The problem with all of your "holes" on the team is that you are assuming none of the young players are going to improve and possibly fill those holes. The whole point of the way this team drafts is so they can get guys that eventually can become quality players even if they don't look so hot starting out. Teams like the Packers, Steelers and Giants don't typically make big moves in FA because they expect their homegrown talent to step up and fill in the holes. It doesn't always work no but nothing always works. I wouldn't say you could really argue with the track record of success those 3 teams have had though.

Originally Posted by: Stevetarded 

The Packers took a big hit last season because of the lack of progression with their younger guys. This probably was a result of the lack of off-season. Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji both significantly improved in 2010. Raji regressed last year. Morgan Burnett also took a major hit because of the lack of off-season.

There are some quality free agents on the market. I would’ve loved Jarret Johnson and the Mile Tolbert stuff intrigues me, but I generally enjoy the Packers' cautious approach. Some of these contracts are ludicrous, especially at receiver.

Originally Posted by: porky88 

I disagree with your statement if you think Raji regressed then you must also think that Matthews regressed as well. All tho, I don't think they regressed ... everyone keeps forgetting that this defense lost 2 crucial players last year. Jenkins was the first one we lost in the off-season, which he was a great against the pass and the rush. With Jenkins leaving not only did this hurt Raji's year but Matthews as well.

Last year we had the number 1 rush that's because Jenkins + Raji + Matthews we're unstoppable. You double team Matthews & Raji ... they still had Jenkins to deal with. You double team Jenkins & Raji you still had Matthews left to deal with.

Not only we lost our number 1 defensive line pass rush but lost our number 1 pro bowl safety! So imagine losing your number 1 pass rush on the defensive line and your pro bowl safety that reads plays and stops the pass ... what did you expect. We all knew Neal wouldn't provide half the effort Jenkins would of put in.

Now for the people that are blaming Ted Thompson for the loss of Jenkins ... The reason Jenkins was let go was not a question of if his old / health / play ... it was more of saving cap room for the future stars like Finley ... upcoming free agents like Raji Matthews ... GJ will be asking more $$$ so will AR.

By signing FA's you take the risk of losing your own young players. I rather build threw the draft, keep the chemistry in the team and keep our stars in town as long as possible.

Originally Posted by: shield4life 

I'm not judging just the sack numbers. I'm judging Raji's overall play. I saw little to no impact in his game. He didn't play the run well, either. Raji was an impact player in 2010. He made an impact against the run and rushing the passer. He didn’t do either last season. Clay Matthews still made an impact. It didn’t show on the stat card, but he was all over the field again this season. He didn’t finish as much, which is one of the reasons why his sack numbers were down, but he still pressured QBs. Raji didn’t and defensive lineman should improve in year No. 3. Frankly, I would blame the lack of an off-season more for Raji’s regression than the departure of any particular player.

Also, you can blame Cullen Jenkins’ departure for only so much. At the end of the day, if Raji needs Jenkins on the field to play at an all-pro level, then it might be time to re-evaluate his overall ability. I did not see an impact player in 2011. I saw an impact player in 2010 with or without Jenkins in the lineup.

Originally Posted by: porky88 

You should also judge Raji by the fact that Capers called a contain type of front more often than a pin your ears back. So Raji was doing what was called. It wasn't as much of a performance drop off as a playing a different style of game.

Matthews also had his best year last year. His pressure, coverage and run support were fantastic. Pressure causes picks. Much more impact than a mere sack.

Where I though we missed Jenkins the most was in defending the screens.

Originally Posted by: Dexter_Sinister 

You should also judge Raji by the fact that Capers called a contain type of front more often than a pin your ears back. So Raji was doing what was called. It wasn't as much of a performance drop off as a playing a different style of game.

Matthews also had his best year last year. His pressure, coverage and run support were fantastic. Pressure causes picks. Much more impact than a mere sack.

Where I though we missed Jenkins the most was in defending the screens.

Originally Posted by: Dexter_Sinister