Since 2001 the Green Bay Packers have won fewer games than the previous year. Their alarming slide came to the forefront last season when they finished a paltry 4-12. The team was riddled with injuries and problems. It looked like Brett Favre's last season would be one to forget. However, Favre has decided to come back for a 15th season in 2006. This upcoming season has to be better than 2005, right?
Quarterbacks
Brett Favre is past his prime and clinging onto the glory days gone by. Sure, he still has some gas in the tank, but he commits far too many errors to lead the team anywhere meaningful?like the Super Bowl. What's worse is the fact that the Packers don't have a bona fide replacement for him. Of course, many will say there's just one Favre. Still, the Packers are just average in this category. A QB that throws 29 interceptions and 20 TD's just isn't getting the job done.
Running Backs
Who's going to step up and be the man? Ahman Green is an injury waiting to happen. Last season was cut short'he had 255 yards. If Green is healthy, he should rush for about 1,000 yards. Still, that's only 62.5 yards per game. 2003, when Green rushed for 1,883 yards, was a magical year and not indicative of Green's ability?especially now that he's older. The rushing game for the Packers is just average at best.
Receivers
The receiving tandem is anchored by Donald Driver. Again, question marks abound. If Driver stays healthy, he figures to get about 1,200 yards receiving this season. Aside from Driver, there's a huge gap in the receiving unit. It's Driver and Driver. He's the only reason why the receiving unit gets a grade of average. If he goes down, this unit is well below average.
Defense and Special Teams
The Packers have a lackluster line this season. They picked up DT Ryan Pickett, but they lost Grady Jackson. The best this line can hope for is to make a minor push. The Linebackers are slightly better and could end up being the anchor of the defense if some key players, like A.J. Hawk from Ohio State, step up. To improve the secondary, the Packers sign CB Charles Woodson. He's not a shut down corner by any stretch, but he could give the secondary a small boost. As to the special teams, well, there's not much to talk about. The lone bright spot, Ryan Longwell, has left the team for Minnesota. The special teams unit is below average.
2006 Predication
The Green Bay Packers have a somewhat challenging schedule in 2006. Based on 2005, there are at least 11 games they could lose. Some of their opponents include Seattle, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New England and division foes. It's the last hurrah for Brett Favre. It's very likely that the Packers finish somewhere in the range of 5-11 to 7-9.
Offense
Brett Favre comes back for his 17th season. While Favre is not the player he used to be, I think he is still one of the better quarterbacks in the league. While last season was not statistically that well, Favre really has no weapons on offense. Sure, Driver is up there as a good receiver, but that is all there is.
The Packers lost Ahman Green via free agency and are now left with no proven running back. They selected Brandon Jackson in the 2nd round of the draft. He could very well become the starter if he has a good training camp. And I say why not. No other Packer running back has proven himself to be worthy of a starter. Full back is not much better. Coach McCarthy would like to emulate the Denver Broncos running game where it seems the Broncos can just insert anybody they want and they can get 1000 yards.
What is the problem with Brett Favre? Nothing. The Packers led the league last year in dropped passes. Donald Driver is fearless over the middle but is not big enough in the red zone. 2nd year man Greg Jennings does not have the size either. Although he started off well, he was sidelined due to injury at midseason. Robert Ferguson continues to disappoint everybody. Koren Robinson could help, but he was suspended for a full year for violating the substance abuse rules. He will be eligible for reinstatement in October and will likely be needed.
The offensive line is young and should improve. In 2006, three rookies started on the line. Certainly not an ideal situation. With one year under their belts, they should get better and they will need to if the ground game is to have any chance. Within the line, tight ends are another bad situation. Bubba Franks has lost it and can no longer be counted on as he was earlier in his career. His Pro Bowl days are gone.
Overall, the offense will continue to struggle and Favre will not have a good time.
Defense
One of the few bright spots for the Packers in 2006, surprisingly was their defense. Rising star Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins anchor a decent line. Added to the mix is first round pick Justin Harrell who should help. The linebacking corps is also a solid bunch. While not a superstar, Nick Barnett is solid. 2006 1st round pick A.J. Hawk now has a year under his belt and should improve immensely. Additionally Brady Popping continues to improve
The Packers secondary, specifically the corner backs did well. Al Harris and Charles Woodson held opposing receivers in check. In fact, Woodson had a career high 8 interceptions last year. When looking at the cornerback position though, both of these guys are in their 30's and on the downside of their careers. Unfortunately the safety position needs some help, and that is an understatement. Marquand Manuel was signed last year to help out and take a lead role. Instead he came across as a pampas know-it-all and annoyed his fellow players. Blowing play after play did not help matters. It will be interesting to see if one of the younger players can take a lead role and take over that position.
My Prediction
The Packers could do well this year and surprise a few folks. They did well against other NFC North opponents. The fact that the NFC North is likely one of the weaker divisions will help. With all the controversy in Chicago, the Bears my slip giving the opportunity for the Packers or other NFC North Teams to climb to the top and the Packers have has much of a chance as anybody. The old fashion building program in place by tightwad ted Thompson is looking good, but the fact remains that some additional veteran leadership is sorely needed for this team to make a strong playoff run
Both Jake Truman & Keith Scott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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