In most NFL cities, who's starting in the offensive line is no big deal, but this is Green Bay and Packer fans know their team, from Aaron Rodgers to the guys who cover kicks.
Consequently, the headline act on our Friday wrap-up is Evan Dietrich-Smith getting the nod over Jeff Saturday at center, as Mike McCarthy said as much this afternoon.
Saturday is banged up and didn't practice until today, so there was an extenuating circumstance, but Saturday's absence also made it very convenient for the Packers to make a move that was waiting to be made.
Saturday is 37 years old and in his 14th season, and at times, it shows. There's a reason they call it a young man's game.
Dietrich-Smith, on the other hand, is a three year guy who's 26, and it's all out there in front of him.
He's made four starts this season, all at guard, and he played real well against the Lions, but center is his best position. Dietrich-Smith is looking at the opportunity of a football lifetime. If he plays well beginning Sunday, he's becomes not only the Packers center of the present, but the future as well.
Not an easy situation for a proud 5-time pro bowler like Saturday, but he's handling it with class and wishes Dietrich-Smith the best.
Now it's up to Evan.
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