Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s reigning MVP and is on course for another shot at that title. The Packers have to keep him healthy. Dean Hall photograph

The Green Bay Packers have weathered an early storm of controversy, bad luck, and injuries to post a 6-3 record. The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Packers – even though we only have 7 games left, it’s a tough road ahead.

That road ends at New Orleans on the third of February 2013 for Super Bowl XLVII.

In order for the Packers to complete that journey they are going to need these 10 players to stay healthy and productive. They are ranked below in order of value.

A.J. Hawk.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

10. A.J Hawk

I used to think A.J Hawk was overpaid, overrated, and on his way out of Green Bay. Now I view him as the most valuable linebacker not named Clay Matthews. Why the change? Because he’s played better. His tackling is better, he’s more impactful, and he’s reliable. Coach McCarthy has said Hawk is always the same guy every day. In the past that has usually been a bad thing, not this year.

T.J. Lange
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

9. T.J Lang

Lang has always been pretty solid. He is willing to battle with anyone, and is among the most efficient statistically of all the Packers lineman. However his true value lies in his versitility to move around the offensive line. The news coming out of Green Bay is that Bulaga’s injury is more serious than expected. This does nothing but make Lang even more valuable

Jordy Nelson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

8. Jordy Nelson

Jordy had taken the place of Greg Jennings in the offense. It took a little time but he has definitely hit his stride.  He now looks like a legitimate go-to receiver. Also, as we have witnessed lately there is a noticeable drop off in the offense when he is not playing.

Tramon Williams
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

7. Tramon Williams

Tramon has been a little up and down this year. That being said, he is still our best cover corner. He is very effective at times and has a knack for the big play. He is by no means a shutdown corner the likes of “Revis Isle,” but he is a former Pro Bowler cornerback and they do not grow on trees.

Charles Woodson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

6. Charles Woodson

He is no longer playing at the elite level that he once was, but make no mistake, he is still very valuable. He is effective in so many different ways and is on the field more than any other player.  He is also the leader of the defense, and a great communicator to the other young members of the secondary.

B.J. Raji
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. B.J Raji

B.J Raji is our best defensive lineman. He gets a great push in the pocket and is great against the run. He is the perfect 3-4 tackle and is exactly what Thompson thought he was when he drafted him in the first round. The Packers defense played well without him for a two-game period, over the long haul I am not so sure the results would be as inspiring

Randall Cobb
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Randall Cobb

Randall is our most explosive receiver, who can do it all and is only going to get better. He leads the Packers in receptions (45), yards after the catch (250) and plays over 20 yards (9). Combine this with the fact he is a great returner and that makes him a very valuable weapon in the Packers offense and special teams.

Marshall Newhouse
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

3. Marshall Newhouse

Marshall has shown steady improvement since he has been a starter. That being said, he is still probably just a slightly-above-average tackle in the NFL. However he protects “the blindside” and the options behind him are far worse… If he goes down (and with Bulaga already out) they would have to turn to undrafted rookie Don Barclay. This, at best, is not ideal, and at worst … catastrophic

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

2. Clay Matthews

He is the best overall defensive player in the NFL. He is great in coverage, against the run and rushing the passer. The only thing that exceeds his talent is his motor. He never quits and leaves everything on the field.  A long-term injury to the Claymaker would result in a huge drop-off to an already inconsistent defense.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Aaron Rodgers

He is former Super Bowl MVP, reigning NFL MVP, near the top of the NFL in every major statistical category and could still possibly get better. If that doesn’t sell you, how about the fact that his backup is Graham Harrell? It’s safe to say the 2012 Green Bay Packers will only go as far as #12 takes them.

Aaron Rodgers is honored once again as Player of the Month. It's the fifth time overall and the fourth straight month he has earned the honor.

It’s the fifth time overall and the fourth straight month that Aaron Rodgers has been named NFC Offensive player of the Month.

Yes, it’s almost expected his name would top the charts and be again be touted for this prestigious honor.

He and the Packers continue on their roll and hope to raise the team record to 12-0 when the visit the New York football Giants this weekend.

In the meantime, read about Rodgers’ accomplishments right after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Player rankings don't matter, says author Daniel Sigl. What really matters is winning. Here the Packers line up in the victory formation against the Vikings at Lambeau Field. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Daniel Sigl

As people start ranking individual players, be it for fantasy sports or otherwise, keep in mind that people have their opinions. Usually, fans like to say that their players are the best.

People talk about how they do not think Greg Jennings is a quality wide out, or how Aaron Rodgers isn’t actually that great. Then they go on to say how so-and-so is faster, stronger, more clutch, blah blah blah. Their words fall on deaf ears. So what is the reality of individual player rankings? (more…)