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Published by the Impeccables since 1975 / Rebooted in 2022 / Volume IV - 1st Issue
Post Pattern back for 4th Year!
Post Pattern back for 4th Year!
When you grow up in northeast Wisconsin, there are some things that just come with the territory. Friday nights are dedicated to fish fries and high school football games. Winter is known for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and Ariens snowblowers clearing the way. But when the calendar turns to August there is far and away one topic that dominates the landscape...Packer football. While Coach LaFluer returns for his 7th season at the helm, our rebooted version of the Post Pattern is kicking off our 4th year of celebrating football and family.
For our fourth volume, we will continue many of the traditions that made the Post Pattern what is was originally - picking updates, commentary from our Impeccables and readers (maybe we'll even get someone to write a note to our editor!), and as always the ever-popular Buboltz Sports Kids column. Speaking of traditions, one popular tradition that we brought back last year, the Mystery Picker, will return once again. Pay close attention to each issue as you may find subtle hints to our picker's identity.
In a nod to tradition for our 2025 edition, our editor was recently going through the archives and stumbled across a dust covered artifact of particular importance. As some of you will recall, not only was there a trophy for 1st place (a cast of Rick's hand flashing the "#1" pose), but there was also an "award" given to the worst picker of the group. The not-so-coveted "Toilet Bowl Trophy" as it was referred to, was bestowed upon a picker of poor judgement at the annual Post Pattern annual party. For 2025, our Impeccables will have a little extra motivation to not finish in the toilet.
Our trip to the archives was not limited to finding toilet lids. During our search, we uncovered what is truly a treasure trove. Some of today's impeccables might remember sitting in the living room at 535 Fairway Drive and being delighted to pictures captured on 35mm film and displayed via projector. While images included weddings, vacations, backyard barbecues and Korean War shots, the Post Pattern has uncovered gems from the past of the Green Bay Packer variety. At the time we went to press, our historians have digitized about 80% of these images. As the process unfolds, we'll share not only some of these amazing photos, but we'll also provide commentary from none other than our matriach, Lady Mundo!
Finally, what would the rebooted Post Pattern be without a trip back to the Vault? This year, we'll be visiting the Bart Starr lead 1981 Packers. On offense, Dickey, Ivery & Ellis, Lofton, and Coffman were counted on to lead the way (while a rare in-season trade brought even more firepower to the squad). On defense, the team was lead by the likes of Ezra Johnson, Mark Lee, Casey Merrill and Maurice Harvey.
We're excited for another year of sharing our Packer fandom in 2025. If you are interested in contributing to our content, have ideas about what we can do better, or just want to send in a letter to the editor to get something off your chest, we'd love to hear from you!
Parsons a Packer!
Parsons a Packer!
Michah Parsons knows. Even before being introduced in his press conference as a Green Bay Packer, Parsons knew. As the kids do these days, Parsons posted a clip on Twitter thanking Dallas for his time there before it transitioned to several clips of the legendary Reggie White using his trademarked "club" move. Perhaps it was coincidental, perhaps not, but the first image was of White using his right hand to throw Cowboys Hall of Famer Larry Allen to the ground. The next was of White abusing Vikings Chris Carter to sack Warren Moon. The final clip is of White clubbing a 49ers lineman, which then dissolves into Parsons using the same move to throw a 49ers lineman to the ground on his way to the quarterback.
Parsons knows the comparisons people will make. Looking very comfortable in a green and gold Marni sweater, Parsons lead his conference by saying "I understand the rich history of the Green Bay Packers". When asked about the Reggie clip, and if that was who he was "chasing to be" Parsons responded with "100% bro. Reggie is one of the GOATs". He went on to say that he had learned more about the history of Reggie in Green Bay and said "I looked at him as someone who came here and won championships...and I think I can do that too".
Parsons, who started his football career as a pee-wee with the Harrisburg Packers, also demonstrated a few traits sure to endear him to Packers fans. "Just being here as a Packer today, life comes full circle for me. I don't know really know why, I think God has his hand over me more than I could ever ask for". Parsons arrived in Green Bay surrounded by his family who immediately took to Green Bay (Parson's brother tweeted "Matt LaFluer is a cool @ss dude, I can't lie")
Packers fans immediately reacted to the news. From thoughts about Super Bowl contention, to sadness for losing Kenny Clark, fans were almost united in the belief that Green Bay is indisputably a more dangerous team with the addition of Parsons. Fans of other teams, particularly NFC North clubs, reacted with a tone of shock, panic, and jealously.
Only time will tell, but the acquisition of one of the NFL's premier players should provide Green Bay with the pass rush they sorely needed in order to compete. Parsons is one of only two players to have at least 12 sacks in each of his first 4 years. The other? Reggie White.
Fans Embrace 2025 Packers
Fans Embrace 2025 Packers
When Noah Vanderhoof woke up on Saturday, August 24th, he was excited to be attending the last Packers preseason game with his buddy August Gresens. Little did he realize his trip would be as memorable as it turned out to be.
In the 2nd quarter, Green Bay ran a mesh concept (crossing pattern) near the goal line. Julian Hicks was on the right side of the formation (directly in front of Noah) and Will Sheppard was the WR on the left side. As Noah said, when Hicks crossed to the left and broke free "I thought we missed it. But then we saw Sheppard coming back our way and the second the QB (Elgersma, aka "Air Canada") snapped his head over we knew he was going to land in our lap". Sheppard hauled in the pass, rolled to the turf and with the touchdown secured knew exactly what do to. He made a beeline to the south end zone seats and right into the waiting arms of Noah Vanderhoof.
Noah, proving that he HAS been listening to his father's advice, shared that the "Vanderhoof rule is if it hits your hands you have to pull it in". Noah did just that and was captured by Packers photographers celebrating with Sheppard.
Now, this story by itself would make the highlight of any Packer fan's career. However, being the "councle" that I am to Noah, I wouldn't be doing my job in helping to raise him properly if I didn't share a bit of feedback on Noah's technique. I believe it's quite possible Noah may have missed a key detail in his father's advice about catching. While there is debate in today's NFL about what is or is not a catch, the receiver is responsible for maintaining control throughout the motion of the catch. As shown here, in Noah's excitement to celebrate he thrust both hands, previously being used to support Sheppard, into the air in a sign of victory. Doing so ignored an important responsibility of a Lambeau Leap receiver...holding on to said leaper. As Sheppard dumped further into the stands, Noah shared that Sheppard didn't have time for small talk so they quickly ushered him back onto the field. "It was super cool".
Indeed!
Willis crowned champ,who's next?
Willis crowned champ,who's next?
On Saturday, July 19th, the Buboltz clan got together for our 4th annual reunion at Lakeside Park in Fond Du Lac. At the event, the 2023 winner, Steve Simmons, begrudgingly handed over the Al's Pal's trophy to grandson Willis Horn. Willis, who had an amazing 200-72 record (73.5% win rate) also was one of our most improved pickers, having bettered his tally by 52 games from 2023. As impressive as that was, Caroline Buboltz took top honors in the MIP department by doing 56 picks better than last year (or in other words a whopping 40% improvement!)
As a quick side note, when our reunion committee picked out Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac as a good location due to his centrality, we did NOT realize the Buboltz family had spent time here (at least a few times) back in the early '60s. We dug up this picture of Lady Mundo and 3 of the kids (Rick was probably the object of the kids attention in this picture) that was seemingly taken in the area.
Back to our picking competition, we kept the divisional alignment mostly the same, with the exception of our high school graduates (Blake and Jack) who have moved into our Packerland division.
With Willis winning last year's title, Steve the year before that, and Jack claiming a share of the crown in our inaugural season, the Simmons crew has been well presented at the top. However, a closer look at last year's results indicates the Rick Buboltz clan might be primed for a breakout. Casey won the Impeccable division, Rick claimed the Hall of Famers title, Tracy won the the Packerland group, and Caroline was the runner-up in our juniors division. (note, Casey did share the title with Jack in year 1). Could one of these pickers take home the title in 2025?
One final note, as a few pickers have commented, it seemed that many of our pickers ended up being "influenced" by CBS Sports sharing the picking "percentages" next to each game. Our competition committee met over the break and decided to remove this feature for 2025. When you make your picks going forward you will not see how the general public picked this year.
He wants to do what? Use Curly's Number?
He wants to do what? Use Curly's Number?
By Rick
The traditionalist in me looks at this as something we just don't do. We haven't done this in 99 years! Sure, some guys have worn it during training camps - but if they make the team they get a different number. That's the way we do things. Who's running the show here? Do we have to get Cliff Christl out here to explain this?
The historian in me says "Does anybody remember Curly Lambeau anymore?" He's only the guy who started the Green Bay Packers. He worse #1 in 1925 and 1926, when he was a player AND the coach! I don't think that there's anything else that needs to be said.
Ok, so after those two takes, here is the real answer. Everybody should be just fine with this decision. If President Ed Policy had to sign off on this request, then props to him.With new leadership comes new ideas. Yes, it was the unwritten rule that no one would ever wear #1 again. But why wasn't that number ever officially retired? Was there any pushback from the board of directors at the time? Remember that Don Hutson's #14 was retired in 1951, only one year after Curly's fractured departure from the organization. And then, Tony Canedeo's #3 one year later in 1952. But no mention of Curly's #1. Heck, even Lombardi said publicly that on one should wear Hornungs #5 again, even though the board never formally approved that.
Think of it this way. We can only hope that Micah Parsons Packer career mirror that of the great Reggie White. And then the biggest decision will be to retire Parsons number, or to honor Lambeau as well.
NFC North returning to Black and Blue Roots
NFC North returning to Black and Blue Roots
Trying to guess how your favorite NFL team will do before a season starts can typically be an exercise in futility. With the changing fortunes of teams from year to year, it's proven to accurately predict where teams will finish. This year especially seems to be difficult to forecast given the increasing level of talent within the NFC North. In 2024, the NFCN went a combined 45-23 (tops in the NFL). The Vikings earned a 14-3 record, and yet didn't win the division. While 3 teams made the playoffs, all 3 lost early and are looking to improve in 2025.
Detroit, once the doormat of the North, has seen a revitalization under Dan Campbell. Starting out 1-6, he has turned that club around to be one of the grittiest teams in the league and owners of the division title the past 2 years. Campbell's team has taken on his identity and plays tough in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Lead by the former 1st pick in the draft Jared Goff, the offense is balanced and highly productive. Detroit boasts a strong WR room, an elite TE, and multiple running backs who can hurt you. They lead the league in scoring (over 33 PPG) last year and were 11th in points allowed, however both offensive and defensive coordinators left for head coaching jobs in the off season which may lead to some problems in the Motor City.
In Minnesota, the team let QB Sam Darnold walk in free agency and have turned the reigns over to 2nd year QB and 1st year starter JJ McCarthy. QB whisperer Kevin O'Connell has surrounded his signal caller with loads of talent. Another NFCN club with a top tier WR corp, like Detroit they also have a stud TE. The Vikings also boast former Packer fan favorite Aaron Jones as their lead back. Last year, the Vikings were 9th in scoring (24.5 PPG) and 4th in points allowed. The Vikings spent $90M in the offseason to shore up their defensive line by adding Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, two veterans who have performed at a high level but are towards the end of their careers.
In Chicago, the 2024 1st pick of the draft, Caleb Williams, showed flashes last year but with the Bears being the Bears had a fairly rough rookie season which lead to his coach being fired. Former Lions OC Ben Johnson takes the helm in '25 and will attempt to bring his high-powered offensive mindset with him. While the team shows some early signs of improvement, the Bears looked like the team of old in their final preseason outing which earned the wrath of their coach. With a WR room that also boasts a wealth of talent and some viable TE targets, Williams should have enough talent around him to be dangerous. Last year, Chicago ranked a paltry 28th in offense, and 14th in defense.
Green Bay likely had the most balanced team in 2024, checking in at 8th in offense and 5th in defense for scoring. Matt LaFluer is the senior member of the NFCN coaching group. His offense, derived from the Shanahan philosophy of zone running, play action, and motion, should once again be a top unit in 2025. The offense may sputter early due to some camp injuries that might affect timing, but the pieces are all there for this group to achieve at the highest level. With 126 yards in W1, Josh Jacobs has the chance to be the 3rd fast RB of all time to crack the 7k yard mark. The WR room is as deep as it gets in the NFL and the addition of Matthew Golden should elevate them further. The TE group should be counted on to get some primary looks this year as both Kraft and Musgrave have big play ability. Finally, QB Jordan Love will hopefully be unaffected by left thumb surgery as he has the opportunity to elevate his play behind the strongest unit he's played with in his time at Green Bay. On the defensive side of the ball, Jeff Haffley had Christmas come early this year with the arrival of Micah Parsons. Joined by Edgerrin Cooper and Xavier McKinney, it's quite possible Green Bay has an All Pro at each level of the defense.
All in all, the squads that Detroit, Minnesota, and Chicago have created, specifically at the skilled positions on offense, will likely test Green Bay this season. With talent of their own, the Pack should be headed for some exciting divisional games in 2025. We won't have to wait long to find out how the Green and Gold stack up in-division as Green Bay hosts Detroit Week 1 at Lambeau. The Post Pattern predicts the Bears will remain in the cellar, folllowed by the Vikings, with Green Bay once again reclaiming the crown as "Kings of the North".
Heard in the Crowd
Heard in the Crowd
Brett Favre was 27 when he won a Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers was 27 when he won a Super Bowl. Jordan Love turns 27 this fall.
"The Green Bay Packers are being investigated for elder abuse after their treatment of Jerry Jones"
"I think there is a 37.5% chance Micah Parsons is a Packer by week's end" - our editor on Monday, August 25th
"It's up to 41.3% now" - our editor, last Thursday after reports the Cowboys were "listening" to offers
"I've revised this projection to 100% - our editor, Thursday, August 28th, 4:27 PM
"The NFL top 100 list is out and Jared Goff is listed as the 15th best player in the league, discuss". - Coach V, Wednesday, August 27th
"Something tells me Jared Goff is not going to look like a Top 15 player in the league to start the season" - Coach V, Thursday, August 28th, 6:07 PM
From noted Bears fan Kyle Brandt, this video clip is funny because it's true. ("If I sound like I'm jealous of you...I AM")
Impeccable Amy, citing "significant data" (possibly found here) believes Jordan Love is due for a career year due to being married this offseason.
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
This is it. The moment all of our readers have been waiting for. All those thoughts about football, Micah Parsons, the Post Pattern, or just random stuff floating around your head that you don't have a proper outlet for. We want to hear them! Send your thoughts to our staff and we'll share them here!
(Letters can be sent to alspals1977@gmail.com, nicksimmons21@gmail.com, or texted to 608-335-8088.)
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