foxsports link What I learned at camp this summer
I always loved summer camp.
But bug juice has been replaced with cheeseburgers and brats from Curly's inside Lambeau Field and Dougs Fish Fry in lovely Cortland, N.Y.
I try to make it a goal not to overreact to a day or two with NFL clubs in August, but here are my pressing takes, SCHEIN 9 style, on what I learned at summer camp.
1. The Packers offense will be the best in the NFL
Aaron Rodgers looks bigger than he did last year. When I talked to the quarterback at length, Rodgers said he learned a lot about leadership, accuracy and "availability to his team" from working with Drew Brees. The Packers' pass protection, the lone weakness of the offense, is going to be better with first-round pick Bryan Bulaga starting at left guard. And Rodgers said he spent the offseason pouring over film with Mike McCarthy, going over how he can do a better job getting rid of the ball quicker. Hell be my preseason pick for league MVP this year.
The Packers have outstanding depth and talent 1-through-5 at receiver, highlighted by Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but the biggest difference will be the presence of Jermichael Finley, who predicted hed amass 1,200 receiving yards this year. Rodgers smiled when informed of that goal. Finley has that type of upside, especially now that hes completely dedicated to football and not prone to off-field distractions.
McCarthy, for one, would love to be a bit more balanced on offense this year, which should equal 1,350 yards for the strong and steady Ryan Grant.
2. The Packers defense is more comfortable, even with key injuries
Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins was refreshingly candid when I asked him when the club finally felt comfortable last year in Dom Capers 3-4 defense. Collins said: At earliest, I would say midseason. It was a sentiment backed up by linebacker Nick Barnett later in the day. Not bad, considering the Packers finished second in the league on defense. But the Pack is collectively chapped about the late-season breakdowns against Pittsburgh and Arizona, with the later coming in the postseason.
Sure, Al Harris is hurt. So is Atari Bigby. Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman is no longer in Green Bay, though he clearly wasnt a fit in Capers system. Johnny Jolly is suspended for the year. But this team now fully comprehends what the coordinator wants. Plus, Clay Matthews had a fantastic rookie season and isnt worried about a minor hamstring injury. Hes only getting better. B.J. Raji held out last year, then got hurt. Hes a huge key to the Green Bay success. Tramon Williams filled in capably for Harris last year.
And whenever you have reigning Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson looming at the back end, you feel good.
3. The Packers special teams scare me
On a blazing hot Thursday morning, nobody felt the heat worse than Mason Crosby when the Packers kicker blew an easy kick. McCarthy screamed. The fans booed. And flashbacks to last seasons struggles came flooding back.
You saw my NFL on FOX video this offseason. Im picking Green Bay to make the Super Bowl, but Crosby has to be better. McCarthy is personally involved in special teams meetings and thinks the issue on the coverage teams was simply holding penalties. The coach says the punting will be better.
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