PackerTime Green Bay Packers Merchandise
A Wisconsin Tradition
1-800-781-2210
Voice: (262) 252-2400 Fax: (262) 252-2410
packertime@idata.com

Name: BigE
Email: BigE@idatasports.com
Date: Fri Aug 23 17:29:04 2002

Headline: Packers Bring the Heat in Arizona

The Green Bay Packers dominated both sides of the ball, to easily defeat the Arizona Cardinals 29-21. Although temperatures were in the 90's at game time, it was hardly a factor for the starters in this game. The Packers first team offense ran 31 plays in the first six series of the game, and gained 186 yards while putting up 13 points. Not bad considering the fact the receivers are still not on the same page as the rest of the offense. With starters Terry Glenn and Robert Furgeson nursing minor injuries, Donald Driver and Charles Lee got the nod with Javon Walker also getting a great deal of time. These young players have excellent skills, but still have mental lapses, and it was apparent Saturday night in Tempe. The trio still performed well and will only get better.

On the Packers first possession Ahman Green rambled up the middle for 10 yards, but fumbled when sandwiched by CB David Barrett and LB Ray Thompson at the Green Bay 21. Then the Cardinals second year RB Thomas Jones took it in from 2 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Then the Packers responded with a 12 play drive that ended with a Ryan Longwell 47-yard field goal to make it 7-3. The key play came on third down, when Favre rolled right and threw a high fastball to Driver in the end zone. While the throw was a high hard one, it hit Driver on the numbers, and that's a catch that a starter has to make. But Driver made up for it on the next series. On third and 7 from the Cardinal 21, Favre rolled right and threw across his body, to find Driver in the middle of the end zone for the score. Favre said after the game that there was a miscommunication and receivers ran the wrong routes, but that's when Driver found the open seam in the end zone. Driver finished the game with 5 receptions for 73 yards.

Lee and Walker also made some nice catches. Lee, who was buried on the depth chart last year, scored on a 39-yard go route in the third quarter. This was another example of a receiver working to get open after the first couple reads were not available. Lee finished with 2 catches for 47 yards.

Walker also made his mark in this game. After a rocky start, the rookie finished with 4 catches for 79 yards. Although walker has had some drops, you can see why the Packers traded up to get him. After the catch, Walker is explosive, and it will not be long before he lights up the NFL.

The Packers first team defense played an inspired first half. They had constant pressure on the quarterback, and allowed only 3 yards on the ground. The Packers defense recorded 7 sacks, with four of them coming after the intermission. This is obviously the deepest position on the team. There are a few young players along the defensive front that seem poised to make their mark this year. Rookie Aaron Kampman has a motor that never stops. He does not have great quickness, but his relentless work inside has enabled him to reach the quarterback on a couple occasions this pre-season.

Jared Tomich and Steve Warren also made big strides in Tempe. Tomich, a 5th year player out of Nebraska, doesn't do anything that stands out, except make plays. And Warren, a 3rd year player from Nebraska, has overcome major injuries and looked impressive this pre-season. Both Tomich and Warren got to the quarterback on Saturday night. It will be interesting to see who continues to step up this pre-season, and claim that final roster spot.

One more thing I would like to address is our punt return situation. Darrien Gordon will win the job. The media keeps feeding you what the coaches are feeding them, and it's complete garbage. Gordon showed us Saturday why he's been one of the top punt returners in the game. He is as steady as they come, and it will show as the games get bigger.

1-800-781-2210

PackerTime P.O. Box 204 Menomonee Falls, Wi 53052 Voice: (262) 252-2400 Fax: (262) 252-2400 packertime@idata.com

This merchandising site sponsored by Interactive Data. All orders will be provided with a money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, return your purchase within 30 days of purchase for a full refund (Shipping Excluded). If you have any questions or comments, regarding this www site, please send them to sales@idata.com.

Copyright © Interactive Data 1994-1998