13-3 season for the Pack? Read this optimistic assessment

[HarveyWallbangers]

I expect us to compete for a playoff spot this year. If we don't, then I'll be disappointed. That's my expectation. My hope is that the offense remains top 10, the defense climbs into the top half of the league, and the special teams is helped by all of the LBs and we are at least average. That would make us an above average team. Super Bowl contender? That's tough. We've only been a legit Super Bowl contender about 4 or 5 times in the last 40+ years.

[RashanGary]

I expect us to compete for a playoff spot this year. If we don't, then I'll be disappointed. That's my expectation. My hope is that the offense remains top 10, the defense climbs into the top half of the league, and the special teams is helped by all of the LBs and we are at least average. That would make us an above average team. Super Bowl contender? That's tough. We've only been a legit Super Bowl contender about 4 or 5 times in the last 40+ years.

That's realistic. I'm hoping slightly better, but I'd understand this if there were signs that it would be continually getting better (ie, Jennings and all of the important FA's are signed before the season is over so we don't lose people next year) (and we see more young players step up, maybe one more stepping into "playmaker" category)

[Gunakor]

More playmakers emerging, especially on defense, is one area I do have expectations for this season. Mostly because this new aggressive scheme allows for more opportunities for players in our front 7 to make impact plays, and partly because I see the two players we drafted in the first round this year as being impact players.

Raji and Matthews are going to have their growing pains, but by the end of the season I expect to see them both playing like they belong out there starting. You can't understand how excited I am about those two being Green Bay Packers. It could very well end up being like the Sapp-Brooks draft that vaulted the Bucs into SB contention - but remember, that didn't happen right away. Which is why I warn everyone to temper their expectations for 2009.

[cpk1994]

More playmakers emerging, especially on defense, is one area I do have expectations for this season. Mostly because this new aggressive scheme allows for more opportunities for players in our front 7 to make impact plays, and partly because I see the two players we drafted in the first round this year as being impact players.

Raji and Matthews are going to have their growing pains, but by the end of the season I expect to see them both playing like they belong out there starting. You can't understand how excited I am about those two being Green Bay Packers. It could very well end up being like the Sapp-Brooks draft that vaulted the Bucs into SB contention - but remember, that didn't happen right away. Which is why I warn everyone to temper their expectations for 2009.

I'm with you on this, and for the most part on this fourm, 10-6 seems to be the norm in terms of predictions so I don't think expectations are too far out there.

[Fritz]

Expectations are always molded by circumstances, so I'm hesitant to have specific expectations regarding records.

I will say though that IF this team stays healthy - that is so, so important - then I have hopes that this team will qualify for the playoffs this year. I would almost say "expectations," but what if they did a New England and went 11-5 and missed the playoffs?

But I am jacked about this team and this season. No BF distractions this time, a real defensive coordinator, A-Rod in year two as a starter - man, this is looking like it could be fun.

[3irty1]

Nutz you watched the games last year. 6-10 doesn't tell the whole story. Its very doom and gloom to predict that it will continue to rain shit on the Packers.

How doesn't that tell the story? They started out hot then faded big time. It's a very accurate representation because it IS the only representation.

I know you feel that way. I personally think everything that went wrong last year did. We may have been 6-10 but we were tragically close to 10-6. Some of it was in their control but lady luck sure didn't do they any favors. Maybe they are all a pile of losers led by a loser QB and a bunch of loser coaches who will always find a way to lose a close game but I'd like to think not.

[rbaloha1]

Expectations are always molded by circumstances, so I'm hesitant to have specific expectations regarding records.

I will say though that IF this team stays healthy - that is so, so important - then I have hopes that this team will qualify for the playoffs this year. I would almost say "expectations," but what if they did a New England and went 11-5 and missed the playoffs?

But I am jacked about this team and this season. No BF distractions this time, a real defensive coordinator, A-Rod in year two as a starter - man, this is looking like it could be fun.

Agreed. The BF saga may not be over though. After all its only April.

[Lurker64]

Agreed. The BF saga may not be over though. After all its only April.

It's over for us though. If he ends up playing for another team, all we have to do is beat him in case we end up playing.

[Deputy Nutz]

Expectations are always molded by circumstances, so I'm hesitant to have specific expectations regarding records.

I will say though that IF this team stays healthy - that is so, so important - then I have hopes that this team will qualify for the playoffs this year. I would almost say "expectations," but what if they did a New England and went 11-5 and missed the playoffs?

But I am jacked about this team and this season. No BF distractions this time, a real defensive coordinator, A-Rod in year two as a starter - man, this is looking like it could be fun.

Agreed. The BF saga may not be over though. After all its only April.

It is over with the Packers though, they have no control over what Favre does, it will have little impact on the organization's prep for the season.

[Deputy Nutz]

I expect us to compete for a playoff spot this year. If we don't, then I'll be disappointed. That's my expectation. My hope is that the offense remains top 10, the defense climbs into the top half of the league, and the special teams is helped by all of the LBs and we are at least average. That would make us an above average team. Super Bowl contender? That's tough. We've only been a legit Super Bowl contender about 4 or 5 times in the last 40+ years.

Well in the last 49 years the Packers have been contenders for the title for 7 years, so basically one out of ever 7 year the Packers have a chance to make the super bowl

two super bowls in 66 and 67, I assume they were contenders a year after they went to Super Bowl II, although I know they had a bunch of injuries, but I am sure they were predicted to finish high.

Then in 1996 they won it. then in 1997 they went to the Super Bowl and were the best team in the NFL. 1995 they were one of the top three out of the NFC to go to the Super Bowl, and also in 1998 as well.


Anyways I agree that they are playoff contender in 2008, that is as high as my expectations go.

[cpk1994]

Agreed. The BF saga may not be over though. After all its only April.

It's over for us though. If he ends up playing for another team, all we have to do is beat him in case we end up playing.

Exactly If Favre stays retired, Arron Rodgers is our QB. If Brett plays, Arron Rodgers is our starting QB. He is someone elses headache.