Are the Packers ready to take the NFC North?
by Cris Collinsworth
I find the Green Bay Packers to be the most intriguing team in the league this year. But, can they beat the Vikings? The Vikings' turnovers against the Saints in the NFC title game may have cost them their first Super Bowl, they were that good last year. So why do I keep trying to pick the Packers in the North? Let me count the ways:
1) Aaron Rogers 4400 yards, 30 TDs, and 7 interceptions. He is young, charismatic, can run, and put on a show in the playoffs until that final play. He is ready for that next step. One of my favorite QBs.
2) TE Jermichael Finley is a freak (only in sports is that a compliment). He is a match-up nightmare on a team that is tough enough to defend anyway. Huge in the playoff game v. Arizona.
3) OT Bryan Bulaga fills the greatest danger area on the roster. Aaron Rogers took a beating early last year, and with Chad Clifton's health issues it was a must pick in the first round by Ted Thompson. The Packers now have 3 tackles for 2 spots.
4) Dom Capers is the Dick LeBeau of the NFC. The same defense that won Rod Woodson the defensive player of the year won it for Charles Woodson last year. Capers creates pressure without blitzing more than five (usually). Al Harris' injury will hurt, but the Packers have enough depth with Tramon Williams to survive.
5) Clay Matthews will draw enough double teams even without Aaron Kampman for the zone blitz packages to be effective.
6) BJ Raji's ankle should be healthier, and Cullen Jenkins finally knows what he is doing as a 3-4 end.
7) The Packers won 7 of their final 8 in the regular season. They finished ranked 2nd on defense and 6th on offense. The Packers defense ranked first with 30 interceptions from the pressure packages, first against the run, and first in turnover differential.
8) The Packers special teams have to be better (how is that for logic?).
I can't decide if I am basing part of this on the concept that eventually Brett has to show his age. But, it is usually a safer bet to go young than old in the NFL. Are the Packers ready? On paper they should be.