Packers Public Relations Lambeau Field Atrium 1265 Lombardi Avenue Green Bay, WI 54304 920/569-7500 920/569-7201 fax Jason Wahlers, Aaron Popkey, Sarah Quick, Tom Fanning, Jonathan Butnick VOL. XIII; NO. 19 GREEN BAY, NOV. 21, 2011 WEEK 12 GREEN BAY (10-0) AT DETROIT (7-3) Thursday, Nov. 24 Ford Field 11:30 a.m. CST PACKERS HEAD TO DETROIT FOR THANKSGIVING TILT Green Bay travels to Detroit this Thursday to take on the Lions at Ford Field, the third Thanksgiving Day matchup between the teams in Detroit in the last five seasons. The Packers emerged victorious in the Thanksgiving contests at Detroit in 2007 and 2009. This will be Green Bay s 34th league game on Thanksgiving in WITH THE CALL FOX Sports, now in its 18th season as an NFL network television partner, will broadcast the game to a national audience. Play-by-play man Joe Buck and color analyst Troy Aikman will have the call from the broadcast booth with Pam Oliver reporting from the sidelines. Milwaukee s WTMJ (620 AM), airing Green Bay games since 1929, heads up the 52-station Packers Radio Network, with Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play) and two-time Packers Pro Bowler franchise history and their 20th in Detroit. Larry McCarren (color) calling the action. The duo enters its 13th The Packers will be the first undefeated NFL team to play on Thanksgiving season of broadcasts together across the Packers Radio Network, which since a 10-0 Green Bay team visited Detroit on Nov. 22, 1962. covers 43 markets in five states. That 1962 contest was also the last time that both the Packers (10-0) Westwood One radio will air the game across the country. Kevin and the Lions (8-2) entered the matchup this late in the season with a Kugler (play-by-play) and Mark Malone (analyst) will call the action winning percentage of.700 or better. with Hub Arkush reporting from the sidelines. Scott Graham hosts No other NFL teams have played every year since 1932, when the the pregame and halftime shows. Packers and the Lions, then known as the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans, The broadcast is also available on Sirius Satellite Radio (WTMJ feed) as began their yearly home-and-home series. The rivalry actually kicked off in 1930 at City Stadium in Green Bay, a part of the network s NFL Sunday Drive. 47-13 Packers win. Some two seasons later, the teams began a yearly REGULAR SEASON series. Thursday marks meeting No. 164 in the all-time series. Date Opponent Time TV Now rivals in the NFC North, the Packers own a 89-65-7 (.577) advantage Thu., Sept. 8 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS...........W, 42-34 (70,555) over the Lions in the regular season and have won both playoff matchups. Green Bay has a 9-1 mark against the Lions under Head Coach Mike Sun., Sept. 18 at Carolina Panthers..............W, 30-23 (73,167) McCarthy. Overall, Green Bay has won 18 of the last 21 games in the series, including seven of the last 10 matchups in Detroit. The Packers are off to a 10-0 start for the first time since 1962 and only the third time in franchise history. The two previous 10-0 starts in team history (1929 and 1962) both resulted in NFL titles for the Packers. Including playoffs, the Packers have won 16 straight games, the longest winning streak in team history (12-game streak in 1961-62). The Packers streak of 12 straight wins in the regular season (2010-11) is a franchise record, topping the previous mark of 11-game streaks in Sun., Sept. 25 Sun., Oct. 2 Sun., Oct. 9 Sun., Oct. 16 Sun., Oct. 23 Sun., Oct. 30 Sun., Nov. 6 Mon., Nov. 14 Sun., Nov. 20 at Chicago Bears.................W, 27-17 (62,339) DENVER BRONCOS (Gold Pkg.)......W, 49-23 (70,529) at Atlanta Falcons................W, 25-14 (69,576) ST. LOUIS RAMS.................W, 24-3 (70,604) at Minnesota Vikings..............W, 33-27 (63,946) Open Date............................. at San Diego Chargers.............W, 45-38 (68,908) MINNESOTA VIKINGS..............W, 45-7 (70,519) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (Gold Pkg.).. W, 35-26 (70,498) 1928-29 and 1961-62. Green Bay has also tied a single-season franchise record with 10 straight regular-season wins ( 29 and 62). This is the second regular-season winning streak of eight or more games during McCarthy s tenure (eight-game streak in 2006-07). Thu., Nov. 24 Sun., Dec. 4 Sun., Dec. 11 Sun., Dec. 18 at Detroit Lions................ 11:30 a.m. at New York Giants.............. 3:15 p.m. OAKLAND RAIDERS............. *12 noon at Kansas City Chiefs............. *12 noon FOX FOX CBS FOX Sun., Dec. 25 CHICAGO BEARS................ 7:20 p.m. NBC ROAD WARRIORS Sun., Jan. 1 DETROIT LIONS................ *12 noon FOX The Packers are off to only their fifth 5-0 start on the road in franchise * Start time and broadcast may shift due to NFL flexible scheduling history (1929, 1936, 1941, 2007). Including playoffs, Green Bay has won eight consecutive road games and 10 of its last 13. The.769 road winning percentage over that span NFL POSTSEASON DATES is tied for No. 2 in the NFL behind only Atlanta (7-2,.778). Green Bay s eight-game winning streak away from Lambeau Field is one shy of the franchise record, a nine-game road streak in 1966-67. The Packers are one of only two teams in the league (San Francisco, 4-0) that are undefeated on the road this season. On Thursday at Detroit, Green Bay will be looking to get off to its first Jan. 7-8... AFC and NFC Wild Card Playoffs Jan. 14-15...AFC and NFC Divisional Playoffs Jan. 22...AFC and NFC Championship Games Jan. 29... AFC-NFC Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Honolulu Feb. 5...Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana 6-0 start on the road in franchise history.
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 PUT IT ON THE BOARD The Packers are off to their most prolific scoring start in franchise history (since 1921): Season Points Through 10 Games 1. 2011 355 2t. 1961, 1962 309 4. 1996 288 Green Bay's point total through 10 games ranks No. 4 among NFL teams since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger: Team Points Through 10 Games 1. New England, 2007 411 2. St. Louis, 2000 392 3. New Orleans, 2009 369 4. Green Bay, 2011 355 The Packers are on pace for 568 points this season. The franchise record is 461 points in 2009 and the NFL record is 589 points by New England in 2007. Green Bay checks in at No. 1 in the league through Week 10 with an average of 35.5 points per game. Team Points Per Game 1. Green Bay 35.5 2. New Orleans 31.3 3. Detroit 30.1 4. New England 28.8 5. Houston 27.3 The Packers have outscored their opponents 355-212 this season, a 143-point differential that ranks No. 1 in the NFL. Green Bay has outscored its opponents by a 14.3-point average margin (35.5-21.2) this season, which leads the NFL. The Packers have scored on 55 of 110 offensive possessions (39 TDs, 16 FGs), a scoring efficiency of 50.0 percent that ranks No. 1 in the NFL. The Packers have scored at least 24 points in each game, a 10-game streak that topped an eight-game one (Sept. 22-Nov. 10, 1963) for the longest single-season streak in franchise annals. Green Bay is the only team in the league to score at least 24 points in every game this season is only the second defending Super Bowl champion (2000 St. Louis) to post 24-plus points in the first 10 games. The Packers 49 points in Week 4 vs. Denver were the most since Oct. 9, 2005 (52 vs. New Orleans), and gave Green Bay two 42-point games in the first four contests, a franchise first (since 1921). Green Bay s 45 points at San Diego in Week 9 was the second-highest point total on the road during Head Coach Mike McCarthy s tenure behind only the 48 posted at Detroit on Sept. 14, 2008. With six games remaining this season, the Packers have already recorded a franchise-record four games with 42-plus points: Season 42-Point Games 1. 2011 4 2. 1962 3 3. Seven times 2 With the four games with 42-plus points, the Packers have also matched the best single-season mark by an NFL team since the merger: Team 42-Point Games 1t. Green Bay, 2011 4 1t. Nine teams 4 The Packers scored 28 points in the first half in Week 9 at San Diego for a franchise-record third time this season. The other 31 teams in the NFL have combined for five 28-point first halves this season. It was also the Packers fourth game this season with 24-plus points in the first half, the first time they have accomplished that feat since 1983. Under McCarthy, Green Bay has a 35-2 mark (.946) in the regular season when it scores 30 or more points. The Packers have gotten off to some fast starts this season by scoring 189 points in the first half (No. 1 in the NFL) and 94 points in the first quarter (No. 1 in the NFL). This season, the Packers have had 15 different players score a touchdown, the most in the NFL and the most by Green Bay since the team had 18 players get into the end zone in 2008. Team Players Scoring TD 1. Green Bay, 2011 15 2. Chicago 14 3. N.Y. Jets 13 4. Several teams 12 STAT OF THE WEEK QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 3,168 yards and 31 TDs this season, franchise records through 10 games. He is the first quarterback in NFL history to register 3,100-plus passing yards and 30-plus TDs in the first 10 games of the season. Rodgers joins Patriots QB Tom Brady (38 in 2007) and Colts QB Peyton Manning (35 in 2004) as the only signal-callers in NFL history to have at least 30 TD passes in the first 10 games of the season. Rodgers has thrown at least two TD passes in every game this season, a 10-game streak that is a single-season franchise record. He is just the fifth QB in league history to throw two-plus TD passes in each of his team s first 10 games of the season as he joins Colts QB Johnny Unitas (1959), Dolphins QB Dan Marino (1984), Manning (2004) and Brady (2007). Rodgers eight games of at least three TD passes in the first 10 contests ranks No. 2 in the NFL since 1960 behind only Brady s 10 games with three-plus TDs in the first 10 contests of 2007. With the eight three-td games, Rodgers has already tied Brett Favre s single-season franchise record (1996). Rodgers has posted a passer rating of at least 110 in every game this season, the longest single-season streak in NFL history. He set an NFL single-season mark on Sunday by posting a 100-plus rating in his 10th straight game, topping the mark held by Manning (nine in 2004). With the 10 games of at least a 110 passer rating, Rodgers now trails only 49ers QB Steve Young (11 in 1994) for the most in a season in league history. 2
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 ON ALL CYLINDERS For the sixth consecutive season, the Packers find themselves in familiar territory as one of the most productive offenses in the league. Through Week 11, Green Bay ranks No. 4 in the NFL in total offense: Team Yards Per Game 1. New Orleans 436.9 2. New England 431.9 3. Philadelphia 415.5 4. Green Bay 406.5 5. Carolina 400.9 The Packers registered at least 390 yards of total offense in the first seven games this season, the first time in franchise history they accomplished that feat in seven straight games at any point in a season. Green Bay is the only team in the league to post 355 yards or more in every game this season. Dating back to last season, the Packers have registered 355-plus yards of offense in 18 of their last 22 regular-season games. The Packers rank No. 3 in the NFL this season with an average of 304.9 passing yards per game: Team Passing Yards Per Game 1. New England 326.0 2. New Orleans 319.4 3. Green Bay 304.9 4. San Diego 287.8 5. N.Y. Giants 281.4 Green Bay leads the NFL in yards per play at 6.57, well above its 5.73-yard average in 2010 that ranked No. 6 in the NFL: Team Yards Per Play 1. Green Bay 6.57 2. New England 6.45 3. New Orleans 6.27 4. Dallas 6.23 5. Philadelphia 6.21 The Packers are on pace for 6,504 total yards this season. A look at the top team marks in franchise history (two of the top four have come during Head Coach Mike McCarthy s tenure): Season Total Yards 1. 2004 6,357 2. 1983 6,172 3. 2009 6,065 4. 2007 5,931 In each of the previous five seasons under McCarthy, the offensive play-caller, the Packers have finished in the top 10 in total offense. New Orleans is the only other team to accomplish the feat over that span. Wth an average of 358.1 yards per game, Green Bay checked in at No. 9 in the team offensive rankings in 2010. That included the No. 5 passing offense at 257.8 yards per contest, following up an average of 261.3 net passing yards per game in 2009. It was the first time in franchise history that the Packers have averaged 250.0 net passing yards in back-to-back seasons. LEADING LATE The Packers made history last season by becoming the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to never trail by more than seven points in a game all season, and they have set another NFL mark during their franchiserecord winning streak. During their current 16-game winning streak (including playoffs), the Packers have never trailed in the fourth quarter. That is the longest winning streak in NFL history by a team that never trailed in the fourth quarter over that span, according to the Elias Sports Bureau: Team Winning Streak 1. Green Bay, 2010-11 16 2. Washington, 1942-43 13 3. Seven teams 11 Green Bay has only been tied with its opponent in the fourth quarter once over that span. That came last season in Week 17 when the game vs. Chicago was knotted at 3 for the first two minutes and 18 seconds of the fourth quarter in the eventual 10-3 Green Bay victory. Last season, when the Packers never trailed by more than seven points all season (including playoffs), they became the first club since the 1942 Redskins to accomplish that feat and finish the season off with a championship. PERFECT 10 For the first time since 1962 and for only the third time in franchise history, the Packers are off to a 10-0 start. A look at the best starts in team history: Season Start Record/Season Result 1t. 1929 10-0 Won NFL Championship 1t. 1962 10-0 Won NFL Championship 3t. 2011 10-0?? The Packers are just the third defending Super Bowl champion to start the season with at least 10 straight wins: Season Start Record/Season Result 1. Denver (1998) 13-0 14-2, won Super Bowl XXXII 2t. San Fran. (1990) 10-0 14-2, lost in NFC Championship 2t. Green Bay (2011) 10-0?? Green Bay s 10-game winning streak this season is the longest singleseason streak in franchise annals since a 10-game winning streak in 1962. With the 10 consecutive victories this season, the Packers are tied for the longest single-season winning streak in the regular season in team history: Season Consecutive Wins/Season 1t. 1929, 1962, 2011 10 4t. 1931, 1936 9 6t. 1930, 1941, 1963 8 33
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 INSIDE MEN Thursday s game will be Green Bay s third and final contest indoors this regular season, an environment the Packers have had success in during Head Coach Mike McCarthy s tenure. Since McCarthy took over in 2006, the Packers are 14-6 (.700) in dome games (including playoffs). That ranks No. 3 in the NFL among teams with eight or more road/neutral dome games behind the N.Y. Giants (9-3,.750) and the N.Y. Jets (6-2,.750). McCarthy won his first six dome games as head coach before the Packers fell just short at Minnesota in a 28-27 loss on Nov. 9, 2008. In 14 of the 20 dome contests, the Packers posted at least 370 yards of total offense (11-3 record in those games). A look at some of Green Bay s offensive averages indoors compared to outdoors since 06 (including playoffs): Outdoors Indoors Total Offense 365.7 383.7 Points 26.7 30.5 Net Passing Yards 259.3 300.0 QB Aaron Rodgers has a 114.2 passer rating in 15 career starts in domes (including postseason), with 4,469 passing yards, 33 TDs and just six INTs on 338-of-493 passing (68.6 percent). Rodgers has registered 12 games with a 110-plus rating and 10 300-yard games in his 15 dome starts. He has averaged 297.9 passing yards per game despite playing less than a half at Detroit last season in Week 14 (concussion). Of his top four single-game yardage totals, two have come indoors, including a career-best 423 yards at Arizona in a Wild Card game (Jan. 10, 2010) and 396 yards at Atlanta in Week 5 this season. A look at where some of Rodgers statistics indoors since 2008 rank among active QBs in the NFL (including playoffs): Player Passer Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 112.0 2. Drew Brees, NO 103.4 3. Tony Romo, DAL 102.9 Player Yards/Attempt 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 9.06 2. Josh Freeman, TB 8.79 3. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT 8.17 Player TD/INT Ratio 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 5.50 2. Jay Cutler, CHI 4.00 3. Tony Romo, DAL 2.92 Player Completion Pct. 1. Josh Freeman, TB 69.7 2. Drew Brees, NO 69.2 3. Aaron Rodgers, GB 68.6 * min. 200 attempts The Packers defense has done its part as well, posting 43 takeaways (2.2 per game) and eight defensive touchdowns in the 20 dome games since 06, including seven contests with at least three takeaways. That has contributed to Green Bay s plus-16 turnover ratio indoors since 2006. SUCCESS IN THE DIVISION Thursday s game will mark the Packers fourth contest against an NFC North foe this season, with Green Bay already posting road wins at Chicago in Week 3 and at Minnesota in Week 7 as well as a home win over the Vikings in Week 10. The Packers have a 24-9 (.727) regular-season record against NFC North opponents under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, a divisional record that ranks No. 1 in the NFC and No. 3 in the NFL over that span: Team W-L Record Pct. 1. New England 26-8-0.765 2. San Diego 25-9-0.735 3. Green Bay 24-9-0.727 4t. Indianapolis, Pittsburgh 22-11-0.667 Green Bay has won 11 of 17 NFC North games away from Lambeau Field under McCarthy, which is tied for the No. 5 divisional road mark in the league since 2006: Team W-L Record Pct. 1. Philadelphia 13-4-0.765 2. New England 13-5-0.722 3t. N.Y. Giants, San Diego 12-5-0.706 5t. Green Bay 11-6-0.647 5t. N.Y. Jets, Pittsburgh 11-6-0.647 Green Bay posted a 4-2 record in the NFC North in 2010, the fifth straight season under McCarthy that the Packers won at least four contests in their division. The Packers and New England were the only teams in the NFL to post four-plus wins in their division each year from 2006-10. On Thursday in Detroit, the Packers will be looking to make it six straight seasons with at least four divisional wins. Green Bay will also be aiming for its first road divisional sweep since 2006. TALENTED TANDEM During the playoffs last season, Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson (21 receptions each) became the first wide receiver teammate duo in NFL history to each catch 20-plus passes in the same postseason. This season, the pair has continued that productivity as the only duo with 750-plus receiving yards. A look at where Jennings and Nelson rank among teammate tandems in the NFL: Wide Receivers Rec. Yards 1. M. Wallace/A. Brown, PIT 1,548 2. G. Jennings/J. Nelson, GB 1,517 3. W. Welker/D. Branch, NE 1,490 Wide Receivers Rec. TDs 1. J. Nelson/G. Jennings, GB 16 2t. C. Johnson/N. Burleson, DET 13 2t. C. Johnson/T. Young, DET 13 2t. J. Nelson/J. Jones, GB 13 Wide Receivers Receptions 1. W. Welker/D. Branch, NE 109 2. C. Johnson/N. Burleson, DET 100 3. M. Wallace/A. Brown, PIT 97 4. G. Jennings/J. Nelson, GB 93 4
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 AT THE HELM Having led Green Bay to the playoffs in three of his five seasons as head coach, Mike McCarthy joined Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren as the only coaches to guide the Packers to a Super Bowl win with a victory over Pittsburgh last season in Super Bowl XLV. McCarthy led the Packers to a Super Bowl win in his fifth season in Green Bay, the same point that Holmgren led the Packers for the first time to the NFL title game in 1996. McCarthy joined Pittsburgh s Bill Cowher (2005) as the only Super Bowlwinning coaches to lead their respective teams to three road wins as the No. 6 seed in the postseason en route to a world title. The Packers 21-14 win at Chicago last season was their second NFC Championship Game appearance in four seasons, the only team in the conference to do so over that span. Including playoffs, McCarthy has a 63-34 record since taking over as head coach in 2006, a.649 winning percentage that ranks No. 4 among current NFL head coaches (minimum 50 games): Coach Winning Pct. 1. Mike Tomlin, PIT.683 (56-26) 2. John Harbaugh, BAL.662 (43-22) 3. Mike Smith, ATL.650 (39-21) 4. Mike McCarthy, GB.649 (63-34) 5. Bill Belichick, NE/CLE.640 (183-103) Since taking over as head coach in 2006, McCarthy has a 58-32 regularseason record (.644) and a 5-2 mark (.714) in the postseason. McCarthy s.714 winning percentage in the playoffs is tied for No. 1 among active NFL head coaches, matching the mark of Belichick (15-6) and Tomlin (5-2). McCarthy trails only the legendary Lombardi (9-1,.900) for the top postseason winning percentage in franchise annals. With the five postseason wins, McCarthy trails only Lombardi and Holmgren (nine each) for the most in Packers history. With 63 overall wins, McCarthy ranks No. 4 in team history: Coach Overall Wins 1. Curly Lambeau, 1921-49 212 2. Vince Lombardi, 1959-67 98 3. Mike Holmgren, 1992-98 84 4. Mike McCarthy, 2006-63 5. Mike Sherman, 2000-05 59 A look at where the Packers rank in the NFL in winning percentage and wins since 2009 (including postseason): Team Winning Pct. 1. Green Bay.745 (35-12) 2. New Orleans.739 (34-12) 3. New England.698 (30-13) Team Overall Wins 1. Green Bay 35 2. New Orleans 34 3t. New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore 30 6. N.Y. Jets 29 SPREAD THE WEALTH The Packers made history last season with three wide receivers (Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones) each hitting the 50-catch plateau for the first time in franchise history, and Green Bay has displayed another balanced aerial attack in 2011. Through Week 11, all five of Green Bay s wide receivers (Jennings, 53; Jordy Nelson, 40; Driver, 22; Jones, 21; Randall Cobb, 15) have at least 15 catches. The Packers are the only team in the league this season to have that many wide receivers catch 15 or more passes. It is just the fourth time in franchise history that the Packers have had five WRs each catch 15-plus passes in a season, with three of the four occurring in Mike McCarthy s tenure (1988, 2007, 2008, 2011). In the Week 4 victory over Denver, Jennings, Nelson, Driver and Jones all had TD catches, the first time in franchise history that four different wide receivers caught TD passes in the same game. The last time an NFL team had four different listed wide receivers catch touchdown passes in the same game was on Oct. 27, 1991, when the Houston Oilers foursome of Drew Hill, Haywood Jeffires, Ernest Givins and Tony Jones all caught TD passes against the Cincinnati Bengals. Green Bay had three different wideouts (Jennings, 103; Nelson, 91; Cobb, 75) hit the 75-yard mark against the Broncos in Week 4. The last time three Packers wide receivers accomplished that feat came on Sept. 23, 2007, vs. San Diego (Jennings, Driver, Jones). Jennings, Jones and Nelson have all had 90-plus receiving yards in one or more games this season, the sixth straight season that Green Bay has had three different wide receivers post 90-yard games on the season. Among the wide receivers, Jennings leads the way with 761 receiving yards with Nelson (756) and Jones (356) checking in behind him. With Cobb (234) and Driver (233) also posting 225-plus receiving yards, the Packers are the only team in the league to have five different wide receivers with at least 225 receiving yards this season. The Packers wide receivers have accounted for 2,340 receiving yards this season, an average of 234.0 per game that leads the NFL, and a league-leading 23 TD catches: Team Rec. Yards from WRs (Per Game) 1. Green Bay 234.0 2. Pittsburgh 214.2 3. N.Y. Giants 198.3 Team Rec. TDs from WRs 1. Green Bay 23 2t. Detroit, Dallas 15 4. N.Y. Giants 13 Jennings 79-yard TD catch at Minnesota in Week 7 was the 10th reception of 70-plus yards by the Packers since 2008. Jennings and Nelson each have three 70-yard catches and Driver and Jones each have two over that span. Team 70-yard catches (since 08) 1. Green Bay 10 2. New Orleans 8 3t. Arizona, Dallas 7 55
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 KEEPING THE CHAINS MOVING Green Bay s offense utilized a strong finish in 2010 to finish in the top 10 in the league on third down for the fourth straight season, and they have continued that efficiency again this season. Through Week 11, the Packers are converting at a 51.2-percent clip on third down: Team Third-Down Conversion Rate 1. New Orleans 53.3 (72-135) 2. Green Bay 51.2 (62-121) 2. Pittsburgh 50.8 (66-130) 4. San Diego 48.9 (66-135) 5. New England 45.8 (49-107) The Packers will be put to the test this Thursday by a Detroit defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL on third down. The Lions have allowed their opponents to convert just 28.6 percent (38-of-133) third-down opportunities this season. In the 42-34 season-opening win over the Saints, the Packers converted 8-of-12 (66.7 percent) third-down opportunities. In Week 4, the Packers bested that effort by converting 9-of-13 thirddown chances vs. Denver. The 69.2 conversion rate was the best singlegame performance in the regular season since the Packers were successful on 71.4 percent of their opportunities (10-of-14) vs. Cleveland on Sept. 18, 2005. What has been impressive about the third-down play this season is that the offense has been solid in the category no matter what the distance is. Green Bay ranks No. 9 in the league on third-and-short (less than 4 yards) with a 65.0 conversion rate (26-of-40). That is an improvement thus far from 2010 when the Packers ranked No. 21 in the league in that category at 53.8 percent (42-of-78). On third-and-medium (4-6 yards), the Packers check in at No. 4 in the league at 52.4 percent (11-of-21). As far as where they rank in the league, the Packers have been at their best on third-and-long (more than 6 yards). Green Bay ranks No. 2 in the NFL at 41.7 percent (25-of-60). In the second half of the 2010 season, the Packers converted at a 46.8-percent clip (52-of-111) on third down, helping them finish No. 8 in the NFL at 41.5 percent after converting at a 35.1-percent rate in the first half of the season. 2010 was the fourth straight season that the Packers finished in the top 10 in the category, one of only four teams in the league to do so over that span (New Orleans, New England, Indianapolis). Over the past 18 regular-season games, the Packers have converted at a 50-percent-or-better clip on third down in 10 of those contests (9-1 in those games). OB Aaron Rodgers ranks No. 1 in the NFL with a 122.0 passer rating this season on third down (see page 10 for more). A look at where Green Bay s offense ranks in the NFL on third down since 2009: Team Third-Down Conversion Rate 1. New Orleans 48.45 (266-549) 2. New England 45.88 (234-510) 3. San Diego 45.73 (241-527) 4. Green Bay 45.87 (250-545) 5. Atlanta 44.08 (261-592) BIG-PLAY WAYS In his fourth NFL season, WR Jordy Nelson is on pace for easily the best year of his career in every receiving category. Nelson ranks No. 2 on the team and No. 10 in the NFL with a career-high 756 receiving yards and No. 2 on the squad with 40 catches. He has caught two TD passes in each of the past two games, the first Green Bay WR to accomplish that feat since Antonio Freeman (1996). Nelson leads the team with nine TD grabs, easily topping his previous career best of two TD catches set in each of his first three seasons. He ranks No. 2 in the league in TD receptions. Player Receiving TDs 1. Calvin Johnson, DET 11 2. Jordy Nelson, GB 9 3. Rob Gronkowski, NE 8 In Week 6 vs. St. Louis, Nelson moved into a tie for the No. 2 spot in team history for the most 80-yard TD catches with the third of his career. WR Greg Jennings holds the career franchise mark with four. What makes Nelson s accomplishment even more impressive is that all three of those touchdown catches came over an eight-game span in the regular season (Week 16, 2010-Week 6, 2011). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Nelson is the only NFL player since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to have three 80-yard TD catches over an eight-game span in the regular season. Nelson s career-long 93-yard TD catch in Week 6 vs. St. Louis was the fourth-longest catch in franchise history and the longest since WR Robert Brooks 99-yard TD catch at Chicago on Sept. 11, 1995. With two TD grabs of 80-plus yards already this season, Nelson has tied the single-season franchise record held by Billy Howton (1952), Antonio Freeman (1998), Donald Driver (2002) and Jennings (2007). One of every five catches for Nelson this season (8-of-40) has been for 25 yards or more. Nelson s 18.9-yard receiving average ranks No. 2 in the NFL among players with 30-plus receptions. Player Receiving Avg. 1. Vincent Jackson, SD 19.0 2. Jordy Nelson, GB 18.9 3. Steve Smith, CAR 17.7 PLENTY OF 70-YARDERS On the Packers opening drive of the second half at Minnesota in Week 7, QB Aaron Rodgers connected with wide-open WR Greg Jennings for a 79-yard TD, kicking off a third quarter that saw Green Bay outscore the Vikings, 20-0. For Rodgers, it was his third straight game with a touchdown pass of at least 70 yards. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Rodgers became just the third quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to throw a 70-yard TD pass in three consecutive games, joining Cowboys QB Craig Morton (Oct. 25-Nov. 8, 1970) and Saints QB Drew Brees (Dec. 12-26, 2004). Rodgers leads the NFL with his four passes of 70-plus yards this season, and has 10 completions of 70-plus yards since taking over as the starter in 2008, the most in the NFL: Player 70-yard passes (since 08) 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 10 2. Drew Brees, NO 8 3. Tony Romo, DAL 6 6
THE DOPE ON THIS WEEK S OPPONENT: Packers vs. Detroit Lions: All-time regular season: 89-64-7 All-time, postseason: 2-0 All-time, in Detroit: 36-40-3-3 (6-3 at Ford Field) Streaks: Green Bay has won 10 of the last 11 meetings. Last meeting, regular season: Dec. 12, 2010, at Ford Field; Lions won, 7-3 COACHES CAPSULES Mike McCarthy: 63-34-0,.649, (incl. 5-2 postseason); 6th NFL season Jim Schwartz: 15-27-0,.357; 3rd NFL season Head to Head: McCarthy 3-1 vs. Opponent: McCarthy 9-1 vs. Lions; Schwartz 1-3 vs. Packers MIKE McCARTHY Is in sixth year as the Packers 14th head coach. Having led Green Bay to the playoffs three of his five seasons with the team, he joined Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren as the only coaches to guide the Packers to a Super Bowl title with a win over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV. His.714 winning percentage (5-2) in the postseason is tied for first among active NFL head coaches, matching the mark of New England s Bill Belichick (15-6) and Pittsburgh s Mike Tomlin (5-2). One of only two coaches, along with New Orleans Sean Payton, to have his offense ranked in the top 10 in total yardage each of the last five seasons. Was named Packers head coach on Jan. 12, 2006, his first headcoaching job after 13 years as an NFL assistant. Honored as the 2007 Motorola NFL Coach of the Year and NFL Alumni Coach of the Year. Became the first Packers coach since Lombardi to lead the team to a championship game in his second season. JIM SCHWARTZ Is in third year as the Lions 25th head coach. Before coming to Detroit, spent 10 years with the Tennessee Titans, including the last eight as defensive coordinator. Broke into the NFL as a college and pro scout for the Cleveland Browns from 1993-95 before becoming a defensive assistant coach for the Ravens after the franchise moved to Baltimore. Coached as a graduate assistant and then position coach at four different colleges (Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina Central, Colgate) after a playing career as a LB at Georgetown University. THE PACKERS-LIONS SERIES No other NFL teams have played every year since 1932, when the Packers first met the Lions, then known as the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans. Including a pair of playoff clashes in the early 1990s, this week marks Game No. 164 in the all-time series. The Packers are looking for their 11th win in the last 12 meetings between the teams. Green Bay has scored more points (3,386 in reg. season) against the Lions than any other franchise. The Packers have won 20 straight games over Detroit in Wisconsin, including the 94 playoffs. The streak spans eight Lions head coaches: Wayne Fontes (1992-96), Bobby Ross (1997-99), Gary Moeller (2000), Marty Mornhinweg (2001-02), Steve Mariucci (2003-04), Dick Jauron (2005), Rod Marinelli (2006-08) and Schwartz (2009-10). The 19 straight regular-season wins in Wisconsin ranks No. 1 among active NFL streaks at one team s home field. 77 NOTABLE CONNECTIONS Packers WR Greg Jennings (Kalamazoo), LB Brad Jones (East Lansing), G T.J. Lang (Birmingham) and LB Frank Zombo (Sterling Heights) are Michigan natives Detroit defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham held the same position in Kansas City for four seasons (1995-98) when Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was an offensive assistant for the Chiefs Cunningham was on the staff of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) in 1981 when Packers QB coach Tom Clements played QB for Hamilton... Lions asst. special teams coach Bradford Banta played for the Bills in 2004 when Clements was Buffalo s offensive coordinator Packers wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett and Lions GM Martin Mayhew were teammates for one season at Florida State...Lions O-line coach George Yarno finished his playing career with the Packers in 1990 but did not appear in any regular-season games...lions DT Corey Williams was a Packers sixth-round draft choice in 2004 and played four seasons in Green Bay (2004-07)...Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac was a three-year starter (1978-80) at middle guard on the defensive line for the University of Michigan, where he played in three Rose Bowls...Trgovac also began his coaching career at Michigan as a graduate assistant from 1984-85... Trgovac and Panthers special teams coach Danny Crossman coached on the staff in Carolina together Packers secondary-safeties coach Darren Perry and Lions RB coach Sam Gash were teammates at Penn State Packers special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum coached on the staff at Texas A&M when Lions LS Don Muhlbach played for the Aggies... Packers assistant wide receivers/special teams coach John Rushing was a teammate of Lions K Jason Hanson at Washington State...Lions T Jeff Backus and Packers CB Charles Woodson were teammates on Michigan s 1997 national championship team...jennings and Lions TE Tony Scheffler were teammates at Western Michigan and were both drafted in the second round in 2006...Jennings and Lions S Louis Delmas played together for one season (2005) at Western Michigan...Packers G Josh Sitton blocked for Lions RB Kevin Smith at Central Florida, including Smith s 2,567-yard season in 2007, the second-best rushing yardage total in NCAA history Lions G Rob Sims, LB Bobby Carpenter and Packers LB A.J. Hawk were Ohio State teammates all drafted in 2006 Other college teammates include Packers T Bryan Bulaga and Lions CB Amari Spievey and P Ryan Donahue (Iowa), Packers NT B.J. Raji and Lions T Gosder Cherilus (Boston College), Packers DE Jarius Wynn and Lions QB Matthew Stafford (Georgia), Packers LS Brett Goode and Lions CB Chris Houston (Arkansas), Packers LB Clay Matthews and Lions DE Lawrence Jackson (USC), Packers DE Howard Green and Lions G Stephen Peterman (LSU), Packers RB Ryan Grant and Lions WR Maurice Stovall Lions LB DeAndre Levy played collegiately at Wisconsin and attended Milwaukee Vincent H.S. LAST MEETING, AT DETROIT Dec. 12, 2010, at Ford Field; Lions won, 7-3. The Lions snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Packers and a 19-game losing streak in the NFC North with the victory. Green Bay was without starting QB Aaron Rodgers from late in the second quarter on after he sustained a concussion on an 18-yard scramble up the middle. Lions QB Drew Stanton threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to TE Will Heller midway through the fourth quarter, and the Lions held on for the win. After neither team scored in the first half, backup QB Matt Flynn led the Packers on a drive early in the third quarter that culminated with a 42-yard field goal from Mason Crosby to give Green Bay the 3-0 lead. Flynn completed 15-of-26 passes for 177 yards on the afternoon. He led the Packers to the Detroit 31 late in the fourth quarter, but his long pass on fourth-and-1 fell incomplete. TE Andrew Quarless led the offense with a career-high five receptions for a career-best 62 receiving yards. Green Bay s defense limited the Lions to 286 yards of total offense, with CB Tramon Williams and S Charlie Peprah each recording interceptions.
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 RODGERS ROLLING Now 10 games into the 2011 season, QB Aaron Rodgers is on pace for one of the finest seasons by a quarterback in NFL history. Rodgers has connected on 238-of-329 passes (72.3 percent) for 3,168 yards and 31 TDs with four interceptions for a 128.8 passer rating. His passing yardage total ranks No. 1 in franchise history through the first 10 games of the season, topping Lynn Dickey s mark of 2,904 yards in the first 10 contests in 1983. Rodgers 31 TD passes through 10 games rank No. 1 in franchise annals, besting Brett Favre s 27 in 1996. He has thrown at least two TD passes in every game, a 10-game streak that is the best in a single season in team history (Favre, eight, 1994). A look at where Rodgers ranks in passer rating and TD passes through 10 games since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger: Quarterback Passer Rating 1. Tom Brady, NE, 2007 134.0 2. Aaron Rodgers, GB, 2011 128.8 3. Peyton Manning, IND, 2004 122.2 Quarterback TD Passes 1. Tom Brady, NE, 2007 38 2. Peyton Manning, IND, 2004 35 3. Aaron Rodgers, GB, 2011 31 With six 300-yard passing games already this season, Rodgers is just one shy of matching the franchise record: Quarterback 300-Yard Games 1t. Brett Favre, 1995 7 1t. Brett Favre, 2007 7 3t. Aaron Rodgers, 2011 6 3t. Don Majkowski, 1989; Brett Favre, 1999 6 Rodgers has posted a 110-plus passer rating in every game this season, which already tops his career high (six in both 2009 and 2010) and also sets the team record: Quarterback 110-Rating Games 1. Aaron Rodgers, 2011 10 2. Brett Favre, 2007 8 3t. Aaron Rodgers, 2009, 2010; three others 6 Rodgers has connected on 475-of-667 passes (71.2 percent) for 6,173 yards, 56 TDs and just eight INTs for a 123.0 passer rating over his past 21 starts (including playoffs). Green Bay has an 18-2 record in those games. The Packers have averaged 28.0 points per game in Rodgers 57 career starts, No. 1 among NFL QBs since 1950 (min. 50 starts): Quarterback Points Per Game 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 28.0 2. Philip Rivers, SD 27.5 3t. Otto Graham, CLE 27.1 3t. Norm Van Brocklin, LA/PHI 27.1 A look at where Rodgers ranks in the NFL this season: Quarterback Passer Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 128.8 2. Tom Brady, NE 102.0 3. Drew Brees, NO 101.3 Quarterback Touchdowns 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 31 2. Matthew Stafford, DET 25 3t. Tom Brady, NE; Drew Brees, NO 23 Quarterback Yards/Attempt 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 9.63 2. Matt Schaub, HOU 8.49 3. Tom Brady, NE 8.42 Quarterback Completion Pct. 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 72.3 2. Drew Brees, NO 70.9 3. Tom Brady, NE 66.1 Quarterback Passing Yards 1. Drew Brees, NO 3,326 2. Aaron Rodgers, GB 3,168 3. Tom Brady, NE 3,032 Quarterback TD/INT Ratio 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 7.75 2. Alex Smith, SF 3.25 3. Tony Romo, DAL 2.71 Rodgers posted a regular-season career-high 408 passing yards in Green Bay s 49-23 win over Denver in Week 4. He became the first QB in team history to record two 400-yard passing games, and now has two of the top four single-game marks in franchise annals. Against Denver, Rodgers matched his career high with four TD passes and added a career-best two rushing TDs. He became the first QB in team history to post four passing TDs/two rushing TDs in a game. Even more noteworthy, Rodgers became the first quarterback in NFL history to register 400 passing yards/four passing TDs/two rushing TDs in a game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Including playoffs, Rodgers has posted 10 games with 300 yards passing/three TDs/zero INTs since taking over as the starter in 2008, more than any other quarterback in the league over that span. With two TD passes at Atlanta in Week 5, Rodgers hit the 100-TD mark as a starter. He accomplished that feat in his 52nd career start, besting the previous franchise mark of 59 starts by Favre. Among active QBs, Rodgers tied with Cowboys QB Tony Romo for the fewest starts needed to hit the 100-TD mark as a starter. When he hit the 100-TD mark for his career, Rodgers had thrown just 34 interceptions to that point, the fewest in NFL history by a player at the time he threw his 100th career TD pass, according to Elias: Quarterback INTs at 100th TD 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 34 2. Philip Rivers, SD 43 3. Dan Marino, MIA 44 8
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 10-FOR-10 Rodgers has etched his name in the NFL record book by posting a 110- plus passer rating in every game this season. Rodgers is the first NFL quarterback to start a season with 10 straight 110-rating games since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. No other QB has done it in more than five games to begin a season. Rodgers 10 consecutive 110-rating games is also a single-season NFL record, topping 49ers QB Steve Young s mark of seven straight in 1994. No quarterback in team history has posted more than five straight 110-rating games in a season, and Rodgers 10 games with a 110-plus rating single-season team record, topping the previous mark of eight by Brett Favre in 2007. This marks the third straight season that Rodgers has recorded a stretch of four (or more) straight 110-plus passer rating games at some point in the season. Rodgers is the first NFL quarterback to accomplish that feat in three straight seasons since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. No other NFL signal-caller over the past 42 seasons has ever posted four straight 110-rating games in back-to-back seasons, let alone three straight like Rodgers has registered. Including the postseason, Rodgers has recorded a 110-plus passer rating in 18 of his last 21 starts. With a 140.3 rating in Week 10 vs. Minnesota, Rodgers became just the second QB in NFL history to post three consecutive 140-plus rating games (min. 15 attempts) in a season. Rams QB Kurt Warner (1999) is the only other signal-caller to accomplish the feat. By posting at least six games with a 110-plus passer rating in each of the last three seasons, Rodgers joins Young (1992-94) as the only quarterbacks since the 1970 merger with at least six 110-rating games in three consecutive seasons. A look at where Rodgers ranks in league single-season annals for the most 110-plus passer rating games: Quarterback 110-rating games 1. Steve Young, SF, 1994 11 2t. Aaron Rodgers, GB, 2011 10 2t. Tom Brady, NE, 2007 10 4t. Boomer Esiason, CIN, 1988 9 4t. Peyton Manning, IND, 2004 9 4t. Tom Brady, NE, 2010 9 TAKING HIS PLACE AMONG THE GAME S BEST Rodgers surpassed the 1,500-attempt plateau for his career last season, the benchmark to qualify for passer rating in the NFL record book. Rodgers has completed 1,276-of-1,940 passes (65.8 percent) in his career for 15,891 yards and 118 touchdowns with 36 interceptions for a 103.6 passer rating in the regular season, No. 1 in NFL history. Quarterback Career Passer Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 103.6 2. Steve Young, TB/SF 96.8 3. Tony Romo, DAL 96.1 4. Tom Brady, NE 95.7 5. Philip Rivers, SD 95.0 With a passer rating of 101.2 in 2010, Rodgers became the first quarterback in franchise history to record a 100-plus passer rating in back-to-back seasons (103.2 in 2009). Rodgers has thrown just 35 interceptions in his three-plus seasons as a starter, a 1.86 interception percentage that leads the league over that span among quarterbacks with 40 or more starts. A look at where Rodgers ranks in NFL history in career interception percentage: Quarterback Career Int. Pct. 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 1.9 2. Neil O Donnell, PIT/NYJ/CIN/TEN 2.1 3. Donovan McNabb, PHI/WAS/MIN 2.2 With 3,922 passing yards in 2010, Rodgers brought his total in three seasons as a starter to 12,394. That ranked No. 2 in NFL history behind only Kurt Warner (12,612, 1999-2001) for the most passing yards by a QB in his first three seasons as a starter. In 2009, Rodgers threw for 4,434 yards as he became the first QB in NFL history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons as a starter. In 57 regular-season career starts, Rodgers has eclipsed the century mark in passer rating 35 times and recorded 20 games of 300-plus yards. His 28 games with a 100-plus passer rating in his first 50 starts set an NFL record among quarterbacks whose careers began since 1970, topping the previous mark of 27 held by Dallas QB Tony Romo. Where Rodgers ranks among active NFL quarterbacks since he took over as the starter in 2008: Quarterback Passing Yards 1. Drew Brees, NO 17,403 2. Philip Rivers, SD 15,996 3. Aaron Rodgers, GB 15,562 Quarterback Passing TDs 1. Drew Brees, NO 124 2. Aaron Rodgers, GB 117 3. Philip Rivers, SD 107 Quarterback Passer Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 104.5 2. Tom Brady, NE 102.6 3. Philip Rivers, SD 99.2 Quarterback Yards/Attempt 1. Philip Rivers, SD 8.47 2. Aaron Rodgers, GB 8.27 3. Matt Schaub, HOU 8.02 Quarterback 25-yard passes 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 135 2t. Drew Brees, NO 130 2t. Philip Rivers, SD 130 Quarterback Rushing TDs 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 15 2. Michael Vick, PHI 11 3. Cam Newton, CAR; Mark Sanchez, NYJ 9 99
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 THIRD DOWN IS THE CHARM Through Week 11, QB Aaron Rodgers has connected on 59-of-83 passes (71.1 percent) for 828 yards and six TDs with one INT on third down. His passer rating of 122.0 on third down ranks No. 1 in the NFL: Quarterback Passer Rating on 3rd Down 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 122.0 2. Drew Brees, NO 118.6 3. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT 111.5 Over the final seven games in 2010 (missed Week 15 at New England), Rodgers was No. 2 in the NFL with a 133.7 passer rating on third down, trailing only New England s Tom Brady (136.3) over that span. In 09, Rodgers ranked No. 1 in the NFL in passer rating on third down at 133.5. No other quarterback in the league threw for as many yards (1,710) or touchdowns (14) on third down as Rodgers, and his passer rating was the best in the NFL since Kurt Warner s 137.3 rating in 1999 with St. Louis. In 57 career starts, Rodgers has posted a 100-plus passer rating on third down in 33 of those contests. A look at some of Rodgers numbers on third down since 2009: Quarterback Passer Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 117.3 2. Tom Brady, NE 108.7 3. Drew Brees, NO 104.7 Quarterback Passing TDs 1. Drew Brees, NO 35 2. Aaron Rodgers, GB 31 3. Eli Manning, NYG 30 Quarterback Yards/Attempt 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 9.47 2. Philip Rivers, SD 8.64 3. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT 8.52 COOL UNDER FIRE QB Aaron Rodgers was one of the most effective passers in the league the past two seasons against the blitz, and that strong play has continued in 2011. According to STATS LLC, Rodgers posted a career-high (min. 10 attempts) passer rating of 151.6 against the blitz (when a defender not lined up on the line of scrimmage rushes the QB, or more than four players rush the QB) in Week 1 vs. New Orleans. Rodgers connected on 14-of-18 passes (77.8 percent) for 207 yards and two TDs against the Saints. The 151.6 rating topped his previous personal best of 130.4 at Minnesota on Nov. 21, 2010. The 151.6 rating was the third-best one by a Green Bay QB since 1993 (min. 10 attempts), according to STATS, trailing only Brett Favre s 158.3 rating at Oakland (Dec. 22, 2003) and his 155.9 rating at Carolina (Sept. 27, 1998). Rodgers posted a 155.8 rating in Week 5 at Atlanta (8-of-9, 168 yards, TD), but fell one attempt short of the required 10 attempts to qualify. In 2011, Rodgers ranks No. 1 in the NFL against the blitz with a 140.7 passer rating (54-of-78, 987 yards, eight TDs, one INT). A glance at where some of Rodgers numbers against the blitz rank this season (through Week 10, statistics updated on Wednesdays): Quarterback Passer Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 140.7 2. Alex Smith, SF 113.4 3. Tom Brady, NE 113.2 Quarterback Completion Pct. 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 69.7 2. Tarvaris Jackson, SEA 65.7 3. Alex Smith, SF 64.7 Quarterback Yards/Attempt 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 12.65 2. Matt Hasselbeck, TEN 9.56 3. Tom Brady, NE 9.11 * min. 50 attempts Rodgers ranked No. 1 in the league last season (min. 100 attempts) with a 104.5 passer rating against the blitz, completing 111-of-167 attempts (66.5 percent) for 1,503 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions. In 2009, Rodgers ranked No. 2 in the NFL with a 112.7 rating, just a shade below Saints QB Drew Brees 112.9 mark. Rodgers threw for 1,699 yards and 11 TDs with three INTs on 125-of-180 passing (69.4 percent). Rodgers ranks No. 1 in the league with a 114.7 passer rating against the blitz since 2009. He ranks No. 1 in yards per attempt (9.86) and No. 2 in TDs (30). IN THE ZONE Since 2008, Rodgers ranks No. 1 in the NFL among active quarterbacks (min. 100 attempts) with a 109.3 passer rating in the red zone. He has thrown 74 TD passes with just one INT as a starter. A look at where Rodgers ranks in three red-zone categories since 2008 among active quarterbacks (min. 100 attempts): Quarterback Red-Zone Rating 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 109.3 2. Peyton Manning, IND 105.6 3. Tom Brady, NE 101.5 Quarterback Red-Zone TDs 1. Drew Brees, NO 81 2. Aaron Rodgers, GB 74 3. Philip Rivers, SD 69 Quarterback Red-Zone Comp. Pct. 1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 63.1 2. Drew Brees, NO 61.5 3. Peyton Manning, IND 61.2 10
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 JENNINGS FLASHES HOT HANDS In 2010, Greg Jennings was one of the most productive receivers in the NFL over the final 11 games on his way to earning Pro Bowl recognition for the first time in his career, and he hasn t skipped a beat this season. Through 10 games, Jennings leads the team in receptions (53), receiving yards (761) and ranks second with seven TD catches. Among wide receivers, Jennings is tied for No. 8 in the NFL in receptions and ranks No. 9 in the league in receiving yardage through Week 11: Player Receptions 1. Wes Welker, NE 72 2. Jimmy Graham, NO 62 3. Darren Sproles, NO 60 4. Calvin Johnson, DET 59 5. Steve Smith, CAR 56 6t. Brandon Marshall, MIA; Roddy White, ATL 54 8t. Greg Jennings, GB; Mike Wallace, PIT 51 Player Receiving Yards 1. Wes Welker, NE 1,006 2. Steve Smith, CAR 992 3. Calvin Johnson, DET 974 4. Mike Wallace, PIT 922 5. Jimmy Graham, NO 873 6. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 833 7t. Victor Cruz, NYG; Vincent Jackson, SD 800 9. Greg Jennings, GB 761 Last season, Jennings registered 1,082 yards and nine TDs on 62 receptions (17.5 avg.) in the final 11 games, an average of 98.4 receiving yards per contest. A look at where Jennings ranks in the NFL since Week 6 last season: Player Receiving Yards 1. Mike Wallace, PIT 1,968 2. Greg Jennings, GB 1,843 3. Calvin Johnson, DET 1,803 Player Receptions 1t. Wes Welker, NE 132 1t. Roddy White, ATL 132 3. Jason Witten, DAL 126 4. Greg Jennings, GB 115 5. Reggie Wayne, IND 114 Player Receiving TDs 1. Calvin Johnson, DET 19 2. Dwayne Bowe, KC 18 3t. Greg Jennings, GB 16 3t. Rob Gronkowski, NE 16 Player 25-Yard Catches 1. Mike Wallace, PIT 24 2. Greg Jennings, GB 22 3. DeSean Jackson, PHI 18 Jennings posted a career-high three TD receptions in Green Bay s 31-3 win at Minnesota last season in Week 11, becoming the first Packer since WR Javon Walker (Sept. 26, 2004) to record three TD catches in a game. Jennings became just the third Packer in team history to post seven catches/150 yards receiving/three receiving TDs in the same game, joining Walker (Sept. 26, 2004) and WR Antonio Freeman (Dec. 20, 1998). The Minnesota game in Week 11 last season was Jennings fifth straight with six or more receptions as he became the first Packer since Sharpe in 1993 to post six or more catches in five straight games. Jennings is one of only four players in team history (Sharpe, Freeman, Billy Howton) to catch at least 12 TD passes in a season twice in a Packers uniform (2007, 2010). Jennings 86-yard score against Miami last season in Week 6 marked a career long for him. It was the fourth 80-yard reception of Jennings career, moving him into the No. 1 spot in the franchise record books. When it comes to scoring passes, Jennings has an eye-popping average during his career. Of his 47 career touchdown catches in the regular season, 18 (39.1 percent) have been at least 40 yards in length. He has a staggering average of 31.5 yards per TD catch. A look at where some of Jennings numbers over the past four-plus seasons stack up against active NFL players: Player 40-yard catches (since 07) 1. Greg Jennings, GB 30 2. DeSean Jackson, PHI 23 3. Andre Johnson, HOU 22 Player 25-Yard Catches (since 07) 1. Greg Jennings, GB 57 2. Steve Smith, CAR 55 3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 50 Player TD catches (since 07) 1. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 47 2t. Greg Jennings, GB 44 2t. Calvin Johnson, DET 44 Player Receiving Yards (since 07) 1. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 5,902 2. Roddy White, ATL 5,836 3. Reggie Wayne, IND 5,804 4. Andre Johnson, HOU 5,563 5. Wes Welker, NE 5,542 6. Brandon Marshall, MIA 5,471 7. Greg Jennings, GB 5,351 Player Receiving Avg. (since 07)* 1. Mike Wallace, PIT 19.3 2. DeSean Jackson, PHI 18.0 3. Devery Henderson, NO 18.0 4. Vincent Jackson, SD 17.6 5. Greg Jennings, GB 16.2 * min. 150 receptions 11
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 DOWN THE MIDDLE K Mason Crosby placed his name atop the franchise record book in Week 7 when he connected on a 39-yard field goal in the second quarter at Minnesota. With the field goal, Crosby broke Chris Jacke s franchise record for the most consecutive field goals made in the regular season in team history. Dating back to Week 13 last season, Crosby made 23 consecutive field goals in the regular season before his 29-yard attempt on Sunday vs. Tampa Bay hit the right upright: Kicker Consecutive FGs Made 1. Mason Crosby, 2010-11 23 2. Chris Jacke, 1993 17 3. Chris Jacke, 1989-90 15 Crosby has connected on 16-of-17 field-goal attempts this season, a 94.1 percentage that is tied for No. 5 in the NFL. It wasn't the only franchise mark that Crosby set in Week 7 at Minnesota. He drilled a 58-yard field goal in the third quarter, the longest field goal in team history. That topped the previous franchise mark of 56 yards he set at Philadelphia in 2010 and earlier this season in Atlanta in Week 5. The 58-yarder was also the longest ever by a Minnesota opponent. Crosby is the only kicker in the NFL with three field goals of 56 or more yards since 2010. With 15 points at Minnesota in Week 7, Crosby matched his single-game career high (at Kansas City, Nov. 4, 2007; at St. Louis, Dec. 16, 2007). Crosby is tied for No. 6 among kickers this season with 91 points and is tied for No. 3 in the league with 33 touchbacks. FINDING FINLEY Through the first four games last season, TE Jermichael Finley appeared poised to set franchise records for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end before he sustained a season-ending knee injury. In 2011, a healthy Finley has picked up where he left off last season, ranking No. 3 on the team with 34 receptions for 475 yards (14.0 avg.) and five TDs. With the five TDs, Finley has matched his career high (2009) and is tied for No. 5 among NFL tight ends this season: Tight End TD Catches 1. Rob Gronkowski, NE 8 2. Tony Gonzalez, ATL 7 2t. Scott Chandler, BUF 6 2t. Jimmy Graham, NO 6 5t. Jermichael Finley, GB 5 5t. Four others 5 Three of those scores came at Chicago in Week 3 as Finley became just the second tight end in franchise history to catch three TD passes in a game. He joined Keith Jackson, who accomplished the feat on Sept. 1, 1996, at Tampa Bay. Finley was also the first NFL tight end to post a three-td game since Gronkowski did so in Week 10 last season. Finley is the only TE with a three-td game this season. Finley ranks No. 9 among tight ends with the 475 receiving yards this season. By going over the 300-yard mark already in 2011 for the third straight season, Finley becomes the first Packers TE to do so since Bubba Franks (2000-02). A look at where Finley ranks in the team s record book among TEs: Tight End/Season Receptions 1. Paul Coffman, 1979 56 2t. Paul Coffman, 1981 55 2t. Jackie Harris, 1992 55 2t. Jermichael Finley, 2009 55 Tight End/Season Receiving Yards 1. Paul Coffman, 1983 814 2. Paul Coffman, 1979 711 3. Paul Coffman, 1981 687 4. Mark Chmura, 1995 679 5. Jermichael Finley, 2009 676 Tight End/Career 100-Yard Games 1. Paul Coffman, 1978-85 6 2. Jermichael Finley, 2008-present 3 3t. Ed West, 1984-94 2 3t. Mark Chmura, 1993-99 2 PACKERS IN WEEKLY 2011 TEAM RANKINGS NFL Offense NFL Defense After Week Opp. Total Rush Pass Total Rush Pass 1 NO 8 14 9 29T 13 30 2 at Car 9 11 8 30 6 32 3 at Chi 8 10 9 29 1 31 4 DEN 5 15T 5 28 2 31 5 at Atl 4 22 4 21 3 30 6 STL 4 24 3 23 5 31 7 at Min 4 23 3 27 9 31 8 (bye) 4 24 3 28 10 31 9 at SD 4 20 3 30 8 31 10 MIN 4 21 3 28 8 31 11 TB 4 21 3 30 12 31 12 at Det 13 at NYG 14 OAK 15 at KC 16 CHI 17 DET Packers in 2010 9 24 5 5 18 5 Packers in 2009 6 14 7 2 1 5 Packers in 2008 8 17 8 20 26 12 Packers in 2007 2 21 2 11 14 12 Packers in 2006 9 23 8 12 13 17 Packers in 2005 18 30 7 7 23 1 Packers in 2004 3 10 3 25 14 25 Packers in 2003 4 3 16 17 10 23 Packers in 2002 12 12 10 12 21 3 Packers in 2001 6 21 3 12 16 15 Packers in 2000 15 23 8 15 8 19 Packers in 1999 9 21 7 19 22 18 Packers in 1998 5 25 3 4 4 10 Packers in 1997 4 12 3 7 20 8 Packers in 1996 5 11 5 1 4 1 Packers in 1995 7 26 3 14 7 21 Packers in 1994 9 19 9 6 3 15 Packers in 1993 19 22 18 2 8 7 Packers in 1992 15 21 9 23 16 23 12
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 PRODUCTION APLENTY INSIDE THE 20 Green Bay had one of the most efficient red-zone offenses in the league in 2010, and the Packers are on their way to another solid ranking this season. Through Week 11, the Packers rank No. 2 in the NFL in red-zone efficiency: Team Red-Zone TD Efficiency 1. Tennessee 72.7 (16-22) 2. Green Bay 64.3 (27-42) 3. New England 63.4 (26-41) In their last three games, the Packers have scored TDs on 11-of-14 trips to the red zone (78.6 percent). Green Bay has scored points on 39 of 42 red-zone trips this season, a 92.9-percent scoring efficiency that ranks No. 3 in the NFL. The Packers have been efficient on third down inside the opponent s 20, converting on 52.2 percent of their opportunities: Team Third Down/Red Zone 1. Oakland 58.8 2. Green Bay 52.2 3. Three teams 50.0 In 2010, Green Bay ranked No. 6 in the league with a touchdown efficiency of 60.4 percent in the red zone. That was the Packers best conversion rate since finishing No. 2 in the NFL at 65.4 percent in 2003. It marked the third straight top-10 finish in the category for the Packers, as they checked in at No. 9 in 2009 (54.8) and No. 6 in 2008 (60.4). Of the Packers four best TD-efficiency marks in the red zone since 1995, two have come under Head Coach Mike McCarthy: Season Red-Zone TD Efficiency 1. 1995 66.7 (40-60) 2. 2004 65.4 (34-52) 3t. 2010 60.4 (32-53) 3t. 2008 60.4 (29-48) Green Bay was the only team in the NFC and one of three teams in the NFL (Indianapolis and Tennessee) to finish in the top 10 in red-zone efficiency each year from 2008-10. OUTSIDE THE ZONE In addition to their red-zone success, the Packers have also displayed a high level of production outside that area. Through Week 10, the Packers rank No. 2 in the league in scoring outside the red zone: Team Points Outside Red Zone 1. Dallas 107 2. Green Bay 95 3. Detroit 88 4. Oakland 79 5t. Denver, Houston 78 In 2010, the Packers were tied for No. 14 in the league with 100 points outside the red zone on the season. Green Bay leads the league in touchdowns outside the red zone this season: Team TDs Outside Red Zone 1. Green Bay 12 2. Dallas 11 3t. Denver 10 3t. Detroit 10 3t. Houston 10 Under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have finished in the top five in scoring outside the red zone two times. In 2007, Green Bay checked in at No. 2 in the league with 150 points, and in 2009, the Packers ranked No. 3 with 134 points on the season. QUITE THE START Rookie WR Randall Cobb made a splash in his pro debut vs. New Orleans with a 108-yard kickoff return for a TD that matched the NFL record, and he has continued to be a threat on both kickoffs and punts. Through Week 11, Cobb checks in among the league leaders in both categories: Player Kickoff Return Avg. 1. Joe McKnight, NYJ 36.1 2. David Reed, BAL 28.6 3. Randall Cobb, GB 28.3 Player Punt Return Avg. 1. Devin Hester, CHI 21.2 2. Patrick Peterson, ARI 17.1 3. Javier Arenas, KC 14.1 4. Randall Cobb, GB 13.5 Cobb posted an 80-yard punt return for a TD vs. Minnesota in Week 10, becoming the first rookie in team history to post a punt return for a TD and a kickoff return for a TD in the same season. He also became the first player in team history and the first NFL rookie since the merger to register a 100-yard kickoff return and an 80-yard punt return in the same season. Cobb added a 55-yard kickoff return in the third quarter against the Vikings to become the first Packer since Travis Williams (at Pittsburgh, Nov. 2, 1969) to post an 80-yard PR and a 55-yard KR in the same game. Cobb is tied for No. 3 in the league this season in total kick return TDs: Player Total Kick Return TDs 1t. Devin Hester, CHI 3 (2 PR, 1 KR) 1t. Patrick Peterson, ARI 3 (3 PR, O KR) 3t. Randall Cobb, GB 2 (1 PR, 1 KR) 3t. Ted Ginn Jr., SF 2 (1 PR, 1 KR) According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cobb became just the second NFL player to register a touchdown reception and a kickoff return for a score in his pro debut, joining Detroit s Bill Bowman (9-yard reception, 100-yard kickoff return, vs. Chicago on Sept. 26, 1954). Cobb also joins Williams and Robert Brooks as the only players in franchise history to register a receiving touchdown, a punt return for a TD and a kickoff return for a score in the same season. With a 55-yard punt return vs. Tampa Bay this past Sunday, Cobb became the first Packer since Billy Grimes in 1950 to record a punt return of 55-plus yards in back-to-back games. 13
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 THE PRODUCTION CONTINUES CB Charles Woodson enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2009, his first year in the 3-4 scheme, and has continued to make his presence felt ever since. Through Week 11, Woodson is tied for No. 1 in the NFL with five interceptions. Player Interceptions 1t. Charles Woodson, GB 5 1t. Kyle Arrington, NE 5 1t. Carlos Rogers, SF 5 1t. Eric Weddle, SD 5 In the Week 7 win at Minnesota, he intercepted QB Christian Ponder two times on the afternoon, Woodson's seventh multi-int game of his career and his sixth in a Green Bay uniform. He also picked off two passes at Carolina in Week 2 this season. With the six multi-int games as a Packer, Woodson is tied for No. 4 in franchise annals: Player Multi-INT Games 1. Bobby Dillon, 1952-59 12 2. Don Hutson, 1935-45 8 3. Herb Adderley, 1961-69 7 4t. Charles Woodson, 2006-11 6 4t. LeRoy Butler, 1990-2001 6 In the Week 4 win over Denver, Woodson picked off QB Kyle Orton and returned the interception 30 yards for a TD, his 11th career INT return for a TD to move into a tie for the No. 2 spot in NFL history: Player Interception TDs 1. Rod Woodson, 1987-2003 12 2t. Charles Woodson, 1998-2011 11 2t. Darren Sharper, 1997-2010 11 The INT for a score against Denver gave Woodson 12 defensive scores for his career, which ties him for No. 3 in NFL annals: Player Defensive TDs 1t. Rod Woodson, 1987-2003 13 (12 INT, 1 FR) 1t. Darren Sharper, 1997-2010 13 (11 INT, 2 FR) 3t. Charles Woodson, 1998-2011 12 (11 INT, 1 FR) 3t. Aeneas Williams, 1991-2004 12 (9 INT, 3 FR) Woodson has now returned an INT for a touchdown in six straight seasons (2006-11), becoming the first player in NFL history to do so. No other NFL player has accomplished the feat in more than four consecutive seasons. Woodson s nine interceptions for TDs since 2006 rank No. 1 in the league over that span, more than double the total of the nine players tied for the No. 2 spot with four each. Woodson s nine interception TDs over the past six seasons (2006-11) are tied for the most by a player over a six-year period in NFL history, matching the mark of Houston Oilers safety Ken Houston, who actually recorded nine INT touchdowns over a five-year period (1967-71). With his first INT for a TD coming in his rookie season of 1998, the time from Woodson s first INT TD to his most recent spans 14 seasons (1998-2011). That ranks tied for No. 3 in NFL history behind only Rod Woodson (1987-2002) and Deion Sanders (1990-2004), according to the Elias Sports Bureau. His INT return for a score against the Broncos was his ninth career with the Packers, further extending his franchise record. Adderley ranks No. 2 in team annals (seven, 1961-69) It was also Woodson s 10th defensive TD (nine INTs, one fumble return) in a Green Bay uniform, which further extended his franchise mark. He led the Packers with a career-high five forced fumbles in 2010. He was the only defensive back in the NFL to register four forced fumbles each season in 2009 and 2010. Woodson is the only Packers defensive back since 1994 to record four forced fumbles in a season, and he has done it twice. Woodson achieved the highest individual honor bestowed upon a defensive player, taking home The Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award in 2009. He also was named an AP first-team All-Pro. Woodson s INT return for a TD in Week 4 last season against the Lions was the third straight year that he had returned an INT for a TD against Detroit. He became the first player in NFL history to return an interception for a TD in three consecutive seasons against the same team. Woodson has registered two sacks in 2011, his fourth straight season with two-plus sacks. He is the first defensive back in franchise history (since 1982) to accomplish that feat. In 2009, Woodson became the fourth player in NFL history since sacks became an official statistic to record at least nine interceptions and two sacks in a single season. There s no doubt Woodson s career has undergone a revitalization since coming to Green Bay. He now has 52 career interceptions, which is second among active NFL players. Of his interceptions, 35 have come in 88 games with Green Bay. In 106 games with the Raiders, he had 17. A look at where Woodson ranks in several categories since 2008: Player Interceptions 1t. Charles Woodson, GB 23 1t. Ed Reed, BAL 23 3. Asante Samuel, PHI 22 Player Interception TDs 1. Charles Woodson, GB 7 2t. Three players 4 Player INT Return Yards 1. Ed Reed, BAL 583 2. Charles Woodson, GB 458 3. Nick Collins, GB 439 Defensive Back Sacks 1. Roman Harper, NO 11.0 2. Charles Woodson, GB 9.0 3t. Two players 7.0 Defensive Back Forced Fumbles 1. Charles Tillman, CHI 16 2t. Charles Woodson, GB 11 2t. Oshiomogho Atogwe, WAS 11 2t. Roman Harper, NO 11 2t. Bernard Pollard, BAL 11 14
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 PICKING PACK For the sixth straight season, Green Bay finds itself in familiar territory when it comes to interceptions. Through Week 11, the Packers lead the NFL with 19 interceptions and rank No. 1 in the league with 375 interception return yards: Team Interceptions 1. Green Bay 19 2t. Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco 15 6t. Dallas, Houston, N.Y. Giants 14 Team INT Return Yards 1. Green Bay 375 2. N.Y. Jets 355 3. Detroit 332 The Packers have finished in the top six in the league in interceptions every season under Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Last season, Green Bay checked in at No. 2 with 24 interceptions, and in 2009, the Packers led the league with 30 interceptions. The Packers' 54 interceptions in 2009-10 were the most by the team over a two-year period since Green Bay registered the same number from 1966-67. Green Bay recorded 22 interceptions in 2008 (tied for No. 3), 19 in 2007 (tied for No. 6) and 23 in 2006 (No. 3). The Packers are the only team in the league to have three players (Woodson, Peprah, Williams) with four or more interceptions. The Packers two INTs for touchdowns in Week 9 at San Diego gave them three for the season, their franchise-record fourth straight season recording at least three interception returns for TDs. The last NFL team to register four straight seasons with at least three INT returns for TDs was the Los Angeles Rams from 1983-86. A look at where Green Bay ranks in several categories since 2008: Team Interceptions 1. Green Bay 95 2. Baltimore 78 3. Philadelphia 74 Team INT Return Yardage 1. Green Bay 1,855 2. Baltimore 1,251 3. Tennessee 1,161 Team Interception TDs 1. Green Bay 15 2. Baltimore 11 3. Buffalo 10 Team INT return average 1. New Orleans 20.4 2. Kansas City 19.9 3. N.Y. Jets 19.6 4. Green Bay 19.5 KEEPING THEM OUT Since 2010, the Packers have been one of the best defenses in the league when it comes to keeping their opponents out of the end zone. The Packers ranked No. 2 in the league in scoring defense last season, allowing the opposition an average of just 15.0 points per game, as they trailed only Pittsburgh (14.5) in the category. This year, Green Bay checks in at No. 14 in the NFL in scoring defense (21.2). Since 2010, Green Bay ranks No. 3 in the league in scoring defense at 17.4 points per game. Including last year s playoffs, the Packers have allowed 17 or fewer points in 15 of their last 30 games. Green Bay allowed just 24 TDs last season, the fewest by the Packers since 19 in 1996, and that total was No. 2 in the NFL behind only the Steelers (22). The No. 2 scoring ranking last season was the Packers best mark since they finished No. 1 in the league in that category during the 1996 Super Bowl season (13.1 per game). Green Bay finished No. 5 in the NFL in overall defense in 2010, allowing an average of 309.1 yards per game, and No. 5 in the league in passing defense at 194.2 yards per game. With the No. 5 ranking last season and a No. 2 ranking in 2009, the Packers finished in the top five in overall defense in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1968-69. Green Bay allowed just six rushing TDs in 2010, which ranked No. 3 in the NFL. The Packers 11 rushing TDs given up from 2009-10 were the fewest in a two-year span in team history. Under defensive coordinator Dom Capers, the Packers thrived in their new 3-4 scheme in 2009, finishing No. 1 against the run and No. 5 against the pass. The previous top ranking in franchise history in run defense came in 1972, when the team finished No. 2. A glance at where the Packers rank in the NFL in some key statistical categories since 2010: Team Points Allowed Per Game 1. Pittsburgh 15.8 2. Baltimore 17.2 3. Green Bay 17.4 Team Opponent Passer Rating 1. Green Bay 72.4 2. N.Y. Jets 73.3 3. Baltimore 73.5 Team Rushing TDs Allowed 1. San Francisco 9 2t. Baltimore, Minnesota, Pittsburgh 11 5t. Green Bay; Tennessee 12 Team Interceptions 1. Green Bay 43 2. New England 37 3. Chicago 36 Team Sacks 1. N.Y. Giants 77 2. Oakland 75 3t. Green Bay 71 3t. Pittsburgh 71 3t. Detroit 71 15
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 MAKING THEM PAY AFTER TAKING IT AWAY The Packers were one of the most productive team in the league from 2008-10 when it came to converting turnovers into points, and they have picked up where they left off through 10 games this season. Through Week 11, Green Bay ranks No. 10 in the NFL in takeaway points with 60. A look at the top teams in the league in points off of takeaways over the past three-plus seasons: Team Takeaway Points (Since 2008) 1. Green Bay 436 2. Baltimore 410 3. New England 375 4. Philadelphia 372 5. New Orleans 366 The Packers have been productive at Lambeau Field, having scored points off a turnover in 18 of their last 23 home games. Green Bay finished No. 5 in the NFL with 111 points off of takeaways last season, the Packers third straight top-5 ranking in the category. The Packers were the only team in the NFL to finish in the top 5 in points off of takeaways each season from 2008-10. Green Bay ranks No. 2 in the league this season with a plus-12 turnover differential. Team Turnover Margin (2011) 1. San Francisco plus-17 2. Green Bay plus-12 3t. Chicago plus-11 3t. Houston plus-11 5. Detroit plus-9 Team Turnover Margin (Since 2006) 1. New England plus-62 2. Green Bay plus-57 3t. Baltimore, San Diego plus-33 The Packers posted a plus-10 turnover ratio on the season in 2010 (No. 4 in NFL). The Packers have posted at least three INTs for TDs in each of the last four seasons. That is the first time in franchise history that Green Bay has accomplished that feat. The Packers have posted at least three INTs for TDs in five of six seasons under Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Green Bay posted 30 INTs and 10 fumble recoveries in 2009, which it turned into 141 points. The 40 takeaways led the NFL, and the 141 points scored off those takeaways tied New Orleans for most in the NFL. The 30 interceptions led the league and was the team s highest singleseason total since 1981, when it also had 30. During McCarthy s tenure, the Packers have a 43-6 (.878) regularseason record when they come out ahead in the game in turnover ratio, and a 6-20 (.231) record when they lose the takeaway battle. Under McCarthy, Green Bay is 23-3 (.885) when its turnover margin is plus-2 or better. Turnover Margin GB Record Since 2006 minus-3 or worse 0-2 (.000) minus-2 1-7 (.125) minus-1 5-11 (.313) even 9-6 (.600) plus-1 20-3 (.870) plus-2 10-1 (.909) plus-3 or more 13-2 (.867) Green Bay is tied for No. 4 in the league this season in total takeaways: Team Total Takeaways 1. San Francisco 26 2t. Chicago 23 2t. Detroit 23 4t. Green Bay 22 4t. N.Y. Giants 22 Team Total Takeaways Since 2008 1. Green Bay 122 2. Chicago 118 3. Philadelphia 117 4. Baltimore 114 5. N.Y. Jets 111 FEW FLAGS One area of emphasis for the Packers last season was reducing penalties, and that focus has continued to pay dividends in 2011. Through Week 11, Green Bay has been penalized just 49 times for 357 yards. Team Penalties 1. Miami 48 2. Green Bay 49 3t. Buffalo 50 3t. Jacksonville 50 Team Penalty Yards 1. Green Bay 357 2. Indianapolis 390 3. Miami 428 In 2010, the Packers tied for No. 3 in the league with just 78 accepted penalties (4.9 per game), the fewest by a Green Bay team since the league went to a 16-game schedule in 1978. The previous low was 80 penalties in both 1983 and 2001. That was a 40-penalty drop from 2009, when the Packers were the mostpenalized team in the league with 118 accepted penalties. Green Bay was whistled for just one penalty in Week 10 vs. Minnesota, its best performance of the season. After being penalized 20 times in the first three games (6.7 per game), the Packers have been whistled for just 29 penalties in the last seven games (4.1 per game). Green Bay s defense ranks No. 1 in the league in fewest penalty yards (108) and the offense ranks No. 5 in the NFL in fewest penalty yards (183). 16
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 NOT IN A GIVING MOOD The Packers have always prided themselves on their ability to take care of the football, an emphasis that has helped place them among the league leaders once again in the category 10 games into the season. Through Week 11, Green Bay ranks No. 3 in the NFL for the fewest giveaways: Team Total Giveaways (2011) 1t. Houston 9 1t. San Francisco 9 3. Green Bay 10 4. Tennessee 11 5t. Chicago, Cleveland 12 In 2009, the Packers set a franchise mark with a league-low 16 giveaways, Since 09, Green Bay has turned the ball over just 47 times, which ranks No. 2 in the league over that span: Team Total Giveaways Since 2009 1. New England 46 2. Green Bay 48 3. Houston 55 4. San Francisco 56 Their 22 giveaways in 2010 brought the Packers three-year total (2008-10) to just 59 turnovers. That was the fewest over a three-year span by the Packers since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in 1978, besting the previous mark of 67 from 1994-96. When the Packers have turned the ball over the past two seasons, the defense has helped limit opponent scoring following those giveaways. This season, Green Bay ranks No. 6 in giveaway points allowed: Team Giveaway Points (2011) 1t. Miami 23 2t. San Francisco 26 2t. Tennessee 26 4. Jacksonville 30 5. Houston 32 6. Green Bay 38 In 2010, the Packers gave up just 39 points following their 22 turnovers on the season, an average of 1.77 points per giveaway that ranked No. 4 in the league. Green Bay s three TDs off of giveaways were tied for No. 2 in the NFL last season. The Packers average of 1.77 points off of giveaways last season was the best mark posted by Green Bay since 1.70 in 2000. Since 2010, Green Bay ranks No. 2 in the league in fewest points allowed off of giveaways: Team Giveaway Points (Since 2010) 1. New England 71 2. Green Bay 77 3. Baltimore 78 4. Kansas City 81 Since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has recorded 32 games without an interception. In those games, the Packers have a 26-6 (.813) record. If the Packers don t commit a turnover, they re almost guaranteed to win. They have now won 46 of 50 (.920) regular-season games playing turnover-free football since a loss at Dallas, Nov. 18, 1996. Green Bay s only losses in such games during that stretch came three times against Minnesota, twice in Minneapolis (2005, 08) and once at home (2009), and in Week 15 in 2009 at Pittsburgh. Giveaways in game GB Record Since 2006 None 22-3 (.880) One 18-8 (.692) Two 13-11 (.542) Three-plus 5-10 (.333) BREAKING DOWN THE 53 It s a balanced roster for the Packers, which holds 25 offensive players, 25 defensive players and three specialists. Of the 53 players on Green Bay s roster, 32 of them (60.4 percent) were drafted by the Packers. With eight non-drafted free agents on the roster having started their career with Green Bay, 40 of the 53 players (75.5 percent) began their pro career with the Packers. For 47 of the 53 (88.7 percent) players, the only team they have played for in the regular season is Green Bay. Seven of the team s draft picks from 2011 made the team, and for the second straight season, so did three non-drafted free agents (S M.D. Jennings, LB Jamari Lattimore and LB Vic So oto). A pair of non-drafted rookies, G/T Ray Dominguez and RB Brandon Saine, have been elevated to the practice squad during the season. More than half the players (29) on Green Bay s roster entered the league as a sixth-round or seventh-round pick or as an undrafted player. Of the 53 players on the roster, 46 of them (86.8 percent) are 28 years old or younger. For the sixth straight season, the Packers roster was one of the five youngest teams in the league (based on Kickoff Weekend rosters). This season, Green Bay checked in tied for No. 3 with an average age of 25.74, trailing only Tampa Bay (25.17) and Seattle (25.72). The Packers were the youngest team in the league for four straight seasons (2006-09) before checking in at No. 5 in 2010 (25.92). GREEN BAY S ROSTER... BY AGE 21-24 23 players 25-28 23 players 29-32 4 players 33-plus 3 players BY EXPERIENCE R/1 11 players 2-3 18 players 4-5 13 players 6-9 7 players 10-plus 4 players BY DRAFT ROUND 1st 8 players 2nd/3rd 9 players 4th/5th 7 players 6th/7th 13 players Undrafted 16 players 17
MATTHEWS MAKES HIS WAY TO THE QUARTERBACK LB Clay Matthews has been one of the most productive players in the league since he entered the league in 2009 when it comes to getting after the quarterback. Here is a look at where Matthews sack total ranks since entering the league in 2009: PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 In 2009, Matthews set a Packers rookie record with 10 sacks on his way to earning Pro Bowl honors, the first Green Bay rookie to be named to the all-star game since Hall of Fame WR James Lofton in 1978. With six games remaining in his third season, Matthews is tied for No. 2 in team history (since 1982) for the most sacks by a Packer in his first three seasons in the NFL: Player Sacks 1. DeMarcus Ware, DAL 40.5 2. Jared Allen, MIN 39.0 3. LaMarr Woodley, PIT 32.5 4. Tamba Hali, KC 29.0 5. Clay Matthews, GB 28.5 6. Dwight Freeney, IND 28.0 7. Trent Cole, PHI 27.5 Player Sacks 1. Tony Bennett, 1990-92 29.5 2t. Clay Matthews, 2009-11 28.5 2t. Tim Harris, 1986-88 28.5 4. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, 2000-02 27.0 A look at where Matthews sack total in his first 20 games ranked in NFL history: While Matthews doesn t rank among the league leaders with five sacks this season (tied for the team lead), he has continued to provide consistent pressure on opposing signal-callers. According to STATS LLC, Matthews leads the league in combined quarterback knockdowns and hurries this season (stats are through Week 10 and are updated each Wednesday during the season): Player QB Knockdowns/Hurries 1. Clay Matthews, GB 28.5 (16/12.5) 2. Jared Allen, MIN 24.0 (22/2) 3. DeMarcus Ware, DAL 23.0 (20/3) 4. Tamba Hali, KC 22.5 (15.5/7) 5t. Connor Barwin, HOU 21.5 (15.5/6) 5t. Von Miller, DEN 21.5 (17.5/4) Matthews was named to his second straight Pro Bowl last season and was named NFL Defensive MVP by Pro Football Weekly/PFWA. He also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Year recognition from Sporting News and the Committee of 101. He received first-team All-Pro honors from The Associated Press, the first Packer LB to earn that recognition since Tim Harris in 1989. Matthews finished second to only Pittsburgh S Troy Polamalu in the AP Defensive Player of the Year voting. With a sack of QB Jon Kitna in the second quarter in Week 9 last season against Dallas, Matthews became the first Packer since the stat became official in 1982 to register a double-digit sack total in each of his first two seasons in the NFL. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Matthews became the first NFL player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to register double-digit sacks and a defensive TD in each of his first two seasons in the NFL. With two sacks of Falcons QB Matt Ryan in the Divisional contest last season, Matthews became the first player in team history (since 1982) to post at least one sack in each of his first three career postseason games. With 4.5 career sacks in the postseason, Matthews already ranks No. 2 in team playoff annals behind only DE Reggie White (eight). Matthews 3.5 sacks last postseason were the most in franchise history (since 1982) in a single postseason. Matthews has posted two or more sacks in a game six times in his career. Five of those two-sack games came in Matthews first 18 games in a Packers uniform, breaking White s franchise mark of four in his first 18 games with Green Bay (1993-94). Player Sacks 1. Clay Matthews, GB 17.0 2t. Leslie O Neal, SD 16.5 2t. John Abraham, NYJ 16.5 2011 HONOR ROLL WR Randall Cobb Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week - Week 1 (vs. New Orleans) K Mason Crosby NFC Special Teams Player of the Week - Week 5 (at Atlanta) NFC Special Teams Player of the Week - Week 7 (at Minnesota) Midseason All-Pro Team - Pro Football Weekly LB Clay Matthews Midseason All-Pro Team - Sports Illustrated QB Aaron Rodgers NFC Offensive Player of the Week - Week 1 (vs. New Orleans) NFC Offensive Player of the Month - September NFC Offensive Player of the Week - Week 4 (vs. Denver) FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week - Week 4 (vs. Denver) FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week - Week 5 (at Atlanta) FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week - Week 6 (vs. St. Louis) FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week - Week 7 (at Minnesota) Midseason All-Pro Team - Pro Football Weekly Midseason All-Pro Team - Sports Illustrated NFC Offensive Player of the Week - Week 9 (at San Diego) FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week - Week 9 (at San Diego) C Scott Wells Midseason All-Pro Team - Sports Illustrated 18
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 OUT OF THE BREAK The opening drive of the second half can help set the tone for either side of the ball, and for the second straight season, the Packers have been one of the most productive teams in the league in that area. In 10 games this season, the Packers have outscored their opponents 86-27 in the third quarter, a 59-point differential that ranks No. 2 in the league: Team Third-Quarter Scoring Differential 1. Detroit +60 (93-33) 2. Green Bay +59 (86-27) 3. New Orleans +31 (71-40) 4. San Francisco +27 (57-30) 5. Seattle +26 (46-20) In 2010, Green Bay finished No. 2 in the NFL in third-quarter scoring differential at plus-74, outscoring its opponents 110-36. That trailed only San Diego, who posted a 76-point margin (107-31) in the third quarter. The Packers have been efficient on their opening drives in the second half, scoring four touchdowns in the first 10 games: Team Points On First Poss. of 2nd Half 1. San Diego 38 2. Houston 34 3t. Green Bay 31 3t. Baltimore 31 Green Bay tied for No. 7 in the NFL in 2010 with 37 points on the opening possession of the second half, which topped the Packers mark of 20 points in 2009 (No. 20 in the NFL). The high mark under Head Coach Mike McCarthy came in 2007, when Green Bay tied for No. 3 in the league with 50 points on opening second-half drives. Green Bay s defense has done its part as well coming out of halftime, allowing just 13 points in 10 games this season. That total is tied for No. 7 in the league. STARTING AND CLOSING Green Bay has been efficient starting games this season as well, scoring 45 points on game-opening drives. That total ranks No. 1 in the NFL and nearly doubles the Packers 23-point output in 2010: Team Points On First Possession 1. Green Bay 45 2. Houston 44 3. Pittsburgh 38 4t. Atlanta, New England 34 The Packers have posted 44 points in the final two minutes of the first half this season. That tops Green Bay s season total of 31 points in 2010: Team Points In Final Two Min./1st Half 1. Oakland 50 2. Philadelphia 47 3. Green Bay 44 4. Tennessee 34 TAKE IT AWAY After getting off to a slow start when it comes to interceptions in the first seven games of the season, CB Tramon Williams has made his presence felt in the last three contests. Williams has posted an interception in each of the past three games, only the second time in his career that he has accomplished that feat. That included a regular-season career-high two INTs this past Sunday vs. Tampa Bay. Williams four interceptions over the past three contests is a career-high for a three-game stretch and the most in the NFL over that span. He is the only undrafted player in the league to record at least four INTs in each of the past four seasons (2008-11). In Green Bay s Week 9 win at San Diego, Williams posted the first TD of his career in the regular season on a 43-yard INT return for a score. Williams led the team in INTs last season with a career-high six picks, and added three more during the 2010 postseason. Including playoffs, Williams ranks No. 1 in the NFL in both interceptions and interception return yards since 2010: Player Interceptions 1. Tramon Williams, GB 13 2. Ed Reed, BAL 11 3. Three players 9 Player INT Return Yards 1. Tramon Williams, GB 258 2. Ed Reed, BAL 208 3. Darrelle Revis, NYJ 184 RACKING UP TACKLES LB Desmond Bishop moved into the starting lineup for the final 12 regular-season games and all four postseason contests in 2010, and has been one of the most productive members of Green Bay s defense ever since. Through 10 games, Bishop ranks No. 1 on the team with 111 tackles (88 solo), 42 more than the next-closest defender. He also is tied for the team lead with a career-high five sacks. Bishop has either led the team in tackles or tied for the team lead in every game but one this season. Bishop has posted six double-digit tackle games this season, highlighted by a career-high 20 stops (15 solo) vs. St. Louis in Week 5. That was the most by a Packer since LB A.J. Hawk registered 20 at Seattle (Nov. 27, 2006). Bishop has recorded a double-digit tackle total in 12 of the last 22 regular-season games. With his current average of slightly more than 11 tackles a game, Bishop is on pace for 178 tackles this season. That would rank No. 3 in team history since the Packers began recording defensive statistics in 1975: Player Tackles 1. Nick Barnett, 2005 194 2. Mike Douglass, 1981 180 3. Rich Wingo, 1979 166 Bishop finished second on the team with a career-high 121 tackles (82 solo) in 2010. He led the linebackers with a career-best 10 passes defensed, the most by a Green Bay linebacker since John Anderson registered 15 in 1981. 19
PACKERS AT LIONS - WEEK 12 ON THE ROAD AGAIN Green Bay is off to just its fifth 5-0 start on the road in franchise history, with two of those coming under Head Coach Mike McCarthy (2007). The Packers have been able to stay above the.500 mark on the road during McCarthy s tenure, a notable achievement in the National Football League. Since 2006, McCarthy s first season as the head coach in Green Bay, only 12 of 32 NFL teams have regular-season road records above.500. Team W-L record Pct. 1. New England 32-13-0.711 2. N.Y. Giants 29-16-0.644 3. Indianapolis 28-17-0.622 4. Philadelphia 27-17-1.611 5. New Orleans 28-18-0.609 6. Green Bay 26-19-0.578 6t. Dallas 26-19-0.578 8. Pittsburgh 25-20-0.556 9. San Diego 24-21-0.533 10. Chicago 23-21-0.523 11t. N.Y. Jets 23-22-0.511 11t. Tennessee 23-22-0.511 298 AND COUNTING Another packed house at Lambeau Field against the Buccaneers on Sunday brought the stadium s consecutive sellouts streak to 298 games (282 regular season, 16 playoffs). The Week 7 crowd in 2010 of 71,107 vs. Minnesota was the third-largest regular-season crowd in Lambeau Field history. The league s longest-tenured stadium, Lambeau Field is hosting its 55th season of football this year. A total of 566,362 fans made their way through the turnstiles in the eight home contests in 2010. Across American professional sports, only Boston s Fenway Park (1912) and Chicago s Wrigley Field (1914) have longer tenures. THE LAMBEAU ADVANTAGE The crown jewel of the National Football League, Lambeau Field has long been known as one of the tougher venues to play in, particularly during the harsh Wisconsin winter. Re-establishing home-field advantage after a 4-4 mark in 2008 was one of the goals of 2009, and with the Packers finishing 6-2 at home, they accomplished that goal. Green Bay followed that up with a 7-1 mark at Lambeau Field in 2010. Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated consistently upon his arrival in Green Bay that one of the team s goals would be to reclaim the mystique of playing at Lambeau Field. Mission accomplished. The team is 31-8 (.795) at home over the past 39 regular-season games, good for No. 2 in the NFL over that span behind only New England (33-4,.892). Since Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren began the revitalization of the franchise in 1992, Green Bay owns the best home record in the NFL. A look at the top regular-season home W-L records since the 92 season: Team W-L record Pct. 1. Green Bay 119-38-0.758 2. Pittsburgh 113-43-1.723 3. Denver 108-49-0.688 4. New England 107-49-0.686 5. Baltimore (since 96) 85-39-1.684 HOME COOKING The Packers win over Dallas at Lambeau in November 2009 was the first step to a 7-1 finish and a playoff berth for Green Bay. Since that Week 10 victory over the Cowboys in 09, the Packers have been the best team in the league at home. Green Bay s lone defeat since then came to Miami last season in Week 6 when the Packers fell to the Dolphins in overtime. Team W-L record Pct. 1. Green Bay 16-1-0.941 2. New England 14-1-0.933 3. Baltimore 15-2-0.882 4t. San Diego, San Francisco 13-4-0.765 IN THE FREE-AGENCY ERA Talk of unrestricted free agency in the early 90s led many to forecast tough times for the small-town Green Bay Packers. However, Green Bay has remained among the most successful teams since the advent of free agency in 1993. The Packers have won 10 or more games 10 times since 93 and captured seven division crowns. A look at the most successful teams in the free-agency era: Team W-L since 93 Pct. Playoff berths 1. New England 191-106-0.643 12 2. Green Bay 189-109-0.634 13 3. Pittsburgh 188-109-1.633 12 4. Indianapolis 174-124-0.584 13 5. Denver 171-127-0.574 8 IN THE LEAGUE RANKINGS, 2011 GREEN BAY (Team) Category NFC NFL Turnover Margin (+12)....... 2 2 Points Scored (35.5)......... 1 1 Points Allowed (21.2)........ 6 15 Total Offense (406.5)........ 3 4 Rushing (101.6)......... 10 21 Passing (304.9).......... 2 3 Total Defense (391.8)....... 15 30 vs. Rush (102.5)......... 7 12 vs. Pass (289.3)......... 16 31 Third-Down Offense (51.2%).. 2 2 Third-Down Defense (42.9%)... 14 26T Red-Zone Offense (64.3%).... 1 2 Red-Zone Defense (51.6%).. 11 16 DETROIT (Team) Category NFC NFL Turnover Margin (+9)........ 4 5 Points Scored (30.1)......... 3 3 Points Allowed (21.9)........ 9 20 Total Offense (373.5)........ 6 11 Rushing (101.1)......... 11 22 Passing (272.4).......... 5 8 Total Defense (327.5)........ 2 9 vs. Rush (134.7)........ 14 28 vs. Pass (192.8).......... 1 5 Third-Down Offense (29.9%). 15 31 Third-Down Defense (28.6%).. 1 1 Red-Zone Offense (56.8%).... 4 8 Red-Zone Defense (41.7%)....5 7 GREEN BAY (Individual) DETROIT (Individual) Category NFC NFL Category NFC NFL Rushing: Starks (541)...... 10T 21T Rushing: Best (390)........ 16 33 Passing: Rodgers (128.8)..... 1 1 Passing: Stafford (93.4)...... 6 8 Receptions: Jennings (53)...... 6 8T Receptions: Johnson (59)..... 3 4 Rec. Yds.: Jennings (761).... 6 9 Rec. Yds.: Johnson (974)..... 2 3 Sacks: Bishop/Matthews (5.0). 19T 30T Sacks: Avril/Vanden Bosch (6.0)..11T 14T Interceptions: Woodson (5).... 1T 1T Interceptions: Houston (4)..... 3T 5T 20
SCHEDULE NOTES 2011 OPPONENTS A GLANCE AT THE SCHEDULE 2011 NFL Rank Record Offense Defense at Atlanta Falcons...(6-4) 12 15 at Carolina Panthers...(2-8) 5 27 Chicago Bears...(7-3) 17 25 Denver Broncos...(5-5) 26 17 Detroit Lions...(7-3) 11 9 at Kansas City Chiefs*...(4-5) 27 23 Minnesota Vikings...(2-8) 19 19 New Orleans Saints...(7-3) 1 20 at New York Giants...(6-4) 13 21 Oakland Raiders...(6-4) 10 24 St. Louis Rams...(2-8) 30 22 at San Diego Chargers...(4-6) 8 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers..(4-6) 16 31 * play on MNF 21 The Green Bay Packers began the 2011 season at home against the New Orleans Saints. The matchup of the last two Super Bowl winners marked the first time in franchise history that the Packers opened their season on a Thursday night. The Packers went on the road in Week 2 to take on Carolina, the first of back-to-back road games for Green Bay. It was the second straight season that Green Bay played two contests away from Lambeau Field in the first three weeks. For the second straight season, the Packers visited Soldier Field in Week 3 to take on the Chicago Bears, a rematch of the 2010 NFC Championship Game. Green Bay faced another 2010 playoff foe in Week 5 when it traveled to Atlanta for a Sunday night contest against the Falcons on NBC. It was the Packers third game against an NFC South opponent in the first five weeks. The Packers hosted Minnesota in Week 10 on ESPN s Monday Night Football. 2011 marked the 19th consecutive season the Packers have appeared on MNF, the NFC s longest streak and the second-longest streak in the NFL (Denver, 20). For the third time in Head Coach Mike McCarthy s tenure, the Packers will travel to Detroit for a Thanksgiving Day matchup. Green Bay won the previous two Thanksgiving meetings (2007, 2009) under McCarthy. With the MNF game against Minnesota and the Thanksgiving game at Detroit, the Packers will have three games in an 11-day span. Green Bay has some recent experience with a stretch similar to that, having won three contests in 12 days in 2009 (Nov. 15-26). Both of the Packers December road games will be played outdoors in potential cold-weather conditions with visits to the N.Y. Giants (Week 13) and the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 15). Green Bay finishes the regular season with back-to-back home contests for the second straight season. The only other time the Packers have finished with two home games in consecutive seasons was 1922-23. The Packers will have three games at Lambeau Field this season Dec. 11 or later, the first time they have had that many since the 2005 campaign (also three). For just the second time in franchise annals, the Packers will play on Christmas. Green Bay will host Chicago in prime time on NBC. The only other Christmas game in Packers history also came against the Bears (2005) at Lambeau Field. The Packers will be the first NFL team to play on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year s Day in the same season, with all three games coming against divisional foes. Green Bay closes against an NFC North opponent for the fifth time in the past six seasons, this time against Detroit. By opening at home and ending the season with two games at Lambeau Field, the Packers play just five times in front of the home crowd in the 107 days in between Sept. 8 and Dec. 25. Thirteen games are slated for Sunday this season, with two Thursday contests and one on Monday night. Only six games are scheduled for noon (CT) starts with five games currently slated for 3:15 p.m. (CT).
STREAKS & MILESTONES 76 CHAD CLIFTON Has played in 164 career games, including 159 starts. Is one of only 15 players and four offensive linemen in team history to play 160 career games in a Green Bay uniform. Now trails only Forrest Gregg (187) for most games played by an offensive lineman in franchise history. Has started 127 of the last 138 games since returning from a serious pelvic injury that ended his 2002 season. 2 MASON CROSBY His 509 points from 2006-10 ranked No. 2 in NFL history for the most points scored by a player in his first four seasons, trailing only New England K Stephen Gostkowski (513, 2006-09). Holds the NFL record for most points scored by a player in his first three seasons (397), breaking the mark held by Gostkowski (388, 2006-08). Set a franchise record with a 58-yard field goal in Week 7 at Minnesota, eclipsing the mark of 56 yards he held (Week 1 at Philadelphia, 2010; Week 5 at Atlanta, 2011). For his career, has hit 80-of-89 field goals (89.9 percent) from 39 yards and closer. Has hit 28-of-39 field goals (71.8 percent) from 40-49 yards. Has hit 11-of-22 field goals (50.0 percent) from 50-plus yards. Ranks No. 5 in team annals with 600 career points, having surpassed Jim Taylor (546) at Atlanta in Week 5. Made 23 straight field goals from Week 13 last season through Week 10 this season, the longest regular-season streak in franchise history as he eclipsed Chris Jacke s mark of 17 (1993). 80 DONALD DRIVER Has 9,848 career receiving yards, which ranks No. 1 on the franchise s all-time list. Surpassed James Lofton (9,656) at Carolina in Week 2. Surpassed Sterling Sharpe (595) in 2009 to become the franchise s alltime leader in receptions. Driver now has 720 career catches. Had a reception in 133 consecutive games, besting the franchise s previous long streak of Sharpe s 103 (1988-94), before not catching a pass in Week 7 last season against Minnesota. In 2010, had 50-plus receptions for the ninth time, extending his franchise record. Lofton and Sharpe each had seven seasons with 50-plus catches. Is the all-time leading receiver at Lambeau Field, with 4,795 career receiving yards at the stadium. Also is Lambeau Field s all-time leader in receptions with 350. Topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a seventh overall season and sixth consecutive in 2009, extending his own team record in each category. Ranks No. 2 in team annals with 24 TD catches at Lambeau Field, trailing only WR Antonio Freeman (36) in the stadium s history. Has 22 career 100-yard receiving games, which is tied for No. 4 in team history. Needs two more games to equal No. 3 Don Hutson (24) on the all-time list. With 55 career TD receptions, joins Hutson (99), Sharpe (65), Freeman (57) and Max McGee (50) as the only Packers with 50 career TD catches. Ranks No. 2 all-time in yards from scrimmage with 10,065, moving past James Lofton (9,901) in Week 4 vs. Denver. 50 A.J. HAWK Has played in all 90 games in his career, including 87 starts, and has posted 26 double-digit tackle games. Posted a career-high three interceptions in 2010, a total that also was tied for No. 1 among NFL LBs. In 2009, was one of only 10 NFL linebackers to record at least 85 tackles, two interceptions and a sack. Has led the team in tackles three times during his career (2006, 2008, 2010). 85 GREG JENNINGS With 12 TD receptions in 2010, joined Sterling Sharpe, Antonio Freeman and Billy Howton as the only Packers to post 12-plus TD catches in two seasons. By eclipsing the 1,000-yard receiving mark last season, became the fifth player in team history to post three straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, joining Lofton, Sharpe, Freeman and Driver. His four career catches of 80-plus yards are a franchise record. His 30 catches of 40-plus yards since 2007 lead all NFL players. Had 147 receiving yards in Week 7 at Minnesota for his 22nd career 100- yard game, which moved him into a tie for the No. 4 spot in franchise history with Donald Driver. In Week 16 last season against the Giants, surpassed 5,000 career receiving yards in his 74th career game, making him the fourth fastest to 5,000 yards receiving in team annals. Ranks No. 8 in team history with 5,983 career receiving yards. Ranks No. 7 in franchise annals with 375 career catches. Surpassed Ahman Green (350) at Atlanta in Week 5. Is No. 7 in team history with 47 TD catches. Surpassed Billy Howton (43) at Atlanta in Week 5. Needs two more to match No. 6 James Lofton (49). 52 CLAY MATTHEWS His 17 sacks in his first 20 games were the most by an NFL player to start his career, eclipsing the mark of 16.5 set by Leslie O Neal (1986, 1988) and John Abraham (2000-01). Is the first NFL player since sacks became an official stat in 1982 to post a double-digit sack total and a defensive TD in each of his first two seasons in the league. First player in franchise annals to post 10-plus sacks in each of his first two years in the NFL. Ranks No. 10 in team history with 28.5 career sacks. Needs one sack to surpass No. 9 Cullen Jenkins (29.0). Is tied for No. 2 in team history with Tim Harris for the most sacks by a Packer in his first three seasons in the league with 28.5, trailing only Tony Bennett (29.5). Became first player in team history since sacks became an official league statistic in 1982 to post back-to-back three-sack games (Weeks 1-2, 2010). Ranks No. 5 in the NFL with 28.5 sacks since 2009. Set franchise rookie record with 10 sacks in 2009. Two years after he co-founded the Packers with Curly Lambeau, George Calhoun began writing a piece called The Dope Sheet, which served as the official press release and game program from 1921-24. 22