Packers: Transition to 3-4 Biggest Question for Defense

(X and O article for CBS Correspondent application)

After seeing their defense riddled by injuries and horrendous play, it was clear something needed a change. And considering Aaron Rodgers and the offense were incredibly efficient for most of the season, defense was clearly the problem.

In comes veteran coach Dom Capers, who introduces a whole new defensive life to an underachieving defense. His 3-4 depends on big, strong defensive ends that can free up gaps for blitzing linebackers.

While the ends and defensive tackle mainly take up space and allow their teammates to pursue the quarterback, they also need to be able to put pressure on the quarterback.

In other words, finding an "elite" 3-4 end is harder than it looks. So, too, is finding two outside linebackers who can do everything the system demands.

In fact, to make this system work, every player needs to re-learn the game, and adapt to new schematic changes (outside the basic title itself).

Regardless, it starts and stops with the defensive line, while Aaron Kampman's switch to outside linebacker hinges as the potential "X-factor."

If Kampman put on some weight, he actually could be a fine 3-4 lineman, but Green Bay wants to use his pass-rushing abilities, instead. The thinking is that with Kampman on the outside, he'll have even more chances to get at the quarterback, and can also aid in the intermediate passing game with his long arms and big frame.

This is true, but it also leaves Green Bay with no "sure thing" on the other side of Cullen Jenkins.

With Kampman's individual transition a clear issue, Green Bay still has to lock up the side opposite of him as well.

Clay Matthews will battle with Brandon Chillar and Brady Poppinga for that spot, but there is no clear-cut leader.

Matthews possesses the best blend of overall athleticism and ability, while Chillar actually fits best in the middle. Poppinga is an average blitzer who hasn't produced a sack in over a year despite having the mentality of a pass-rush specialist.

Another area of concern is at defensive tackle. With Ryan Pickett being in a contract year, as well as not being ideal for the scheme, there's talk of having him move to defensive end.  If B.J. Raji progresses and grasps the defense as he should, that could very well happen.

Raji is projected as both a better rusher from up the middle, as well as a better space-eater than Pickett.

Still, Pickett will either be forced to play well out of his position, or he'll be sitting. Considering he's too valuable to not have on the field, the guess is Raji will sit, or Pickett will in fact take on that other end spot across from Jenkins.

Ultimately, if this defense is going to succeed (especially in its first year) there will have to be extreme versatility and rotation. That means Kampman can't stay strictly at outside linebacker, and guys like Pickett, Justin Harrell, and Johnny Jolly will have to spend time on the line at defensive tackle.

Too much of their 2009 success hangs on unproven players, or veteran players switching to a brand new scheme.

Add all of this with the fact that both of their starting corners are approaching 80, and you've got yourself a worrisome Packers fan base.