Let the show begin: Julius Peppers is ready

Some people like to hear themselves rant and rave, and then some people know something deep down is telling them ‘this is it’. Some see things are happening, and happening the right way, better than before. Not just better, but the best we have seen.

And so Julius Peppers joins this list.

Today’s quote, courtesy of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, has Peppers, saying: “I see myself being able to hold the trophy one of these days. I think it’s in there somewhere, and that’s what keeps me going.”

A veteran in his thirteenth NFL season, Peppers has something the younger players haven’t grown into yet; that is the insight only experience can bring. Starting a career such as “the professional football player” takes alot of learning. Many rookies and even those into the third or fourth seasons of NFL experience don’t have a chance to absorb what they are going through, being more concerned with just continuation at their job, and doing all the little things that keeps them in the action.

Knowing the tendencies of NFL players can mean a lifetime of learning for most. Seeing and understanding who, how, why, and what it takes to get that trophy thing Mr. Peppers refers to is what players think of.

Peppers is a multi-position player. On one hand they are looking to fill spots for injuries (if needed), and this type of interchangeable talent can be a good way to keep your best men on the field, as well as give them a better chance to prove their worth.

So far, it’s not fair to judge Julius Peppers, since the season has not started, and even a slow start for him would be forgiven, due to the newness factor, as the defense restructures itself.

The continuity this Packers team needs right now is only the beginning. When fully developed, players know how to react to those close to them, when or who will need help.

As a fan, it might be an interesting development in seeing how things will play out between Peppers and the other linebackers.

While the Green Bay teams that took the field over the past three years had high expectations, and have throughout those three years fielded talent and results beyond average, to go along with coaching far beyond average, the combinations just didn’t hit that magic we saw in 2011, when the team missed a perfect season by one game.

This preseason, even the slow-to-credit Packers news outlets have stood behind them as contenders for the championship. Talk around Packerland has Mike McCarthy’s squad taking on the Seahawks with nothing short of victory to open the season. These are all a part of the big-picture the Packers have created, and from top to bottom, this team would be a disappointment going anywhere less than Glendale, Ariz., next Feb. 1, at the University of Phoenix Stadium for SuperBowl 49.

It looks like Peppers is anxious to open up his play to some kind of impact on his team, right away. Let’s hope he can, and make the difference last year’s defense needed. A defense that puts the ball back in the hands of Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb is putting the ball in half an all-star team.

That bunch will win games for this edition of the Green Bay Packers, and if what led up to the Seattle game is an indication of how things will go for the season, the 2014 Green Bay Packers will fill Julius Peppers’ inkling for holding that “trophy” in Glendale next February.

Seeing a 6-6, 285-pound D-lineman is seeing intimidation. He speaks with such dignity and professionalism, Peppers almost sounds out of place, but this is part of showing his makeup. Add intelligence to the stature a big guy like Peppers has and opposing offensive linemen wishing they sold insurance or had more insurance on themselves.