The NFC North belongs to the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers will win the NFC North.
OK, it’s early, but that’s the feeling I have.
Call me a homer, if you want. (I’ve been a Packers fan since Green Bay lost to Steve Young and the San Francisco 49ers in the Jerry Rice fumble/non-fumble playoff game).
Sure, the Minnesota Vikings might be a hot pick, especially if (when?) Brett Favre signs with them. They have a strong offensive line, one of the best tackle tandems in the league, one of the top defensive ends, arguably the No. 1 running back, a decent receiving corps…what isn’t there to like?
Peterson has had injury problems in the past, though, they could be missing their tackles (Kevin Williams and Pat Williams) for the first four games of the year, and how much does Favre really have left if he does come back? He won’t be asked to win games, but he sure didn’t look great at the tail end of last year.
What is there to like with Green Bay then?
Aaron Rodgers should be given a longer leash this year. Some felt he held himself back to be more of a system quarterback instead of letting his own personality take over. He was the anti-Favre, so to speak. This A-Rod makes good decisions, and he has enough arm strength to make all the throws he’s asked to do. He also answered the injury question by playing through a shoulder injury last year and making some impressive throws
Aaron Rodgers will have more freedom to take over
Much was made of his inability to win a game in the fourth quarter last year, but that falls as much on the defense as it does on Rodgers. The defense couldn’t hold a late lead against the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings (twice, though one is on Mason Crosby), Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Houston Texans.
The Packers have the best receiving corps in the division, maybe even the conference. They have a solid running back (Ryan Grant) and another who I feel should be better this year than in the past two (Brandon Jackson).
Their switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment is an obvious obstacle; I don’t feel it will be that bad, though. They plan on mixing in both 3-4 and 4-3 packages so they won’t be making the switch fullstop. They have a safety (Anthony Smith) with experience to help the younger guys (Nick Collins and Atari Bigby) with their duties as playcallers in the defense. They also have a solid linebacking corps, boosted by the addition of Clay Matthews. B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett (700-plus pounds combined) in the middle of the field should occupy plenty of blockers when they are on the field together, too.
In addition, any struggles likely would come in the first half as they are sorting out any problems on defense. Well, their first game comes against the Chicago Bears (not exactly an offensive powerhouse, even with Jay Cutler behind center); the next against the “mighty” Cincinnati Bengals and then the St. Louis Rams.
They have a big test against Minnesota (I’m already sick of hearing the Rodgers vs. Favre storylines leading into that one) in Week 4, but then they have two weeks to prepare for the Detroit Lions (shudder) and the Cleveland Browns. By then, I expect most of their problems in the shift to be worked out, at least the major ones.
Let’s not forget, either, they have one of the top cornerback tandems in the league (though Al Harris might struggle with the zone; he’s a far better man-to-man CB).
It is still way too early to make any firm predictions, but at this point, I’m happy with what the Packers have done (or not done). At this point, I think they come away with the division title, but as I said, it’s still early. What do you think? Vikings? Packers? Bears? Do the Lions have a shot?
KFFLians think:
The Packers will not win a SUper Bowl for 100 years due to the newest sports curse. They cast aside Favre even though he wanted to keep playing for them. Its the Favre curse. This year is going to be a long year for the Pack and Mr. Rodgers.
You should probably quit smoking dope before writing great fantasies like this article!
Bryce is really stretching to try to find problems with the Vikings. Favre looked great last year before his biceps injury and now that has been remedied with surgery. The Williams case is now in the state laws, which favors the tackles. Even if they miss some of the first 5 games it won’t be a big deal: @Cle @Det SF GB StL. When you must hope Peterson will have injury problems you are really stretching!
I wouldn’t exactly call Minnesota’s O-line strong. They have been been a disappointment in years past, and don’t forget about the rookie RT who can’t handle speed rushes.
The Packers’ chances are directly related to how well their young team matures. It’ll be a fun division to watch.
Bryce, you’re expecting a lot from a team that earned two of its six wins against the mighty Lions. This defense was broken, time and time again: 23.8 points allowed per game, 131.6 rushing yards allowed per game.
I like Raji and Matthews — who doesn’t? — but I don’t think the addition of two rookies plus a scheme switch to the 3-4 is going to fix things in one season. In fact, I think the 3-4 could backfire, forcing solid starters like Kampman and Hawk and Barnett to learn new tricks.
Don’t get me wrong, I can see the Packers rebounding to 9-7 and wild-card contention. But that’s where the Bears and Vikings were last season. And both the Bears and Vikings have had superb off-seasons too.
I think the above article is on the money. I believe a lot of people underestimate the incredible talent on the Green Bay Packers. They showed their raw talent in 2007 with a 13-3 regular season record. Last year, switching to a new quarterback, inexperience on many members, and major injuries created a perfect storm that led to a lot of close call losses. Tweaking things a little this season, with more experience, these guys could explode and quiet the loud chorus of anti-Green Bay folks. I like it the underdog way. Regardless of the talent on the Pack, I think it’s a tough battle this season between the Bears, Vikings, and Packers. All strong teams and the NFC North is finally a spectacular division. However, I think it’s fantasy to say who will dominate for sure.
the bryce is right? wow, thats original and funny. did you come up with that all by yourself?
Green Bay should win the division. Minnesota took a big hit losing their center, and their D-Tackles are starting to show their age. Peterson is great, but will struggle against GB’s revitalized front 7.
Rodgers will have a better line this year, better RB’s, better chemistry with his young WR’s & TE’s, and a year under his belt. He will absolutely tear up the NFC.
The defense adds Raji and Matthews, along with Jenkins and Barnett returning from injuries. Young OLB Thompson will shock those outside of Green Bay, and Hawk will be in his more natural ILB position. There is also the maturation of a talented young secondary behind Woodson and Harris.
Minnesota is good, but Green Bay is simply the more talented team this year. They might well win the division by 2 games or more.
I agree Packers will win the NFC North. The best thing that could ever happened to the Packers chances of taking the title, is if the Vikings sign Favre. The jets fans were also excited before he threw 28 interceptions. Everyone has forgotten about how many horrible years Farve had in the early 2000’s.. Great article… Also, I think Cutler will look alot like Rexy with no help in Chicago… Mark my words mid-November everyone in Minnesota will be on hating Brett and he will have alienated 90% of Packer fans… He will be an old man with a tarneshed record….