The battle between Spitz and Wells was one of the closest watched in camp.  Both players have started games for the Packers over the last few years and both have something to bring to the table.  However, Wells was hurt for much of 2008 and didn’t match Spitz’s improvement.

McCarthy had this to say about Wells:

“Scott’s a professional,” said McCarthy. “I didn’t expect him to be excited about it, and he was not. He had a few questions, I answered them very honestly and he understands why we made that move.”

Spitz commented on the move:

“I’ve always had aspirations of being a great center,” Spitz said. “Things are slowing down for me at center. Obviously, I spent a lot of time playing center in the off-season.”

Wells said:

“No one is happy when they are not playing.”

Barbre beat out 2008 draft pick Breno Giacomini, in a battle between two guys who have never started in the NFL.  However, the left side of Chad Clifton and Darryn Colledge is very experienced which balances the line in terms of experience. 

The Packers are really excited about having Sitton on the starting O-line:

“Josh Sitton earned a starting position at guard last year and lost that due to injury,” said McCarthy. “We felt that he has improved. He’s a physical player on that right side, and that’s probably the reason why we did go with him.”

Sitton is obviously excited as well:

“I’ve got to strive to get better on fundamentals, the small things,” said Sitton. “It’s gratifying. I’m happy for the opportunity to get out and show what I can do. I’m going to take this opportunity and run with it.”

Now the unit can focus on cohesion and opening up holes for Ryan Grant and protecting Aaron Rodgers.  The offensive line was weak in 2008, and it needs to perform for the Packers to get back to the playoffs.

Aaron Rodgers

Yes, we all knew this one was coming. Rodgers has the hopes and dreams of millions to deal with while leading the Packers offense. The offense (and team most likely) will go as Rodgers goes. If he’s doing well, the team will. If he doesn’t do well, then the team most likely won’t. The main key for him is to stay healthy and stay off of his back. Staying off his back leads to our next key for the season…

The Offensive Line

For Rodgers to be successful, he needs a successful or at least decent offensive line. The Packers offensive line is bookended by Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher who have been through just about everything in the green and gold. The middle three positions of the offensive line is where the concern pops up. Center Scott Wells is listed as questionable for Monday night’s opener against the Minnesota Vikings, which means that guard Jason Spitz will slide over to center, giving Darryn Colledge and Allen Barbre the starting nods, most likely.  The Packers offensive linemen will be the key to Rodgers’ success this season.  If they keep him upright, the Packers win ten games.  If they don’t, then that really sucks.

The Secondary

Al Harris is 33.  Charles Woodson is 31.  They’re obviously nearing the end of their line.  After them is a group of unproven or subpar defensive backs.  Jarrett Bush remains on the team because he can also play safety.  Tramon Williams came on strong at the end of last year, but he will have to back it up this year.  Will Blackmon is usually injured and Patrick Lee is green.  At safety, Atari Bigby has the strong safety spot locked up, but Nick Collins barely beat out the young, big, and athletic Aaron Rouse for that spot.  Expect to see a lot of Rouse this year in the secondary, as Mike McCarthy really likes him.  The Dallas Cowboys come to town Week 3.  The Indianapolis Colts come in Week 7.  Will the secondary be ready to stop these aerial assaults?