Does this mean I have to stop bashing P B.J. Sander? Sander got creamed on a block by S Ed Reed on a long punt return. MNF replayed the block from the over field camera and it showed Sander get completely spun around in mid-air. Sander had another bad punting game, but punted through the pain.

TE Bubba Franks was placed on injured reserve and it was about time. He had two scary hits in the last few weeks after playing most of the season hurt. With the season lost, it was best to let him heal for next season.

The Packers went the unknown route and signed P Ryan Flinn to replace Sander. Flinn had an awful 34.3 yards/punt for Dallas during the 2004 preseason, but obviously impressed in a workout this week. GM Ted Thompson seems to have left no stone unturned this season when injuries have struck.

Speaking of punters, ex-Packer P Josh Bidwell made the Pro Bowl. Quite an accomplishment for him considering the awful cancer scare that started his career. The Packers didn't make much of an effort to resign him two seasons ago, but he didn't sign for much in Tampa Bay either. Scanning the list of Pro Bowl players uncovers ex-Packers LG Mike Wahle and FS Darren Sharper too. In hindsight, it seemed that the Packers had the cap room and ability to keep all three players, but made poor personnel decisions. On the other hand, the Packers would probably still have a losing record with all three on the Packers 2005 roster and are probably better off in 2006 with the saved cap room instead of three aging players.

Jsonline.com looks ahead to the Packers potential free agents. There isn't anyone on the list that would be essential for the Packers to retain. DE Aaron Kampman would be the most important free agent. The market shouldn't be too aggressive for Kampman, who plays hard but isn't the most talented defensive end in the NFL. He would probably sign for a contract similar to Seattle's DE Bryce Fisher, who seems like a comparable player, and signed for 4 years and $10 million last March. K Ryan Longwell has been a very accurate kicker, but he was awful during the first half of 2005. Longwell has been automatic over the last few weeks, but he shouldn't be considered a must signing anymore. RB Ahman Green is coming off a major knee injury and will be 29 years old before the start of the 2006 season. The list of running backs over 30 years old who have run for over 1000 yards in a season is a short list. It seems unlikely that any of the other free agents would generate much interest this offseason.