Green Bay Packers: Offseason workouts now under way
Football is finally back in Green Bay as the Packers started their offseason program Tuesday with a large dose of optimism and confidence coming from Aaron Rodgers.
Many would deem last season a success for the Packers, despite getting annihilated 44-21 to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game. But remember, this team was 4-6 after Week 11 and entered Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles on a four-game losing streak.
Rodgers’ MVP-caliber play down the stretch was the reason for the dramatic turnaround and will once again be the focal point of the team’s success heading into 2017.
"“I feel great,” Rodgers said this week. “It’s fun to be 33 and feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve been in starting an offseason program. That’s exciting. That was kind of the goal I wanted to hit, and keep moving forward in that direction.”"
At 33 years old, Rodgers hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Last season he threw for 4,428 yards, which was fourth best in the NFL and was second on the team with 369 rushing yards.
The competitiveness and urgency to bring another Super Bowl to Green Bay has always been there and was on display the minute the Packers’ season ended last year, when he indirectly called out general manager Ted Thompson.
"“We just gotta make sure we’re going all-in every year to win. I think we can take a big step this offseason.”"
Thompson heard the message clear and shocked the NFL universe when the Packers signed veteran tight end Martellus Bennett. Bennett played a huge role in the New England Patriots’ offense last season. catching 55 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Packers offense was transformed when they decided to bring in Jared Cook last offseason and are expecting even better things from Bennett. Not to mention the Packers also added Lance Kendricks and still have Richard Rodgers on the roster.
"“It’ll be fun to see how it all shakes out,” Rodgers said. “I’m excited about Richard as well. He’s improved every year for us. Having those three guys is special. We haven’t had a group like that in a long time with the versatility and the athleticism, and the ability to make plays.”"
Not only will the Packers’ success be on the shoulders of Rodgers but it starts with the guys up front protecting him. Green Bay will need to replace Pro-Bowl guard T.J. Lang, who joined NFC North rivals the Detroit Lions earlier in the offseason. Despite, losing a pivotal player like Lang, Rodgers is confident that they will be able to replace Lang.
"“We’re going to need to figure out who that guy is, in time, but give them opportunities to jell together,” Rodgers said. “We’re going to need that guy to step in and be productive from Day 1.”"
The Packers will have an opportunity to replace Lang and fill any other positions starting Thursday, April 27, at the NFL Draft. In the time being, there is a lot to look forward to in 2017.