Hope everyone had a great week. Last weekends win over the Chicago Bears was no less than exiting, a little stressful, yes, but exciting. We had an unusual game plan, as we seemed to abandon the run late in the first quarter. Brian Griese threw 67 times, 4th most in NFL history, for over 400 yards and 2TD's. Usually when a QB throws that many times in a game, it results in a loss, but somehow we pulled out a win. Kudos to Coach Gruden in manufacturing drives with the no huddle offense and keeping the Bears defense tired, and on the field. As we saw, this made a huge difference in the final moments of the game.

This week we welcome the Packers to Raymond James for a 1 P.M. battle on the gridiron. Do not miss this game. This is going to be one of our biggest challenges yet. The Packers over the off season, in case you've been living under a rock, traded un-retired, Brett Favre to the NY Jets. It was a very outspoken topic all off season that was criticized to no end. However, new starting QB Aaron Rodgers has looked magnificent and will be a great QB for the Packers for years to come. But here's the catch, he's playing arguably the best defense he's faced all year. I am certain that defensive coordinator Monty Kiffin has a few tricks up his sleeve for the young QB. 

If Gruden decides to go pass happy again, we might have another shot at a win this weekend. Green Bay's secondary, which is usually one of the best in the league, is a little thin due to injuries. All Pro cornerback, Al Harris, was injured last week due to a spleen injury and is out for possibly the rest of the season. 2nd cornerback Charles Woodson is also limited with a toe injury.

Also the safeties have several injuries as well. This could bode well for us as Antonio Bryant, who had 10 catches and over 100 yard performance last week is seeming to grasp his routes well, and earning confidence is Gruden's offense. We also might see a little of Joey Galloway, which will be a game time decision if he plays or not. We also will give their secondary trouble with mismatches from T.E.'s Jerramy Stevens, John Gilmour, and Alex Smith. All 3 are very viable options in the passing game and will give the Packers something to think about as they cannot key on certain players. 

The Packers are a very good team and this will likely be a very close battle down to the end just like last week. However, we might have caught them on the best week to play them. We have a very deep team this year, but due to their injuries they do not and that will be the deciding factor in this week’s outcome. I have a Bold prediction here, but after this week, Green Bay 2-2, Tampa Bay 3-1. Go Bucs!

See you next week,

Steve Fritch

SteveF@getinmagazine.com