Zero2Cool
14 years ago
http://www.espnmilwaukee.com/includes/news_items/40/news_items_more.php?id=5352§ion_id=40 

GREEN BAY The trek to the team bus Saturday night at the Georgia Dome was longer than usual, giving Chad Clifton plenty of time to think about what had just happened and what lay ahead.

The Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl left tackle has seen a lot in his 11-year NFL career, played on some pretty good teams, experienced more than his share of peaks and valleys. But in the wake of his teams utter domination of the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons, which set up Sundays berth in the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, Clifton was in awe of what the 2010 team had accomplished and hoping they werent done yet.

Just from a team aspect, just the resilience that weve shown this year with the injuries, the way we never hung our head and said, Oh, this is too much we just kept pushing on, Clifton said, taking a long, thoughtful pull from his orange Gatorade. Then, as we started getting guys back, and even the guys who stepped up and played extremely well for us, it just shows the strength and resilience of the team. To come in here tonight, against the No. 1 seed, a great football team, to be able to do what we were to tonight

Clifton paused, then smiled.

Thats huge.

The 48-21 victory came in Cliftons 169th career NFL game (regular-season and playoffs) and brought the Packers within one game of Super Bowl XLV. For Clifton, who at 34 is one of only seven players on the current 53-man roster age 30 or older, this could be his last chance at a championship. And when the team was 3-3 and suffering injuries at every position while he was battling the perpetual soreness in his knees that have plagued him for years Clifton wondered if this would be another lost season for him in his pursuit of a ring.

Obviously you never know. You just hope, Clifton said of a turnaround. We knew with the kind of guys we had, that they were going to step up and fill shoes. We knew we had good players. But until you get out there and play the games, you dont know. Guys stepped up all across the board and played huge for us all year. Its not over with. But were close. Were close to our ultimate goal.

Clifton has been close before. A second-round pick out of Tennessee in 2000, his teams have made the playoffs in seven of his 11 seasons. He played on the 2001, 2003 and 2007 teams that all reached the NFC Divisional Playoff round, but the 01 team crashed and burned at St. Louis and the 03 teams flirtation with destiny ran out on Fourth-and-26 in Philadelphia. The 07 team reached the NFC Championship Game but lost, at home, to the New York Giants, who would go on to win Super Bowl XLII two weeks later.

Now, hes back in that same position, a game away from his first Super Bowl,.

Ive been close. Close in 07. Even when we lost to Philly in 03, we felt we had a good team and had a good shot to do some good things that year, Clifton said. But the makeup of this team, I feel like, is as good if not better than both of those teams. Everything chemistry, talent, depth. The fact that weve had so many injuries and had guys step in and play extremely well, I mean, thats talent, thats perseverance. This team has a lot of good things going for it. We have one more big game, and well see how we do.

Well also see how Clifton does. After a rough opener at Philadelphia on Sept. 12, he was benched in Week 2 against Buffalo when his balky knees flared up and rendered him ineffective. But he rebounded with a run of excellent performances thereafter, and over the last month has pitched shutouts against the New York Giants Osi Umeniyora in the Packers must-win Dec. 26 victory and against Philadelphias Trent Cole in the NFC Wild Card round on Jan. 9. While Atlantas John Abraham did beat him for a sack, Clifton more than neutralized the Falcons best pass rusher while also turning in his fifth straight penalty-free performance.

The Bears could move NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate Julius Peppers from his usual right end spot to line up over rookie Bryan Bulaga most of the game Sunday after the way Clifton handled him in the Jan. 2 regular-season finale at Lambeau Field, or Bears coach Lovie Smith could go strength-against-strength and let the two duke it out.

It was a tough battle, Clifton said of the last meeting. That was a huge win and obviously this is even bigger. It should be a great game. We know if we want to be successful, our offensive line has to have a good day.

How many more of those days Clifton has left in his beat-up body remains to be seen. When he signed a three-year, $20 million deal in March after a brief free-agent flirtation with the Washington Redskins, it was designed to pay him $7.5 million in 2010 pay, with a $5.75 million base salary for 2011 and a $5.25 base salary in 2012. Its possible that Bulaga will stay at right tackle next year it would appear Cliftons injured longtime bookend, Mark Tauscher, has reached the end of the line and Clifton will protect Rodgers blindside for another season. Or, Bulaga could move to his natural spot at left tackle, and T.J. Lang or another young player could take over on the right side, leaving Clifton as a backup or unemployed.

For now, though, hes not thinking that far ahead.

We all know that this thing is going to come to an end for each and every player, Clifton said. (Bulaga) is the future. Hes a great player, an up-and-coming player. Any way I can help the kid out, Im going to. It just depends on where my bodys at at that point. If its hurting too bad, I dont know if Id want to be a backup and not really get on the field. But you never know. Its one of those things that when that time comes, you just have to weigh your options and see.

I feel like as long as Im able to go out there and compete and play at a pretty high level, I would like to do it. Unfortunately, theres going to come a point where the knee just says, Sorry, cant do it anymore. But, I dont think its going to be in the next year or so.

"JASON WILDE" wrote:


UserPostedImage
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
14 years ago
It would be great to get Clifton a ring before he retires.
UserPostedImage
DakotaT
14 years ago

It would be great to get Clifton a ring before he retires.

"wpr" wrote:



And Taush, and Al Harris, and I would support giving one to Aaron Kampmann too.

What I am pumped about is the future these guys have ahead them. A super bowl this year is gravy, because I never expected it.
UserPostedImage
digsthepack
14 years ago
Kampmann is no longer a Packer, and did not spend a day of this season on the roster....can't see it. Harris...you bet!
State Motto: "Wisconsin, our serial murderers eat their kill!"
Greg C.
14 years ago

It would be great to get Clifton a ring before he retires.

"DakotaT" wrote:



And Taush, and Al Harris, and I would support giving one to Aaron Kampmann too.

What I am pumped about is the future these guys have ahead them. A super bowl this year is gravy, because I never expected it.

"wpr" wrote:



I don't think a ring would mean anything to Harris, considering that he didn't even play a down for the Packers this year. It would just remind him of how frustrating this season was for him. Tauscher should get one if they win it all, though.

Nice article, though I wouldn't say that Clifton "more than neutralized" John Abraham. If Aaron Rodgers wasn't so elusive, Abraham would've had two or three sacks. Clifton should do better on the slow field in Chicago, though. Abraham on Astroturf is a tough gig.
blank
wamj2008
14 years ago
Definitely would like to see Driver with a ring.
blank
blueleopard
14 years ago
Cliffy, Woody, it's time to get your hardware.
Danreb Victorio A Believer of Greg Jennings
zombieslayer
14 years ago

Cliffy, Woody, it's time to get your hardware.

"blueleopard" wrote:



Woody may get more than one. He's got a few years left after this still.
My man Donald Driver
UserPostedImage
(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
2010 will be seen as the beginning of the new Packers dynasty. 🇹🇹 🇲🇲 🇦🇷
peteralan71
14 years ago
It would certainly be nice to get a ring for a few of these guys. It's great to look at how young our team is overall, especially the players that stand out the most. We should have a lucrative 8-10 years ahead of us.
Green Bay: Home of the Green & Gold. And the hunter orange. And the camouflage.
UserPostedImage
yooperfan
14 years ago

It would certainly be nice to get a ring for a few of these guys. It's great to look at how young our team is overall, especially the players that stand out the most. We should have a lucrative 8-10 years ahead of us.

"peteralan71" wrote:



Ah,
I'll go two to four years but eight to ten might be a bit Large in todays NFL.
Fan Shout
Mucky Tundra (5h) : Will there be a tracker on the ball or something?
Zero2Cool (8h) : uh oh
Martha Careful (9h) : Too bad camera's can't spot the ball as well.
Mucky Tundra (11h) : So will the chain gang be gone completely or will they still be around as a backup or whatever?
Zero2Cool (11h) : The method for measuring first downs in the NFL will switch from chain gangs to camera-based technology in 2025, the league announced.
Martha Careful (14h) : A big step in the right direction. Just put in the college system is very very good.
Zero2Cool (16h) : NFL has passed a rule that allows both teams to possess the ball in OT during the regular season
Zero2Cool (16h) : Touchbacks on kickoffs will now bring the ball to the 35-yard line.
beast (31-Mar) : It might of gotten more popular recently, but braiding hair (even men) in certain cultures goes back for centuries.
Martha Careful (30-Mar) : Is men braiding their hair a new style thing? Watching the NCAA men's tournament many players have done
Zero2Cool (29-Mar) : Ha. Well, it'd be nice for folks to reset their own password. Via validated email 😏
beast (29-Mar) : Monopoly was supposed to be an educational game, that show how evil capitalism was and how we should avoid it
beast (29-Mar) : Lol, I was thinking username would be better, as then I wouldn't have to keep an email up to date lol 😂
beast (29-Mar) : Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : I was thinking email because I think it'll make folks keep it up todate lol
wpr (29-Mar) : sure is
Zero2Cool (29-Mar) : Monopoly is a rip off of The Landlord's Game
wpr (27-Mar) : 28 days until the draft
earthquake (27-Mar) : Which seemed strange to my 9 year old self, that you could be a fan for a team other than the one you play for
earthquake (27-Mar) : Nothing eventful happened, other than it being clear that he was a bengals fan
earthquake (27-Mar) : And we went and hung out with him one afternoon, I must have been 9 or so
earthquake (27-Mar) : That’s wild, when I was a kid my friend lived in the same apartment complex in De Pere
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : Only career highspot was a 200 yard rushing game while playing for the Cardinals
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : He is a former Packer. Drafted out of Northern Illinois. Didn't do much in GB.
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Despicable
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : Former NFL. I think Packers too
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : NFL RB Leshon Johnson has been charged in a massive dog fighting operation, with the FBI seizing over 190 Pit Bulls
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Some real irony of a QB as short as Wilson playing for the Giants
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Giants country, let's be the tall beings of lore!
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Russell Wilson signs with the Giants.
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : I was thinking email because I think it'll make folks keep it up todate lol
wpr (25-Mar) : I don't think there is a significant difference. I use a user name for many. Others email.
Martha Careful (25-Mar) : email
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : would it be better to use EMAIL or USERNAME to log into a site?
wpr (25-Mar) : Thanks Zero
Zero2Cool (24-Mar) : New forum has the ability to Thank a post now.
beast (24-Mar) : And the only time they have won the Championship in an even year, was the first time they did, in 2006.
beast (24-Mar) : Since 2007, there have been 10 odd numbered years, Wisconsin Women have won the Championship in 7 of those 10 odd numbered years.
buckeyepackfan (24-Mar) : Congratulations Lady Badger Hockey Team. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!
Zero2Cool (23-Mar) : I don't think it's completed yet. it was just announced last month, right?
dhazer (23-Mar) : did netflix ever release the Packers documentary
Zero2Cool (21-Mar) : And it is glorious!
beast (21-Mar) : Unsigned FA QB Rodgers is supposedly in the Steelers building
Martha Careful (19-Mar) : But I don't own a car! So can I still use it in my apartment?
Zero2Cool (19-Mar) : btw, new site auto updates
Zero2Cool (19-Mar) : Woohoo!
TheKanataThrilla (19-Mar) : Oops I guess I should have updated the site before posting
TheKanataThrilla (19-Mar) : Jeremy Fowler @JFowlerESPN · Follow Source: Free agent WR/return specialist Mecole Hardman is signing with the #Packers on a one-year deal.
Zero2Cool (18-Mar) : Former Packers wide receiver Bob Long, who stayed in Wisconsin after playing days, dies at age 83
Martha Careful (17-Mar) : PFOW, Pati O'Furniture
wpr (17-Mar) : Thanks dfosterf. Been a while since I heard the song.
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 3:25 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 5 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Sunday, Jan 12 @ 3:30 PM
Eagles
Recent Topics
11h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

12h / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

31-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

30-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

29-Mar / Random Babble / wpr

28-Mar / Feedback, Suggestions and Issues / dfosterf

28-Mar / Random Babble / Martha Careful

26-Mar / Random Babble / Mucky Tundra

25-Mar / Random Babble / Martha Careful

24-Mar / Random Babble / packerfanoutwest

24-Mar / Random Babble / Zero2Cool

21-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

19-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

19-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

18-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.