The 2000 NFL season is going to be an interesting one. Gone are the dynasties of San Francisco, Dallas, Buffalo and unfortunately Green Bay. I was watching the game versus Denver on Sunday and was real impressed with Hasselbeck led Green Bay Packer offense. It reminded me of the Favre led offenses of the mid-90s. Can we regain the title? Is Favre ever going to be in his 3-time MVP form? I guess there is always hope. Even if Favre can not regain his form it looks there could be an alternative in the QB slot. The nagging injuries to Levens does not help our running game which is something all teams need in order to succeed in the NFL. You get no where fast if you a one-dimensional offense just ask the Dolphins. Hopefully he will return in after the first couple weeks of the regular season.

The million-dollar question as Intense points out is our defense. We look pretty weak in all areas. Gone are a dominating and healthy George Koonce, a safety that can tackle in Eugene Robinson (sorry Sharper), a younger and faster LeRoy Butler, and run stopping, less heavy, strong ankle Gilbert Brown, and of course the ever inspirational and dangerous Reggie "God told me to Do IT" White. As a resident of North Carolina for many years and graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, I can understand why he would want to live in "Gods country." Unless our new players can mature fast and a player steps up as the field general, we are bound for a long season.

The defense looks like it is going through the motions. Where is the fire? the inspiration? Did it leave with Reggie and the "gravedigging" Brown? In this league of Randy Mosses, Cris Carters, Kurt Warners, and Peyton Mannings, it is DEFENSE that wins ball games just ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans. Mike Sherman brings a new disciplined squad to the field in contrast to the Rhodes team. With exercises like everyone riding the same bus to camp, he renewed the player's focus on the team. I believe this is what the Packers need this year. I hope he can light a fire under their butts too.

In the final weeks if preseason, I hope Wolfe sees some of our defensive woes and does his magic- the same magic that brought us Favre and White. We definitely need the help if the Packers have a chance at a division title or playoff berth.