The Packers have enough time and a baseline of talent to make this switch very easily. The 3-4 that Capers runs is not a two-gap 3-4 and uses quickness and movement of the defensive line to make plays. Ryan Pickett would be the perfect nose tackle in this scheme and they have plenty of 3-4 ends to make this work. The nose is never in a two-gap mode, he can swing from A gap to A gap in the same fashion he did when Pickett played in the 4-3. Quickness is the key for this to work and the Packers, once they get healthy, will be able to fit the pieces into the scheme. They will need more outside backers because they will keep Hawk and Barnett inside. But time is on their side and they can find the pieces to make this work. The can also use the Steelers to study and learn from since the Steelers, under Mike Tomlin, incorporated his style of tight man to man into their defense. The Packers will be more versatile in coverage now with Capers but cannot lose their identity in coverage. They are best when they can play man to man, and it will be Capers job to blend the best of the Packers into the best of his scheme. That is the essence of coaching.
If the Packers can improve on offense and make a few moves in the offseason to enhance their defense, theyll be right back in the race. They have a good young team, and as hard as the 08 season was for Packers fans, if they make the right moves, they will be tough.