2011 NFL Preview: Green Bay Packers

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



The Packers didn't really add anything this offseason, but they are getting a lot of people back from injury, so it's kind of like they did. Grant, and Finely will be ready to start the season and that could be a big addition. It will be interesting to see how Grant bounces back from his knee injury, but if he can be what he was before the injury this offense could be the best in the league. Obviously, Rodgers had his breakout year last year, and Jennings had over 1,200 years and 12 TDs. If that wasn't enough they have Driver, Nelson, and the surprising return of James Jones. With the return of Jones the Packers might have the best receiving core in the NFL. Bottom line is that this team is going to score points. My only worries would be keeping Rodgers from getting another concussion, and their run game. If they can't run it could leave the door open for teams to make comebacks against them. Grant and Starks will try to lead the RB core.



Defense:



The Packers defense is built around two players cornerback Charles Woodson and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Matthews played with a fractured bone in his leg last year and still had 13.5 sacks. Woodson is unbelievable covering the slot receiver/tight end. They like to put him at the corner of the defensive lines (up close), because he is also very good on the blitz. The one concern with him is his age. Woodson is now 34 years old (35 in October) and at some point he is going to slow down. Packers have long rumored when he does they will move him to safety. The rest of the defense is solid. Tramon Williams came out of no where and showed he can be a very good corner, and 2010 undrafted rookie Sam Shields seems like he might have been a find. Nick Collins stabilizes the defensive backfield from the safety spot. Frank Zombo, and A.J. Hawk round out the linebacking core. They have Raji on their defensive line, but if I had to say where they had the weak spot it would be there.



Overall:



The Packers didn't really make any free agent pickups, but then again they really didn't have to. They will have a target on their back all season after winning it all, but if Rodgers is healthy this team will be a threat for another Super Bowl.



2011 Record: 12-4