Today's Coverage:
• Chicago Cubs at Brewers
Brewers Leadoff at 10:00 a.m., Brewers Gameday with the Jockey Pregame Show at 12:30 p.m. on Newsradio 620 WTMJ and a live blog here
• Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Packers Gameday at 9:00 a.m. on 94.5 WKTI and a live blog here
Postgame coverage of both contests on Live at 5 and 10 on TODAY'S TMJ4

Audio: Coach Mike McCarthy on 620WTMJ

More:
• Our Experts Predict
• Grant Returns To Form
• DB's Hopeful

The atmosphere around a Packers game is usually tense and passionate.

For the Packers-Buccaneers game, the atmosphere is expected to be hot and humid.

Forecasts have this Sunday in Tampa to have a high of 89' for the Packers' game against the Buccaneers, so Packers coach Mike McCarthy is trying to prepare his team properly for the hot stuff, having them drink lots of water in the days before the game to keep them hydrated.

"I'm drinking my water right now as we speak," said Coach McCarthy on Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Wisconsin's Morning News, perhaps giving an active example of what he wants his players to do in preparation for the heat and humidity of Tampa.

"It's something you have to deal with anytime you go down there, down to Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville this time of year. Coming from Green Bay, we had an experience two years ago. We had a very hot day in early November, so it's something we can draw from.

"Our players have to be prepared, so hydration is the key."

Especially hydrating in the days before Sunday, so water is already in their system.

Another thing that can help in hot weather are fresh players to rotate in from the sidelines, and if you have lots of depth, that can be an advantage.

But the Packers are already using their depth, especially in the secondary, where they have to fill holes for Al Harris (with his spleen injury) and Atari Bigby (hamstring).

"Sometimes that's the way it goes," explains McCarthy.

"It hits a position or two, and we're just fortunate we've had the depth that we haven't had the last two years.

"It's time for other players to step up."

Specifically what Tramon Williams will have to do in playing Al Harris' role at starting cornerback.

Run Defense Must Step Up, Too

In the Packers' 27-16 loss to Dallas, Green Bay allowed the Cowboys to gash them for 217 rushihng yards.

McCarthy says the Packers must come up with an answer, and since the alarming total came from mistakes instead of a gap in talent, the answers are already there.

"Anytime you look at the numbers that were put up against us, it's definitely something that's alarming," stated McCarthy.

"You have to make sure you correct the right things. The most important thing is that there are things we can improve on.

"Our gap control on 5 or 6 plays is not what it's supposed to be. We had two alignment errors on the big run by Felix Jones.

"Those aren't excuses, those are the facts. You have to line up right and you have to play with proper gap control.

"There were periods in the game where we played outstanding run with the job, but we have to do it for four quarters."

Grant's Return To Practice Critical For Games

Running back Ryan Grant has been forecasted as perhaps the most impactful player of the Packers' offense for 2008, but he hasn't had much chance to make an impact.

To turn into that player this year, he has to have an impact in practice.

"It's something that's needed," said McCarthy.

"Ryan's missed a lot of time. He did not go through the offseason program.

"He had a contract dispute that kept him out of (that) and training camp, so those are all reps that he has not taken.

"He needs his practice reps. He needs to be out there and get his timing, and get what we refer to as football shape."