, Raiders 7: Favre Works His Magic originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Were Packers Jobbed By Refs?

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:32:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Packers, NFC East, NFC North, Dallas, Milwaukee

As fellow Fanhouser Michael David Smith already pointed out, the Packers have been hurt by some questionable calls. There was the play where Al Harris stripped the ball from Terrell Owens, yet the officials ruled Owens' forward progress was halted. How could that be when he never had the ball?

There was also the huge 42 yard pass interference call on Tramon Williams. Williams and Miles Austin had their feet tangled and Austin fell down. The officials deemed that interference instead of incidental contact and gave Dallas the ball at the Packers' 5-yard line.

Finally, when it seemed that Ryan Grant picked up a late first down ... the officials gave him a bad spot that was short of the first down. Since the Packers used up both of their challenges (one on the Harris/Owens strip and the other to overturn an Owens completion) they couldn't do anything about the spot. Down 10 points, the Packers went ahead and kicked the field goal instead of still driving for a TD opportunity.

Not to mention that T.O. wasn't penalized for using popcorn as a prop during a TD celebration.

Green Bay has been penalized for 142 yards in this game with most of that coming on two big interference calls.

Were Packers Jobbed By Refs? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Packers at Cowboys: The NFC's Biggest Game Since 1990

Sportz Assassin — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:14:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Packers, NFC East, NFC North, Dallas, Milwaukee

To get you ready for week 13, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Packers/Cowboys preview.

2007 Records:
Green Bay Packers: 10-1 (1st in NFC North, #2 in NFC playoff picture)

Dallas Cowboys: 10-1 (1st in NFC East, #1 in NFC)

Last Week:
Packers 37, Lions 26
Cowboys 34, Jets 3

Why We Care: I don't know. Maybe it is because this is the first meeting between two 10-1 teams since the 1990 classic between the Giants and Niners. Maybe it is because Tony Romo is facing his boyhood idol, Brett Favre. Maybe it is because these two offenses can put up some numbers. Maybe it is because the winner has the inside track to home field advantage in the NFC title game. After all, there is quite a tempature swing from Dallas and Green Bay in January. Also, this should be a great football game.

When the Packers have the ball: Brett Favre will throw the ball. Duh. Green Bay moves the ball better when they spread out the opponent's defense and try to work against anyone not named Terrence Newman. However, Favre shows no fear so he will go after Newman when it is there. While the Packers aren't a running team, they will mix the run game in there, especially if Ryan Grant is fully healthy. What truly will be interesting is to see how the Cowboys come at Favre. Unlike most QBs Dallas has faced, he won't get rattled. He is like Romo in the way he can extend plays and ultimately make you pay. If he reads the blitzes correctly, he can place a fastball to Greg Jennings or Donald Driver where that guy can from and pick up some major yards.

When the Cowboys have the ball: Dallas' biggest advantage is in their run game. The Cowboys employ Julius Jones and Marion Barber to carry the load and keeps teams from focusing solely on their lethal passing attack. Those guys make it tough for defenses to cover TE Jason Witten, who has been tearing it up this year. Look for the Packers to attempt to play these guys straight and try to keep only Al Harris on Terrell Owens in one-on-one coverages. Green Bay isn't as much of a blitzing team and likes to get pressure from their front four alone. What will be interesting to see if Romo gets off some big runs with the second and third levels of defense worried about everyone else.

The Edge: Dallas has played in one of these games before. In the first "biggest games of the season", the Cowboys held in against the Patriots but ultimately lost. Green Bay hasn't really had that kind of game this year. However, Brett Favre has been in much bigger situations than this and it will be interesting to see if he'll have his young group ready. To me, Dallas' offense has more weapons on offense and will win this game. However, it is soooo hard to count Favre out in this kind of forum.

Notes: This game will be on NFL Network. Time Warner subscribers will have to eat up the fact that they can't get NFL-N and will have to follow the game on these here internets. However, those people in the Dallas, Green Bay and Milwaukee areas will be able to get the game on local TV stations.

Packers at Cowboys: The NFC's Biggest Game Since 1990 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybe Loser of Cowboys/Packers Has a Bigger Advantage Down the Road

Sportz Assassin — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:03:00 EST

Filed under: Cowboys, Packers, NFC East, NFC North, Dallas, Milwaukee

The biggest thing about the Packers-Cowboys game this Thursday will be whomever wins this game will most likely end up the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Having that homefield advantage in the NFC title game (should these two meet back up) will be huge. Dallas is 4-1 in home NFC title games ... the Packers are 13-2 all time in home playoff games. The home team in the NFC Championship game has won 22 of the last 31 years.

Of those nine teams that won the NFC Championship on the road, three of them hadn't played their opponent earlier in the season (1999 Falcons, 1998 Packers and 1993 Cowboys). However, something is interesting among the other six teams:

2004 Carolina. Lost to Philly in Week 13, but beat Philly in title game
2003 Tampa Bay. Lost to Philly in Week 7, but beat Philly in title game
1991 New York. Lost to San Francisco in Week 13, but beat them in the title game.
1989 San Francisco. Lost to Chicago in Week 8, but beat them in the title game.
1980 Los Angeles Rams. Lost to Tampa Bay in Week 4, but beat them in the title game.
1979 Dallas Cowboys. Lost to LA Rams in Week 3, but beat LA in the title game.

That's right, those road teams lost to their opponents in the regular season meeting. You have to go back to the 1976 Dallas Cowboys to find the last team to beat a team in the regular season and then beat them again ... on the road ... in the NFC Championship game. Of those above teams, only the '04 lost the regular season game at home ... the others lost the first game on the road then won the title on the road, Amazing.

Also, two of these instances came in Week 13 ... the same week the Cowboys and Packers are meeting.

So, if you root for the team that loses this game, don't get too distraught. You might get to travel to their place this January and beat them with a Super Bowl appearance at stake.

Maybe Loser of Cowboys/Packers Has a Bigger Advantage Down the Road originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panthers at Packers: Pre-Historic Quarterbacks

Larry Brown — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, Panthers, NFC North, NFC South, Charlotte, Milwaukee

To get you ready for week 11, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Carolina Panthers/Green Bay Packers preview.

2007 Records:

Carolina Panthers 4-5 (t-2nd in NFC Sorth)
Green Bay Packers 8-1 (1st in NFC North)

Last Game:

Falcons 20, Panthers 13
Packers 34, Vikings 0

When the Panthers have the ball: I'll defer to John Fox on this one, since I'm not really sure exactly what the Carolina offensive plan is. There isn't a whole lot you can do with Vinny Testaverde (pictured) as a quarterback, much less when he's banged up. To make matters worse, the Panthers' best playmaker on offense, Steve Smith, is hurting and might not even play. Good heavens, without him, how will the Panthers offense move the ball? They probably won't, and back-to-back shutouts isn't out of the question for Green Bay's defense.

When the Packers have the ball: They'll attack as they have the past month, but will probably look to run the ball more than they did in the beginning of the season. Ryan Grant seems to be the answer for the running game, going over the 100 yard plateau two of the last three games. Grant is just another option for the explosive Green Bay offense where Donald Driver, Donald Lee, and Greg Jennings have been lighting it up all year, catching passes from Brett Favre.

The Edge: Let's just say that Carolina should be hoping just not to get shutout, OK? Actually, if they break a punt or kick return for a touchdown, maybe get a defensive touchdown here or there, and get lucky on a deep passing play or something, they could make it a game. But the chances of that all happening is highly unlikely. The only question is whether or not the Packers will win by a larger margin than last weekend.

Keep an eye on:

Steve Smith: If he can't play, Carolina's only weapon will be out, and they'll be supremely screwed. Even if he does go, he probably won't be at full strength. With him banged up, the Panthers won't be able to muster much on offense.

Brett Favre: Dude is putting up an MVP-type season, why not keep your eye on him? He's in charge of an offense that leads the NFL in passing yardage per game, so now it's just about padding the stats while his team tries to lock up a playoff spot.

Panthers at Packers: Pre-Historic Quarterbacks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeShawn Wynn on IR With Shoulder Injury

Larry Brown — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Injuries, Milwaukee

A day after exiting Green Bay's Monday night contest against the Broncos with a shoulder injury, DeShawn Wynn was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Wynn was hit in his shoulder on his only carry of the game, and said he couldn't feel it. Ryan Grant emerged to rush for over 100 yards in Wynn's place, as part of Green Bay's win. While the door to the 7th round pick's season closes, another one could be opening for Koren Robinson.

Robinson wasn't quite ready for the team to activate him for Monday night, but Wynn's placement on IR means Koren is now on the Packers' roster. That doesn't mean that Robinson will be active for Green Bay's upcoming game against Kansas City, but there is a chance he could be. It's an unfortunate turn of events for Wynn who had worked his way up from 7th round pick to the team's starter. Grant and Vernand Morency will likely split the carries from here on out in what's been largely an ineffective rushing game this year.

DeShawn Wynn on IR With Shoulder Injury originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Favre Denies Arm Strength Is in Question

Larry Brown — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Milwaukee

The Packers are 5-1 and coming off a bye week. In their most recent game, they beat the Redskins 17-14. Brett Favre had his worst passing game of the year, throwing for fewer than 200 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Greg A. Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel questioned whether or not Favre's arm strength was disintegrating. Here was Favre's response:

Q: So what was the reason why you had those underthrows?
A: "I'll say this on several of those balls, I thought when I threw the ball, I can honestly say that in my career it hasn't happened many times, but several of those balls, and I told Mike (McCarthy) and Tom (Clements) about it, I thought it was actually going to be overthrown and it ended up 10 yards shorter than where I had intended. Why? I have no idea. I know I can throw further than that and I know I can throw harder. But for whatever reason that day, it was, I don't want to say a misjudgment or a miscalculation on my part, I just threw it, thought, 'Boy I hope this is not overthrown.' And did I misjudge Sean Taylor's range? Eh, I still think had the ball ended up where I wanted it to, or where I thought it was going, I think we're OK. But, that's not happened to me very often. Don't write some story that 'He's at the end of his rope now. He can't throw it.' That's probably what you're getting at: "Favre's done." I know where you're going...I understand.

Considering Favre was coming off three three hundred yard games, and three multiple touchdown games, I'll just chalk it up to a bad day with a few misjudgments. Still, this is something to keep your eye on in the upcoming weeks, even if Brett cautions against drawing such a conclusion.

Favre Denies Arm Strength Is in Question originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Packers Get Roster Exemption for Robinson

Larry Brown — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Milwaukee

Earlier in the week, we told you about Koren Robinson's reinstatement with the NFL following a year-long ban. I questioned whether or not Robinson would actually make a difference for the Packers in his return because of his layoff. Turns out, he may have some time to get up to full speed without actually effecting Green Bay's roster:

The Green Bay Packers have been granted a roster exemption for wide receiver Koren Robinson until Oct. 30, General Manager Ted Thompson said Thursday.
...
The exemption means Robinson won't count against the Packers' 53-man roster as long as he remains inactive. If the Packers choose to activate Robinson for their next game on Oct. 29 at Denver, the team would have to cut another player.

Like I said, he'll have some time to get up to speed, but not a whole lot. If the Packers really feel Robinson can help them in the kick return game, don't be surprised to see him activated by week eight. However, if it means cutting someone else, I'm not so sure it would happen.

Packers Get Roster Exemption for Robinson originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Robinson's Return Help the Packers?

Larry Brown — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Milwaukee

Word came out on Wednesday that Koren Robinson would be allowed to return to the Packers, a year after his suspension for violating the league's substance abuse program. The one year suspension was the result of Robinson's third substance abuse violation; Commissioner Goodell has been harsh on repeat offenders. So now that he's available for Green Bay, will he be able to contribute? Can he even make a difference?

Robinson says he's been doing two-a-days the last two months, dropping his body fat to 4.9%. He also adds that his knee is fully-recovered from surgery. As of now, the Packers are seeking word from the league as to whether or not Koren can be activated on the 53-man roster for the Monday Night Football game against Denver on October 29th (the Packers are on a bye this week).

Robinson's likely immediate contribution to the team will come in special teams -- as a kick returner. He will probably compete as a fourth or fifth receiver in the offense, behind Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones. We've already see a player like Larry Johnson struggle after missing training camp, so this won't be an easy task for Robinson. I'm not expecting Robinson to make a difference for Green Bay, but the most important factor is that Robinson is clean, and on-track to reviving his life.

Can Robinson's Return Help the Packers? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deanna Favre: I Almost Divorced Brett

Larry Brown — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Gossip, Milwaukee

You likely didn't notice it since the publicity has been pretty quiet lately, but Brett Favre's wife, Deanna, has written a book. Shocking, right? Well, if you were so bold as to purchase this classic, you might find out that Deanna almost divorced Favre because of his alcohol abuse, as she said on ABC's Good Morning America today. Asked why she put something so personal in the book, Deanna replied:

"I struggled with that, with adding that in the book, and he -- it was Brett -- who said 'Put it in there,'" Favre told [Robin] Roberts.

"Because we also have friends who are going through addiction, who always are asking, you know, advice, and he said 'I think you should leave it in there.' I think, you know, people need to realize that sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. And you can pick yourself up, no matter where you are, um, no matter how low you are in your life, you know, you can always turn things around. So I left it in there."

Brett also dealt with an addiction to painkillers and spent some time in rehab in 1996. Now, if Brett had only gone the Tony Gonzalez route, he wouldn't have needed to worry about this issue to begin with.

Deanna Favre: I Almost Divorced Brett originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brian Griese Leads Comeback Over Packers

Larry Brown — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Bears, Packers, NFC North, Chicago, Milwaukee

In my preview of the Sunday night match up between Chicago and Green Bay, I surmised that the Bears would be out of the division and playoff race if they lost to the Packers. Looks like they won't have to worry about that just yet. Chicago rallied from down 17-7 at halftime to win 27-20. The final six possessions for the Bears resulted in the following: touchdown, punt, field goal, interception, punt, touchdown. The final six possessions for the Packers ended with two interceptions (one on a hail mary) sandwiched by four consecutive three-and-outs. Clearly Brett Favre and Brian Griese switched jerseys at the half.

Coach Mike McCarthy felt his team had the chance to blow the Bears out early in the game, but rookie receiver James Jones fumbled twice in Bears territory to keep the score within reason. McCarthy's right. Chicago didn't capitalize on Green Bay's mistakes until the second half, when they put up 20 points, all with Brian Griese -- yeah, Brian Griese -- at QB. Griese hit both his tight ends for long touchdowns, the first to rookie Greg Olsen, and the second to Desmond Clark.

What can't be overlooked is the difference some of the members of the Bears defense made. Charles Tillman, Lance Briggs, and Tommie Harris were all banged up in week four, with Briggs and Tillman missing the contest against Detroit. This week, they all played. Briggs recorded 16 tackles, Tillman forced two fumbles, and Harris grabbed a sack. Clearly the Bears defense is still "the Bears defense" when they're healthy. Now that they have a semblance of an offense to go along with it, the Bears might actually be back.

Brian Griese Leads Comeback Over Packers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bears at Packers: Is Chicago Done?

Larry Brown — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:55:00 EST

Filed under: Bears, Packers, NFC North, Chicago, Milwaukee

To get you ready for week 5, FanHouse is previewing all 14 NFL games. Here is the Chicago Bears/Green Bay Packers preview.

2007 Records:

Chicago Bears 1-3 (T-3rd in NFC North)
Green Bay Packers 4-0 (1st in NFC North)

Last Game:

Lions 37 - Bears 27
Packers 23 - Vikings 16

When the Bears have the ball: How bout this for an idea: don't have Brian Griese throw it 52 times!!! That's how you wind up with three interceptions. Chicago's offense is towards the bottom of the league in rushing, passing, and as you could guess, points scored. While Griese was able to move the ball better than Rex Grossman, he still made too many mistakes last week. Cedric Benson has proven he's not a one-man show, resulting in Devin Hester being the only spark plug for the Bears. Considering Green Bay's rush defense has been better than its pass defense this year, the Bears will be in a bad spot Sunday.

When the Packers have the ball: They'll throw, throw, throw, and throw some more. Nathan Vasher is likely to miss the contest, and Charles Tillman is banged up, which will leave the Bears secondary exposed. The run defense should be shored up with Tommie Harris looking healthier, but it's not like the Packers have run the ball at all this year, ranking last in the league in rushing yardage. Greg Jennings was removed from the injury report, leaving Brett Favre with a full arsenal of passing weapons.

The Edge: The Packers and their high flying passing attack should be the advantage in the game. The Bears just don't have much offensively, and their inability to move the ball puts too much strain on their defense. The one thing Chicago has going is that they're 1-3, facing virtual elimination from the division race with a loss, leaving them desperate for a win. And as we all know, there's nothing more dangerous in the NFL than a team that's desperate.

Keep an eye on:

Brian Griese: He helped blow last week's lead by throwing two picks in the second half, and fumbling in the 4th quarter. They used to say all he needs to do is "manage the game" and not make mistakes. Problem is, that's not going to get the job done for the Bears. They'll actually need Griese to make plays on offense in order to win the game, and the chances of that happening are unlikely.

Greg Jennings: He caught Favre's record breaking touchdown past last week, playing in his second game of the year. He should be healthy this week for the first time all year, and will work with one-on-one coverage most of the game.

Bears at Packers: Is Chicago Done? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greg Jennings Likely Out Against Giants

Larry Brown — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Injuries, Milwaukee

For the second week in a row, it appears as if the Packers will be without wide receiver Greg Jennings. Though the second year wideout was listed as questionable on the week's injury report, he did not practice Friday and is not expected to play. Jennings may have shown signs of being a productive receiver early in his rookie campaign last year, but he's now developing a reputation as an injury prone player.

Last year, Jennings struggled with an ankle injury which marred what had been a great debut through the first five weeks of the season. This year his kryptonite seems to be the hamstring. The problem with hamstring injuries is that they linger more than most injuries, and if you try to rush yourself back from one, chances are you'll just re-agravate it. Brett Favre still loves to sling the ball around, as evidenced by his 42 attempts in week one. We know he was outspoken about the Packers' inability to acquire Randy Moss, so he must not be happy that he has fewer passing options this weekend against the Giants. Jennings' absence will allow rookie James Jones the opportunity to see more action and step up for the Packers. Even without Jennings, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Packers go into the Meadowlands and beat the banged up Giants.

Greg Jennings Likely Out Against Giants originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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