Green Bay Packers 2009 NFL Season Preview!

Green Bay Packers in 2008:

The Packers had a horrible season last year, finishing 6-10 and 3^rd in the division. The Packers had some good runs last year; they started the season 2-0, then after taking 3 straight losses they won two straight. The Packers were at one point in the season 5-5, but after that, they lost 5 straight to sink their hopes of making the playoffs.

Strengths in 2008:

Green Bay had many strengths in 2008, but their biggest strength was passing the ball. They were 8^th in the league in passing last year by averaging 238 yds per game. Green Bay’s defense was also great; they were 5^th in the NFC in takeaways, and 12^th in the league in passing yds allowed per game with 203 yds per game.

Weaknesses in 2008:

The Packers main weakness in 2008 was defending the run; they were averaging giving up 131.6 rush yds per game. (26^th in the league) The Packers couldn’t run the ball successfully on offense either; the Packers were 17^th in the league in rush yds per game with 112.8.

What the Packers need improvement in going into the offseason:

The Packers need some better blockers to give Ryan Grant (running back) some more holes to run through. The Packers could also use a better front 4; the Packers aren’t getting enough pressure on the opponent’s quarterback.

The Packers in the offseason:

The Packers didn’t make any huge changes in the offseason. The Packers did draft lots of defensive players in the 2009 NFL Draft, including B.J. Raji defensive tackle from BC, Clay Matthews OLB from USC, and Jarius Wynn defensive end from Georgia. These may be only a few changes to the Packers team, but these players can make a huge impact in the upcoming season.

Green Bay Packers Positional Breakdown:

The Packers have great talent at most of their positions. There are some few question marks on the defensive side of the ball though.

Quarterback:

Aaron Rodgers is a great quarterback to have leading your franchise! He had a great season last year in his first season as a starting qb; he passed for over 4000yds, 28Tds, and only 13Ints. Rodgers led the Packers to a 6-10 record, and could have been a lot better if Rodgers had a better defense. Rodgers has some big weapons at wide receiver and tight end position; he has Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and Donald Lee. Those receivers are good receivers that can help Rodgers a lot in his 2^nd NFL season as a starting quarterback.

Running Back:

The Packers have a great running back, and possibly a running back that will develop into an elite running back. Ryan Grant is talented in lots of ways: Grant is a great runner; he rushed for over 1000yds, but only had 4 Tds. His touchdowns were down from his 2007 season; Grant had 8 Tds in 2007.  Grant is also a decent receiver as well; Grant had 116 receiving yds, and 1 Td. Grant looks to have a even better season in 2009.

Wide Receivers:

The Packers have loads talented wide receivers; Donald Driver and Gregg Jennings are both some huge and big threat receivers. Jennings had a great season last year; he had over 1000 receiving yds and 9 Tds. Driver also had over 1000yds receiving, but Driver only had 5 Tds.  Jordy Nelson (Gregg Jennings’s back-up receiver) is a decent receiver as well; he had over 300 receiving yds last year, and had 2 Tds. These receivers look to have an  even better season this year!

Tight End:

Donald Lee had a disappointing season last year; he only had 303 receiving yds. He did however, have 5 Tds in 2008. Lee is developing into a great tight end; Lee has all the mechanics of a great tight end; good blocking and a great receiver! Lee should have a much better season this year, mainly because he is catching passes from a fantastic quarterback.

Offensive Line:

The packers have a good offensive line, but it could use some work. The Packers offensive line was 19^th in the league in sacks allowed in 2008. The Packers have some weak offensive linemen at right guard and right tackle position. Allen Barbe (right tackle) and J. Sitton(right guard) must improve their blocking skills in order to do well in 2009.

Defense:

The Green Bay defense is really good; they force loads of turnovers. The Packers forced 28 turnovers in 2008.  (22 interceptions and 6 fumbles) Their defense has some great and fierce players. They have a some great cornerbacks like Charles Woodson. Woodson is a great cornerback; he was 2^nd in the league in interceptions with 7! The Packers have a strong secondary as well and look to have even more success in 2009.

Packers in the Preseason:

The Packers have been quite impressive in the preseason; they are 3-1 this year! Rodgers and Grant have both played great; Grant had 94 rushing yds in 4 preseason games this year and Rodgers had 465 passing yds and 5 Tds in 4 preseason games this year. Rodgers and Grant hope for this success to continue into the regular season.

Packers Season Preview:

The Packers look to rebound from their awful 2008 season. The Packers have all the things they need this year to do well; Aaron Rodgers is developing into an elite quarterback, Grant becoming a explosive running back, and their defense starting to become fierce! The Packers have a very easy schedule this year; they only play 4 playoff teams this year! The Packers should get at least 10 or 11 wins this year!