2009 Greenbay Packers Preview

Last Season - 

The Green Bay Packers had a lot to look forward to heading into the 2008 season. The Packers had a promising young quarterback that was predicted to take over for retiring Brett Farve and keep the team a contender in the NFC. However, the Packers would have bigger setback than anticipate from their 13-3 season in 2007. Green Bay had an up and down season until the wheels completely came off down the stretch. Green Bay lost 5 of their last 6 games of the season to finish a disappointing 6-10 dropping completely out of the playoff picture. Offensively, Aaron Rodgers kept the passing attack up to par throwing for 240 yards per game. However, the defense could simply not keep teams off the scoreboard in the final weeks of the season. Green Bay allowed over 28 points per game in their final 6 weeks of the season which contributed to their sudden downfall. The main concern was the rush defense that gave up over 130 yards per game ranking towards the very bottom of the league. Surprisingly, Rodgers was able to post a 4,000 yard season along with 28 touchdowns. The Packers also had two 1,000 yard recipients in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Ryan Grant also added 1200 yards on the ground proving the offense will be a force to be reckoned with heading into 2009. 
 
Off Season - 

Green Bay was among the most unheard teams over the off-season mainly because there were very few transactions with the Packers compared to other teams around the league. Green Bay was able to keep the majority of the entire team intact outside of a few less known names involved in some off season moves. However, Green Bay took advantage of the NFL Draft to address their big defensive needs. The Packers chose a promising young talent in defensive nose tackle B.J Rahi with their first round selection. Rahi was selected number 9 overall in this year’s draft. The 330 plus pound defensive lineman has tremendous power and surprising quickness up the middle. Rahi will not only become a big factor in the run defense, but will also play a part in collapsing offensive pockets. It worked out fairly well that Green Bay was able to grab Rahi at this point in the draft. The Packers selected also got another 1st round selection from Baltimore. The Packers selected inside linebacker Clay Matthews with the number 26 overall selection. Matthews does not have a lot of inexperience, but could have a lot of upside as well. After only playing one starting season at USC it is unknown how much potential the youngster possesses. One thing is for sure is that Rahi and Matthews should give Green Bay the talent they need to improve their weak rushing defense.  

2009 Preview -  

The Packers could become a dangerous team this season if they can get some help on defense. Aaron Rodgers and the offense will return another promising roster. The Packers possess a top 10 offense in 2008 and there is no reason to expect anything less in 2009. If Rodgers could cut down on his interceptions, there could be even more success. Defensively it is hard to know what to expect. The Packers have most of the same guys back on that side of the ball while also gaining some young talent to throw into the mix. Usually rush defenses are easier to fix than pass defenses and we expect them to be a lot better. The defense will not be an elite group, but they should not be a bad one either as a lot of these guys should settle into the new defense well.  

2009 Prediction - 

The Packers have perhaps one of the softest early season schedules in the league. Green Bay plays Minnesota twice, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Detroit in the opening 8 weeks of the season. There is not any reason to expect that they will not be able to have a solid start. Except this season, the Packers will not fade at the end of the year. Be on the lookout for a surprise story here. 

Pick - Tie for 1st Place in the NFC North (11-5 overall) - For more NFL Team Previews checkout BangTheBook.Com stop by daily for free football betting picks.