2009 Green Bay Packers Offensive Preview: Position-By-Position Breakdown

kevin roberts by Senior Writer Written on July 18, 2009

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GREEN BAY, WI - MAY 1:  Head coach Mike McCarthy watches  players participate in practice drills during Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Don Hutson Center on May 1, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Life after Brett Favre wasn't expected to be easy, regardless of "plans" Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson may have had.

The truth is, they were lucky in 2007, as they avoided major injuries for the most part, and rolled to a 13-3 season behind their veteran quarterback.

However, despite Aaron Rodgers stepping up and playing Pro Bowl-caliber football, injuries and a slacking defense cost the Packers several games, having them inevitably miss the playoffs at 6-10.

Read on for short analysis on each relevant player heading into 2009.

Aaron Rodgers- Starting Quarterback

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 28: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers breaks away from Cliff Avril #92 of the Detroit Lions on December 28, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 31-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge

Rodgers proved all his doubters wrong in 2008, as he matched Favre's 2007 numbers (and then some) by tossing 28 touchdowns, over 4,000 yards, and even ran for three scores.

His athleticism and running ability added a new dimension to the pass attack, and figures to keep defenses on their heels again in 2009.

As long as his offensive line can keep him healthy and on his feet, Rodgers should have another big year.

Matt Flynn (2) vs. Brian Brohm (3)- Back-up Quarterbacks

CHICAGO - DECEMBER 22: Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers runs for a first down on a fake punt against the Chicago Bears on December 22, 2008 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Packers 20-17 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan

Former LSU Tiger Matt Flynn out-performed second rounder Brian Brohm in 2008's pre-season, winning him the top spot behind Aaron Rodgers.

It was a near-miracle that Flynn never saw major action with the supposed "Mr. Glass" Rodgers never missing a start, despite nagging injuries throughout his career.

Flynn isn't polished by any means, but clearly has a better grasp of the offense, and a better overall awareness when on the field.

Brohm, on the other hand, looks like a lost puppy.

Ryan Grant- Starting Running Back

CHICAGO - DECEMBER 22: Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers tries to break away from Nick Roach #53 of the Chicago Bears on December 22, 2008 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Unlike his impressive 2007 season, Ryan Grant spent more time getting wrapped up than he did hitting holes perfectly.

Grant's vision and mind seemed to be elsewhere last year, which could have been a direct effect of missing off-season workouts, as well as nagging injuries.

His yards per carry and touchdowns dropped significantly, raising doubts of whether or not he can be Green Bay's long-term solution at running back.

Grant still has great physical tools and a good burst, but if his vision and awareness can't get back to it's 2007 form, he may lose carries to Brandon Jackson.

Brandon Jackson- Back-up Running Back

GREEN BAY, WI - JULY 28: Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers works out during summer training camp on July 28, 2008 at the Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jackson is a serviceable back-up with decent speed and vision, just waiting for an opportunity to show his coaches he can get the job done.

And if "getting the job done" is matching Ryan Grant's production from 2008, I would agree that he can.

Jackson should see more carries, regardless of Grant's status, and could be more active in the passing game, as well.

Greg Jennings- Starting Wide Receiver

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 12:  Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks on October 12, 2008 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 27-17. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr./Getty I

Jennings has shown considerable progress in every season with Green Bay, displaying excellent explosiveness and deep-threat speed.

He's also proven to be a reliable go-to receiver when needed, while also being very effective in the red-zone.

Up until this point, Jennings has been little more than a home-run threat type of receiver, while his skill-set suggests he could develop into one of the league's best all-around receivers.

With Aaron Rodgers getting more comfortable by the day, Jennings could set his sights on 80+ catches and another dream season like he had in 2007.

Donald Driver- Starting Wide Receiver

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 30:  Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers performs a 'Lambeau Leap' as he celebrates with fans after scoring a 6-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on November 30, 2

Driver may be 34, but he can still get open, and is still a fairly reliable target.

Despite not having Brett Favre around (the only quarterback he had ever known), he still put up solid totals with Rodgers under center, including 1,000 yards receiving.

As long as he's healthy, there's no reason to think he can't do it again.

However, emerging young talent such as Jordy Nelson and James Jones should vie for some of his looks, which should keep his receptions below 80, and his touchdowns around where they already are.

Jordy Nelson (3) vs. James Jones (4)- Back-up Wide Receivers

GREEN BAY, WI - JULY 28: Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers catches a pass during summer training camp on July 28, 2008 at the Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jordy Nelson holds a slight egde on James Jones heading into pre-season, as Nelson has better size and speed, and is arguably the more reliable receiver.

Jones also missed much of 2008 with a knee injury, and was rather ineffective in the games that he did participate in.

Nelson doesn't project well as a slot receiver, but provides Green Bay with a better down-field option that Jones can, and is a better receiver for the system than Jones is.

If Driver or Jennings can work out of the slot, Nelson would be a good option on the outside, while Jones would arguably be one of the league's most dynamic and versatile No. 4 receivers.

Donald Lee - Starting Tight End

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 07:  Donald Lee #86 of the Green Bay Packers makes a reception in front of DeMeco Ryans #59 of the Houston Texans during the first half at Lambeau Field on December 7, 2008 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Texans defeated the Packers

Lee saw his production and targets take a huge hit with the departure of tight end-lover, Brett Favre.

Without Favre throwing passes to him across the middle and down the field, Lee's yards per catch and overall performance suffered.

He has good speed and is an adequate blocker, but doesn't have great hands and doesn't do as much after the catch as you would like.

He still had five touchdowns for the second straight year, so as long as he's the starter, he should be able to put up decent numbers.

A return to 2007 form isn't likely, but a repeat of 2008 could happen.

Jermichael Finley (2) vs. Tory Humphrey (3) Back-up Tight Ends

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 02:  Safety Chris Hope #24 of the Tennessee Titans tips the ball away from tight end Jermichael Finley #88 of the Green Bay Packers at LP Field on November 2, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

There has been small talk about Finley actually competing for the starting job in camp, although his weak blocking skills should refute that.

He's athletic, big, and fast, and definitely can start in this league.

Just, maybe not in 2009.

He should still see a lot of action in double tight end sets, and should claim the number two spot above Tory Humphrey.

Humphrey is also fairly athletic and has decent speed, but he's older and not quite as athletic as Finley.

Korey Hall- Starting Fullback vs. Quinn Johnson-Back-up Fullback

GREEN BAY, WI - MAY 1:  Running back Quinn Johnson #45 runs in practice drills during Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Don Hutson Center on May 1, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Hall is the starting fullback-for now.

Rookie Quinn Johnson should push him hard for lead blocking duties, as well as some time as the team's short yardage specialist.

Both players are exceptional blockers with good strength and tremendous drive on their blocks, but Johnson offers more versatility and upside as a runner and receiver.

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written on July 18, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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