It has definitely been an interesting season for the Packers. They had their ups and downs to be sure, and no one can discount what they have done. With no less than 14 players on injured reserve, they are still one of the more feared teams in the NFL playoffs this year, and many analysts still are picking them to go to the big show. Personally, I’m not entirely sure if they will quite get there, but it will be fun to watch the ride.
QB: I actually think that Rodgers had a fairly down year. He didn’t do quite what he could. He certainly fixed his inability to get rid of the ball, his sack totals took a dive from last year and I think this was one of the main reasons. You still see it from time to time, but not as huge as it was. However, in getting rid of the ball, he doesn’t always make the most intelligent moves and this has attributed to his slightly higher interception rate. Overall he continues to be a phenomenal player on track to be better than his predecessor in multiple ways.
I also want to give his backup Matt Flynn his due for the amazing job he did against New England, obviously it wasn’t all Flynn, the entire team did great, but Flynn proved he can step up when needed.
WR: This is the most talented group of WRs that are in the NFL this season. And perhaps this level of talent has been part of the reason for the disappointment in their performance. For the last couple of years they have produced two 1,000 yard players, this year it was just Greg Jennings. Granted Donald Driver has had some injuries, as has James Jones apparently, but the level of talent should have been able to do more despite that, especially in a year where both the Tight End and the Running Back went out with injuries.
RB: Not a surprise to say they are terrible. Brandon Jackson was always best as a third down back who could run without a full back when teams thought we were passing, or catch passes out of the backfield. He never should have been a featured back and the season proved it. John Kuhn is an amazing athlete and I look forward to watching his career. Starks finally came on against the Eagles, but whether he can continue it against a team with a decent defense is another thing.
TE: Even though they lost Finley, I don’t really consider that to be a full excuse to me. Quarless and Crabtree were highly touted early in the season but they didn’t pan out and Lee never got going before he too got injured. I don’t expect Finley type numbers but I was expecting something.
OL: I think the Offensive Line has done a fairly good job this season. Last year they were the liability of the team, this year they have done much better. I feel Clifton’s age may finally be showing and he has been inconsistent at best this season. I still don’t like Colledge, I think he is the weakness of the line. I don’t think Spitz is the answer at center. Sitton is having a stellar season, and I think Bulaga is going to have a bright future despite recent inconsistencies.
DL: The defensive line has really picked up late in the season despite the fact that Cullen Jenkins has been hampered by injury and it is largely due to the dominance of BJ Raji. Pickett continues to be a solid player but I think he has lost a step and I do think the Packers need to start looking for a potential heir as Justin Harrell isn’t anywhere near worthwhile.
LB: A great group of Linebackers. Just amazing depth here and it really shows some talent at the GM position. They lost 3 of their 5 main Linebackers and still the talent keeps rolling. Clearly Clay Mathews is a stellar performer, but AJ Hawk has had one of his best years, and Bishop has stepped on the gas as well. Guys like Zombo and Walden have also been surpringly talented considering both were free agents, Zombo being a rookie.
DB: People say that Woodson has had a down year, and statistically compared to last year that is true, but he is still top notch, last year was just that good. Tramon Williams had such a great year that they just decided to do without veteran CB Al Harris when he came back from injury. Collins to continues to be a very good safety, and Peprah has been a very suitable replacement for Bigby. Shields has also done a pretty good job for a rookie stepping in when a nickle back is needed.
Special Teams: Overall this has been a liability of the team. They haven’t been able to cover well, nor have they really been able to return. Crosby has been a little better this season than he was last season, but he will still miss the occasional field goal which has hurt. Masthay however has been a gem. We haven’t had a punter this good since Wolf let Hentrich go several years ago. He still isn’t to that level, but he shows tons of promise.
Coaching: I don’t know how anyone can say the coaching hasn’t been amazing this year. The Packers have come back from such diversity, and they continue to be competitive. Dom Capers is clearly a genius on the defense and I hope he doesn’t leave for another head coaching job quite yet, but I think McCarthy may be one of the most underrated head coaches in the NFL.
I don’t know whether the Packers will get to the Super Bowl. Considering that we will need to win two more road games against two extremely difficult teams, I find it hard to believe. I still hope, but I just don’t think it is going to happen. One thing is for sure, regardless of if the Packers get beaten or not, they will never get blown out and it will always at least compete to the very end.