NFL Preview: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers


Key Additions:
T Derek Sherrod (draft)
WR Randall Cobb (draft)


Key Departures:
DL Cullen Jenkins 
LB Nick Barnett 
LB Brandon Chillar 
LB Brady Popingha 
G Daryn Colledge
RB Brandon Jackson
C Jason Spitz
T Mark Tauscher 
TE Donald Lee
DT Justin Harrell 


Report:
Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers are led by QB Aaron Rodgers, who had a great postseason. Rodgers is a good quarterback, but I don't think he will have a season or perform like he did in the playoffs. If the Packers want to repeat they will need a better running game. RB Ryan Grant is back from an ankle injury, but can he be the same running back he was before (because he wan't that explosive anyway). Playoff RB James Starks is not that talented of a player, he just had fresh legs. Green Bay's receivers are talented, but somewhat overrated. WR Greg Jennings is an explosive player, and with veteran Donald Driver opposite they make a good tandem. Back-up wideouts Jordy Nelson and James Jones are good as back-ups, but are vastly overrated from what the media thinks. TE Jermichael Finley was expected to breakout last season got injured and can he regain his athleticism. The offensive line is still a little shaky after losses of longtime offensive lineman.

The defensive was one of the strong suits for them last season. But, the defensive line is a position that doesn't apply pressure. B.J. Raji is the only legitimate player on the line. Ryan Pickett and Mike Neal are the other ends, but Pickett is the better of the two. ILB's A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop are a good tandem together, but Bishop isn't the best by himself. Brad Jones was injured last season and is coming back. Other OLB Clay Matthews is a great pass rusher, but is not very good in coverage. CB's Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams are a great tandem and Sam Shields is the third cornerback. Shields was surprisingly useful, although he is not a good corner in my eyes. S Nick Collins is a Pro Bowl caliber player, and Morgan Burnett is coming off of injury, and was only having an average rookie year when he got hurt. 


K Mason Crosby is not the most consistent kicker, but can kick from a large distant. P Tim Masthay had a rough time in the beginning of the season last year, but improved as the season went along. The Packers do not posses any kick returners that strike a lot of fear in coaches.


Review:
I am a Bears fan. Writing this article was very tough, because of the fact that I hate the Packers. I do think that they are very talented and respect the team. I do not however respect the fans. The offense had a great postseason, but I don't think they will play that well this season. The defense has good players like Matthew, Woodson, and Hawk, but the defensive line does not produce a pass rush and the other players are overrated. The Packers do have the talent to repeat again, however the NFL is much to deep for any team to repeat. 


P.S. I thought the same thing about the Saints last season, I'm not just hating.


Division Finish: TBA