Next game: Sunday, October 19 vs. Indianapolis
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Sunday brings a home contest at Lambeau Field for the first-place Green Bay Packers (3-3) against the Indianapolis Colts and the explosive Peyton Manning at quarterback.

Historically, in games of this importance against a quality opponent, the home field advantage becomes a critical edge.

That's not the case this year, as Green Bay owns a 1-2 record on the hallowed ground of the house Lombardi and Holmgren's teams made famously hard for visitors.

"(There's) no excuses. It's a tremendous environment to play in. Our players love playing here, but it's also a great experience for the opponent. Time and time again, you see members of the other team and (say) how much of an honor they think it is to play at Lambeau.

"We need to do a better job of having Lambeau being feared instead of treasured."

Packers Treasure Opportunity to Battle Manning

It's often said that you get the best a team can offer when the opponent is the best the sport can offer.

It's also arguable that the Packers get that this week in two-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning at quarterback for Indianapolis.

"I think anytime you have an opportunity to compete against a team that has a quarterback with the magnitude of Peyton Manning, you definitely bring something extra to the game," says McCarthy.

"It starts with the initial meetings on Wednesday and carries all the way through the practice environment throughout the week. You see all the different things Peyton does, his particular game and the way they run on offense."

The Colts' offense found a resurgence in their passing game with a 31-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, who had the top-ranked pass defense in football before their meeting last Sunday.

Manning delivered three touchdown passes, two of long distances to Marvin Harrison in the first half.

Overcoming Defensive Injuries

The Packers may get a key boost from a player that hasn't panned out like the expectations the Packers had for him after selecting him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft: Justin Harrell.

"Harrell is off to a good start," said McCarthy.

"He'll definitely help the defensive line with his ability and the rotation, which is definitely limited with Cullen Jenkins being out on injured reserve and Ryan Pickett pushing through an injury. We can definitely get some help in there."

What can Pickett do, in the meantime, with his triceps injury?

"He potentially may practice today," states McCarthy. "He thinks he'll be able to go, but time will answer that question.

The team's training staff is attempting to figure out what type of brace to use for the game on Sunday.

"(Today) is probably going to answer which way they go with the different type of brace. They've been working with a couple different options Wednesday and Thursday when he went through his rehab. Hopefully they can get something he's comfortable with and something he can be productive with."

And even though it's nearly impossible for cornerback Al Harris to consider playing with his injured spleen Sunday, his presence in the locker room has even assisted in lifting the team's spirits.

"Just being around Al is definitely bringing a different type of energy to our football team. He's a very popular guy in the locker room. He's definitely unique with his personality, and he's someone who brings a lot of juice to that defense. It's great just to have him back out there."