This is easily the worst month of the year for NFL fans, there is simply nothing going on, the Interception Machine not withstanding. With two weeks to go before training camp opens for the Green Bay Packers I think the 2009 season hangs in the balance between special teams and defense. The Packers offense was one of the NFL’s best last year and should be even better this year. The emergence of players like Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley will only compliment receivers Donald Driver and emerging star Greg Jennings. At running back I believe Ryan Grant will return to his 2007 form after a full offseason in the Packers’ system and nothing needs to be said about quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After one year Rodgers is clearly one of the top ten quarterbacks in the league and if he starts another 16 the Packers are headed for good things. Providing, however, the Packers’ defense and special teams improve dramatically this year.
The Packers’ defense was absolutely horrible last year. It was like they were throwing popcorn at their opponents. Special teams was just as bad. With the worst punter ever to suit up in an NFL game and a kicker who can’t kick in the clutch, the Packers lost most of their games on account of special teams and defense. Offensively Rodgers threw six of his interceptions in two bad games and never had more than one in his other 14 games. Ryan Grant ended up ninth in the NFL last year with 1203 yards and anybody who says head coach Mike McCarthy doesn’t run the ball enough might want to ask Grant that question. Last year Grant had the fifth most carries of any back in the NFL, five carries away from third. If anything McCarthy ran the ball too much last year not trusting his first year starter at quarterback.
I’m not worried about the defense improving under new coordinator Dom Capers, that is a given if you ask me. Shawn Slocum has impressed me slightly with his approach to special teams which is certainly different than his predecessor Mike Stock. The defense was never in good hands with Bob Sanders. There was never any identity. Under Capers there will be a clear identity and much more accountability. If anyone thinks the Packers won’t be ready to play opening day, like Florio and other experts, they are going to be sorely mistaken. Slocum has a much harder job than Capers if you ask me, but I think he is like Capers and is taking over a unit that has the players to be successful. I want to see Jordy on kickoffs and Will Blackmon on punts. I try to find areas of weakness and the only things that worry me are offensive line and their ability to keep Rodgers healthy. I’m sorry, but confidence is high.