Who Are This Year’s Packers?
Posted: June 20, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
The outlook was lukewarm for Green Bay this time last year — and that’s from their unshakably-sunny fans’ perspective. I remember boos when they picked Justin Harrell with their top selection. The so-called experts didn’t think much of their draft either. Mel Kiper gave it a C+, as did Scott Wright. The team was enduring another will-he-or-won’t-he-retire Brett Favre melodrama.
In the end the team that closed strong to reach 8-8 in ‘06 started strong in ‘07 and zipped to 13-3.
This happens every year. The year before the Saints went from homeless to a good half of play short of the Super Bowl.
I’ve talked a lot about the Fantastic Four, the teams that go from losers to the playoffs, but I want to zero in on the NFC team that will not only improve, but be a legitimate threat in January.
I nominate the Minnesota Vikings.
They had the best run defense I saw last year, with monster DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams gumming up everything inside. They have a lethal running game with Chester Taylor and the magnificent Adrian Peterson. They’re already well built on both offensive and defensive lines.
And they got better this offseason, trading for DE Jared Allen and signing WR Bernard Berrian. They only had one first day draft pick, after the Allen deal, but used it on SS Tyrell Johnson, who builds up their weakest defensive unit.
The Vikings have Tarvaris Jackson at QB, so they’ll attempt to play the 2000 Baltimore Ravens model or the Houston Oilers model circa 1977 and 78: ride a stout defense, a top tier running back and an opportunistic passing game to the Super Bowl. Jackson will have some passing options, in Berrian and TE Jim Kleinsasser, but his job description will nonetheless read “busdriver.”
Those Earl Campbell-led Oilers came up short, unable to get past a more balanced Steelers team, but the Ravens won it all. In the era of parity, especially in the NFC, anything is possible. I still prefer Dallas’ chances but I think the Vikings will be throwing their weight around come playoff time.
A Reminder: Check out our “beat down-o-meter” on the right and pinch Donny’s wallet. You’ll get an extra week of camp coverage out of it.
Comments
14 Responses to “Who Are This Year’s Packers?”
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
-
"The Sports Doctors"
iTunes/
Winamp
Windows
Media
RealOne -
Cowboy Up
Dedicated to providing the best Cowboys analysis anywhere, our efforts are free of charge but not free of expense. Your kind donation today will keep our drive alive.
Thank you
Or mail payment to:
RV2 Enterprises
P.O. Box 150093
Austin TX 78715-0093
Advertisers
-
Fave it!
-
SiteMeter
Burst Media
first!
I think you are correct in your prediction Raf. They are the only team that scares me in the nfc. They may be our biggest roadblock in getting to the big show. I am horrified by the thought that peterson will be better this year.
FWIW, Dr. Z agrees with you, Raf.
I personally want to see more out of Tavaris, but less likely things have occurred in the past.
The team taht worries me most is Philly. They are so well coached and their defense could be nasty. If they get good health out of McNabb and Westbrook, they will be dangerous.
Luke:
Appreciate the response backthread (is that a word?)
I’ll even answer the question you posed: Libertarian.
Also, my football posts here and willingness to go against the grain on this site at times should reveal I’m not likely to be ‘brainwashed’ on anything!
People who know me would laugh at that-I frustrate them with my independent opinions.
On the fumbles, it it hard to find good facts-the ones on Choice, I looked up after the draft and thought I had pretty good stats. At that time I don’t think it was zero fumbles, but it was a very small # , especially paired with how many carries that guy had. The dude was a real workhorse the last 2 years (297 + 261 carries).
He could turn out to be a 4th-round steal just like Barber was.
I know Aaron Rogers looked pretty good against us-I’m not sure the Packers aren’t the Packers of this year.
And I never count out the Eagles.
The Cowboys 2.0 thing? I don’t even know what they’re talking about! Like, a Cowboys Facebook or something?
I agree with the pick of the Vikes - Peter King did an analysis sometime ago that showed that Jackson had a pretty good second half of teh season as a QB. If he can reproduce that for the entire season then the Vikes will be in good position this year. Also I think the Saints will be back in the hunt again. Maybe they’ll do this year what people thought they’d do last year.
Vikings will go as the QB goes. Look out for the Jets as well. They had a very good off season.
Has anybody noticed that since Hashmarks allowed a few new writers on it from other areas they have almost completey taken it over. Although, it never has matched up to this blog it was nice to look at from time to time for additional Cowboys coverage. it is now difficult to find Dallas mentioned at all.
I now pronounce the Eagles OLLLLLLLD. The last few drafts, seems to me, have not panned out as they would have liked. All of their majore talent is in QB, RB, and A couple of older OL. Defense is decent not great. I think when most of your talent spots are older players you can have some inconsistant play due to increased injuries and players loosing steps. I think the deadskins have a better shot then the Eagles.
i still cant bring myself to write off the iggles, and i would agree with those who aren’t sold on the vikes QB yet. i think they have gotten better though.
we’ll see.
New York has to be the main competition, IMO.
Green Bay has a good shot.
The Saints could come back strong.
The Vikings are interesting.
Re NT
Boys of Oz has said he is worried about the position. I was too during the offseason, but far less so now. I have confidence in Jay Ratliff but knew he was not enough at the most physical position. Hearing that Tank is pushing Ratliff for the starting job has given me a lot of confidence at NT.
If Ratliff & Johnson rotate, I think the position will be handled at a ProBowl level. Of course, I’d like Salavaii to show something at 340lbs. but if not, I’m still confident.
Unless Martellus Bennett’s learning curve increases, Tony Curtis will be the No.2 as I suggested he might be. I like Curtis so I think we’ll be fine there. Still, I hope things start clicking for Bennett as he could be a weapon for a team with some questions at WR.
Yea. My Gravatar and my web link now work. Cool Feature
“The team taht worries me most is Philly”
Not that worried - old OTs with a fragile QB. What out for the Skiz, isn’t this Campbell’s third year?
speaking of the giants, they claimed craphonso thorpe off waivers.
marashwn lynch is supposedly going to plead guily to a hit and run.
so much for the commish and his efforts to cut down on players getting into trouble.
Raf,
Just made a small contribution to the cause.
…and thanks also to you, Donny!