I don't know, but I really feel optimistic about next season. Of all the problems we've gone through as a team this season, I can't help but feel that all of them are obvious and correctable.

There was a lot of good that happened in a season as bad as 6-10.

Here are some of the positives from this season, in my opinion:

1. Strong play from Aaron Rodgers. I'm not going to debate this point because most people will agree that his statistics are far from mediocre.

2. Continual internal development of positions. This includes the development of Jordy Nelson into a reliable 3rd/4th WR, Jermichael Finley starting to show flashes of his physical ability, Nick Collins finally learning that hands also have fingers, and Tramon Williams showing that there's life after Harris/Woodson.

3. Injuries. How are injuries a good thing, you ask? Well, consider our 2007 season and the fact that we were relatively injury free, and how 2008 was riddled with injuries. Although I have nothing to prove it, I do believe that the fact that we came away so clean in 2007 had two lasting effects - firstly, that staying an additional season injury free is a lot harder due to the rigours of football life, and secondly that players may tend to slightly wane in their preparations, exercising, stretching and what not. Take a look at how many hamstring injuries we had at the start of this season! I fully expect the coaches to drill in better preparation for next season to avoid the type of crippling injuries we suffered this season.

4. Cap space. Jennings didn't want his contract before the deadline in 2008 so we were able to front load a lot of Rodgers' contract. He's set, now we just need to grab Jennings and we'll have two very bright football players' futures locked up. We haven't spent a godawful amount in free agency often, so that route is still viable if and when management decide to pursue that avenue.

5. Maturation of young football players. We have some veterans but no doubt the team is built very young. Of course, this means that there's greater consistency in being able to foster teamwork and relationships early on in a player's career, and certainly allows them to associate off the field if they are closer in the age bracket.


I think there's something to be proud of being able to develop a strong team internally. The Packers need help, that's for sure. But for a 6-10 team, I'm really not too worried.

Also, let's try and leave Favre and the Jets out of this thread if we can.

---

Don't worry, I'll move any offending posts.

---

I'll add that the offense of a team that scored the 4th most points in the league (even correcting for the D/ST TDs, that's still good) will return at least 10 of 11 starters depending on Tauscher. Throw in the assumed progression of Jordy and Jermichael as stated above, plus a year under Aaron's belt and this offense stands to be one of the better ones in the league next year. For all the talk about the inconsistent line play and Grant's average year, the offense was STILL one of the best in the league. You can't help but think it will be at least that good next year. That's really encouraging.

And without going into a diatribe, can the defense really get worse? Just bringing back the injured guys and what looks to be a new coordinator has a real strong chance of pushing this defense into a top half of the league D at worst.

Oh, yes. Things are looking on the up and up next year. (And for what it's worth, I may be the world's biggest pessimest/cynic. But I'm also a realist. This team will be good next year.)

---

I'm excited as hell, I also can't wait for the draft 🙂, I have a really good feeling about next year.

---

i always have a really good feeling about every year

.

I always think s.b for this team each year,and I still think it will come soon,this year may not have,been the best but next year think the team will be very good.

I'll have to see what offseason changes are made before I have a feeling, good or bad, for next year.

I do.
If we can get the D and ST fixed (and the O-line) we will have a big year.

---

Next year's schedule looks favorable. With some upgrades on the O-line and defense, we could be in the 10-12 win range.

---

I'm optimistic about the offense. Defense is in a shambles...I'll defer my optimism to see if we're going to go after any quality free agents, particularly on the D-line.

---