Scrap the Game-by-Game Preview…
By djlombardi
…I don’t have all that much time on my hands. Maybe I do, but maybe I don’t either. But anyway, I have decided to condense that doomed series into one blog: the three keys to the success of the Packers in 2008.
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?