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HOW THE PACKERS CAN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS
By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/09/06
With Carolina, Seattle and Tampa Bay attracting early attention as the top teams in the NFC, Green Bay needs a few things to happen for them to become relevant again  the return of Brett Favre was central to any title aspirations. An injury-plagued 4-12 season led to the departure of Mike Sherman and the hiring of Mike McCarthy. "I'm glad for Mike (McCarthy) that Brett is coming back," NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci said. "They signed Charles Woodson. They lost some players, but anytime that you've got No. 4 taking snaps you're going to have a chance."
Here's a look at 10 things that must go right for the Green Bay Packers to reach the playoffs.
1. The return of Favre
While there's a perception that Brett Favre is an old gunslinger who's seen his best days, his stats don't suggest that there has been a major dropoff. He had a 92.4 quarterback rating, threw for more than 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season. While signed through 2010, Favre may have a couple of top notch seasons left.
2. Rally around new regime
The transition from Sherman to McCarthy, a first-year head coach, must go smoothly. Early signs were not good as several veterans skipped some of the "voluntary" offseason workouts.
3. Return of running game
The Packers don't need Favre throwing 40 times a game and must have balance. Running back Ahman Green had five straight 1,000-yard seasons before missing most of last season with torn right thigh tendon.
4. Hammerin' Hawk
Former Ohio State star A.J. Hawk, the fifth pick in the draft, must step in and be a force. The defense has been lacking an enforcer.
5. Pay Al Harris some cash
Cornerback Al Harris is under contract but there are rumblings about a holdout. The Pack should go ahead and pay him some more cash and stabilize the locker room. This may help morale and stop players like Mike McKenzie and Javon Walker from demanding trades out Green Bay.
6. Put Bears in hibernation
When Lovie Smith was named Chicago's coach he put a priority on beating the rival Packers. The Bears are 3-1 verses the Packers under Smith in one of the league's best rivalries. The Packers open and close the season against the Bears.
7. Revampled O-line
Tackles Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton are proven, but Favre could be working behind a revamped and young interior offensive line. Second-round pick Daryn Colledge (Boise State) and third-round pick Aaron Spitz (Louisville) may start at the guard spots. The Packers must also replace center Mike Flanagan, who followed Sherman to Houston. Scott Wells, a seventh-round pick in 2004 from Tennessee, and Chris White, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 from Southern Mississippi, will battle for the starting center spot.
8. Farewell to Longwell
Losing steady place-kicker Ryan Longwell to Minnesota may come back to haunt the Packers. Longwell made 81.58 percent of his field goals in nine seasons in Green Bay, including 59 percent from 50 yards or more. Billy Cundiff will have to beat out Dave Rayner for the job.
9. Secondary improvement
The Packers signed cornerback Woodson and safety Marquand Manuel during free agency. They are expected to combine with Harris and safety Nick Collins to form a solid secondary. Safety Mark Roman and Ahmad "Batman" Carroll figure to lose their starting jobs. Some in the Cheesehead nation are tired Carroll's showboating and numerous penalties.
10. Receiving corps
With Javon Walker traded, Donald Driver is the only proven commodity. The Packers signed Marc Boerigter and Rod Gardner. They are hoping Robert Ferguson, who has shown flashes, can stay healthy and become more physical when fighting for the ball.
Comments: woodbuck27
By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/09/06
With Carolina, Seattle and Tampa Bay attracting early attention as the top teams in the NFC, Green Bay needs a few things to happen for them to become relevant again  the return of Brett Favre was central to any title aspirations. An injury-plagued 4-12 season led to the departure of Mike Sherman and the hiring of Mike McCarthy. "I'm glad for Mike (McCarthy) that Brett is coming back," NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci said. "They signed Charles Woodson. They lost some players, but anytime that you've got No. 4 taking snaps you're going to have a chance."
Here's a look at 10 things that must go right for the Green Bay Packers to reach the playoffs.
1. The return of Favre
While there's a perception that Brett Favre is an old gunslinger who's seen his best days, his stats don't suggest that there has been a major dropoff. He had a 92.4 quarterback rating, threw for more than 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season. While signed through 2010, Favre may have a couple of top notch seasons left.
2. Rally around new regime
The transition from Sherman to McCarthy, a first-year head coach, must go smoothly. Early signs were not good as several veterans skipped some of the "voluntary" offseason workouts.
3. Return of running game
The Packers don't need Favre throwing 40 times a game and must have balance. Running back Ahman Green had five straight 1,000-yard seasons before missing most of last season with torn right thigh tendon.
4. Hammerin' Hawk
Former Ohio State star A.J. Hawk, the fifth pick in the draft, must step in and be a force. The defense has been lacking an enforcer.
5. Pay Al Harris some cash
Cornerback Al Harris is under contract but there are rumblings about a holdout. The Pack should go ahead and pay him some more cash and stabilize the locker room. This may help morale and stop players like Mike McKenzie and Javon Walker from demanding trades out Green Bay.
6. Put Bears in hibernation
When Lovie Smith was named Chicago's coach he put a priority on beating the rival Packers. The Bears are 3-1 verses the Packers under Smith in one of the league's best rivalries. The Packers open and close the season against the Bears.
7. Revampled O-line
Tackles Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton are proven, but Favre could be working behind a revamped and young interior offensive line. Second-round pick Daryn Colledge (Boise State) and third-round pick Aaron Spitz (Louisville) may start at the guard spots. The Packers must also replace center Mike Flanagan, who followed Sherman to Houston. Scott Wells, a seventh-round pick in 2004 from Tennessee, and Chris White, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 from Southern Mississippi, will battle for the starting center spot.
8. Farewell to Longwell
Losing steady place-kicker Ryan Longwell to Minnesota may come back to haunt the Packers. Longwell made 81.58 percent of his field goals in nine seasons in Green Bay, including 59 percent from 50 yards or more. Billy Cundiff will have to beat out Dave Rayner for the job.
9. Secondary improvement
The Packers signed cornerback Woodson and safety Marquand Manuel during free agency. They are expected to combine with Harris and safety Nick Collins to form a solid secondary. Safety Mark Roman and Ahmad "Batman" Carroll figure to lose their starting jobs. Some in the Cheesehead nation are tired Carroll's showboating and numerous penalties.
10. Receiving corps
With Javon Walker traded, Donald Driver is the only proven commodity. The Packers signed Marc Boerigter and Rod Gardner. They are hoping Robert Ferguson, who has shown flashes, can stay healthy and become more physical when fighting for the ball.
Comments: woodbuck27
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