The 2008 season was a disappointment for many NFL fans. For some, the aches and pains will continue for years to come, but for others, things are about to change.
In this most recent postseason, only five teams returned in hopes of a Super Bowl title—none of which included 2007's 16-0 New England Patriots or the NFC runner-up Green Bay Packers.
Here are six teams that will bounce back from devastating failure to playoff seasons.
Although Chicago showed its inconsistency in 2008, you have to be impressed with the play of first year starting quarterback Kyle Orton, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 18 scores to only 12 interceptions.
The uproar of rookie running back Matt Forte has heads turning in every direction. In just his first season in Chicago, Forte rushed for 1,238 yards and eight touchdowns. Not only was Forte effective on the ground, but he also grabbed 63 receptions for 477 yards and four more scores.
It's clear that Chicago's defense was not the same as previous years. Chicago failed to make the top 12 in total defense, passing, and rushing (ypg) in 2008. The Bears must utilize their draft position and improve their defense for the upcoming season.
Chicago’s defense is not the only thing that needs improvement. In 2006 Devin Hester had five return touchdowns, and in 2007 he had six. Hester returned neither a kick nor a punt return for a score in 2008. Special teams have been a huge reason why the Bears have seen success in the past.
If Chicago can learn to trust Kyle Orton as their quarterback, and continue to hand the ball off to Matt Forte, look for Chicago to get back in the playoff mix when 2009 rolls around.
Green Bay Packers
No, the Packers don't need Brett Favre to be successful. They need a defense, and they need it now. How many coaches did the Packers fire this offseason? One? Keep guessing—how about six, which includes defensive coordinator Bob Sanders.
The Packers' 6-10 record is the worst since 1991, excluding their 4-12 season in 2005.
The Packers also struggled with injuries this past season, which included their leading tackler for the past five seasons, Nick Barnett. Four of Green Bay's six wins came when Barnett was on the field. Since he's been in the league, he's gone over 100 tackles every year. This season he accumulated only 49 stops. The Packers need him to be successful.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers exceeded all expectations in his first season as a starter, as he ranked fourth in yards passing with 4,038 and passing with touchdowns with 28. Rodgers only threw 13 interceptions and started all 16 games in 2008.
If the Packers want to make it back to the postseason, they need to improve their defensive status. They need to get their “hard-nosed” attitude back and play like the Green Bay Packers we once knew. If Ryan Grant and Greg Jennings continue to make plays for Rodgers, there’s should be no reason why you don’t see Green Bay in the playoffs next season.
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