In The Red Zone

This Week

New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers

The New England Patriots visit the Green Bay Packers at historic Lambeau Field on Sunday at 4:25 p.m.

The Patriots The Packers
Overall Record 9-2 Overall Record 8-3
Road Record 3-2 Home Record 5-0
NFC North 3-0 AFC East 2-0
NFC Conf 3-0 AFC Conf 2-0

Ed Hochuli is the referee for the game

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the game at Patriots PLUS 3. The over/under is 58.

My Prediction is Patriots 31, Packers, 24. Take the points (Patriots) and take the under. I am 8-3 against the spread and 6 of 11 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

Green Bay is reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 306th consecutive game at Lambeau to have sold out.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Green Bay WI make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Green Bay WI.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Lambeau Field seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game nationally, Jim Nantz will do play by play, former NFL QB Phil Simms will provide the game analysis and Tracy Wolfson works the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

The DirecTV Sunday Ticket channel is 715.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 1 p.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 132 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Packers Radio Network has Lee MA native Wayne Larrivee calling play by play and former Packers C Larry McCarren doing the color via their flagship station WTMJ 620 AM.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 811.

Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience Dave Sims will call the play by play and Mark Malone will do analysis.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

  • Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
  • Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
  • Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
  • Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

Patriots clubbed the Lions at Gillette Stadium, 34-9 while the Packers edged the Vikings on the road, 24-21.

History

  • This is the 11th meeting between the two teams.
  • The overall series is tied 5-5 including playoffs.
  • Green Bay holds a 1-0 advantage in the post season after winning Super Bowl XXXI, 35-21.
  • Patriots won the last meeting in 2010, 31-27 in Foxboro.

Patriots Team Notes

New England PatriotsHere is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • The Patriots overall franchise record is 447-375-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.
  • They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.
  • The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.
  • New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).
  • They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.
  • They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.
  • All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.
  • Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 226.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 247.
  • Have the most conference titles, 6.
  • Have the most division titles, 13.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 21
  • Have played the most playoff games, 33.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
  • The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

  • Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 147-40.
  • Since 2000 the Patriots are 92-23 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.
  • Since 2001 New England is 40-14 in November the best record in the NFL.
  • Since 2001 the Patriots are 80-20 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL, Pittsburgh is 2nd at 63-30.
  • Since 2000 they have the best road record in the NFL 76-41.
  • Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.
  • New England is 29-8 in games played in temperatures 34 or colder since 2000.
  • Since 2000 they are 12-0 in games when it snows.
  • First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the NFC:

  • Since re-alignment in 2002 New England is 42-9 vs. the NFC.
  • Have won 14 consecutive games vs. NFC North teams.
  • They are 22-4 vs. the NFC at Gillette Stadium.

Against the Packers:

  • Fourth consecutive week playing a first place team in another division and 5th time this season.
  • This is the 4th time the Patriots have visited the Packers; they are 1-1 at Lambeau Field and 0-1 at County Stadium in Milwaukee (1988).
  • First meeting between the teams came in Week 10 1973 in Foxboro with the Patriots winning, 33-24.
  • The lone win came on their last visit in Week 11 2006 when they shut out the Packers, 35-0.
  • Since realignment in 2002 Green Bay is the only NFC North team to beat New England.
  • On October 2, 1994 the Patriots beat the Packers 17-16 in Foxboro for the first win in the Kraft ownership.

Last Week vs. the Lions:

  • Win secured 14th straight season without a losing record.
  • Won their 7th consecutive game the longest win streak in the NFL and currently have the NFL’s best record with Arizona (9-2) and hold the top seed in the AFC.
  • Won 15th consecutive home game.
  • Scored 34 points on the leagues top defense that was only allowing 15.6 points per game coming into the game.
  • The 34 points were the most allowed by Detroit this season, the previous high was 24 to Carolina Week 2.
  • Beat a division leader for the fourth time this season and third game in a row.
  • Won by 21+ points for the 4th consecutive game.
  • Tom Brady had 63rd career 300 yard game, tied now third most all-time with Dan Marino.
  • P Ryan Allen had a 66yard punt it was his second longest of the season (67-yards Week 9 vs. Denver).
  • Danny Amendola had an 81-yard kick off return that set up a touchdown.
  • After starting the game with two 3 and outs the Patriots scored on 5 of their next 6 possessions and the one they missed on ended with a James Ihedigbo INT of Brady at the 1-yard line.
  • Patriots run defense was outstanding again allowing only 91 yards rushing.
  • Had 29 first downs to the Lions 21 first downs.
  • New England had 439 total yards to Indianapolis’ 335.
  • Patriots had 11 penalties vs. the Lions for 84 yards.
  • Nine of the Lions top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 42 yards. Their longest rush against the defense was 13 yards on a reverse by Golden Tate.
  • Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 24-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski. The longest offensive play was a rush was by LeGarrette Blount for 33 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

  • Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.
  • Looking for 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.
  • Have won 7 games in a row after a 2-2 start. Won vs. Cincinnati, at Buffalo, vs. NY Jets, vs. Chicago, vs. Denver, at Indianapolis and vs. Detroit since a miserable loss in Kansas City Week 4.
  • New England has 95 penalties this season in 11 weeks and has been penalized 836 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.
  • Patriots have had multiple turnovers in both losses this season while having no turnovers in 5 of their 9 wins.
  • New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 12 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 6 INT’s and lost 3 fumbles.
  • The Patriots are 1st in points scored averaging 32.4 points per game and are 12th in points allowed with 20.6 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Lions.

Bill Belichick notes:

  • Bill Belichick is 3-2 vs. the Packers. He is 2-1 with New England and 1-1 with Cleveland.
  • Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 208-106 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 172-62 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 227-116.
  • Belichick’s 227 wins are good for 5th all-time. Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.
  • He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.
  • He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
  • Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
  • Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
  • No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.
  • He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other Personnel/Coaches:

  • Special Teams coach Scott O’Brien is a native of Superior WI. Played linebacker at Wisconsin-Superior (1975-78) and later coached there from 1980-82. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1979 by Green Bay.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Solder
  • LG: Connolly
  • C: Stork
  • RG: Wendell
  • RT: Vollmer
  • TE: Gronkowski
  • WR: LaFell
  • WR: Edelman
  • WR: Tyms
  • QB: Brady
  • RB: Gray

Defense:

  • DE: Ninkovich
  • DT: Wilfork
  • DT: Chr. Jones
  • DE: Moore
  • LB: Collins
  • LB: Hightower
  • LCB: Revis
  • RCB: Arrington
  • DB: Browner
  • S: Chung
  • S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

  • This is his 15th NFL season he is 2-1 vs. the Packers in his career. He is 68-32 on the road in the regular season.
  • He is 41-10 in his career vs. the NFC in the regular season.
  • Overall he is 157-45 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 175-53. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
  • Has multiple TD pass games for 7 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NY Jets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2) and Week 12 vs. Detroit (2).
  • 385 TD passes in his career ties him for 4th in NFL history with Drew Brees.
  • 157 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
  • He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 121 games; the team’s record is 105-17.
  • Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

  • Has caught a pass in 61 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.
  • With 1 more TD catch will become first TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches.
  • Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Leads team in TD’s with 9 and receiving yards with 812.
  • Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • It was his 15th 100+ receiving yard games in his career. Extending his team record.
  • Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.
  • Is 2nd in team history with 52 touchdowns (51 rec, 1 rush). Stanley Morgan is first with 68 TD’s (67 rec, 1 return).
  • Second fastest player to 50 TD’s in NFL history (tied with Randy Moss, 59 games).

Julian Edelman notes:

  • Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).
  • Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.
  • Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.
  • Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).
  • Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Leads team in receiving with 70 catches.
  • Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.
  • Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

  • DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting.
  • Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.
  • In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.
  • Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.
  • Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).
  • Only 3rd NFL player to get his first four career TD’s in one game and first since Herb Henderson of the Evansville Crimson Giants in 1921.
  • Tied a single game NFL record with 15 rushing first downs Week 11 at Indianapolis with Corey Dillon and Edgerrin James.
  • Leads team in rushing TD’s (4).
  • Is second on team in rushing yards with 332 just 8 yards behind Stevan Ridley who is on the season ending IR.
  • Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

  • Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.
  • Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

  • Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

  • Tied with Stevan Ridley (IR) for team rushing lead with 340 yards.
  • Had 29 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards and 1 TD catch Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
  • Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.
  • Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

  • Ran 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.
  • Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.
  • Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

  • Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
  • Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
  • Has converted 33 consecutive 4th quarter field goals.
  • Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
  • Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.
  • Has scored at least 1 point in 116 consecutive games a franchise record.
  • He is tied for second in team history in points (1,140) trailing only Adam Vinatieri (1,158).
  • Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

  • Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
  • Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

  • Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Leads team with 13 passes defensed.
  • Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.
  • Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
  • Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

  • Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.
  • Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
  • The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
  • Leads team with 6 sacks.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
  • Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

  • Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
  • Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.
  • Second on team in tackles with 63 (52 solo) and third on team with 3.5 sacks.
  • Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

  • Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo) and Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo).
  • Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
  • Leads team with 72 tackles (49 solo).
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.
  • Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

  • Has a sack in three of his four games as a Patriot.
  • Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.
  • Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

  • Signed DL Casey Walker to the practice squad.
  • Released LB Ja’Gared Davis from the practice squad.
  • Signed WR Matthew Slater to a 2 year contract extension.
  • Signed LS Charley Hughlett to the practice squad.
  • Signed TE Xavier Grimble to the practice squad.
  • Released LB Deontae Skinner from the practice squad.
  • Released DB Dax Swanson from the practice squad.
  • Released DB Don Jones from the 53-man roster.
  • Released TE Xavier Grimble from the practice squad.
  • Released LS Charley Hughlett from the practice squad.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

Former Packers on the Patriots:

  • none

Players with New England roots:

  • none

Players with Wisconsin roots:

  • none

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

Players from Wisconsin based colleges and universities:

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

  • 20 – Gino Cappelletti
  • 40 – Mike Haynes
  • 73 – John Hannah
  • 78 – Bruce Armstrong
  • 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
  • 89 – Bob Dee

Packers Team Notes

Green Bay PackersHere is the Packers roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Packers Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • Green Bay’s all-time record is 706-540-37 they are 30-19 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2013 when they lost at home to San Francisco 23-20 in the NFC Wild Card game.
  • They have won 4 Super Bowls (I, II, XXXI, XLV) in 5 appearances. They last won a Super Bowl in 2010 when they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25.
  • In addition they have won 11 NFL Championships in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1967.
  • Have sold out every home game since 1960.
  • Since 1994 Green Bay won 126 home games, second most in NFL behind New England who has won 127 home games.
  • Since 2001 the Packers are 57-35 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the fourth best record in the NFL.
  • Since 2002 Green Bay is 74-34-1 at home.

Lambeau Field notes:

  • Lambeau is as close to a historic park as you will get in the NFL it is the Fenway Park of football though not quite as old.
  • Opened in 1957 as New City Stadium it was renamed for former Packers owner/head coach/player Curly Lambeau on August 3, 1965 two months after his death.
  • Also referred to as The Frozen Tundra spawned from the “Ice Bowl” between Green Bay and Dallas on December 31, 1967 played in temperatures of minus 15 degrees.
  • First game was September 29, 1957 vs. Chicago and the Packers won, 21-17.
  • Has the third largest capacity in NFL at 80,735. The original capacity was 32,500.
  • In a 2007 Sports Illustrated Poll it was voted best game day atmosphere and fan experience in the NFL.
  • Packers all-time record at Lambeau is 213-111-5.
  • The Cardinals (0-7), Ravens (0-3) and Broncos (0-4) have never won at Lambeau Field, while the Chiefs (3-0) and Texans (1-0) have never lost.
  • “The Lambeau Leap” first done in 1993 by LeRoy Butler and made famous by Robert Brooks was grandfathered into the excessive celebrations rule by NFL allowing it to continue.
  • Visiting players are denied a “Lambeau Leap” by Packers fans who push them off the wall, many while still in mid air.
  • After a Packers TD Todd Rundgren’s “Bang the Drum” is played is the stadium.

Green Bay Packers Board of Directors Ownership (1935-present):

  • The Board is the 5th most senior team ownership group in the NFL.
  • Only the Mara, Rooney, Bidwell and Halas families have held ownership over an NFL franchise longer.
  • Team has been a publicly owned , non-profit corporation since August 18, 1923.
  • The corporation has 363,491 stockholders who collectively own 5,017,925 shares of stock as of the last stock sale in 2011.
  • There have been five stock sales: 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997 and 2011.
  • The 2011 shares sold for $250 each. No one can own more than 200,000 shares.
  • NFL does not allow corporate ownership but the Packers are granted an exemption to this rule as the rule was put in place after the Board ownership was in place.
  • A seven member Executive Committee chosen from among the board of directors governs the corporation. Only the president is compensated all other spots are done gratis.
  • Mark H. Murphy is currently the President and represents the Packers interests at owners meetings and league functions.
  • Murphy played safety for the Washington Redskins from 1977 to 1984. He has won one Super Bowl (XVII) as a player and a second (XLV) as an executive.

Mike McCarthy Era (2006-present):

  • In his previous 8 season the team has made the playoffs six times.
  • Green Bay has made the playoffs the last five seasons but since winning Super Bowl XLV they are only 1-3 in the post season.
  • Packers have won 4 NFC North Division titles under McCarthy (2007, 2011-13).
  • Entered playoffs as Wild Card in 2009 and 2010.
  • Won Super Bowl XLV as a Wild Card team.
  • Since 2010 they are 24-10-1 in the second half of the season it is the second best mark in the NFL.
  • Since 2011 they have the third best record (42-16-1) and have scored the second most points (1764) in the NFL.
  • Only one of two teams to make the playoffs the last five seasons with New England being the other.
  • Green Bay is 21-14 vs. the AFC under McCarthy and is 2-0 this season.
  • Have won 11 of the last 15 games vs. AFC opponents.
  • Packers are 11-6 at home vs. AFC opponents since 2006.

Against the Patriots:

  • They are 2-1 vs. New England as the home team and 1-0 as home team on a neutral field (Super Bowl XXXI).
  • Have lost last two games vs. New England.
  • Have not beaten New England in Lambeau Field since Week 6 1988, 45-3.
  • First team to beat the Patriots in Gillette Stadium Week 6 2002, 28-10.
  • Patriots are the last team to shut out the Packers Week 11 2006 at Green Bay, 35-0.
  • In that shut out the Patriots Tully Banta-Cain knocked Brett Favre from the game in the second quarter with a sack. It was Aaron Rodgers 5th NFL game (all in relief) and he went 4 for 12 for 32 yards.

In 2014:

  • Packers are 6-0 when scoring 30 or more points this year.
  • Have scored on first drive of the game in 6 of the last 8 games.
  • Team leads NFC in point differential PLUS 108.
  • Lead NFL in TD’s with 44.
  • Have won five games by 20 points or more and have won three games by 30 points or more.
  • Green Bay has 64 penalties this season in 11 weeks and has been penalized 563 yards.
  • Green Bay is PLUS 15 in turnover differential good for 1st in the NFL. They have 15 INT’s and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 4 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.
  • The Packers are 2nd in points scored averaging 32.2 points per game and are 16th in fewest points allowed with 22.4 points per game.

Packers Staff Notes

Read what Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Mike McCarthy notes:

  • Mike McCarthy is in his 9th year as an NFL head coach all with the Packers. He has a regular season record of 90-48-1 and is 6-5 in the post season for an overall record of 96-53-1.
  • McCarthy is 0-2 vs. New England in his career.
  • His Week 12 win at Minnesota (90th regular season win) made his the second winningest coach in Packers history behind Curly Lambeau (209) when he surpassed Vince Lombardi (89).
  • He has won one Super Bowl (XLV) beating Pittsburgh, 31-25.
  • Prior to being named Packers head coach in 2006, McCarthy was the offensive coordinator at San Francisco (2005) and New Orleans (2000-04) and quarterbacks coach for Green Bay (1999) and Kansas City (1995-98).
  • He is Green Bay’s 14th head coach.
  • Joined Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren as only Packers coaches to win a Super Bowl (XLV vs. Pittsburgh).
  • Won Neale Award from Maxwell Club as NFL Coach of the Year in 2011.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

  • Dom Capers is in his 6th season as the defensive coordinator. Prior to coming to the Packers he was a Patriots special assistant for the secondary in 2008 and he’s been head coach of two expansion franchises (Houston 2001-05 and Carolina 1995-98). He was also the defensive coordinator for Miami (2006-07), Jacksonville (1999-2000) and Pittsburgh (1992-94).
  • Tom Clements is in his 3rd season as the offensive coordinator for Green Bay. He is in his 9th season with team having previously been quarterbacks coach from 2006-11. Previously he was offensive coordinator in Buffalo (2004-05) and quarterbacks coach in Pittsburgh (2001-03), Kansas City (2000) and New Orleans (1997-99).
  • Offensive line coach Steve Marshall is a Vernon CT native and played football at Rockville High School in Vernon. Was offensive line coach at Plymouth State in 1979.
  • Running backs coach Sam Gash is a former Patriots player (1992-97).
  • Assistant strength and conditioning coach Thad Jackson was a Patriots intern in 2003.

Packers Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Bakhtiari
  • LG: Sitton
  • C: Linsley
  • RG: Lange
  • RT: Bulaga
  • TE: Quarless
  • WR: Nelson
  • WR: Cobb
  • WR: Adams
  • QB: A. Rodgers
  • RB: Lacy

Defense:

  • DE: D. Jones
  • NT: Guion
  • DE: Daniels
  • LB: Neal
  • LB: Hawk
  • LB: Matthews
  • LB: Peppers
  • LCB: Williams
  • RCB: Shields
  • S: Burnett
  • S: Clinton-Dix

Packers Players Notes

Aaron Rodgers notes:

  • He was the Packers first round pick (24th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of California.
  • In 10 NFL seasons he has a career record of 66-32 and is 5-4 in the playoffs for an overall record of 71-36.
  • He 0-0 vs. the Patriots. He has never started against New England in his career. In 2010 he was injured and didn’t play and in 2006 he played after Brett Favre was injured and removed.
  • Did not make his first career start until his 4th season, it was his 8th NFL game appearance.
  • He has been named to the Pro Bowl three times and selected as an All-Pro once.
  • Was the 2011 NFL MVP while throwing 45 TD’s and only 6 INT’s in 15 games.
  • Has four 30 TD seasons and one 40 TD season.
  • Has had 7 fourth quarter comebacks in his career and 5 of 7 are against Chicago (3 times) and Detroit (2 times).
  • Has 11 game winning drives in his career and 8 of them are against Chicago and Detroit (4 times each).
  • Has missed 9 starts in his career, 8 were due to injury with 7 of them coming last season (Weeks 10-17) due to a broken collar bone and the other in 2010 (Week 15 at New England) with a concussion. The 9th missed start was when he was held out of the final game of 2011 season.
  • Has thrown 3 or more TD passes in 6 of the last 8 games.
  • Has 7 games with 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s this season.
  • Week 10 vs. Chicago became second NFL QB to throw 6 TD passes in first half joining Oakland’s Daryle Lamonica vs. Buffalo in Week 6, 1969.
  • NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 4 at Chicago, Week 7 vs. Carolina and Week 10 vs. Chicago.

Jordy Nelson notes:

  • Has his second consecutive 1,000 receiving yard season and 3rd in 4 years.
  • Is ranked in Top 10 in catches (8th –68) and yards (5th – 1,066).
  • Has 4 games this year with at least 9 catches.
  • Has 5 TD’s of 45 yards or more in 2014, three of them have gone for 65 yards or more.
  • 11 receptions in 2014 have gone for 20 yards or more.
  • Has 5 games with 100 or more receiving yards in 2014.
  • Matched his career high with 10 catches at Chicago Week 4.
  • Set a career high with 209 receiving yards Week 2 vs. NY Jets.

Eddie Lacy notes:

  • Has 16 catches for 249 yards and 3 TD’s in the last three games.
  • In Week 12 at Minnesota became first Packers running back to record 100 or more yards from scrimmage and catch a TD pass in 3 consecutive games.
  • Has a TD in 6 of the last 8 Packers games.
  • Has 9 TD’s this season (6 rushing, 3 receiving).
  • Has gone over 100 yards from scrimmage five times this season including the last four games.
  • Week 8 at New Orleans had 182 yards from scrimmage most by a Packers back since 2004. His 8 catches for 123 yards were most for a Packers back since 1980.
  • Has two 100-yard rushing games this season Week 5 vs. Minnesota (105 yards) and Week 12 at Minnesota (125 yards).

Randall Cobb notes:

  • Has caught a pass in 35 consecutive games.
  • Has a TD catch in 8 of the 11 games this season.
  • Leads team with 10 TD catches.
  • Has career high four 100 receiving yard games this season.
  • 17 receptions this season have gone for 20 yards or more.

Clay Matthews notes:

  • Has a sack in 3 of the last four games.
  • Has 4.5 sacks is one of 5 Green Bay players with at least 3 sacks this season.
  • Was selected 26th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft with a pick acquired from New England for Green Bay’s 2nd round (41st – Darius Butler) and two third round picks (73rd – traded to Carolina and 83rd – Brandon Tate).
  • Has 10 career 2 sack games 4th most in Green Bay history.

Julius Peppers notes:

  • NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 5 vs. Minnesota.
  • Has team high 5 sacks.
  • Only one of two players with Houston’s J.J. Watt to record a sack, force a fumble, recover a fumble, have an INT and score a TD this season.
  • Returned an INT 49 yards for a TD Week 5 vs. Minnesota.
  • Returned an INT 52 yards for a TD Week 11 vs. Philadelphia.

A.J. Hawk notes:

  • Second on team in tackles.
  • Has led team in tackles 5 times tied for most in Packers history with Nick Barnett.
  • Has2 passes defensed and 0.5 sacks.
  • Had a 10-tackle game Week 4 at Chicago.
  • Has 19 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 9 INT’s in his career.

Casey Hayward notes:

  • Has 2 defensive TD’s.
  • Leads team with 3 INT’s returned one 82 yards for a TD.
  • Has 2 fumble recoveries returned one for a TD.
  • Has 5 passes defensed.

General Team notes:

Packers team captains for 2014 are:

  • Per team tradition captains are selected weekly.

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

Players with New England roots:

Former Patriots with the Packers:

  • none

The Packers have 5 retired numbers:

  • 3 – Tony Canadeo
  • 14 – Don Hutson
  • 15 – Bart Starr
  • 66 – Ray Nitschke
  • 92 – Reggie White

Next Week

San Diego ChargersUp next: San Diego Chargers – AFC West

Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego CA

Date/Time: Sunday December 6 8:30 p.m.

TV Network: NBC