Instead, they survived the South Florida heat and defeated the Dolphins, 34-24. The Packers are now 2-4 on the season.
With starting left tackle Chad Clifton out because of the flu and wide receiver Greg Jennings leaving before half with an ankle injury, the Packers were dealt some serious blows. It's a credit to Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff that the team was able to make the necessary adjustments to prevent early disaster from becoming a loss.
The Packers played with enthusiasm and desire. They certainly seemed more interested in the contest than the Dolphins, who combined dropped passes with a glaring lack of urgency. The Packers also showed the ability to not dwell on the nightmare ending to the first half, which took away a 55-yard field goal by Dave Rayner.
The 70-yard touchdown run by Ahman Green was a thing of beauty. I was skeptical that Green had a run like that still in him but more power to him. And the Packers defense came up with some long-awaited big plays. None was bigger than the interception return for a touchdown by Charles Woodson. Al Harris helped keep Chris Chambers in check. It was a good day for the old guys on the Packers' young roster. There were also contributions from neophytes like Ruvell Martin and Chris Francies.
A cynic would point out that the Packers two victories have come over teams with one victory. Nobody's arguing that the Dolphins are bad. Still, it's hard to beat anybody on the road in the NFL.
Now, it's time for the Packers to get a victory at Lambeau Field.
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
