Regular season game four vs. Minnesota: Starting to wonder about this McCarthy guy

(Before we begin: I wanted to get this up immediately after the game, but I decided to sleep on my thoughts before I wrote anything.)

You could point to any number of reasons for why the Green Bay Packers suffered a 30-23 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Poor offensive line play, a quaterback who hangs on to the damn ball too long, a pathetic pass rush and stupid penalties would all suffice.

But the real reason the Packers dipped to 2-2 – and are essentially now three games out of first place in the NFC North – is perhaps the most eye-opening as it is something I never thought I’d be saying:

Green Bay is coached by Mike McCarthy.

Packers Preseason Opponents Announced

While it doesn’t have the same gusto or flair as the opening weekened Sunday night game against the Bears at Lambeau or Thanksgiving in Detroit, the Packers found out their four opponents for the 2009 preseason today.  The NFL released the preliminary schedule for the late summer cash derby today with the specific dates and times to be announced.

Despite getting some  nationally-televised games over the past few years, the Packers won’t be landing a national audience until their season-opener, which won’t garner many, if any complaints from fans. 

The Packers will open up with two straight home games, the first when former Favre boss, Eric Managini makes his Cleveland Browns coaching debut.  The game is slated for sometime between August 13 – 17.

Then about a week later the circus comes to town, with Terrell Owens as head ringleader when the Bills take Lambeau Field.  Although it will be only preseason, ESPN will make sure to highlight something Owens does.  Even if it is only filling up his paper cup with Gatordade on the sideline or sit-ups in K-Mart parking lot in front of a bunch of tailgaters.

The team closes out the preseason with back-to-back road games.  They travel Arizona for game three against the defending NFC Champions.  In the game where the starters usually get the most action, the Packers’ new 3-4 defense will get a good test against the vaunted Cardinals aerial attack.

In their final dress rehersal, the Packers travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans for what it seems to be like the 18th year in a row.  Now, it is only the preseason and I kind of dig the whole tradition thing (if that is the case), but can anyone explain why the Packers and Titans have meet every preseason for eight straight seasons?  I’m being serious, let us know.  It is more curiousity than anything, but please send any thoughts on this subject to olbagofdonuts@gmail.com or post a comment below.

2009 Green Bay Packers Preseason Opponents

August 13-17
Cleveland Browns (Midwest Shrine Game )
TV: state

August 20-24
Buffalo Bills (Bishop’s Charities Game )

August 27-31
at Arizona Cardinals

September 3-4
at Tennessee Titans

-Adam Somers

Thursday's Quick Slants

Here at Ol’ Bag of Donuts we want to break the latest story, move, and rumor surrounding 1265 Lombardi Avenue, but Ted Thompson isn’t helping.  Not all that shocking, but thanks Teddy from all of the writers, reporters and bloggers everywhere for making our jobs easy.  However, you are doing a disservice for all of readers with your whole hand sitting trick.

Maybe the re-signings of Greg Jennings and Nick Collins are on the horizon, which would make this all moot.  Or maybe Thompson is in full scouting mode that he hasn’t had time for free agency.  After producing one, one starter in the last two drafts (Mason Crosby), that may not be a bad idea.

But I digress because we aim to please and all of the donut faithful out there deserve something, anything that isn’t the travel plans of backup LB Kevin Burnett.  So on this crisp, cool March evening we are introducing Quick Slants, a overview look at news surrounding the team, NFC North and at times the NFL.  Enjoy.

Now that the Panda Watch has ended (or has it??), the Mike Montgomery watch continues.

ESPN’s draft guru’s and dateless Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have the Packers selecting pass-rushers in their latest mock drafts.

Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks also has the Packers thinking defense in his latest mock draft.

Pat Kirwan thinks they draft on the other side of the ball.

The Jay Cutler to the NFC North rumors looks like they may be over soon, as it appears the Vikings are no longer interested in the Denver gunslinger.

John Niyo says the Lions may still be in the mix though.

It looks like the Bears are taking the Ted Thompson approach to free agency says  Rosenbloom.

John Tait has hung up his cleats.

The Lions will definitely have  a new look roster this year and perhaps some new digs.  Hey, the few dozen Lions fans have to get excited about something.

Patriots making Patriot-type moves.

While some sources say Anquan Boldin is on the trading block, Cardinals G.M. Rod Graves has denied that.

T.O. already getting star treatment.

And Fat Albert has been indicited. Another smooth signing by Dan Snyder, who is has given an inside look into his negotiotiation processes.

Not to end on a cliffhanger, but watch out for the first Ol’ Bag of Donuts Mock Draft coming soon!

-Adam Somers

Thursday’s Quick Slants

Here at Ol’ Bag of Donuts we want to break the latest story, move, and rumor surrounding 1265 Lombardi Avenue, but Ted Thompson isn’t helping.  Not all that shocking, but thanks Teddy from all of the writers, reporters and bloggers everywhere for making our jobs easy.  However, you are doing a disservice for all of readers with your whole hand sitting trick.

Maybe the re-signings of Greg Jennings and Nick Collins are on the horizon, which would make this all moot.  Or maybe Thompson is in full scouting mode that he hasn’t had time for free agency.  After producing one, one starter in the last two drafts (Mason Crosby), that may not be a bad idea.

But I digress because we aim to please and all of the donut faithful out there deserve something, anything that isn’t the travel plans of backup LB Kevin Burnett.  So on this crisp, cool March evening we are introducing Quick Slants, a overview look at news surrounding the team, NFC North and at times the NFL.  Enjoy.

Now that the Panda Watch has ended (or has it??), the Mike Montgomery watch continues.

ESPN’s draft guru’s and dateless Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have the Packers selecting pass-rushers in their latest mock drafts.

Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks also has the Packers thinking defense in his latest mock draft.

Pat Kirwan thinks they draft on the other side of the ball.

The Jay Cutler to the NFC North rumors looks like they may be over soon, as it appears the Vikings are no longer interested in the Denver gunslinger.

John Niyo says the Lions may still be in the mix though.

It looks like the Bears are taking the Ted Thompson approach to free agency says  Rosenbloom.

John Tait has hung up his cleats.

The Lions will definitely have  a new look roster this year and perhaps some new digs.  Hey, the few dozen Lions fans have to get excited about something.

Patriots making Patriot-type moves.

While some sources say Anquan Boldin is on the trading block, Cardinals G.M. Rod Graves has denied that.

T.O. already getting star treatment.

And Fat Albert has been indicited. Another smooth signing by Dan Snyder, who is has given an inside look into his negotiotiation processes.

Not to end on a cliffhanger, but watch out for the first Ol’ Bag of Donuts Mock Draft coming soon!

-Adam Somers