Green Bay Update
by Jeff Ash, jeffash@netnet.net
Friday, October 27, 2000
"Green Bay update, Friday 10/27"
Greetings from Green Bay on another mild, muggy, overcast day, but one on
which I got the leaves cleared from the lawn.
The Packers (3-4) play the Dolphins (5-2) at Pro Player Stadium in Miami at
noon Sunday. It'll be televised regionally on Fox, with Scott Graham and
Brian Baldinger on the call. It'll also be on the Packer Radio Network,
with Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren on the call. Radio coverage is
available for free on the Internet, with the game broadcasts offered via
the Packers' web site (http://www.packers.com) and 3 hours each of pregame
and postgame programming offered via WTMJ radio in Milwaukee
(http://www.wtmj.com or 620wtmj.com).
Here's the early weather forecast from Keith, our longtime Update
meteorologist in Norman, Okla.: Mostly sunny, warm and humid. High in the
mid-80s. For updates, check Keith's web site
(http://www.galstar.com/~kbrews/packwx).
And, of course, here is Keith's take on the game:
>From a weekend of tennis and bowlin',
'Comes the Pack, now a-strollin',
Loose and unwound,
And tropically bound,
As off for Fish they are trollin'.
The week's news and notes
-- WR Antonio Freeman didn't get back to town in time for a team meeting
starting at noon Monday, or practice, or an NFL Players Association
meeting. An extremely irritated coach Mike Sherman fined him about $9,000,
but decided against benching him for part of Sunday's game. Freeman
couldn't get back from Miami on time when a Monday morning flight was
canceled because of mechanical problems. Freeman also was late to the 1st
minicamp in April, also irritating Sherman. From the following quotes, it
would seem Freeman is on a rather short leash attached directly to
Sherman's doghouse.
A quote from Freeman: "There's no one else to blame except myself. I should
have been here. But I am a human being, unlike what most you think. I am
entitled to my mistakes, plural, and I made a mistake. I'm ready to deal
with the consequences."
A quote from Sherman: "If it was something that happened the night before a
game, I think (benching him) would be a very strong possibility. ... But in
this situation, I think I proved my point because of the significant
consequence that he's under right now. So I don't think that (benching him)
would be as beneficial as what I have already planned for him."
And the prevailing view, from Green Bay Press-Gazette columnist Chris
Havel: "Meanwhile, the Packers would be wise to proceed as if Freeman can't
be counted on over the long haul. This, too, is a consequence of his
actions. (Freeman's tardiness) raised legitimate concerns as to the level
of his commitment to the Packers and their success. ... Despite his
marvelous skills, I suspect the degree of latitude has shrunk considerably.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if GM Ron Wolf and his armada of scouts
intensifies (the) search for the Packers' next great receiver."
-- Rookie Ts Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher stayed after practice on
Thursday to get some extra snaps in preparing for the Dolphins. When
Sherman saw them working out on their own, he walked over and asked whether
they were ready. They said yes.
-- Looks as if WR Corey Bradford will be back for Sunday's game. Look for
Bradford on punt and kickoff coverage teams, but he's still shaking off the
rust on his pass patterns after missing more than 2 months with a broken
left leg. He's been fine straight ahead, but isn't back to normal when
cutting or running tougher routes. He also has developed some Achilles
tendinitis, but has had his leg taped differently to better support it.
-- DE Vonnie Holliday also will be back Sunday. His pulled right hamstring
is better, and he practiced Monday for the 1st time in a month. He
practiced all week and likely will start if he stays healthy. Even so, he
may see only spot duty against the Dolphins.
-- DE David Bowens didn't practice all week, resting a badly sprained right
ankle. He said he hoped to play Sunday, but that seems doubtful. It's more
likely that he'll be back the following week, for the Monday night game
against the Vikings.
-- RT Earl Dotson (back) and TE Ryan Wetnight (hamstring) won't play
against the Dolphins.
-- Nor will rookie S Gary Berry, who hasn't practiced since injuring his
neck against the Bears a month ago. He's visiting specialists to get a
precise diagnosis of his injury to determine how to treat it. He could miss
the rest of the season.
-- RB Dorsey Levens was delighted to have the bye week. It allowed him to
rest his sore left knee and ankle. It'll be sore all season, though. A
quote from him: "Sunday will be the big test, but I feel as good now as
I've felt all year."
-- Roster update: Backup T Barry Stokes was re-signed after G Raleigh
McKenzie was releasead last week. Still no word on the Packers' plans for
RB De'Mond Parker, who is coming off the physically unable to perform list.
They must activate him, cut him or put him on injured reserve.
-- Rookie RB Rondell Mealey, who blew out his left knee in the preseason,
expects to be back in time for the Packers' 1st offseason minicamp in
April.
The viewer mailbox is empty this week. Glad you enjoyed your bye week. As
always, your questions and comments are welcome at jeffash@netnet.net
Adventures with Evan: Not much charming to write about our boy this week.
He has been a pistol, both at school and at home. Let's hope the coming
week is better.
This week's sources: Green Bay Press-Gazette (http://www.packersnews.com or
greenbaypressgazette.com), Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(http://www.jsonline.com/packer/news/) and Packers (http://www.packers.com)
web pages. Check the Packers' current roster at
packers.com
-- If you wish to show your appreciation for these Packers updates,
volunteer or make a donation to the charity of your choice. Thanks as
always to Janet for saving the papers and to Scott for providing the mail
service and the web space on South End Zone.
Thanks, Jeff
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