The Leader

Issue date: 8/30/06 Section: Sports

The excitement is building in Wisconsin as the Packers hope to improve on last year’s dreadful 4-12 record.

 

The first step General Manager Ted Thompson took was to bring in new head coach in Mike McCarthy. McCarthy’s last job was as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco had the worst offense in the NFL last year. Couple that with a whole new coaching staff, a new interior offensive line, new outside linebackers, and new additions to the defensive line and secondary, the Packers might look like they are headed back to the bottom of the NFC.

 

But the news is not all bad. Brett Favre is back and ready for action and, if last year’s injury problems do not resurface, there is reason to be optimistic about the Packers’ offense. They selected speedy wide receiver Greg Jennings from Western Michigan in the second round of this year’s draft. The running back situation also looks good with a host of talent competing for the backup spot behind veteran Ahman Green. Green, who was out 11 games last year with a quadriceps injury, hopes to return as a valuable weapon in Green Bay’s offensive arsenal. Najeh Davenport resigned, but Tony Fisher did not. This left the Packers with a hole to fill at third down back. Fisher was a valuable blocker and pass catcher in third down sets and will be missed.

 

Now here is the big question—can two rookie guards and a third year center provide enough protection for one of the best but oldest quarterbacks in the league? Let’s hope so. The Packers offense will only be successful if the rookie gaurds can step up and Ahman Green and the wide receivers can stay healthy.

 

Now, on to the defense! This is where things start to look bright for the present and future. The Packers went out in free agency and picked up veteran cornerback Charles Woodson and safety Marquand Manuel. Those acquisitions helped solidify a Packers secondary that already included veteran corner Al Harris and second year safety Nick Collins. The Packers boosted their linebacker corps in the draft with first and third round picks A.J. Hawk out of THE Ohio State University and Abdul Hodge from Iowa. Hawk, a two time All-American, will be the Packers’ starting weakside linebacker. With an old school mentality and a motor that doesn’t stop until the game is over, Hawk is a great complement to the Packers’ emotional middle linebacker Nick Barnett. Ben Taylor, a free agent from Cleveland, will start at the other outside linebacker spot.

 

The defensive line gets a pick me up with defensive tackle Ryan Pickett coming over from the St. Louis Rams. Pickett will be looked upon to fill the big shoes and enormous jersey of Grady Jackson, who the Packers decided not to resign due to nagging injury problems. Looking down the defensive line, Pickett joins the solid crew of fellow tackle Colin Cole and defensive ends Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Aaron Kampman.

 

If Brett Favre, Ahman Green, and the wide receivers can stay healthy and the offensive line can do a passable job, the Packers could go anywhere from 8-8 to 10-6 on the year. Having the second easiest schedule in the NFC will not hurt their chances either.

 

After weighing all the factors, however, I only see about six or seven wins for the Packers in this rebuilding year.

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