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We're Black and Blue All Over:

As most of the NFL moves into the offseason, everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the Green Bay Packers.

As we noted Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs interviewed offensive coordinator Joe Philbin for their head-coaching job Wednesday. Although interim coach Romeo Crennel is the favorite for the job, AFC West colleague Bill Williamson reports that Philbin is a serious candidate as well. Philbin has another interview scheduled with a second team as well, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders interviewed Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie for their general manager job, and McKenzie is considered a top candidate for the job. He could also emerge as a candidate for the Chicago Bears' general manager opening.

Director of college scouting John Dorsey turned down an opportunity to interview for the Indianapolis Colts' general manager job, according to Schefter. Finally, quarterbacks coach Tom Clements remains a candidate for the Penn State head-coaching job.

Coaches of teams on a bye can interview until this weekend. Front office executives aren't bound by those rules.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Packers receiver Greg Jennings (knee) returned to practice Wednesday and is set to play in the Packers' divisional playoff game on Jan. 15.
• Could Brad Jones emerge as one of the Packers' starting linebackers in the playoffs? Silverstein looks into it for the Journal Sentinel.
• Packers coach Mike McCarthy needs to brush up on his overtime playoff rules, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Detroit Lions have been holding receiver Calvin Johnson (Achilles) out of practice this week, but he will play Saturday night against the New Orleans Saints. Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com has more.
• Lions receiver Titus Young has matured over the past month, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Lions center Dominic Raiola wasn't happy to hear that San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is preparing to face the Saints in the second round of the playoffs. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News explains.
• Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune reviews some possible general manager candidates for the Bears.
• Former Bears receiver Sam Hurd was indicted on two drug-related counts Wednesday, reports Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune looks at coach Lovie Smith's search for his next offensive coordinator.
• Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that Smith should promote offensive line coach Mike Tice to the job.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com has a list of every Minnesota Vikings player's contract situation.
• The Vikings are hoping to negotiate a truce with their Metrodome landlords, who say their lease should extend another year because of a little-known clause. Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press has more.
• Vikings coach Leslie Frazier hasn't ruled out a 3-4 defense for 2012, notes Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 1
Preseason Power Ranking: 1

Biggest surprise: Wide receiver Jordy Nelson had a standout performance in Super Bowl XLV, but few were expecting the kind of breakthrough season he produced in 2011. On a team stocked with elite talent from receiver Greg Jennings to tight end Jermichael Finley, it was Nelson who led the Packers with 68 receptions for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns. Only two players in the league, Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots and Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, caught more touchdowns. Nelson continually got behind defenses who either misjudged his speed or were drawn elsewhere. He deftly handled a midseason discussion about race and his position, and ultimately proved to be one of the league's top downfield threats. He averaged 18.6 yards per catch, and his touchdowns included distances of 93, 84, 58, 55, 50 and 40 yards.

Biggest disappointment: There aren't many options for a team that won 15 regular season games, the sixth time that's happened in NFL history. But few people in the Packers organization were thrilled by the performance of the pass defense, which allowed an NFL-record 4,796 yards and pushed the Packers to the bottom of the NFL in total defense. (They ranked No. 5 in 2010.) It didn't cost them a game in 2011, partly because they mitigated the yardage total with a league-high 31 interceptions and partly because their offense was one of the league's best. The big concern, of course, is that a hot quarterback could capitalize in the playoffs and end the Packers' dreams for a repeat Super Bowl.

Biggest need: The Packers tried to piece together their right outside linebacker position this year with 2010 street free agent Erik Walden, second-year player Frank Zombo and reserve Brad Jones. Walden didn't make much of an impact as a pass rusher, managing three sacks in 16 games. Zombo was hurt most of the season and Jones was ineffective. Previously, we figured the Packers could skate by as long as All-Pro Clay Matthews was on the opposite side. But offensive attention shifted to Matthews this season, limiting him to six sacks, and no one picked up the slack. The Packers finished tied for No. 27 in the NFL in sacks (27) and it might be time to devote another high draft choice to the position to provide a pass-rushing alternative.

Team MVP: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the favorite to win the NFL MVP, making him a pretty decent candidate for the team award. In a year of obscene yardage totals from Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford, Rodgers was the league's most efficient and least mistake-prone quarterback. He set an NFL record with a 122.5 passer rating and became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards while also throwing six or less interceptions. It's true that the Packers' offense continued humming along when Rodgers sat out the regular season finale, but those who saw large chunks of his season know that he was operating on a never-before-seen plane for the first two-thirds of the season. Rodgers has perfected the art of the back-shoulder throw and helped deliver the phrase "throwing open" into the public NFL lexicon.

Penalty watch: We could devote an entire post to the milestones surpassed and records set for this team. Two that didn't get nearly enough attention: 14 turnovers and 76 penalties, both of which qualified as the lowest figures in a 16-game season in franchise history. Penalties don't always correlate with wins and losses. But viewed together, we can say with some confidence that the Packers didn't make many mistakes this season.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

With so much discussion recently about the future of Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz, we've hardly noted that another prominent Bears assistant also has an expiring contract and is uncertain to return.

Highly regarded special teams coordinator Dave Toub is a coaching "free agent" and has aspirations to be a head coach. In a story first reported by the Chicago Tribune, Toub is a candidate for the Miami Dolphins' job and has been scheduled for an interview.

Toub would seem likely to return to Chicago if he doesn't get the Dolphins job, but as a free agent he would have the opportunity to field offers to fulfill the same job elsewhere. The Bears might have to match a big contract offer to retain him. Stay tuned.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears coach Lovie Smith was pretty neutral on the future of Martz during a news conference, notes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Here's how Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com interpreted Smith's comments on Martz: "In Lovie-speak, that reads as much like Martz is not coming back as anything short of a press release announcing it."
• Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune grades the Bears' offense.
• The Detroit Lions aren't just happy to be in the playoffs, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• The Lions haven't been great with their blitz, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• The Lions' front seven deserves some of the blame for giving up 480 passing yards to Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn, writes Philip Zaroo of Mlive.com.
• The Packers are considering making Brad Jones their starting right outside linebacker for the playoffs, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The Packers are an awfully healthy team heading into the playoffs, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• After finishing last year with 15 players on injured reserve, the Packers have six at the moment, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Minnesota Vikings players are bracing for significant personnel changes in 2012, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.
• The Vikings have nearly 20 free agents heading into the offseason, notes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com breaks down the tape of the Vikings' loss to the Bears, noting among other things that rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph got more snaps than veteran Visanthe Shiancoe for the third consecutive week.

Let's get to Thursday's newsbits in the NFC North, including an eye-opening quote from the defensive coordinator of the next team that will try to knock the Green Bay Packers off their undefeated perch:

Chicago Bears: Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) and Zack Bowman (groin) were back to full participants in practice. Defensive lineman Anthony Adams (back) did not practice. Receiver/kick returner Devin Hester missed practice for personal reasons.

Detroit Lions: Running back Kevin Smith (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis, spurring hopes he could play Thursday against the New Orleans Saints. Safety Louis Delmas (knee), cornerback Chris Houston (knee) and cornerback Brandon McDonald (thigh) all missed practice again.

Green Bay Packers: Linebackers A.J. Hawk (calf) and Desmond Bishop (calf) both sat out a second consecutive day of practice. Coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers have given Brad Jones some practice snaps at inside linebacker for depth purposes if Hawk and/or Bishop can't play Sunday against the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell told reporters in New York that his players will get after Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. Fewell, via Mike Garafalo of the Newark Star-Ledger: "[W]e just have to get after his [butt], okay? And if we do that and he scrambles then that's the price he's going to have to pay because we're going to hit him. We're going to hit him."

Minnesota Vikings: Joe Webb will move up to No. 2 quarterback in the wake of Donovan McNabb's departure, a move that will change plans to use Webb more as a receiver over the final five games. Running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) and linebacker E.J. Henderson (shoulder) again missed practice. Peterson told reporters that he hasn't given up hope for playing Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Minnesota state government announced it has an unexpected $876 million budget surplus over the next two years. But for those who hope that money could go toward a new Vikings stadium, be advised that the state is legally obligated to use the entire amount to replenish emergency reserve accounts.

Getting inside the Friday injury report, which is only half complete because Saturday is the Friday for our two Monday Night Football participants. We'll touch on the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions in a separate post to come.

Green Bay Packers: Right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) will miss his second consecutive game and be replaced by Marshall Newhouse for Sunday night's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) is doubtful and isn't likely to play, either. Linebacker Brad Jones (hamstring) is questionable.

Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) hasn't practiced all week and is listed as doubtful. Unless he makes significant progress over the weekend, Winfield will miss Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Chris Cook would be his replacement in the starting lineup, with Asher Allen working in the nickel. Punter Chris Kluwe (hamstring) is listed as questionable but expected to play.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Most of the Green Bay Packers' starting positions were set long before training camp began, and now the two positions with legitimate competition are beginning to favor at least a mid-August winner.

T.J. Lang appears to have moved ahead of rookie Derek Sherrod at left guard, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. And for at least the time being, the Packers have stopped their three-way rotation at right outside linebacker and installed Erik Walden as the player taking consistent first-team repetitions, writes Bob McGinn.

Obviously these arrangements could change at any time. Typically a first-round draft choice like Sherrod will have an advantage in a position competition, but the Packers aren't looking to make any projections when it comes to protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Walden, meanwhile, probably has more playmaking ability than Frank Zombo or Brad Jones. Stay tuned.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Packers have pulled back the practice reps even more for left tackle Chad Clifton to protect his knees, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Cornerback Pat Lee made a stunning interception during practice Wednesday, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz has gotten into the head of backup quarterback Caleb Hanie, and not in a good way, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune.
• Bears right guard Lance Louis left practice Wednesday because he was ill, forcing center Roberto Garza to slide over and reserve Chris Spencer to play center during team drills. Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com has more.
• Bears receiver Roy Williams is (playfully) lobbying quarterback Jay Cutler for more passes, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz stopped practice Wednesday and forced his team to run gassers to "expel" energy they had channeled into a number of practice fights, writes Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News.
• John Niyo of the Detroit News on the NFL's $20,000 fine of Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh: "For fans in Detroit, it's all the more exhilarating. Honestly, when's the last time Detroit had a defensive star who was cheered -- and feared -- quite like this guy already is after one full season?"
• Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham on Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, via the Detroit Free Press: "You've got one guy in the league, Nnamdi, and all he does is press. You ever see him make a tackle? He presses the wide receiver, and he's great at it. But there's more to playing DB than just pressing wide receivers."
• Minnesota Vikings tight end Allen Reisner is one of a handful of rookie free agents with a chance to make the final roster, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Seattle Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice told Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the Vikings didn't demonstrate much interest in re-signing him.
• Vikings receiver Percy Harvin might not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks because of a rib injury, notes the Star Tribune.

Before Friday, I had never had the remote inclination to watch a championship team's visit to the White House. So while I have no context for comparison, the Green Bay Packers' visit Friday afternoon was fun and particularly interesting for its NFC North angles.

Among them: the president of the United States' request to trade quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Chicago Bears. More in a bit.

President Barack Obama, of course, is a longtime Bears fan who provided the Packers some bulletin-board material in January when he said he would attend Super Bowl XLV only if the Bears won the NFC Championship Game. After the Packers' victory, cornerback Charles Woodson told teammates that if Obama didn't want to see the Packers play in the Super Bowl, "we'll go see him" by winning it.

On Friday, Obama said he had learned something during that episode: "Don't mess with Charles Woodson."

In light-hearted remarks during a 10-minute ceremony, Obama said: "I'm just going to come out and say it: This hurts a little bit. This is a hard thing for a Bears fan to do."

He added: "You guys [are] coming into my house to rub it in. What are you going to do, go to Ditka's house next?"

Packers fans, Obama said, should "enjoy it while it lasts" because Bears fans "have two dates circled" this season -- the two Bears-Packers games. Joking, I think, Obama reminded the Packers that "if you guys are on a roll" late in the season, "just keep in mind that there is only one person here who can ground all planes in and out of Green Bay if he has to."

Obama got in the obligatory joke about linebacker Clay Matthews' hair and, after Woodson presented him with an honorary share of Packers stock, Obama said: "If I'm a part owner, what I'm thinking is we should initiate a trade to send Rodgers down to the Bears. What do you think?"

Woodson then clarified that Obama is "a minority owner."


(An aside: Jay Cutler just can't get an ounce of love -- not even from the president of the United States!)

Meanwhile, Packers players filled Twitter with some cool photographs from their day at the White House. Some of the best:

• Linebacker A.J. Hawk, tight end Spencer Havner, linebacker Brad Jones and Rodgers in front of an Abraham Lincoln portrait.
• A view of the White House you don't normally see from tight end Tom Crabtree.
• Safety Nick Collins' view of Obama's entrance with coach Mike McCarthy, team president Mark Murphy and general manager Ted Thompson (not shown).
• Receiver Greg Jennings' photo with Woodson and Obama.

In a classy move, the Packers brought former right tackle Mark Tauscher with them on the trip. Tauscher was released this summer. Meanwhile, linebacker Desmond Bishop tweeted that he left his identification in the Packers' team plane and was denied access to the ceremony.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The NFL lockout robbed the Green Bay Packers of some traditional pomp and circumstance normally afforded to Super Bowl champions. They have yet to visit the White House. Their ring distribution was pushed back to an anticlimactic mid-June ceremony. Some key players didn't finalize new contracts until late July.

So as they reported to training camp this past weekend, the Packers were focused on recreating the special circumstances that led to their Super Bowl XLV victory in hopes of an encore trip this season. They bid farewell to several players whose jobs were phased out by the end of 2010, but at the public behest of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and others, they brought back a number of others whose secondary contributions seemed too valuable to lose.

"That was important," Rodgers said. "I don't think you get better by robbing from the whole. We were fortunate enough to bring back some of our guys and also bring some guys back who were injured. You start off with a great amount of chemistry between the guys. It's a close-knit locker room, and guys hang out with each other, enjoy spending time together and enjoy working together.

"So we have that going for us, which I know doesn't go on for every team, and that does a lot. When you can count on the guy next to you, when you spend time with him, when you spend time after practice watching film, that's important stuff when it comes down to crunch time and winning games."

Appropriately, I spoke with Rodgers only after he wrapped up a locker room card game. Having been apart for the entire offseason, Packers players clearly were relishing the renewal of friendships and bonds forged during their championship run. Coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers' "No. 1 issue" will be handling success, and players are channeling that request toward a second Super Bowl title -- and a proper celebration afterward.

"A-Rod was able to keep some of the guys that he wants so they can still be explosive," safety Nick Collins said. "We kept some of our main people on defense so we can keep doing what we're doing. Now it's just a matter of putting it all together again."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Tight end Jermichael Finley is back (most of him): Felled last season by a Week 5 knee injury and later a postsurgical infection, the Packers tight end reported to training camp in superb shape after a long rehabilitation. He has without question trimmed his already-wiry frame and drew skepticism when he insisted he weighed in at 240 pounds.

The Packers' medical staff prescribed a gradual return to football activities, but it didn't take long for Finley to display his unique receiving skills during an individual drill. When two quarterbacks inadvertently threw him passes, Finley calmly caught one and tucked it under his arm, then caught the other.

Finley's return will prove as challenging as it is exciting and should be a focal point over the next few weeks. After his injury, the Packers refocused their offense around receiver Greg Jennings. Rodgers said it will be a "challenge" to fold in the pre- and post-injury schemes.

"You add another talented guy back to the mix like that," Rodgers said, "and it's tough to get the ball around to all of our skill guys. You've got to find a way to get everyone else involved, realizing that you might be bringing back the most talented guy to the offense.

"When [Finley] is out there, we're a different team. Defensive coordinators have a difficult job when they're trying to figure out how to cover him. It's going to be important for us to find ways to get him the ball but also to keep the other guys involved who played big roles for us last year."

2. The extents of leadership: Rodgers said in a number of interviews that he wanted the Packers to re-sign receiver James Jones and running back John Kuhn. Both returned with three-year contracts on Sunday.

But Rodgers insisted in the strongest terms possible that he never went to general manager Ted Thompson to plead either case. "That's 100 percent untrue," he said.

Asked how much he talked to Thompson or coach Mike McCarthy about the issue, Rodgers said: "Zero."

He added, "I don't get paid to do that. I get paid to play quarterback. I don't make those decisions. You look at Ted's track record. He's done an incredible job of bringing in talent. They've done an incredible job bringing in talent; they bring in the talent, I get paid to play quarterback. It's not my style to go up there and say anything to those guys."

At the same time, let's not be naive. When a Super Bowl MVP publicly calls for a reasonable personnel move, it shouldn't be surprising to see it happen.

3. Backfield rotation: I saw no evidence that the Packers plan for anything other than Ryan Grant to be their starting tailback when the season opens. There has been plenty of discussion about Grant's future after the postseason emergence of James Starks and the arrival of rookie Alex Green, but Grant worked with the first team throughout the first three days of practice and had some runs, McCarthy said, "that looked like Ryan Grant looks like in the regular season."

Starks also got some time with the first team, and that kind of rotation is fully expected to continue. The one question mark is on third downs following the free-agent departure of Brandon Jackson. Neither Grant nor Starks is known for his receiving ability. Could Green be that guy? Or is that why Rodgers wanted Kuhn back? I'm guessing it's the latter.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Under McCarthy, the Packers have a long history of shifting offensive linemen to fill vacant positions. But it was still interesting to see first-round draft pick Derek Sherrod line up at left guard with the first team for three consecutive practices.

Sherrod was drafted as a left tackle and said he had never played left guard before Saturday evening. He appeared to hold his own on a physical level, although there was no doubt that his head was swimming in the Packers' playbook.

"Once he gets it down mentally, he's going to be a damn good player," right guard Josh Sitton said. "I think he's got the confidence. He's got the talent level. I think he's going to be a good player."

If Sherrod maintains his spot, the Packers will open the season with two first-round picks and one second-rounder among their five starters. And after adding his 6-foot-5, 321-pound frame to the group, the Packers now have what McCarthy called "our biggest line in my six years here."

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Since last summer, we've been hearing about the potential of defensive end Mike Neal, the Packers' second-round pick in the 2010 draft. His chiseled 294-pound frame certainly looks the part. But Neal didn't practice much during my time in Green Bay because he is still recovering from surgery this past fall to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his shoulder.

I'm not in any way questioning Neal's toughness or the level of his rehabilitation. But the departure of veteran Cullen Jenkins opened the door for Neal to take the right end job and own it. Nothing can happen until he heals and strings together a few weeks of uninterrupted practice. The Packers are hoping to accelerate his return by the end of this week. For now, the Packers are using C.J. Wilson in that spot.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Rookie Randall Cobb is working at all three receiving positions as both a kickoff and punt returner and even as the backup holder. His acceleration and aggressiveness in the open field were eye-opening, at least with the team in shorts and helmets. Although much could change, McCarthy said he is giving Cobb a longer look at punt returner than at kickoffs. He is hoping Green emerges to handle the latter.
• McCarthy has been complimentary of rookie tight ends D.J. Williams and Ryan Taylor. Both are athletic and have good hands. Because of Finley's return schedule and Andrew Quarless' hip flexor, Williams and Taylor both got good work with the first team. You have to wonder whether Williams, especially, will challenge Quarless' roster spot.
• The Packers have shifted to a new camp schedule that features one practice a day, usually with a 7 p.m. local start. The plus for players? No two-a-days. The downside? "There are a lot more meetings," linebacker Clay Matthews said. Rodgers said, "We're in meetings all day. It's a great opportunity for young guys to get into the playbook. But it is a longer day because you're in meetings, but it's positive for the young guys." McCarthy planned this schedule before the lockout, but in the end it will help new players catch up quicker.
• Matthews slimmed down with a focus on running this offseason and came to training camp determined to avoid the hamstring injuries he incurred in the Packers' previous two training camps. (Did he really need those camps? You decide.) I thought it was interesting that on the first play of team drills in full pads, Matthews stood up right tackle Bryan Bulaga and made the stop on a running play. One of the Packers' weaknesses last season was run defense on Matthews' side.
• Why was Jones' return so important? Here's how Jennings put it: "We're looked at and viewed as one of the better receiving corps in the NFL. You unplug any one of those guys, that outlook kind of goes down. I don't care which one you unplug, it goes down. If we had lost James, we definitely would have had a void to fill."
• McCarthy hasn't always kept three quarterbacks on his 53-man roster, but he likes what he's seen from No. 3 quarterback Graham Harrell. I like keeping the third quarterback, and frankly it's risky the way we've gone about it," McCarthy said. "If you asked me my druthers, if I could keep three quarterbacks, I would always keep three, and I would have a fourth on developmental. It's the most important position in football. ... When it was Brett [Favre] and Aaron you never blinked. But Matt [Flynn] has also now shown he is durable and a tough guy, so he's also given us that flexibility to go and carry the extra DB. But if you're asking me to assess it from a risk standpoint, I would definitely lean toward keeping a third."
• I saw one padded practice in my three days with the Packers. It lasted nearly two and a half hours. McCarthy called it "sluggish," but to me it was understandable. The biggest sign that players weren't quite in their element yet: not a single fight or raised temper that I could see.
• Safety Morgan Burnett (knee) has been cleared for full practice but is not yet working with the first team. To this point, at least, Charlie Peprah has maintained his starting spot. At right outside linebacker, however, the Packers rotated three players with the first team: Frank Zombo, Erik Walden and Brad Jones.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Chicago Bears flipped their offensive tackles during Monday night's training camp practice, putting J'Marcus Webb on the left side and rookie Gabe Carimi on the right. From the sounds of it, that's how they hope to enter the regular season.

Offensive line coach Mike Tice said he "doesn't want to play games" with the lineup, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Tice said Webb is better suited for the position athletically, and it's now clear the Bears won't be signing another veteran free agent to compete for a starting job.

I'm all for maintaining continuity along the offensive line to allow players to develop in their assigned roles, but let's just say there is some doubt around the NFL about whether Webb can play left tackle. In May, I suggested that Carimi might be the best short-term option on the left side because of his college experience, even if he projected long-term as a right tackle. In the end, the Bears are taking a leap of faith that Webb can develop at a more difficult position after having an up-and-down season on the right side last year.

True left tackles are a rare commodity. If you're choosing from two on the third day of training camp, maybe you have none.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears players seemed fatigued after Monday night's practice, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Bears teammates were sharing anecdotes of awe Monday about now-departed center Olin Kreutz, notes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News on the Detroit Lions' free-agent approach: "The Lions have resisted temptation, and for now, they're wise to do so."
• Lions right tackle Gosder Cherilus rested his surgically repaired knee during Monday's practice. Donald Thomas worked in his place, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, while Jason Fox continues to work at left tackle in place of the injured Jeff Backus.
• Lions quarterback Shaun Hill has recovered from offseason back surgery, writes Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com.
• Linebacker Brad Jones is among the players who have returned to health at the start of the Green Bay Packers' training camp, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Rookie tight end D.J. Williams is making a good early impression at Packers camp, notes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• The Packers are going to give left tackle Chad Clifton plenty of rest during training camp, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie wouldn't explain why he was placed on the non-football injury list to start the season, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Vikings coach Leslie Frazier on McKinnie's situation, via Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune: "He's on NFI and we're going to take a look at some things and just try to get him where we need him to be. But Bryant's going to be fine. He's going to be fine. We've just got to go through some things and get him ready for the things that are ahead."
• The Vikings have cleared cornerback Cedric Griffin (knee) to practice, notes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Tuesday's SportsNation chat. You had a number of thought-provoking questions that I wanted to post for the larger blog community. To make it worth your while, I've invoked of my all-time favorite movie scenes to provide some additional thoughts.

Eric (Wash, DC)

So Kev, how many new starters do you think the Lions NEED to compete for a playoff spot in 2011? I would argue they need 2 OLBs and 1 CB. Other upgrades (OT, 3rd WR, RB, SS, another CB) would obviously be nice, but I think they are 3 starters away from being relevant.

Kevin Seifert (2:16 PM)

Very interesting. Agree they need two outside linebackers and cornerback, but that's assuming they also re-sign Chris Houston. They'll also need to figure out whether they're going to bring back Cliff Avril and keep their fingers crossed that KVB comes back at full strength.

And then: We're speaking about Kyle Vanden Bosch, of course. I do think one of the fundamental problems with projections is that it often assumes that prior performances will be maintained. How do we know there isn't a starter who played well last season who will take a big step back in 2011? But in general, it speaks well to the Lions' progress to consider them down to a handful of needs, be it three of or five, rather than an entire roster full.

Ben (Sandy, UT)

I keep hearing that the Packers need to draft an OLB from experts in the first round, and yet Walden and Zombo both contributed quite well, not to mention Brad Jones is coming back. Isn't the biggest need an OT?

Kevin Seifert (2:25 PM)

Well, like I said, the need isn't dramatic. And if your worst problem is that you have a committee system at one of our OLB positions, you're OK. But it's hard to go into a season relying on a player to start who couldn't stay on the field the previous year. So it would be nice to find continuity there one way or the other. As for OT, they can probably squeeze another year out of Chad Clifton. If their plan is to eventually move Bulaga out to LT and make Lang the RT, then they're pretty much set.

And then: It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if the Packers patched together another season with Brad Jones, Frank Zombo and Erik Walden. But when you're sitting in your offseason lab, it makes sense to at least pursue a more permanent situation.

Matt (Pa)

Why would any team consider drafting a rookie QB this year if there's a lockout pending. They won't be able to work with coaches, or even learn a new playbook. Wouldn't that basically render a rookie QB worthless this year?

Kevin Seifert (2:26 PM)

You draft a QB in the first round for the long-term, not just for the coming year. I agree there will be a development issue off the bat, but eventually it won't matter.

And then: In some ways, the lockout could be a blessing in disguise. If the lack of an offseason program sets back a quarterback to the point where the team can't start him as a rookie, perhaps the extra development time could be a net positive.

Andy (Arlington, VA)

Kevin, while GB could certainly use some depth at the LB, OL and CB positions, what do you think about using a high draft pick on a one-dimensional return specialist? It was the one missing piece from the GB arsenal, and while teams don't normally waste a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a return specialist, is that a luxury that GB can afford?

Kevin Seifert (2:31 PM)

A really nice point, and one that the Bears proved with Devin Hester. He, of course, was a second-round pick. But I honestly don't know if there is a return guy coming out in this draft who would be worth a pick that high. I'll write that down on my combine list, though.

And then: Knowing what we know now, would Hester have been worth a first-round draft pick? I think you can make that argument.

Don't worry. I've sent a whole package of "Hello, my name is _______" stickers to the Green Bay Packers locker room.

The Packer added their veteran in two days Wednesday afternoon by claiming nose tackle Howard Green off waivers from the New York Jets. Green will join the trio of linebackers the Packers also acquired as they desperately try to rebuild their depth following a spate of injuries.

Green took the roster spot of linebacker Brad Jones, whom the Packers placed on injured reserve a few hours after coach Mike McCarthy revealed he had a significant shoulder injury. Jones is the 11th player the Packers have lost for the season because of injury.

Green, 31, will provide some depth for a defensive line that could be without Ryan Pickett (ankle) and Cullen Jenkins (calf) on Sunday against the New York Jets. Neither player practiced Wednesday.

Man alive. If you want to know why the Green Bay Packers suddenly added three new linebackers this week, well, you might not want to hear this. Another starter has suffered a serious injury.

Linebacker Brad Jones, who had perhaps his best game of the season last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, has what Packers coach Mike McCarthy termed a significant shoulder injury that will require surgery at some point. Jones is out for Sunday's game at the New York Jets, but it's not yet clear if he will miss the remainder of the season or if he will try to put off surgery.

Already, two linebackers -- Nick Barnett and Brady Poppinga -- are among the nine players the Packers have on injured reserve. As a result, the Packers signed claimed Diyral Briggs off waivers from Denver and signed free agents Matt Wilhelm and Erik Walden. All three will focus on special teams, while the Packers' presumed starters will be Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop and Frank Zombo.

I don't even know what to say anymore about the Packers' injury situation. Jones has had trouble staying on the field all season, but Sunday night he had six tackles and put the hit on Vikings quarterback Brett Favre that not only caused an interception but also resulted in two left foot fractures. The Packers' motto for this season needs to be "Next man up." Either that or, "Mercy."

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The tea leaves suggest that Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris will return to the field this week after a one-game absence, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Biggs: "From the sounds of things, Tommie Harris will be back in action Sunday night against the Giants. Lovie Smith wouldn't come out and say as much, but he dropped hints Wednesday that the defensive tackle will be back in the mix after he was benched for the third time in three seasons Monday night against the Packers."

Smith has said Harris' deactivation for Monday night's game against the Green Bay Packers was based on performance, and it's hard to argue that point after looking at Harris' two-game stat line (one tackle, no sacks). But it would have been hard to believe the Bears would permanently give up on him after two games, either.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is taking a lot of hits this season, notes Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald.
• Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa explains to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com how it came to be that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers paid for his dinner Sunday night in Chicago, along with that of tight end Desmond Clark, linebacker Nick Roach and three other people.
• In two games this season, the Bears' coach-to-quarterback headset has malfunctioned, according to Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Packers safety Nick Collins apologized for an encounter with a fan at Soldier Field, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Collins: "I'm probably not the only guy who's been in that situation before; it happens. I'm a professional. I've got to be a bigger person, and I've just got to keep walking."
• Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Having been present and accounted for every practice since the middle of August, Green Bay Packers linebacker Frank Zombo has earned a level of trust that banged-up teammate Brad Jones hasn't. As a result, Zombo will make his second consecutive start Sunday against Detroit."
• Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com examines Packers coach Mike McCarthy's system for challenging plays.
• Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com addresses the play calling of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.
• Return specialist Stefan Logan got some practice time at running back Wednesday with starter Jahvid Best sidelined by a toe injury, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh isn't used to losing, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press speaks to Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier about the first three games of the season.

Let’s check in on a few news items as NFC North teams begin preparations for Week 4. (Remember, the Minnesota Vikings have a bye this week.)

Chicago Bears: Coach Lovie Smith abbreviated Wednesday’s workout to give players more time to recover from Monday night’s game at Soldier Field. But left tackle Chris Williams (hamstring) is still unable to get on the field, making it likely that Frank Omiyale will start Sunday night at the New York Giants. … Asked about the status of defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who was deactivated Monday night, Smith said: “We just thought, based on performance and where we were at the time, that someone else deserved an opportunity. I don't have any complaints about Tommie. Tommie will go through practice this week and may be up this week." We’ll address Smith’s new approach this season a bit more Thursday.

Detroit Lions: To no one’s surprise, coach Jim Schwartz announced quarterback Shaun Hill will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Starter Matthew Stafford (shoulder) is expected to begin light throwing this week. … Running back Aaron Brown has a broken hand and hopes to be back on the field at the end of next month, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Running back Jahvid Best (toe) didn't practice, either. Meanwhile, linebackers Zack Follett (concussion) and Landon Johnson (neck) returned to practice.

Green Bay Packers: Coach Mike McCarthy said left tackle Chad Clifton (knee) is ahead of his injury rehabilitation schedule from last week, suggesting there is every reason to believe he will start Sunday against the Lions. … With Brad Jones still fighting injuries, rookie Frank Zombo is the team’s starter “right now,” McCarthy said. … The Packers would like to get tailback Dimitri Nance involved in the offense Sunday. ... Linebacker Brandon Chillar (shoulder) missed practice.

The worst opening sentences of any sports story I've ever read went this way:

Somebody call 911.

[Random player] is on fire.

But for whatever reason, those sentences keep running through my head after watching the first half of the Green Bay Packers' preseason game against Indianapolis Colts. So here goes:

Somebody call 911.

AARON RODGERS IS ON FIRE AND THERE ARE FLAMES COMING OUT OF HIS ARM AND OH MY GOD IT CAN'T BE STOPPED!

OK, that's out of my system now.

If anyone has any doubts about what Rodgers and the Packers could do this season, I hope you at least watched the first half of Thursday night's 59-24 romp over the Colts. Rodgers overcame some early inaccuracy to lead a surgical two-minute drill just before halftime, a 78-yard procession over 1 minute and 22 seconds that reinforced his near-elite status in this league.

I know it was only a preseason game, but if you were watching, you saw the Colts' first-team defense getting in his face and knocking him down multiple times. But Rodgers completed all seven of his passes on the drive, including three ropes to tight end Jermichael Finley that covered 40 yards and a 3-yard flip to receiver James Jones for a touchdown.

After missing on eight of his first 22 passes, Rodgers finished 21 of 29 for 195 yards. The effort actually lowered his preseason passer rating to a still-sick 142.3. In just over four quarters of play this preseason, Rodgers has completed 41 of 53 passes for 470 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Yeesh.

The Packers led the Colts 28-17 at halftime, after which both teams began sitting their starters. All in all, it was a pretty impressive night for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. You can see a winning formula developing before your eyes: An offense that averages 56 points per game and a defense that gives up some yards but also makes some big plays.

(Joking on the 56 points. For the most part.)

Let's hit five random observations before calling it a night. You have to read until the end to find out the last time the Packers scored so many points in a preseason game.

1. You are excused for getting jittery after the Colts ran up 17 points on their first four possessions. Their first two plays were Joseph Addai's 49-yard run and an 18-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Pierre Garcon. On the former, defensive tackle B.J. Raji got moved way out of position, and on the latter, safety Nick Collins appeared to be barking instructions to rookie Morgan Burnett when Manning quick-snapped the ball.

Thereafter, however, the defense settled down as coordinator Dom Capers appeared to go exclusively with nickel and dime packages. The Colts' next three possessions ended in two punts and an interception by Burnett, who surprised Manning with a veteran decision to jump a short route. I don't see how Burnett is not the Packers' Week 1 starter at strong safety.

Playing without linebackers Clay Matthews, Brad Jones and defensive end Cullen Jenkins, I considered it an acceptable preseason performance by the Packers defense. You?

2. I've picked on Raji a bit lately, but he did make a nice play to tackle receiver Reggie Wayne on a screen for a 4-yard loss. Because of Capers' scheme choices, Raji spent almost the entire night as a defensive tackle rather than playing on the nose. That alignment also led to extensive first-team playing time for rookie defensive lineman Michael Neal, who started in Jenkins' place.

3. Running back Brandon Jackson ran hard after replacing Ryan Grant in the second quarter, but Jackson's red-zone fumble in the second quarter isn't going to motivate coaches to give him similar opportunities during the regular season. Grant was removed after eight carries but no injury was reported.

4. When evaluating Rodgers' night, keep in mind that receiver Greg Jennings was deactivated as precautionary measure because of back spasms. In his place, Donald Driver caught five passes, including a touchdown. Jones, meanwhile, had four receptions and the touchdown.

5a. The Packers scored two special teams touchdowns. Consider it a confidence booster, if nothing else, for a group that had spent the summer trying to get its footing. Korey Hall recovered a muffed punt return in the end zone during the second quarter, and Jason Chery returned a punt 75 yards for a score in the fourth quarter.

5. Trivia answer: The 59 points were the Packers' highest preseason total since defeating your Cedar Rapids Crush 75-0 in 1938.