2011 Green Bay Packers Predictions
Written by Steve Janus
The Green Bay Packers are coming off a statement season in 2010, as they won the Super Bowl despite a number of key injuries. For a while it looked as though the Packers were going to just miss out on the postseason, but they ended up winning their final two games to just sneak into one of the Wild Card spots. The Packers continued their impressive run with wins at Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago, before finally beating the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. The Packers didn’t make a ton of moves this offseason, but that doesn’t figure to be a problem with all the young talent they have coming back. Here is a closer look at what Green Bay will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish in the NFC North.
Offense:
The most important piece of the puzzle for the Packers is starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has cemented himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the game today. The Packers lost starting running back Ryan Grant in the first game of the season, putting even more pressure on Rodgers to carry this team to title. He responded by throwing for 3,922 yards with 28 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions.
Rodgers also had to play most of the year without starting tight end Jermichael Finley, who was lost for the season in week 5 with a knee injury. Finley was expected to be the focal point of the offense, and was really playing at a high level before hurting his knee. He will be back in the starting lineup this season, but he isn’t the only threat on the outside. Green Bay welcomes back Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson, plus they went out and drafted Kentucky rookie Randall Cobb.
Grant returns to finish up the final year of his contract, and what he will bring to this team is a big question mark heading into the season. Green Bay definitely missed his production last season, but they like what James Starks showed them in the postseason and they went out and drafted Alex Green of Hawaii. If Grant can return to the form, he will be the starter. Either way the offense is all about the passing attack, so this isn’t a huge concern going forward.
The offensive line will have a minor change take place this season, as third-year guard T.J. Yang is expected to take over at left guard for the departed Daryn Colledge. The rest of the unit remains in tact, and the team really likes what they have in second-year right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who could eventually make the move to left tackle if needed.
Defense:
The Packers will have to replace defensive end Cullen Jenkins, who signed with the Eagles, but that shouldn’t be a problem. They bring back two very good players in B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, who both come in right around 340 lbs. From the looks of it Mike Neal will step in and start in place of Jenkins, but they could also turn to C.J. Wilson or Jarius Wynn.
The most dangerous weapon on the Packers defense is outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who is a freak athlete that knows how to get to the quarterback and take him to the ground. Matthews finished 2010 with 13.5 sacks, but the kid is just 25 and should only get better as he continues to develop and gain experience. Inside linebacker Desmond Bishop really emerged last season, finishing second on the team with 121 tackles in just 12 starts. He will be joined inside with veteran A.J. Hawk, while Brad Jones, Frank Zombo, and Erik Walden compete for the other starting outside spot.
The secondary got just four games out of strong safety Morgan Burnett, before he was lost to an ACL injury. Burnett figures to earn back his starting job this season, but he will get some competition from Charlie Peprah. Nick Collins put together another fine season at free safety. The Packers are still high on veteran corner Charles Woodson, despite the fact that he will turn 35 in October. He is joined by outstanding cover man Tramon Williams, who led the team with six interceptions last year. They also have a talented nickel corner in James Shields.
Prediction: 1st NFC North, 12-4 Overall – I believe we just witnessed the beginning of something great that is about to take place in Green Bay, as this team is set up to be one of the top Super Bowl contenders for the next five years. As long as Rodgers stays healthy they should have no trouble winning the North this season.
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