After reviewing the off-season, the draft, and the preseason, it could be a long year for the Packers. Losing guards Rivera and Whale will hurt the Packers running game, especially on plays where Whale would pull to the right side. On the otherhand, I do think they will hold their own on pass protection. Rookie right guard Will Whitticker is a huge individual who will add more power to the Packers “71 package”. Between Whitticker and Kevin Barry they combine for 674 lbs of blocking power, should be interesting! There are no other changes on the Packers offense from last year. Rookie number one draft pick Aaron Rodgers appears to be Brett Favre’s succsessor. Ahman Green is in the final year of his contract, so expect the usual good season from Ahman.

            The Packers run defense might even be worse than last year, if that’s possible. The only true “run stuffer” is Grady Jackson who has knee problems and can’t be counted on to play an entire season. Tackles Cullen Jenkins & Kenny Peterson are undersized and Donnell Washington has yet to prove himself as a solid N.F.L. player. At linebacker Na’il Diggs might miss the first game due to injury, which mean Paris Lenon should start in his place? Nick Barnett remains in the middle and newly accuired Robert Thomas starts outside of Barnett. All three linebackers are quick, but extremely undersized. In my opinion Barnett still hasn’t proven that he can take on a fullback and make a tackle. The bottom line is that the Packers defensive front seven are in trouble! I do like what I have seen from rookie defensive end Mike Montgomery, I think he will be a good player in years to come. In the secondary, rookie Nick Collins starts along side Mark Roman at the safety position. While either Ahmad Carroll or Joey Thomas starts at cornerback opposite veteran Al Harris. My opinion Thomas will be starting by the second or third game, if not sooner. Carroll still has a habit of holding receivers, a couple penalties and you will see Joey Thomas at cornerback. Take these factors I have mentioned and add the fact that the Packers have no pass rush and it equals a long year. If the defense plays better than expected, they should name a street after defensive coordinator Jim Bates.

            The kicking game still has reliable Ryan Longwell, but they do have an unproven punter in B.J. Sander. Sander was a third round pick of Mike Sherman two years ago, last year he didn’t even make the team! I am still shaking my head about that draft pick! I hope I am wrong about our beloved Packers, but I will keep the faith. My prediction for the Packers is an 8-8 record for this season, with the possibility of a wildcard.

Until next time, STAY SAFE!