It’s been a weird couple days in the NFL. Here are a few stories that are making the rounds, each of them a head-scratcher:
Rookie WR Michael Crabtree, after spending significant time away from San Francisco, finally signed a six-year contract with the 49ers. If he has two outstanding years in his first four, the contract evolves into a five-year deal. The weird part of all this? M.C. Hammer was apparently present during negotiations. Yes, really, that M.C. Hammer.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Opposition Research, where I'll go over the Packers next opponent. Aaron and Corey can give you the detailed matchups, but here's where you'll find out what they're saying about us, about themselves, and about the big game on Sunday.
Coming into this game, the Rams are... very tired of losing. In Week 2, the Rams lost their 12th consecutive game (5-29 since 2007 season), this time to the Washington Redskins, 9-7. The loss included a costly fumble by Donnie Avery on the Washington 5-yard line and 245 yards of total offense. After the season opener where they were blanked by the Seattle Seahawks 28-0, however, scoring any points at all was a step up. They remain in a dead heat with the Detroit Lions for the bottom rank in most polls.
The Packers were a completely different defense without Micah Parsons last year. If that unit can come together early on, it will allow Parsons to make sure that he will not be rushed back to the field.
The pieces are in place. The quarterback is paid. The playmakers are nearly secured. Now it's time to see if this group can take the next step and bring a Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay.