What has changed?!?

[Partial]

What has changed since 2006 that has led us to being 9-1 instead of 8-8?

We have all the same starters except Bigby substituting in for Manual, and Lee playing the role of David Martin last year.

So, what gives with that?

[PlantPage55]

Growth from the inside. Analysts seem to forget that young players DO GET BETTER!!!!

McCarthy said ALL off-season that the improvement on the team mostly has to come from within. He was right - and the players stepped up and did there part.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Bigby substituting in for Manual

this helps.

Big difference is Favre's more consistent play, IMO.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Growth from the inside. Analysts seem to forget that young players DO GET BETTER!!!!

ya, this is another big factor.

[Deputy Nutz]

Whats the difference? 5 good receivers, instead of one and an injured Jennings, Donald Lee being a significant threat to score anywhere on the field.

What about our defense, it really doesn't get any better, I wouldn't trade our defense for anything. Woodson should be a top consideration for Defense Player of the year.

[vince]

Players understanding the system - and each other - better. Coaches understanding the players better. All of this leads to better strategy, in-game coaching and better execution.

But the real difference in my mind is that Mike McCarthy has done nothing less than a phenomenal job instilling his tough-minded winning attitude from top to bottom of this team. It started the day he took over, but it hasn't stopped since. It takes time for the coach to place his stamp on a team, but there's no doubt whatsoever that he's done that.

Also, there are some great leaders on this team - Favre, Driver, Kampman, Barnett, Harris, Woodson. They are teaching this young team how to go about the business of excelling in this league and the quality group of youngsters are taking notice.

[ZachMN]

My argument would be for MM

He has worked with and built an awesome relationship with Favre

He is a no nonsense coach who is blue collar and thus has the repect of his team

He is aggressive and has an attitude which in turn is reflected in the team

[FritzDontBlitz]

My argument would be for MM

He has worked with and built an awesome relationship with Favre

He is a no nonsense coach who is blue collar and thus has the repect of his team

He is aggressive and has an attitude which in turn is reflected in the team

You forgot to mention that M3 actually has a gameplan every week, instead of the "as long as #4 is out there we have a chance" mentality Shermy had....

[oregonpackfan]

Enjoy the season, fellow Packer fans. This year is to be savored to its fullest extent! :)

[gbgary]

what has changed? experience, health, talent, luck, on both sides of the ball.

[wist43]

What's changed:

Offensively, McCarthy realized that he can't just line up and run the ball, and he's gone back to a more traditional WC offense, i.e. using the short pass in place of the run, and using the pass to set up the run.

Favre is playing under control, and the OL has matured enough that they are giving him decent protection. They still can't run block very well, and probably never will, but as long as Favre is under center, and McCarthy and Philbin continue to come up with good game plans, the offense should keep rolling.

Defensively, it's all about the DL... Sanders hasn't had to blitz, the corners are playing well, and Bush has been ok in the nickel. Losing Williams would hurt.

[Deputy Nutz]

This offensive line is no better or worse than the line that protected Favre during the Super Bowl win. I think we were a little spoiled under Sherman, he did one thing and that was to put together an outstanding offensive line and used them well. Now the line is about average over the years for the Packers outside of the Sherman reign and in the 60s.

So the line is working out ok, they do a good job in pass pro, and the running game is rebounding with more traditional running attack with zone tendancies.

[MadScientist]

The biggest changes are:
1) MM has a year under his belt. He knows his players better, and has learned to coach better.
2) The o-line can pass block without extra help. You can't go 5 wide and max protect at the same time.
3) The 3, 4, and 5 receivers are capable of getting open and catching the ball.
4) The secondary has stopped making the glaring mistakes for the most part.

[HarveyWallbangers]

The biggest changes are:
1) MM has a year under his belt. He knows his players better, and has learned to coach better.
2) The o-line can pass block without extra help. You can't go 5 wide and max protect at the same time.
3) The 3, 4, and 5 receivers are capable of getting open and catching the ball.
4) The secondary has stopped making the glaring mistakes for the most part.

Agreed.