2010 NFL Predictions: Green Bay Packers

July 22, 2010

The Green Bay Packers are now considered one of the top contenders in the NFL. They have fought their way back to the top after losing Brett Favre, and now have a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl. Despite losing faith in first round selection Aaron Rodgers early in his career, the Packers have stuck with him as he has become one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the league.

Much of Rodgers problems early on were a lack of discipline in the pocket. He would often wonder outside the tackles and get tackled by defensive backs and linebackers. If he did stay between the tackles, he would usually hold on too long and end up being sacked. Much of these problems were due to a lack of protection up front. Since taking over the starting job in Green Bay in 2008, he’s been sacked 93 times. The bad side to that many sacks is the loss of field position, but it has translated into a very low interception rate. Rodgers doesn’t try to force the ball into areas he can’t fit it. This is why he has 59 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions in his career. Much of the reason behind his high number of sacks rests on the shoulders of his offensive line. They have been less than adequate to say the least, and will need to allow Rodgers more time if they have any chance of going deep in the playoffs this year. Expect another 4000+ yard season throwing the ball for Rodgers as he leads this offense to another solid season.

The running back position is strong, but only if Ryan Grant stays healthy. Outside of Grant, Packer RB’s had just 92 carries in 2009. He had a tremendous year last season rushing for 1253 yards and 11 touchdowns. Grant is more of a physical back, and can be really effective in the red-zone. Unfortunately for him, the Packers throw the ball more often then they run it. He will be expected to carry the work load again this season, and should be a solid second back for NFL fantasy football owners.

Aaron Rodgers has a great cast of wide receivers to choose from. Greg Jennings and Donald Driver each crossed the 1000 yard barrier in 2009. Combined they had almost 2200 tards and 10 touchdowns. Jermichael Finley has turned out to be a better than average tight end in his 3 year out of Texas. He caught 55 passes for 676 yards and 5 TD’s last season, and will be a big factor for this offense for years. It’s a given that the Packer wide receiving group will produce as Rodgers has become one of the most accurate passers in the league. The sure handedness of the wideouts is the sole reason for Rodgers 64+ percent completion rate, which in turn equals scoring. Green Bay finished with the 3rd highest scoring offense in the NFL last year. Expect them to be even higher in 2010.

Overall, Green Bay looks to be an 11+ win team again, and should go further in the playoffs because of the experience factor. Most football picks have them finishing either first or second in the NFC North based on whether or not Brett Favre returns to Minnesota. If this team plays to their potential then they will be in the NFC Championship game playing for a spot in the Super Bowl.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

Comments

Got something to say?