I think you are going to see games where they amaze and games where they really struggle. A lack of consistency is what worries me about the Packers. An 8-8 record and just missing the playoffs is a realistic expectation.
They should be able to get back to the playoffs in 2009, if their young players continue to grow and they add more young talent to supplement some of their aging positions at the offensive tackles and cornerback.
Green Bay Packers’ Record: 8-8—NFC North second place; No Playoffs
3) Detroit Lions
'07 Record: 7-9
Points Scored: 346 (16th)
Points Allowed: 444 (32nd)
Playoff Result: N/A
2008 Strength of Schedule: 139-117 (.543) (10th in NFL)
Strengths
The Lions had a great passing attack under passing guru Mike Martz. He is no longer with the team, but the offense still has plenty of weapons. Jon Kitna is the most established QB in the division, and Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, and Shaun McDonald give him a lot of weapons.
Roy Williams is a solid target, Calvin Johnson is a freak, and he should have a much better second year now that he has experience and is healthy.
The Lions should be able to throw the ball and put points up on the board, but Kitna has to throw fewer interceptions. He ranked second in 2006 and first in 2007 in that regard. He also has to take fewer sacks, as he led the league in that regard in both 2006 and 2007.
This was a team that started the 2007 season 6-2, but finished 1-7. When they were winning, their passing offense was not the only thing carrying them. They were good at forcing turnovers early in the season.
The Lions had 17 interceptions, which ranked 14th in the NFL, which is right around the middle of the pack. They finished ninth in sacks with 37.
That made up for their 31st-ranked pass defense. Fernando Bryant is no longer with the team. Leigh Bodden, Brian Kelly, and Dwight Smith are expected to help in that regard.
Shaun Rodgers is gone from the defensive line. It will be interesting to see how that affects the run defense, which ranked 23rd in the NFL with him. Cory Redding and Chuck Darby will have to step up their play. Ernie Sims is a fantastic young linebacker.
Boss Bailey is now in Denver, but he never really did live up to expectations in Detroit. The Lions have good individual players on defense, but need them to step up and making their units more competitive. Other than sacks and picks, there wasn’t much this defense did right in 2007.
Jason Hanson is still the kicker and a mainstay in Detroit. He has been with the Lions since 1992, and is considered one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL.
Weaknesses
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