LolaRox":17yurone said:
I keep seeing people pick the Packers because they're bringing back all their players. Aren't these same players that couldn't get it done last year?
I don't have a problem with people picking GB but having 'all their players are returning' could make them better but it could also make them the same.
Here is the reason for optimism (which you are free to disagree with):
1. Keeping the same team and adding no one only means you'll get worse if you have an older team with no room for individual improvement. Green Bay had a NUMBER of first and second year players really coming on at the end of last year. When you have one of the youngest teams in the league, they will get better via development.
2. Continuity: As the season went on, GB had one of the top OLINES in the league with a rookie center and a second year LT. Another off season together should make this group even better. A lot can be said for five guys gaining game experience together re picking up blitzes and run assignments.
3. The defense: The middle of the Packers defense has been the achilles heel of the Packers for five years.
a. The Packers went from one of the worst run defenses in the league to one of the best when Clay Matthews moved inside. They plan to move him all around now so offenses will not know where he's coming from till the last second. He'll also have an actual off season to learn the position. Think he's not important to this defense? Look how Seattle was able to move the ball in the NFCCG after he got hurt....
b. Add to that Rookie Sam Barrington will have a full off season to work as the starter there now. The rookie showed skill and tenacity there last year after he replaced the slow and ineffective AJ Hawk and Brad Jones at mid season.
c. Ha Ha Clinton Dix filled the gapping hole left by the injury that retired pro bowler Nick Collins. The long pass plays we saw in previous years were a thing of the past. Year two bigger things are expected of the rook.
d. BJ Raji. He's back from his biceps tear and has looked un-blockable in camp. With him, rising star Mike Daniels and the very effective LeTroy Guion, the Packers look to be very stout up front this year.
e. The cornerbacks: Gone are the aging (lost a step) Tramon Williams and the oft injured Davon House. Replacing them are ball hawk (and former all rookie team) Casey Hayward opposite solid Sam Shields. The Packers top two picks have looked good in camp as has second year man Demetri Goodson.... No one can remember the last time Rodgers got picked off 6 times in camp, a testament to these young talented corners.
Lastly, Packers fans feel that had they gotten to the super bowl they would have beaten New England. Seattle in Seattle has been a stumbling block for Green Bay so it's huge that we beat you here week two. You will disagree with this but Packers fans feel we will beat you at Lambeau which will put us a full game ahead of you in the standings and a leg up for home field... And we very much like our chances at Lambeau in January with a team that can finally run the ball and stop the run....