I would think the offseason ripping of the Packers’ defense must be a first for a unit that ranked second in the NFL the previous year. It seems like the Packers have very little talent on defense other than Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews and because of that they will have to win a shootout every week. I beg to differ. But if I’m wrong, I hope Aaron Rodgers is your fantasy QB.
For starters, the Packers’ run defense will be every bit as strong if not stronger. The defensive line is clearly the strength of the defense. The Packers’ linebackers are solid with budding star Clay Matthews and veterans Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk. If Brad Jones lives up the hype the Packers will fine there.
Of course, most of the doomsayers point to the Packers’ secondary, but the Packers have Pro Bowlers at cornerback and safety in Charles Woodson and Nick Collins, and a solid opposite corner in Tramon Williams. My guess is rookie Morgan Burnett is an upgrade over a oft-injured Atari Bigby, who I believe never plays another down for the Packers. Charlie Peprah is far more dependable and can also deliver the big hit.
And last I checked, the Packers don’t play Kurt Warner or Ben Roethlisberger this year, I’m not worried about Brett Favre this time around. I am worried about Jay Cutler and the Bears, though.
I don’t expect the Packers to be number two again, I expect them to be number one. I would hope they would take as much offense to Rex Ryan and the Jets as I do. I loved Buddy Ryan but Rex is a f*!king motherf*&king joke. Charles Woodson forgot more about defense than Darrelle Revis will ever know. We’ll see who ends up on top, and considering the Packers’ run defense and schedule, I like our chances.
I do think the Packers will give up some yards against the Eagles Sunday, Kevin Kolb proved last year he can light it up, but you have to remember when you throw the ball 50 times you are going to gain some yards. And if you can’t run, you throw.
Part of the no respect thought comes from Ted Thompson not signing a free agent, but other than Peppers nobody was worth the money and Peppers is clearly not Packer people. Unfortunately the media buys into that BS, fortunately the Packers’ brass doesn’t.
One thing that might hurt the Packers’ defense is the Packers’ offense. Aaron Rodgers, barring injury, to him or his offensive line, might rewrite the record books this year. Rodgers is Brett Favre with a brain. The offense won’t be stopped very often.
The opener against the Eagles is a hellavu tester. I am not prepared to make a prediction yet. Watching an ugly game tonight while writing this. If that is all the Saints and Vikings have to offer this might be to easy to really appreciate. Not a pretty sight. Of course the Packers and Eagles might stink it up just the same Sunday on national TV.
More to come…