Geeks Pick Packers at 7-9

[HarveyWallbangers]

The computer can't project injuries like the Packers and Eagles got.

[test]

I've said 8-8 would be a good year for this roster. Anything above that is icing on the cake.

[Patler]

I've said 8-8 would be a good year for this roster. Anything above that is icing on the cake.

I hate to say it, but 8-8 would be an acceptable record, if the team looks like it is going up.

When they line up for game 1 in 2006, they could have 12 starters different from those that started the last game of the 2004 season. Throw in a new punter and a new kicker, and its quite a turnover with only one intervening season.

I should also mention a new coaching staff and new GM when compared to 2004. Heck, there is even a new team President!

[test]

That's not settling for average either. That's being realistic about rebuilding because no matter if anyone wants to admit it, that's exactly what we're doing.

I think the real challenge will be when Favre does retire. But my gut says he'll be around next year if we hit at least 8-8 and look decent along the way. He'll get those juices flowing and want to go for the ring one more time.

If we crap out, well then look for him to ride off.

But I don't want to turn this into a Favre retirement thread.

[MJZiggy]

It's training camp, I'm still being a homer 'cause I like what I'm seeing and hearing and they're improving continually. M3 is running a tight ship and seems to be really gaining the respect of his players. I'll stand by the 10-6 that I posted in another thread.

[Patler]

I agree, about the team and Favre.

It's pretty hard not to see GB as rebuilding with the huge roster turnover, and turnover in starters. If you can rebuild half the starting lineup and play 8-8 football, you've done well.

[MJZiggy]

But why am I so less nervous about this season than I was last season? I watched the first game last year peeking through the fingers covering my eyes. This year I'm very excited and can't wait to see them get on the field and start tearing things up. (Bears, specifically).

[Patler]

But why am I so less nervous about this season than I was last season? I watched the first game last year peeking through the fingers covering my eyes. This year I'm very excited and can't wait to see them get on the field and start tearing things up. (Bears, specifically).

Because there are lots of young, unproven players that you feel good about.
Gado, Jennings, Colledge, Spitz, Hawk, Hodge, Underwood, Poppinga. To some extent also Wells (back to his natural position) and Collins (how far can he rise?). Even Ryan, the punter. New veterans with solid backgrounds and/or potential like Pickett and Woodson, to some extent Allen and Manual. Throw in Taylor and there is the hope that the team has been strengthened in many areas.

Last year the feeling was just the opposite. We knew the team would be weaker in some areas, the question was how much. The only newcomer that raised much interest was Collins.

[Bretsky]

That's not settling for average either. That's being realistic about rebuilding because no matter if anyone wants to admit it, that's exactly what we're doing.

I think the real challenge will be when Favre does retire. But my gut says he'll be around next year if we hit at least 8-8 and look decent along the way. He'll get those juices flowing and want to go for the ring one more time.

If we crap out, well then look for him to ride off.

But I don't want to turn this into a Favre retirement thread.

I agree, 8-8 would be a success in the rebuilding project. What will make the season interesting is the schedule is a lot easier at the beginning and with all those young faces it will be an even greater challenge to MM. We need to start out solid.

If we finish well, I could still see Favre coming back and making one more playoff run if TT makes some good offseason moves with all the money he will have available. I'm still a bit disappointed he didn't create more waves early in the process this year and we still remain over 7MIL below the cap, but we'll be in very good shape next year if TT decides to spend the $$.

B