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Ok ,key imjuries can derail any season - but as it looks right now, the Packers are set up for a tremendous season
Why?
Here we go :
1. Aaron Rodgers (and the QB position). Rodgers should now be at the peak of his powers; a fusion of athletic ability + experience (and last year's injury might make him a bit more aware of the dangers of taking unnecessary risks). Flynn & Tolzien (if both make the final 53) are a huge insurance upgrade over last season.
2. The 3 - headed ground game. Lacey, Starks & Harris can keep the RB position fresh AND make Rodgers job significantly easier.
3. The O Line : Baktiari has a year of experience under his belt, Sitton & Lang are a great pair of guards, Bulaga's return solidifies the RT position. Of course, the wild card is Linsley - at least until Trestter's return - but if he can handle things, we look solid.
4. Receivers : Nelson & Cobb are dangerous standbys, Boykin & Adams should be more than adequate #3s. I think Janis makes the team & will be a Jordy-Nelson-in-training.
5. TE Not great, but should be adequate. Quarless seems to be holding the seat for Bostick, but Richard Rodgers might emerge as the best option.
6. The D Line : The real; key player is Daniels, who, if used right, could make another giant jump. The year of experience helps Jones. I think Pennel could be the sleeper - maybe by mid-season making a possible Raji exit next season a non-issue. The line is younger, & faster - and a good rotation could be very effective. PLUS (and a HUGE plus) : Peppers, Neal & Perry could all step in at DE at times - thus keeping that rotation even more fresh.
7. Inside LB : Not a true strength, but Hawk & Jones have now worked together long enough to hold up. Barrington, in Year 2, could start to establish himself here.
8. Outside LB : Mathews, if he can stay healthy, will benefit from Peppers on the other side. Likewise for Peppers. Teams won't be able to automatically double Clay any more. With opponents now so concerned with the edges, look for the inside rush - esp Daniels, but linebackers too - to get more opportunities for sacks & hurries.
9. The Secondary : Having both Hayward & Hyde back there will be huge. Williams & Shield should again be solid - and if House is not just teasing again with preseason flashes - this unit should be a ballhawking machine. AND : Clinton-Dix is learning in the wings + Richardson seems to have also made great strides. Safety now, instead of being a disaster-area, has gone to a major strength.
10. Special Teams : No fan of Slocum, but Crosby, Mastay & Goode are vets, Bush will do his thing - and Harris as a kickoff returner should be fine
In this humble Shadow opinion, the Pack is poised to have a very good - and perhaps great - season.
Why?
Here we go :
1. Aaron Rodgers (and the QB position). Rodgers should now be at the peak of his powers; a fusion of athletic ability + experience (and last year's injury might make him a bit more aware of the dangers of taking unnecessary risks). Flynn & Tolzien (if both make the final 53) are a huge insurance upgrade over last season.
2. The 3 - headed ground game. Lacey, Starks & Harris can keep the RB position fresh AND make Rodgers job significantly easier.
3. The O Line : Baktiari has a year of experience under his belt, Sitton & Lang are a great pair of guards, Bulaga's return solidifies the RT position. Of course, the wild card is Linsley - at least until Trestter's return - but if he can handle things, we look solid.
4. Receivers : Nelson & Cobb are dangerous standbys, Boykin & Adams should be more than adequate #3s. I think Janis makes the team & will be a Jordy-Nelson-in-training.
5. TE Not great, but should be adequate. Quarless seems to be holding the seat for Bostick, but Richard Rodgers might emerge as the best option.
6. The D Line : The real; key player is Daniels, who, if used right, could make another giant jump. The year of experience helps Jones. I think Pennel could be the sleeper - maybe by mid-season making a possible Raji exit next season a non-issue. The line is younger, & faster - and a good rotation could be very effective. PLUS (and a HUGE plus) : Peppers, Neal & Perry could all step in at DE at times - thus keeping that rotation even more fresh.
7. Inside LB : Not a true strength, but Hawk & Jones have now worked together long enough to hold up. Barrington, in Year 2, could start to establish himself here.
8. Outside LB : Mathews, if he can stay healthy, will benefit from Peppers on the other side. Likewise for Peppers. Teams won't be able to automatically double Clay any more. With opponents now so concerned with the edges, look for the inside rush - esp Daniels, but linebackers too - to get more opportunities for sacks & hurries.
9. The Secondary : Having both Hayward & Hyde back there will be huge. Williams & Shield should again be solid - and if House is not just teasing again with preseason flashes - this unit should be a ballhawking machine. AND : Clinton-Dix is learning in the wings + Richardson seems to have also made great strides. Safety now, instead of being a disaster-area, has gone to a major strength.
10. Special Teams : No fan of Slocum, but Crosby, Mastay & Goode are vets, Bush will do his thing - and Harris as a kickoff returner should be fine
In this humble Shadow opinion, the Pack is poised to have a very good - and perhaps great - season.
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