1.
Walden: Walden's biggest problem IMO is his inconsistency. He's played great (e.g., playoff game against Minnesota, IMO). And he's played horrible (e.g., playoff game against SF). I give him a bit of a mulligan for 2011 because of "home/personal issues" -- regardless of who is in right or not, those things can affect productivity in many ways. But I don't know what to think given 2012's performance. Where does consistency come from? Can it be developed by the right coach? Is it a question of "growing up"? Can he do a James Jones and go from maddingly inconsistent to a rock? Based on how "the light went on" or whatever you want to call it happened with Jones, I want Walden back AND competing for a starting spot.
2.
Perry. Jury's still out here. If the key word for Walden is "inconsistent", the key word for Perry is "potential". He's a first rounder, so the potential is clearly there. But prior to his injury, had he really shown all that much since being drafted. I'm not saying he won't be a great player. Though I'm on record as saying at the time I didn't like the pick, I think he does have to be considered the front-runner/presumptive starter in 2013 because of his draft position. I think it's his job to lose.
3.
Free agency. It's almost pointless to talk about big names, since it is so unlikely that Ted Thompson will ever be a major player at the beginning of free agency, but what do people think of Avril from Detroit. I seem to recall a story somewhere that Detroit is *not* going to be franchising him this go-round. Would he fit the Packer system? Is he overrated/underrated? Is he someone worth "over-spending"?
4.
Greene (original thread). I think the Packers interior underperformed big time in the SF game. It seems to me the ILBs were part of that, and so it is a black mark for Greene in my book. But the failure in the center was so systematic (Raji was back to his first-2/3rds-of-season underwhelming, as was the secondary; even my man, Ryan Pickett, had a less than stellar game in-between the plays he missed because of injury). I think all the defensive coaches deserve more scrutiny because of it, but I don't think Greene should be singled out.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)