Team Preview: Green Bay Packers

The end of one era…The beginning of another era…Or not. Just when the Packers thought Brett Favre’s playing days were finished, the 18-year veteran decided that he retired “too soon.” However, this time, the Packers threw a wrench into the whole “welcome back the retired star” situation – they don’t want him back, nor will they release him. So, with this problem looming over both the organization and their fans, let’s take a look at the upcoming season for the boys from up north – their first without Favre on the field since 1991.

Without Favre on the roster, the Packers can finally move on to 2005 first round pick Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has waited about as long to start for the Packers as he did on draft day when he was taken 24th overall. However, just when he thought it was safe, he is looking over his shoulder at two highly regarded rookie signal callers – Louisville’s Brian Brohm and LSU’s Matt Flynn. Working in Rodgers’ favor is the fact that he may be the perfect mix of the two – Brohm is a pure pocket passer, while Flynn is known more for his scrambling – giving him even more of an advantage (besides experience).

No matter who is chosen as the starter, he will have plenty of talent surrounding him. An impressive core of running backs is led by Ryan Grant, a rookie surprise who rushed for over 950 yards in fewer than 200 carries last year. If the ground game falters, weapons also abound through the air. The receiving core is led by veteran Donald Driver and young star Greg Jennings, who, along with James Jones, Donald Lee, and incoming top pick Jordy Nelson, provide enough talent to challenge any defense in the league. Include a young (with the exception of Chad Clifton), yet under appreciated offensive line, and the Packers’ offense ranks at the the top of the NFC along with the Cowboys.

For as good as the offense is on paper, the defense may be just as talented. The Packers have at least one pro-bowler at every level of the defense with Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, A.J. Hawk, and Al Harris, and have potential for many more. If Justin Harrell, Abdul Hodge, and Will Blackmon continue to make natural improvements, this defense could surpass their offensive counterpart as the scariest element of the team. However, one can usually find a minor flaw in even the strongest armor. That flaw in the Packers’ defense is the safety position. While Atari Bigby and Nick Collins may be solid players, they certainly overachieved last season. They could just as easily under perform this year, thereby potentially dragging down the entire defense.

Overall, the Packers boast one of the best offensive and defensive units in the NFC, if not the entire league. Putting icing on the cake is K Mason Crosby, a second year player who can boom the ball just in case the offense stumbles under the guidance of a new quarterback new starter. And, as always, playing in the weak NFC, and even weaker NFC North, always helps matters. In the end, look for Green Bay to take the division title for the second consecutive year, but not without a couple rough patches during the year and a serious push from the Lions.

John’s 2008 Prediction: 10-6
Ian’s 2008 Prediction: 11-5