With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Packers will always be contenders and it looks like they are the favourites to come out of the NFC. Last year when they were 4-6, Rodgers said they could run the table and he delivered doing what he said, taking them to the NFC Championship game. If the defence improves the Packers may be the Patriots' biggest competition.
Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Martellus Bennett, Jahri Evans, Davon House, Ricky Jean-Francois, Lance Kendricks, Justin McCray
Departures: Micah Hyde, Datone Jones, TJ Lang, Eddie Lacy, Julius Peppers, Sam Shields, James Starks, JC Tretter
Offence:
Aaron Rodgers remains the face of the franchise and after questionable play for the first half of last year he regained his form dominating games showing he is still one of the best. Rodgers gives the Packers and elite option at quarterback through the air or on the ground. Ty Montgomery who switched from wide receiver to running back halfway through last season will be the lead back to open up the season vs the Seahawks with three rookies backing him up including Jamaal Williams. Aaron Ripkowski was good replacing John Kuhn at the fullback position and will be returning to that position. Jordy Nelson is among the best wide receivers in the NFL giving the Packers an all-around solid receiver and Randall Cobb occupies the slot as one of the better slot receivers. Davante Adams had a breakout year but still drops too many balls making him a very good third option; after that it is Geronimo Allison, Jeff Janis and Malachi Dupre. Martellus Bennett comes from the defending champs to solidify the tight end position with Richard Rodgers and Lance Kendricks providing great depth. David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga are two good tackles to protect Rodgers with Corey Linsley snapping the ball at center. Jahri Evans no longer dominates the trenches but can still serve as a starter as he plays guard with Lane Taylor.
Defence:
The defence continues to be the Packers' downfall but if it improves the Packers could be on their way to Super Bowl 52. Mike Daniels is the star of the defensive line as he wrecks opponents' game plans with his versatility. Alongside Daniels will be Kenny Clark and Christian Ringo; they also have the depth needed at the position with Montravius Adams and Ricky Jean-Francois. Clay Matthews no longer dominates football games and has taken a big step down but he is still an above-average linebacker who contributes a lot. Nick Perry broke out last season and will rush the quarterback on most passing plays with inside linebackers Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan starting as well. No starting cornerback spots are guaranteed as it will be a battle between newcomer Davon House, Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins and second-round draft pick Kevin King. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is the defence's best player as the young star emerges into one of the game's premier safeties, At age 24, Clinton-Dix can still improve his game to become the tier of Eric Berry and Landon Collins. Veteran Morgan Burnett will once again be the emotional leader with rookie Josh Jones backing the two up.
Special Teams:
Mason Crosby showed he was clutch nailing two huge field goals in the Packers' playoff win over the Cowboys and he will once again be one of the best kickers. The Packers are going with rookie a punter in Justin Vogel for the upcoming season. Randall Cobb will return punts while Ty Montgomery and Jeff Janis will both get chances to return kickoffs.
Starters:
Offence
|
Defence
|
Jordy Nelson
|
Kenny Clark
|
Randall Cobb
|
Christian Ringo
|
Davante Adams
|
Mike Daniels
|
David Bakhtiari
|
Nick Perry
|
Lane Taylor
|
Jake Ryan
|
Corey Linsley
|
Blake Martinez
|
Jahri Evans
|
Clay Matthews
|
Bryan Bulaga
|
Damarious Randall
|
Martellus Bennett
|
Morgan Burnett
|
Aaron Rodgers
|
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
|
Ty Montgomery
|
Davon House
|
33. Kevin King
61. Josh Jones
93. Montravius Adams
108. Vince Biegel
134. Jamaal Williams
175. DeAngelo Yancey
182. Aaron Jones
212. Kofi Amichia
238. Devante Mays
247. Malachi Dupre
Top 10 Players:
10. Morgan Burnett
9. Martellus Bennett
8. Randall Cobb
7. Clay Matthews
6. David Bakhtiari
5. Bryan Bulaga
4. Mike Daniels
3. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
2. Jordy Nelson
1. Aaron Rodgers
Season Prediction: 12-4 (1st in NFC North)
Last Year: 10-6
Photo credit for Martellus Bennett goes to http://www.espn.com/. Aaron Rodgers goes to https://www.usatoday.com/. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix goes to http://www.packers.com/. Jordy Nelson goes to http://foxpsorts.com/.
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