Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Combine edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at LombardiAve.com have plenty of offseason information to pass along to our readers. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts will be working out and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them and see how they’ll perform.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Nov 3, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) during a 44-30 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Kansas State

Analysis: The Packers linebacker depth chart leaves a lot to be desired and it can immediately be improved if Green Bay decides to bring in a player like Brown, who has been turning heads during the draft process.

Here’s where things get interesting. Arthur Brown is a name we haven’t spent much time discussing, but he’s one of the more intriguing players in the draft. Measuring in at 6-0 and 241 pounds, most teams will look at Brown and determine he’s too small to spend a first round pick on. That’s not a very good reason, but he does lack an obvious position at the next level.

His speed and playmaking ability most naturally lend themselves to weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, which obviously doesn’t do much for Green Bay. For the Packers, he’d probably shift to the inside where his skills balance out those of Desmond Bishop. It’s not a great fit, but Brown is much more talented than he’s given credit. His athleticism makes this a legitimate option should the Packers decide to address inside linebacker early.

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) and linebacker Christian Robinson (45) in the game at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

However, if that’s where Ted Thompson wants to go, he will have to consider Alec Ogletree. His DUI arrest is certainly going to be a red flag for the Packers, who don’t want to spend a first round pick on a player who might end up suspended. However, chances to take a top 10 talent at the back end of the first round are few and far between. Without his character concerns, Ogletree does not make it this far. With the Packers in a win-now mode, this is the type of pick that merits consideration. As we’ve seen from players like Johnny Jolly, bad personal habits can be controlled during the season. It’s a calculated risk, but if it works out Green Bay would have its second All-Pro linebacker.

Nov 12, 2011; San Francisco CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) tries to catch the ball in the end zone but is unable to remain control during the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at AT

More and more, we’re hearing that teams in search of a wide receiver are valuing Cordarrelle Patterson and DeAndre Hopkins as the best wide receivers in the draft. The benefit of this is Keenan Allen – the most complete receiver in the draft – might be available when the Packers are on the clock. Wide receiver isn’t Green Bay’s biggest need, but Allen is the type of receiver the Packers haven’t had since Javon Walker’s one great season. He’s a big target with great hands, understands the complexities of route running, and will fight for the ball better than any wideout in this class. For Green Bay, he’d provide another receiver to line up wide thus opening up opportunities for slot receiver Randall Cobb.

September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman John Jenkins (6) hits Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray (8) as he throws in the second half at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Another option we haven’t spent much time discussing is mammoth Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins. At 6-4 and 346 pounds, Jenkins has the look of a true 3-4 nose tackle. A few years ago, it was all but assumed the Packers had the nose tackle position locked up, but B.J. Raji has proven much better at end. At the very least, Green Bay needs another player who can provide Raji some rest. With Ryan Pickett now the graybeard of the team, it’s time to find a replacement.

Jenkins could be that player.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Jordy Nelson is just one player who will be looking to take his game one step higher after his breakout season in 2011.

Zachary Thompson of FantasyCPR and I sat down for a Q&A this past week – talking about the Green Bay Packers and what things look like for the coming season.

Geared toward the fantasy fans out there, FantasyCPR has been talking with all 32 NFL Fansided.com blog editors about their teams to get a feel for the best players and how to rank teams and players for the coming season.

The goal of this website is to deliver consistent fantasy analysis to help fantasy players win.

If you have comments or suggestions about the site, contact Fantasy CPR at fantasyCPR@yahoo.com, and follow them on twitter @fantasyCPR.

So, take a trip over to the site for all your fantasy needs and while you’re at it, check out the Packers preview here or scroll down for the full Q&A.

Green Bay Packers – Fantasy Football Preview 2012

Fantasy football leagues are activating across the country and draft dates are being set and obsessed over. Last season, one offense everybody loved owning and a defense they loved playing against was the Green Bay Packers. The Pack are looking to bring back the offense and overhaul the defense. Ray Rivard of Lombardi Ave. was willing to join us and help us get some insider information on the cheeseheads’ outlook for this season.

Zach Thompson, FantasyCPR: The Packers offense was awesome last year. Aaron Rogers emerged as one of the top QB’s in the league to be sure. Is there any reason to think he won’t reduplicate that statistical performance this year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t match or exceed hisperformance of 2011, it will be a huge disappointment. Rodgers has the same weapons coming back with him in 2012 and there isn’t any reason why this team can’t continue to produce huge numbers on the field. In fact, without injuries, you can be sure to see Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson continue to put up 1,000 yard-plus seasons. When those two players have backups like James Jones and Donald Driver behind them – players who could be starters on most other teams - this is one high-powered offense. And it’s all led by Rodgers. His skill and uncanny ability to avoid pressure has made Rodgers a step above the best QBs in the league. I can only see him improve in 2012.

Z: Last year, virtually any Green Bay WR was worth owning just because he was on the same field with Aaron Rodgers? Jordy Nelson made the leap to a top 20 WR. Do you see Randall Cobb or any other receiver emerging this year as a every-week go-to guy?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Many, including myself, see this as a breakout year for Randall Cobb. I believe the league has only seen a scratching of the surface with this receiver. His work on special teams is known, but he will bring much more to the field this year. You will see him on the field more often this season and his touches rise significantly. If the Packers can’t get the ball into his hands at least 5-10 time per game, it will be disappointing. And depending on how much Donald Driver contributes, you might see either Diondre Borel or Tori Gurley make the 53-man roster and make contributions. They are young guys with huge upsides. I would also like to say that tight end Jermichael Finley will work to improve his play this year and will continue to stretch the field for a
Packers offense that will be difficult to stop.

Z: While we’re on receivers, was Jordy Nelson’s breakout a fluke or do you think he’ll match or exceed those numbers this year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Jordy Nelson is no fluke. His teammates like to joke that he’s the white guy on the team who actually has speed and jumping ability. Nelson gets open and his ability to accelerate past defensive backs is fast becoming his biggest strength. Simply put – he’s a stud who can beat anyone matched up against him.

Couple that with the fact that he can catch the ball over the middle when needed and you’ve got the complete package. His only knock is that he drops too many passes. However, his success overshadows that. If you have a chance to take Jordy Nelson in your fantasy draft, don’t pass him up. He will score lots of points for you.

Z: What about the running game? Do you see one back emerging as a feature-back or will it continue to be a time-share? If you think it’sa time-share, what Packer running back would you draft to be on your fantasy team?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: The Packers running game is the wild card for any fantasy team. The Packers are a pass-first team, that’s not a secret. However, the Packers have not been totally incompetent on the ground either. Ryan Grant is gone, and the Packers will have two backs, James Starks and Alex Green, coming back from significant knee injuries. That is a concern. However, Starks is being looked to as the featured back heading into his third year. Green had a huge upside before his injury, so how he comes back is a huge question mark. He could be one of those players who comes out of nowhere to make a big mark, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Z: Is there a player on the Packers offense you think will have a breakout year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Randall Cobb, hands down. I feel the Packers will call his number more this year and give him the opportunity to show his skills. He was limited last year on offense because of the team’s depth, but with an aging Donald Driver still on the team I see Cobb being more of a factor.

Z: Green Bay’s focus this offseason appears to have been on rebuilding and strengthening their defense, specifically pass defense. Do you think they did enough? And who do you think makes the biggest impact among the new additions?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Defense was the focus in both free agency and the draft – and rightly so. Ted Thompson did a great job in bringing in players who should contribute immediately – namely Nick Perry, Jerel Worthy, and Casey Hayward. I see all three of these players fitting in immediately with the defense, but I see Worthy as the player who will bring the most to the team in the early going. The Packers’ biggest hole last season was their defensive front. They couldn’t stop teams because they couldn’t pressure the QB.

The loss of Cullen Jenkins was bigger than most thought. With the addition of Worthy, the Packers will add to a line that already includes BJ Raji and Ryan Pickett. Though suspended for eight games, Anthony Hargrove will also help the team the second half of the season – if he makes the roster.

Z: Last one, give me your realistic expectation for the Packers this season, and then your perfect scenario. What is the one key for them taking home the Lombardi Trophy again this year?

Ray Rivard, Lombardi Ave.: Realistically the team wins at least 12 games -they will need that many wins to take the division. Ideally, they win 14 or 15 again this year and destroy the competition in the Playoffs
en route to another Super Bowl championship.

However, to do that, the team has got to make large improvements on the defensive side of the football. I think management has put the pieces in place for that to happen. Now it’s up to the coaching staff to put these players in the right schemes to make it happen. It’s funny talking about defense being the difference for a team like the
Packers. While the offense will continue to do what it does best, it will be the defense that will be the difference in the fight for a championship. If the defense doesn’t come through, the team will be left watching like they did last year.

May 22, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (79) waits his turn during drills at the Green Bay Packers organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

Offseason workouts are well under way now as teams try to figure out who will start and who will make the team. Some will be cut, some will lose starting spots, and some will become starters.

So, what position battles do the Packers have?

Defensive End

Both defensive end spots on the line are filled with competitors such as as veterans Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Anthony Hargrove, and rookie Jerel Worth. They are all looking to claim a starting spot. Hargrove is a candidate to be cut due to his suspension but he could also be a rested lineman for later in the season. Rookie Jerel Worthy has tons of skills that can make him a starter as he and Mike Neal are the two favorites. Ryan Pickett could be in danger of being cut if he doesn’t win a spot in the starting line. Rookie Mike Daniels can force him to be cut if he performs well over the summer and if Pickett does not win a starting spot. This will be a very interesting battle.

May 22, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) talks to fellow linebacker Nick Perry (53) during organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

Outside Linebacker opposite Clay Matthews

Erik Walden and rookie Nick Perry will definitely be the two players battling for this starting spot as the Packers will have to decide who can make more of an impact as a playmaker. Walden has proven an ability to get into the offensive backfield and has shown he’s a sure tackler. The Packers must have thought this, too, as they decided to bring him back for this season thinking he could be a starter. Nick Perry was very good at sacking the opposing quarterbacks at USC. I think this will be Perry’s job to lose as Perry has a track record in college of being a dominant pass rusher. Perry should make a great partnership with Clay Matthews. The one thing that could help Walden is that Perry is moving from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker, but that transition should not cause any problems.

Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush (24) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Nickel Cornerback

With a move to safety imminent for Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields will become the two starting cornerbacks. This means that Jarrett Bush and rookie Casey Hayward will battle to be the nickel cornerback as Bush’s experience gives him the early lead in this race. However, Hayward has some very good ball hawking skills and definitely will get a shot to beat out Bush. However, Bush seems like the favorite and will probably at least start the season as the nickel cornerback though Hayward could take his job during the season.

When the Packers signed center Jeff Saturday this week they upended the draft strategy - negating the need to draft an offensive lineman like Bryan Bulaga. Now the team can concentrate on its most pressing need - defense. Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The eyebrows of general managers across the NFL must have collectively risen late this week when it was announced that their Green Bay brethren had done something that has been become increasingly rare in the Ted Thompson era: He completely changed the Packers draft strategy by signing a starting-caliber center, Jeff Saturday, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts.

Since losing Scott Wells to the St. Louis Rams in free agency, draft experts and pretty much every Packer fan expected that in 2012 the high-powered Packers offense would have to downshift to allow for the inclusion of a rookie center. Packers fans are accustomed to the Packers philosophy of ‘draft and develop.’

In the case of Wells leaving, however, the Packers did not have a ‘developing’ player to plug into the hole. The contract given to Jeff Saturday is a two-year deal, allowing the Packers to draft a center with the body type they prefer (recent reports have suggested that the Packers thought Wells too small to be an effective center) in the later rounds of this year’s draft.

So, earlier in the week, it looked like center had overtaken the need to go big on defense early in the 2012 draft. Now, the Packers can dedicate at least the first 2 rounds (I would go first three rounds) to their defensive deficiencies at defensive end and outside linebacker.

Much like the Packers’ 1999 draft, in which they selected three cornerbacks in a row to start the draft (Antuan Edwards, Fred Vinson and Mike McKenzie) in order to fill a huge hole at cornerback (and try to stop Randy Moss), the Packers need to do the same with this draft and selected a combination of at least three to four defensive ends and outside linebackers, hoping that at least one of them contributes immediately. Then the Packers can tackle the center position and grab a backup safety and another cornerback.

Remember, because the Packers lost so many high profile free agents last summer, they are due to receive up to four extra selections as compensation, giving them a total of 11 picks. This will allow them to re-stock some positions as they look to eventually replace starters like Ryan Pickett, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, John Kuhn and others in the span of the next two to three years.

So, let’s recap – assuming that no other starting-caliber players are signed, the Packers need to address the DE and OLB positions with the first three to four picks. Then the Packers should grab a center, a safety and a cornerback. If they see a running back or fullback they like, they should grab one toward the fifth round. In the seventh round, with likely three picks, they should go DT, WR and take a flyer on one more DE or OLB.

Of course, I’m sure no fan would be upset if Thompson traded up for either a better first round pick or for an extra second round pick to really find a stud outside linebacker.

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The imprecise science of predicting which players will go to which team flip-flops more than any presidential candidate and when it comes down to the actual draft day, the final tally doesn’t look anything like the thousands of speculative draft boards drawn up prior to the draft.

But we must admit that’s half the fun. And that’s why we will take a sampling of boards and look specifically at how they think the Packers will pick at the 28th position.

These sites, chosen at random, go with different players. They all focus on either a defensive lineman or linebacker … and rightly so. Though Ted Thompson has surprised us over the years with his picks, the consensus is that the Packers simply must select a player who is going to help them on the defensive side of the ball. Whether that player is a linebacker opposite Clay Matthews or a defensive lineman who will add to the strengths of B.J. Raji and the aging Ryan Pickett, we really don’t care.

Take a look and throw in a comment or two about how you think Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy will pick.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

• NFL Mocks

28. Green Bay Packers: Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State
Packers need depth on the defensive front and get it with Cox, who can rush the passer.

With the 1st Pick

National Football Post

28. Green Bay Packers: South Carolina OLB/DE Melvin Ingram                                                          Finding another pass rusher off the edge is becoming more of pressing need for the Packers and Ingram has the ability to reach the QB in a number of ways both from a two- and three-point stance.

#28) Green Bay Packers- Dont’a Hightower (LB Alabama)

Dont’a Hightower to the Packers makes so much sense that it should be a lock in my opinion. Hightower has been a big time player for the Crimson Tide that many thought he was better than his former teammate Rolando McClain who went in the top 10 a couple of years ago. But he suffered a knee injury 2 years ago, and in his return, he didn’t look like the same player, but this year he was back to 100% and was dominant. Green Bay runs a 3-4, but we all know that they sometimes play with four or five linebackers. Hightower would fit because he can do it all at linebacker. He fits as a ILB because he is very good against the run, sheds blocks, and can blitz. Alabama also lined him up at OLB on passing downs to take advantage of his pass rushing skills.  With a creative DC in Dom Capers he would find so many ways to utilize Hightower.

The good news is defensive end Mike Neal saying he is expecting to play yet this season, but he just doesn’t know when that will be. He said for sure it wouldn’t be the game after the bye (at San Diego), but that it would be at some point.

“I feel good. I’m optimistic. I hope it works out,” Neal told JSonline Friday. “I can only take it in stride.”

“I can only do as much as I’m able to, as much as they let me do,” Neal said. “I’ll just go from there. I’m still optimistic. I still hope to play this year but when? I just don’t know.”

The not-so-good news was that Ryan Pickett suffered a mild concussion yesterday and was being listed as questionable on the Packers injury report.

(more…)

Jarrett Bush said it best when describing the Vikings as "hungry." Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Can we draw comparisons between the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers team of two years ago that was led by a then-rookie making his first start (Josh Freeman) with the 1-5 Vikings being led by another rookie making his first start this coming Sunday (Christian Ponder)?

We all know what happened in that Tampa Bay game … They upset the Packers and upset Packers nation so badly that there were calls for Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson’s heads.

Well, we can make the leap an compare the two situations or we can listen to a veteran tell us about it … according to Ryan Pickett, who was interviewed this week about that scenario by JSonline, it’s a different time and a different place.

“Mentally, we’ve grown. We’ve been playing defense a lot differently around here since that game two years ago. So we take no one lightly — rookie, 15 years in the league, it doesn’t matter. It’s about how we prepare and how we get ready ourselves. That’s how we look at it.”
(more…)

Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji are a force on the field together and also had similar thoughts about the play of the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

You would think there isn’t any place for this type of behavior in the NFL, but if you thought that you’re wrong.

The Packers players weren’t pulling any punches after last night’s game when they commented about the Falcons and their propensity to perfect the life of a cheap shot artist.

But it’s not artistry we’re talking about here … it’s just bad news.

Take the jump here for a couple of quotes left after the game by B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett.

First Raji: “Great teams don’t indulge in the kind of cheap stuff the Falcons do. We’re the champions and we play that way. We walk away from the stuff they pull. These guys are coached to play after the whistle.

“I don’t know what the deal is. I think it’s a lack of talent on their part. We didn’t worry about any of that. We came out and played our game.”

Here’s Pickett: “It’s unnecessary. They call it playing physical. But it’s after the whistle. It’s not physical. We know it watching tape that they like to hit after the whistle. You have to watch yourself around the piles. They point at you if you react. We just felt like if we just punch them up front at the start it would end that.

Our hope is that these two teams meet again in the playoffs … In Green Bay.

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Is Justin Harrell a bust?  Ask any Packers fan and they’ll most likely say yes.  The third-year pro and 2007 first-round pick has been hounded by injuries for the later part of his college career and first two years of his pro career.  Was he worth that first-round pick?  So far, no.  Harrell went off the board with Pro Bowl players such as Michael Griffin of the Tennessee Titans and Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers, and solid pros Aaron Ross of the New York Giants and Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs still available.  This season is crunch time for Harrell to make good on his first-round pick billing.

With Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji in competition for the starting nose tackle job, Harrell figures into Dom Capers‘ 3-4 defense as a defensive end.  At 6’4″, 320 pounds, he has enough size to take up two blockers on the line.  However, having those capabilities and actually being able to do that are two totally different things.  Harrell’s history of back injuries is a major red flag, as the back is one of the most important parts of the body.  You need that to be able to do anything athletic.  If he keeps having back problems, that renders him nearly useless.

Packers fans mostly want to see Harrell justify his status.  We’ve been watching this guy sit on the sidelines for two years, when he was supposed to be an anchor of the Packers defensive line.  The defensive line in 2009 will need all the help it can get, as most of the depth is unproven.  If Harrell can get it together and make the transition to the 3-4 smoothly, it would do wonders for the team, on both offense and defense.

Justin Harrell, step it up in 2009.

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Yesterday, I covered the punting battle between Jeremy Kapinos and Durant Brooks and how it affects the team in 2009.  Today, we’re going to be looking at something that you’d expect me to talk about: the defense.

When Cullen Jenkins went down with a torn pectoral muscle in an emotional Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008, it dealt a huge blow to the Packers defensive line.  Jenkins is a rare player with the size, strength, quickness, and speed to play both inside and outside on the defensive line.  Throughout his career, he has played both defensive tackle and defensive end.

In 2009, Jenkins will have to both adjust and rebound.  His presence was sorely missed down the stretch in 2008 as opposing offenses just rolled over the Packers.  His biggest adjustment will be the switch to a 3-4 defense, where as a 3-4 end, he will have to stop the run and rush the passer.  The team feels that he has the versatility to make a huge impact rushing from the inside, as the team loved playing him at defensive tackle on passing downs when he was healthy.

Another reason that Jenkins is so important is what is behind him on the defensive line.  Aaron Kampman is now a linebacker.  Johnny Jolly is facing possible jail time.  Outside of Jenkins, Kampman, and Jolly, none of the other defensive ends on the roster have seen substantial playing time on an NFL field.  Possible uber-bust Justin Harrell has been working at defensive end, but based on his injury history and inability to get on the field, I doubt he will see that much time.  That being said, I’d love to see him work hard and reach that potential he had when Ted Thompson drafted him with a first round pick.  Another defensive end possibility is rookie B.J. Raji, who the Packers were working at some defensive end during mini-camps so they theoretically could put Raji and fellow nose tackle Ryan Pickett on the field at the same time in a definite running situation.  But that remains to be seen.

Jenkins is an important cog to the wheel that is the Packers.  He is the most versatile lineman on the roster with his rare physical package.  He just needs to stay on the field.  If he has a great season, it would be to the benefit of the entire defense and the team total.

Jenkins is No. 9 on my list of Top 10 Important Players for 2009.

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The Packers have reportedly signed star wide receiver Greg Jennings to a three-year contract extension through the 2012 season.  Jennings’ current rookie contract was set to expire after the 2009 season, making his re-signing a priority to the offense.  Although the details aren’t out there in the clear, Greg A. Bedard reported that it will pay Jennings upwards of $8 million per year, making him the second-highest paid player on the team behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“I’m grateful and I understand that I’m blessed,” Jennings said today. “Just to know I’m going to have that financial stability for not only myself but for my family, my children, it’s an exciting feeling. It really hasn’t hit me yet — probably (not) until I get that first check. I’m sure it will sink in sometime soon.

“Talking to (Packers contract negotiator Russ Ball) yesterday, I was very appreciative that they signed me to this extension not only because of what I did on the field but it just says a lot about the way they feel about myself, not only as a player but my character, my personlity, who I am as a man.”

The contract means that the Packers will be in the same situation they were this season again after the 2012 season with an expiring contract for Rodgers’ favorite target.  But this means that the Packers have Rodgers and Jennings together for another four years, which I feel is great for the offense.

I’m glad Thompson actually took care of this without having it deteriorate into some situation with an 11th-hour extension right before the start of free agency.  It leaves more time to get to the other people that need extensions which is a rather large number: Nick Collins, Aaron Kampman, Atari Bigby, Ryan Pickett, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Chad Clifton, Johnny Jolly, Tony Moll, and Will Blackmon.

With most of the defensive players (Collins, Kampman, Bigby, Pickett, Jolly, Blackmon), it has to be seen whether or not they can adjust to the 3-4 scheme.  If they can  and they do it well (and happily), they can be re-signed rather easily, I’d say.  But if they don’t, then they could be gone.  Collins has threatened to holdout of training camp without a new deal, as he missed most of the OTAs with personal issues.  Collins was absolutely stellar last season in the secondary and it would be lovely to see him back in green and gold, but his adjustment to the 3-4 remains to be seen.

Also, the Packers still have five un-signed draft picks, including first rounders B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews.

Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and Ball have some work to do.

This means there is so much more turnover that has to be expected with the depth chart, but at least all of the players with the exception of Thompson were expected to work with the first team defense at some point.  Thompson rarely saw the field in his rookie season and now appears to be making a case to be taken seriously on defense and not just a special-teamer.

Linebackers coach Kevin Greene on Thompson:

“Jeremy Thompson brings a lot to the table. He’s very athletic, very athletic. He’s very fluid. His fluidity at outside backer is going to obviously be a plus.”

Greene was one of the best, so you know he has to like what he sees.  I like Thompson.  Wake guys are usually pretty intelligent, and Thompson really seems like he could be a plus to the defense in 2009 if he keeps his improved performance up.

These OTAs mark a change for the Packers as they try to rediscover the magic they had in 2007, when they went 13-3 and were an errant pass from the Super Bowl. The team comes in with a new defensive coordinator (Dom Capers), new defensive scheme (3-4), new special teams coordinator (Shawn Slocum), and two new, high draft picks (B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews). The Packers are trying to rebound from the dismal 2008 season and keep up with the reloaded Chicago Bears, always dangerous Minnesota Vikings, and the making-an-attempt-at-being-a-football-team Detroit Lions.

So what should we watch for with these OTAs?

First, the obvious: the 3-4. With Capers, Raji, and Matthews coming in, change is happening. How long it takes that change to happen remains to be seen. The only new members of the Packer defense are the two rookies and safety Anthony Smith, who was signed away from the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. Raji will compete with the incumbent Ryan Pickett for the nose tackle job, where the the team will look to them as space-eaters to free up the linebackers. Both men are listed at over 330 pounds, something absolutely necessary for the scheme to succeed. Pickett has performed solidly in his time with the Packers, but it remains to be seen if he has the athleticism to be more than serviceable in the 3-4. Raji is expected to become an impact player over the course of his career on the defensive line.

Joining Raji and Pickett on the defensive line is the competition for defensive end. Defensive end is a thankless job according to many who have worked with it. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel of Pittsburgh are regarded as two of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league, and I’m willing to bet the casual fan hasn’t heard of them. The Packers are hoping that Justin Harrell can make the transition to the 3-4 DE successfully, or else his time in Green Bay will most likely be up. Also expected to have big impacts in the defense are Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins. However, any of the numerous defensive ends on the Green Bay roster currently have the potential to win the job, as nearly everyone is learning something new.

Talking about the Packers defense is like beating a dead horse, so something else to consider: Ryan Grant.

Last year, Ryan Grant rushed for over 1,200 yards, good for ninth in the league. However, we have no idea what Grant can do. After all, he only played half a season in 2007 and in 2008 missed all offseason activities before promptly hurting his hamstring the first week of training camp and never really being at 100%. The backups in Green Bay (Brandon Jackson, DeShawnn Wynn) have shown flashes of brilliance, and I’d expect Mike McCarthy and Joe Philbin to use them to put some pressure on Grant during these offseason workouts. While Grant’s total yards were good for someone who missed time, his yards per game (75.4) and yards per carry (3.9) could definitely use some improvement.

Grant’s performance ties in with the offensive line, obviously. The Packers offensive line in 2008 was banged up and inconsistent. As the younger guys continue to mature and develop, it takes some pressure off of the aging Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton. The trenches are definitely the place to watch for the Packers during these OTAs.

Stay tuned.

On the arrival of rookie B.J. Raji affecting Ryan Pickett:

“It’s definitely an opportunity for him, number one, to be the nose guard of this football team. When you look at our defensive line and some of our veteran players on defense, we’re making the scheme change but there are individuals we feel strongly about and I’ve said it since the day we made the change to the 3-4: Ryan Pickett will be an excellent anchor for us at the nose guard position. We want flexibility in the rotation with those defensive linemen. That’s why B.J. will work the nose guard and the left end position.”

Cullen Jenkins:

“Cullen Jenkins, we’ll probably move him around more in the sub groups.”

Everyone’s favorite possible bust, Justin Harrell:

“Justin Harrell is looking better and better each week.”

Johnny Jolly, still awaiting trial:

“Johnny Jolly has been productive for us in spots.”

The Packers defense will under extreme changes this offseason and into next season.  The additions of Raji and Clay Matthews are great for the Packers future, but right now most of the focus has to be on the change in the current personnel.  2009 becomes a make or break year for Harrell.  This season also signals a shift in future personnel decisions, such as ones regarding Aaron Kampman, as if he does not fit in the scheme, he could possibly be dealt.  Also, the Packers need their defense to be strong, because the offense will score points.  If the defense had held in a few games last year, the Packers could have been a playoff team.  This year could also be make or break for Ted Thompson, as he has been under some intense scrutiny recently by Packers shareholders.

The Raji pick was not a surprise for me.  I had had Raji at No. 2 on my draft board, behind Brian Orakpo, who ultimately went No. 13 to the Washington Redskins.  However, looking at it again, Raji is the right pick.  It’s hard to find mine 6-foot, 337 pound nose tackles that can move in the NFL Draft.  Outside linebackers are a dime-a-dozen throughout the draft.  There was no one else in the draft comparable to Raji.  So Thompson made the pick.

Sitting at No. 9 made me a little nervous.  There were three high quality players available at that juncture, in Raji, Orakpo, and Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree.  Right before the pick, I predicted that Thompson would end Crabtree’s unexplainable slide.  I could see Thompson taking Crabtree — the Jordy Nelson pick last year shows he’s not scared to take a wideout.  Crabtree to Green Bay could have caused an unbelievable amount of backlash among Packers fans, but imagine Crabtree, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Nelson at Aaron Rodgers‘ disposal.  Imagine that offense against the Lions defense.

But besides choosing Crabtree, I was looking for Thompson to trade down.  Thompson traded out of the first round last year when the Packers “needed” a corner and there were corners on the board.  At No. 9 yesterday, there was a scramble under them for teams trying to trade up for Crabtree.  However, Thompson stuck to his guns and picked Raji.

This signals a change in Green Bay.  Thompson had always been a “best player available” guy.  But I don’t see how he could have had Raji over Crabtree on his draft board, in any way really.  Thompson drafted for need here (and later with Matthews, but I’m getting to that).  Thompson knows this is an important year for the Packers.  They have multiple free agents coming up after the 2009 season and he needs to give them a reason to stick around.  The problem with the team in 2008 was the defense.  The offense will put points up on the board, but it cannot win without the defense.  Thompson knows his offense is fine, but his defense needs help.

This need on defense led to the Packers actually trading up back into the first round.  The Patriots had already traded back to No. 26 from No. 23 as the Ravens traded up to get Michael Oher.  The Packers then packaged the trade to get No. 26 and select Matthews, the son of former NFL player Clay Matthews, Jr. and the nephew of former offensive lineman Bruce Matthews.  Both had long careers in the NFL, setting up an impressive lineage for the younger Matthews.  Clay III comes from a USC program that had amazing linebacking talent, as he played along side Houston Texans‘ draft pick Brian Cushing and new Cincinnati Bengal Rey Maualuga, who inexplicably slid into the second round.  Matthews walked-on to USC and redshirted his freshman year, setting up a great storyline for the player.  He plays with intensity to match that of his fellow USC linebackers.

The Matthews pick shows why the Raji pick at No. 9 was a great pick.  By picking Raji, the Packers get a nose tackle who can take up three gaps on the offensive line and tie up multiple blockers, freeing up Matthews and the rest of the linebacking corps.  If the Packers pick Orakpo at No. 9, the Packers have Ryan Pickett at nose tackle, who lacks Raji’s size and athleticism.  With Pickett at the nose, the Packers linebackers would be assaulted every play by large offensive lineman, pushing the defense back.  Raji allows the defense to make plays.  He won’t be getting glory and sacking the quarterback every play, but he will do the dirty work in the trenches.

Matthews will stop the run, allowing Kampman to focus on rushing the passer, while if the Packers had picked Orakpo, they would have had a surplus of pass rushers, allowing the defense to get shredded by the run.  Pairing Matthews and Raji together gives the Packers one of the most successful Day 1′s of any team in the league.  They drafted two cornerstones of their defense that is going through a transition.  The two of them will make the transition into Dom Capers‘ 3-4 scheme that much easier.  Both will have a lot to learn, but both will contribute for years to come.

The 41st pick the Packers traded to New England was used to select Darius Butler from Connecticut, while New England traded the 73rd to the Jacksonville Jaguars who selected Derek Cox out of William & Mary.  The 83rd pick has been used by New England to select Brandon Tate, a wide receiver from North Carlina, who’s coming off a major knee injury.

Step 1: Hire Dom Capers.

The vacancy Bob Sanders left at defensive coordinator is particularly glaring for the Packers.  The defense, although ravaged by injuries, always seemed to be a step behind the offense in certain games, most notably the Packers 51-29 defeat against the New Orleans Saints.  After a 2007 season where the defense was fantastic, the Packers defense looked old and out of sync in 2008.  The schemes were stale and bringing in Capers would add a breath of fresh air.

But if the Packers want Capers, they will have to move quickly.  The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys also have interest in Capers as the Giants lost Steve Spagnoulo to the St. Louis Rams and Dallas fired Brian Stewart.  The Cowboys could be an enticing option for Capers, as owner Jerry Jones has deep pockets and the Cowboys already run a 3-4, Capers’ preferred scheme.  Capers also has ties with Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, making the Giants look like a good option to him.  However, Dallas is currently a cesspool of unrest and the personnel in New York is more suited towards a 4-3 defense.

The Packers have been a 4-3 team for as long as I can remember, but head coach Mike McCarthy has said that he is open to changing the scheme to a 3-4.  A 3-4 defense could work pretty successfully in Green Bay with the right personnel.  Which brings us to…

Step 2: Sign Julius Peppers.

The Carolina Panthers freak athlete/defensive end wants out of Carolina.  From a Toronto Star report:

Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers has decided he won’t sign a long-term deal with the Carolina Panthers when he becomes an unrestricted free agent Feb.26.

Peppers, who grew up in tiny Bailey, N.C., starred in college at North Carolina and was the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2002, believes Carolina’s defensive system is not for him – even after recording a career-high 14 1/2 sacks this season.

Agent Carl Carey said Peppers wants to play in a 3-4 defence. The Panthers use a 4-3 alignment.

The key to this is that last line.  “Peppers wants to play in a 3-4 defence.”  Bringing Capers up to Green Bay and inserting the 3-4 would make an inviting situation for Peppers.  The Packers had difficulty getting pressure on the quarterback this season.  Aaron Kampman was steady as always, but Cullen Jenkins was ill-suited to be a defensive end before his season-ending shoulder injury, leaving the Packers with Jason Hunter, Michael Montgomery, and rookie Jeremy Thompson to get pressure on the quarterback, which was not too successful.

Signing Peppers would allow the team to move Jenkins back to defensive tackle, allowing him to team with Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, and Colin Cole, and push injury-riddled super-bust Justin Harrell out of the lineup until the Packers can finally figure out what’s wrong with him.  Teaming Peppers with Kampman would give opposing offensive lines and offensive coordinators headaches for weeks.  Peppers, being the freak athlete he is, could be used as the fourth linebacker as well, adding more versatility to the defense.  The Packers would be able to have their top four linebackers, Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga, and Brandon Chillar, on the field at the same time.  Young Desmond Bishop would also get more time to see the field.

The catch to this is that I don’t see Peppers signing with the Packers unless Capers and the 3-4 is in place.  This would mean that the Packers have to move fast on signing Capers, giving Peppers time to see that Green Bay would be a welcoming scenario for him.

Peppers will command a lot of money, but he would be a big splash for a team that has been quiet on the free agency market for the past few years.  Even the signing of Charles Woodson was low-key, but has turned into a great move for the team.  Ted Thompson can’t be afraid to make a move right now.  It’s not the end of the world if the Packers miss out on Capers and Peppers, but it would most definitely turn the Packers into a contending defense.

Some of you will argue that the Packers need to shore up the secondary before they can focus on the front seven.  Sure, Woodson and Al Harris are aging, and Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, and Pat Lee aren’t the best options out there, but teams in the past, most likely the Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Giants showed that a great pass rush can help cancel out shoddy defensive backs.  Did you really think that Corey Webster and Sam Madison would be Super Bowl Champion corners against an the explosive New England Patriots offense?  Not really.  But the relentless pass rush of Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck turned a decent defensive backfield into a Super Bowl Champion defensive backfield.

Don’t underestimate what the addition of Capers and Peppers could have on the Packers in 2009.

QUARTERBACKS

Going into this season, the Green Bay Packers had a huge question mark at quarterback. Brett Favre was dealt to the New York Jets and all the team had to fill in for him at starting quarterback was two rookie quarterbacks and one unproven, rarely played quarterback. Well, that unproven, rarely played quarterback is now starting every game and has proven himself. Aaron Rodgers showed everyone what he is capable of, and silenced most of his critics. He has passed for 1,668 yards so far, at 145-221 (65.6%), which is solid for somebody that people were doubting from the beginning. Throw in 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a rating of 98.8 and you have a quarterback that is probably Top 10 in the NFL so far. Yes, Top 10. He ranks 10th in the NFL in completion percentage, 13th in yards, 7th in touchdowns, 10th in fewest interceptions, 16th in first downs (he has 74), and 7th in passer rating. This is all through 7 games; some quarterbacks ahead of him didn’t have a bye week yet. It is hard to believe he had doubters in Week 1 after looking at those stats.

Rodgers also seems to be able to stay healthy and play hurt. The only thing that happened to him so far was a sprained shoulder at the end of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with the injury, he still passed efficiently in the next games he played in (including a 300-yard game the week after spraining the shoulder). The hit gave 7th-round pick Matt Flynn some playing time, but his line of 2-5 for 6 yards doesn’t really say too much.

Grade: It doesn’t seem like this position has the biggest question mark anymore. Rodgers seems to be a great fit at quarterback, and though it doesn’t seem like he (or anyone) could possibly top what Favre has done for Green Bay, his play puts him in the top quarterbacks in the NFL today. Given everything that he has done so far, the Packers’ quarterback slot gets an A.
 
RUNNING BACKS

Last year the biggest hole on the Packers early on was at running back, but that hole was quickly sealed with the emergence Ryan Grant. He had a breakout second-half of the season, which is when he played the most. With big expectations for Grant going into this season, he has been a bit of a dissapointment. Grant has put up 464 yards (17th in the NFL) on 137 carries (7th), good for only a mediocre average of 3.4 yards a carry. He has only scored one touchdown and has lost three fumbles.

Even though he isn’t running like LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson, he isn’t a huge problem. The Packers are still winning because of their passing games. But opposing defenses know that if that drop the secondary back, they could give up big yardage on the ground because Grant can break out a big run at any moment. So the other team is still watching him, which could be a reason of his underachieving stats; last year defenses weren’t too used to him and didn’t look at him as a threat at first and almost let him run at will. Brandon Jackson has been a good 2nd-string back, though, getting 104 yards and one touchdown from 20 carries. If Grant gets hurt or isn’t putting up at all, he should be an apt replacement in the backfield.

Grade: With all of that being said, Grant has to pick it up. Right now the Packers are above .500, but they are in a close division race. If Rodgers has a bad game, the team could suffer without Grant picking up the slack. As of right now, I give the team’s running unit a B minus.
 
RECEIVERS

The receiving corps has never been much of a problem for the Packers in the last 15 years. It didn’t matter if it was Bill Schroeder, Antonio Freeman, Terry Glenn, Javon Walker, or Donald Driver catching the ball–if Favre was throwing, big things would usually happen. So does that mean with Favre’s departure, the receiving game for Green Bay would be sub-par? Absolutely not. Rodgers has been throwing right on target and the wide outs are boosting the offense every game.

Rodgers’ favorite target this season is last year’s surprise player, Greg Jennings. Jennings leads the team in every catching category. Throughout the whole NFL, he is 2nd in receiving yards (685), 16th in receptions (37), 4th in yards per catch out of receivers with 20 catches or more (18.5), 4th in yards per game (97.9), and 12th in touchdowns (4th). Though those are some impressive stats, he isn’t the only guy out there putting up big numbers in green and gold. Driver has caught 29 passes for 330 yards (a 11.4 average), and 2 touchdowns. Donald Lee has 19 grabs for 141 yards (7.4 avg) and two touchdowns, The running back Jackson caught 18 for 106 yards (5.9 avg), and Jordy Nelson had 16 catches for 177 yards (11.1 avg) and a score. These guys are the bulk of the passing game, and they have been getting points on the scoreboard week in and week out. With an on-and-off running game, it’s nice to know that the receivers are always ready to play ball.

Grade: Like I already said, the running game for Green Bay has yet to establish itself as a major threat for every game. That puts a lot of the weight on Rodgers and his targets when it comes to offensive production. So far, that hasn’t been a problem. Jennings, Driver, and Lee have been doing great, and Jackson and Nelson come in and get yards when they need to. I like how this group of guys look right now, and that’s why I’m giving them an A.
 
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The offensive line isn’t as verteran-led as it has been. Players have left, and younger guys are the ones doing the dirty work in the trenches. Their average age is 28, and the oldest lineman is Chad Clifton, at age 32. The lack of long-time NFL experience is showing a bit, too. In some games the defense looks like it’s having an easy time penetrating and getting around ends, pressuring the quarterback or stuffing runs. Penalties like false starts and ineligible man downfield that are easily avoided have been committed by some of these young guys, too. Yes, the front line has been making big plays and blocks, too, but they seem on-and-off when it comes to creating holes and giving Rodgers time in the pocket.

For a team that is pass-oriented, the offensive line should step up a bit. They have given up 13 sacks, which isn’t bad, but could be better seeing it ranks 13th-worst in the league. Once the sacks start to disappear and Rodgers gets more time in the pocket before letting the ball go, the offense will start moving even better, getting more yards and possibly even more points on the board.

Grade: There will be some growing pains with these guys that are under or just over the age of 30. Penalities are inevitable and blocks will be missed, but that doesn’t mean nothing can be improved. The Packers offensive line just needs to focus on getting both hands on a guy and keeping him away from the passer or ball carrier. The more that happens, the better the offense will look. I think a B minus seems like a good grade for the O-Line.
 
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

This very young group lead by the dominant Aaron Kampman hasn’t been dissapointing so far this season. Out of all defensive linemen, Kampman and Johnny Jolly were in the Top 50 in tackles before Week 8 with 25 and 22, respectively. Ryan Pickett has chipped in with 18 tackles, while Michael Montgomery and Cullen Jenkins rounds out the linemen in double-figure tackles with 15 and 10. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is seeing less playing time then he used to get, but he still has been able to help out with 9 tackles.

Kampman just isn’t good at tackling a ball carrier, though–he can bring down the quarterback a lot, too. He has tallied 6 sacks, 7th in the NFL. Jenkins, on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, had 2.5 sacks, making him a half of a sack short of cracking the Top 50. I like how these guys are playing. They can get through the line and bring down the quarterback. In Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson was held in check a lot, mostly because of penetration.

Grade: Like the O-Line the defensive linemen are young and can still improve. Kampman just has to keep doing what he’s doing while Jolly and Pickett can put up a bit more numbers to make this front line really scary. Defense wins championships, and it all starts on the line, so everyone in this group needs to show up for every game. Right now they’re at a B with me.
 
LINEBACKERS

The linebacker position seems to get better and better every year in Green Bay. Nick Barnett has been and still is a solid player. A.J. Hawk is still improving, and that’s scary seeing where he is already. Brady Poppinga has been doing well, too. Barnett is just outside of the NFL’s Top 50 in tackles for linebackers with 38, while Hawk (33) and Poppinga (25) trail him with nice numbers. Hawk has also racked up two sacks, good for the Top 25 for linebackers.

To me, the linebacking corps just needs to keep trucking along, just keep doing what they’re doing. A few more sacks, tackles, fumbles, or picks here or there would help (it always does), but they are fine where they’re at. Barnett is a great run-stopper, and Hawk can play it both ways. Poppinga is the weak-link of the group, as Ted Thompson brought in Brandon Chillar from the St. Louis Rams in the offseason, but if he steps it up, these linebackers should be golden.

Grade: Everything’s going great here. Poppinga can pick it up and there still is room for improvement. But there’s always room for improvement at every position on every team, and with that being said I give the linebackers an B plus.
 
DEFENSIVE BACKS

It is very hard to find the best part of the Packers defense. When you read about the line, you think they’re the biggest part. When you read about the linebackers, you think that they have to bring the biggest punch to the opposing offenses. But the most important part of Green Bay’s great defense probably is the secondary. They can do everything. Nick Collins is in the Top 50 for tackles out of all defensive backs with 33. Charles Woodson‘s sack is one behind the league leaders’ for d-backs. Collins and Woodson both lead the NFL with interceptions (they have four each), and Tramon Williams (3) and Atari Bigby (1) are in the Top 50 in picks for all defensive backs.

Injuries have been depleting the secondary week in and week out (Al Harris, one of the league’s most physical corners was out with a spleen injury and Bigby missed time early on), but no matter who has been out, the subs have stepped up and played well. Every opponent’s quarterback has to watch out for this group; interceptions seem to be inevitable, and they can swat balls down and plug up running lanes quickly, too.

Grade: I would hate to be a team heading into a game against the Packers, especially if they have an inconsistent passing game. This secondary unit is physical, smart, fast, and can get takeaways to turn the momentum of a game around in the blink of an eye. For all of that, I’m going to give them an A.
 
KICKERS

Ever since Ryan Longwell left for the comfort of the Metrodome, a solid, consistent kicker has been hard to find for Green Bay. Last year, though, they may have found that guy. Mason Crosby tore the league apart with his foot as a rookie last year, going 31-39 with a game-winner in his career debut and a long of 53 yards. This year his kicking is decent, going 11-14 (his field goal percentage is 27th), with a long of 51 yards (12th best in the NFL). This early on a few misses will make your league-ranking drop, so it seems worse than what it actually is, but Crosby can still improve. If he misses 3 or less attempts for the rest of the season, he’ll be set. Right now he’s fine, but as always, there’s room for improvement.

As for punters, this position has been shaky for a while. This year 27-year-old Derrick Frost is taking the long snaps, and he’s been so-so. Frost is only in the Top 20 for total punts (20th, with 28) and longest punt (10th, 65 yards). Only four of his punts were pinned down inside the 20 yard line, giving opponents good field position more than a lot of the other guys. This position can use a lot of improvement.

Grade: The kicking game is almost set; Crosby is still developing. But once he is locked in, he should be good to go. The punting game needs a lot of improvement, though. Unless Frost surprises everyone, I think Green Bay should look for a new punter pretty soon. He could eventually give a team great field position at the worst time possible. I give the kicking a C plus.
 
THE TEAM’S OVERALL GRADE

Right now the Pack is tied for first in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears at 4-3. Though they aren’t going to put a spectactular year up like last year’s 13-3 team, the first Green Bay team without Favre in 16 years has a great shot at making the playoffs again. The Chicago Bears will be a big task. Last year they dropped both games to them. Though it didn’t affect their place in the division, it did help the Dallas Cowboys get home field advantage in the playoffs. This year, though, the two Chicago games could end up deciding the NFC North champion. A wild card spot isn’t a promise, either, so this team has to show up for every game.

There are some tough matchups left on the schedule, too. The Tennessee Titans are up next, and there are still the Bears, Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars waiting, too. If everything goes right, I’m predicting a 9-win season in the least. A 9-7 record wouldn’t guarentee a division title or wildcard spot, though, so the Packers have to be at their best in those tough games. A win over the Titans, giving them their first loss of the year, would be a huge boost for the team, possibly giving them momentum that they’ll need. All in all, it depends on how well the team plays every week (as always). As of right now, I’m giving the Green Bay Packers a B plus.

Hopefully it will be an A plus at the end of the year.

Indianapolis Colts

Out

Roy Hall, WR (knee)

Kelvin Hayden, CB (knee)

Bob Sanders, S (knee)

Doubtful

Joseph Addai, RB (hamstring)

Gijon Robinson, TE (ankle)

Questionable

Freddy Keiaho, LB (groin)

The Colts do not have as many players as the Packers on their injury report but they have major ones in Sanders, Hayden, and Addai. Sanders and Hayden out frees up the Packers passing game a bit, as they do not have to worry about coming across the middle on Sanders. Sanders’ injury also helps the running game, as they do not have to worry about the hard hitter coming up in run support.

Green Bay Packers

Out

Al Harris, CB (spleen)

Doubtful

Atari Bigby, S (hamstring)

Jason Hunter, DE (hamstring)

James Jones, WR (knee)

Michael Montgomery, DE (ankle)

Questionable

Ryan Pickett, DT (tricep)

Scott Wells, C (shoulder/chest)

Probable

Chad Clifton, T (hamstring)

A.J. Hawk, LB (groin)

Pat Lee, CB (back)

Aaron Rodgers, QB (shoulder)

Charles Woodson, CB (toe)

The thing that really stinks about the injury report is that eight of the players listed on the injury report are on defense, with four of them not expected to play. The Packers starters are going to have to stay healthy for all 60 minutes today and not dig the team into a deeper hole on its depth chart. They’re also really going to have to exploit the absences of Addai and Sanders to the maximum.

Matchups To Watch

Colts Wide Receivers vs. Packers Defensive Backs

The Packers defensive backfield has been shaken up in recent weeks while Marvin Harrison has shown he is back, totally owning up on Chris McAlister in last week’s game.  Charles Woodson better leave his McAlister-impression at home.  Reggie Wayne is in the league’s top three receivers on any given week, while Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark are dangerous out of the slot.  Basically any wide receiver or tight end put out their by the Colts can easily be hit by Peyton Manning and should be considered dangerous.  Atari Bigby is doubtful for the Packers while Woodson and rookie Pat Lee are listed as probable.  They will need to be on top of their game to shut down this potent passing attack.

Packers Defensive Line vs. Colts Offensive Line

One of the best ways to get to Manning is to knock him around and harass him to force him to not get the ball if when he wants to.  Baltimore could not get to him last week and he was given all day, so it is imperative that he does not get all day to stand around.  This gets harder for the Packers, as Cullen Jenkins is done for the year, Jason Hunter is doubtful, Michael Montgomery is doubtful, and Ryan Pickett is questionable.  This leaves it up to Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila to put the squeeze on Manning.  And even then, KGB is not the sure thing he once was.

Packers Offensive Line vs. Colts Defense

Aaron Rodgers isn’t Joe Flacco, but the Packers need to keep Rodgers upright for good to happen.  Rodgers will need time to get the ball to Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but he can’t do that with Dwight Freeney in his face.  He needs to be standing for the Packers to win.

My player to watch is rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson.  The Colts secondary is mildly banged up and James Jones is listed as doubtful for the game, giving the rookie from Kansas State a chance to shine.

The Verdict: Colts 27, Packers 24

Packers rush defense vs. Falcons rush offense

This centers around the Falcons young running back Michael Turner. Turner has been nearly unstoppable in the first weeks of 2008, leading the league with 422 yards on the ground. In Week 1, Turner rushed for 220 yards on 22 carries, an astounding 10.0 yards per carry. The Packers defensive line and linebackers will need to be on their game for this, but it is hard to tell whether or not they actually will. Versatile lineman Cullen Jenkins is out for the year with a chest injury, while two other defensive linemen are listed on the injury report: Jason Hunter is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, while Ryan Pickett is probable with a knee injury. In the linebacking corps, A.J. Hawk is questionable with a groin injury. The pressure is on this group after the tandems of Marion Barber and Felix Jones from Dallas and Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn in Tampa absolutely shredded the Packers run defense. The Packers will now look to stop Turner and Jerious Norwood. Aaron Kampman and the rest of the defensive line will be keys to this game, while Nick Barnett and the linebackers will have to step it up to make plays and help out the defensive line.

Packers pass defense vs. Falcons pass offense

So far in his pro career, Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has surpassed expectations. He hasn’t appeared to be totally overwhelmed except for a few occasions and has been good with his decision making. Having Turner in the backfield helps him along in his development, but he has shown poise. The Packers will need to get to him in order to win this game. Kampman and Barnett will need to harass him all game and force him into bad decisions. Ryan does not have the best wide receivers in Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, although White has been developing into a decent wideout in recent games. The Packers secondary is depleted, with five players listed on the injury report. Al Harris is out, while Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse are not expected to play. Charles Woodson and Nick Collins are probable. The pressure falls to backups Jarrett Bush and Charlie Peprah in this one, both of him will most likely be seeing their first major action of the season. Collins is emerging as a playmaker, while Woodson has been clutch this year, so they are players to watch for the big play in the Packers secondary.

Packers quarterbacks vs. Falcons defense

Aaron Rodgers is a game-time decision. If he can’t go, Matt Flynn gets his first career start, four games into his career. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is considering resting Rodgers so he will be ready for the games against Seattle and Indianapolis, but if the Packers fall to 2-3 here, it will be hard to dig out of the hole. Flynn showed some poise against the Bucs defense, but the Packers chances to win decrease greatly with Flynn at the helm.  Rodgers is tough by playing through this injury and wanting to play through it, but he may have to sit this one out so he can be ready for the tough slate of games coming up.  The Falcons have a decent defense, but the Packers offense may be too much for it.

The Verdict: Packers 24, Falcons 14