After three straight years of a steady climb, the Packers are tumbling back down the mountain.

One could surmise theyve just gotten the bad breaks in a lot of close games and have come out on the short end and theyre a better team than their 5-7 record indicates.

But that would be untrue. Bad teams, or pedestrian teams, lose close games.

If it happened once, or perhaps twice, then you could possibly consider it an aberration. But when it has happened four times, as is the case with the Packers as four of their seven losses have come by four points or less, then we have a problem.

So what do they do to fix it?

Perhaps an attitude adjustment would be the answer. Not from the coaching staff or players -- though that certainly wouldnt hurt -- but from the general manager.

Ted Thompson has done a good job with the draft to shore up a team that went 4-12 in his first season, then moved to 8-8 and then last years splendid 13-3 group.

The Packers have drafted a league-high 43 players since 2005, and they have served their purpose of adding quality and depth. It also has kept them young.

But theyre still coming up a little bit short.

They need to add a little more leadership on the team, a little more experience and some proven talent.

Thats were Thompsons two least favorite words enter into play: Free agency.

Thompson has often referred to that offseason exercise as "dangerous waters," and he would be correct in that assessment. But they are waters that, when fished properly, can reap trophy catches.

In his four years in Green Bay, Thompson has made only one significant unrestricted free-agent signing, cornerback Charles Woodson, and only one good signing, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett.

He also signed safety Marquand Manuel, but it didnt impair his budget to get him, and he quickly cut ties when it became clear he would not measure up.

Woodson has been a trophy catch.

He has helped make the Packers secondary one of the better groups in the league.

He has made a significant difference to the overall success of the team.

Thompson needs to find a couple more like him, and this offseason may be his best chance to snare some of that talent.

Everyone, including all of China, knows the Packers desperately need help along the defensive line.

They need someone who can rush the passer and give Aaron Kampman some much-needed help.

Julius Peppers would certainly look nice in a Packers uniform. That also would preclude him from trying to dislodge quarterback Aaron Rodgers head from his body, as he did last week.

Albert Haynesworth may also be on the market and certainly would be of help.

There could also be some decent linebackers like Eric Barton of the Jets or Jonathan Vilma of the Saints.

There may be a large group of offensive linemen available, like the Cowboys Marc Colombo or the Chargers Mike Goff or the Panthers Jordan Gross.

The bottom line is this upcoming free-agent class could have more than its share of players who can make a meaningful difference.

If the Packers are to get where they want to go, its time for Thompson to carefully wade into the waters and see what he can catch.

Mike Woods writes for The Post-Crescent of Appleton

Mike Woods column wrote:

With all the cap space we have why not go after both Peppers and Haynesworth, wouldn't that be an awesome front line which would make our lbs and secondary look that much better.

"dhazer" wrote:

There's also a lot of uncertainty with the state of the economy and what the new CBA is going to look like. All valid reasons to avoid a restrictive long-term contract for a player who may or may not perform well in your system.

"mattresell" wrote: