GRADING SCALE
A: Elite NFL player
B: Above average
C: Average
D: Below average
F: Failed to perform at an NFL level
I: Incomplete

Grading the Packers offense: Aaron Rodgers finds winning touch 

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers: Went from a stat-sheet filler in 2008 to a bona fide winner in 2009. Threw for 4,434 yards (second most in team history, and fourth in the NFL in 2009) and became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons as a starter. Reduced his interception total from 13 to 7, matching Minnesotas Brett Favre for the league low among those who started all 16 games. Increased touchdown total from 28 to 30 and completed 64.7 percent of his passes, an increase of 1.1 percent over last season. Quarterback rating of 103.3 was fourth in the NFL behind New Orleans Drew Brees (109.6), Favre (107.2) and San Diegos Philip Rivers (104.4). Was selected to his first Pro Bowl. Overcame an uncharacteristic interception on the first play of the NFC wild-game loss at Arizona to throw for 422 yards and four touchdowns, but lost the game when he fumbled in overtime. Holding onto the ball too long was Rodgers only significant problem. Of his 50 sacks, 14 were probably his responsibility, although STATS LLC doesnt assign sack responsibilities to quarterbacks.

Grade: A-minus

Matt Flynn: Beat out Brian Brohm for the second straight season and showed significant improvement with his command of the offense, but theres still much that isnt known about the former seventh-round pick from LSU. Missed half the preseason with a bruised right shoulder. In limited exhibition action, completed 6 of 8 passes for 63 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Got some valuable experience late in the season in blowout wins over Seattle and Arizona. A bad decision turned into an interception against the Cardinals. Also mishandled a snap on a missed field goal and then was replaced as the holder late in the season.

Grade: Incomplete

Running Backs

Ryan Grant: Finished third in the NFC and seventh in the NFL with 1,253 yards. His 4.4-yard average was a significant improvement from 2008 (3.9 yard average). Had the same rushing average as the top-two NFC backs, St. Louis Steven Jackson and Minnesotas Adrian Peterson. Had 11 rushing touchdowns, which was seven more than in 2008. Lost only one fumble (Week 2 vs. Cincinnati). Broke more tackles in the second half of the season and ran with better vision, but still doesnt get enough yards on his own and is no better than an average receiver out of the backfield despite catching 25 passes for a 7.9-yard average.

Grade: B-minus

Brandon Jackson: Excelled in blitz pickup to the point of being dominant and was a far better receiver, especially in the screen game, than Grant. Averaged 8.9 yards per catch on 21 receptions. Averaged just 3.0 yards per carry on 37 attempts and at this point doesnt look like anything more than a third-down back, albeit a good one.

Grade: C

Ahman Green: Played in eight games after being re-signed off the street on Oct. 21, but predictably the 32-year old got hurt and missed two games because of a groin injury. Rushed for 160 yards on 41 carries (3.9 average), mostly as the short-yardage back and in the process became the franchises career rushing leader. Offered strong midseason leadership when the season was on the brink of disaster but probably doesnt have enough left in the tank to bring back for another year.

Grade: D-plus

John Kuhn: The most versatile of the three fullbacks. Scored three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) and was solid on special teams. Missed two games and was limited in a couple others by a broken hand.

Grade: C

Korey Hall: Not as powerful as Kuhn but perhaps a tad more athletic but for the second straight season was limited because of injuries. After missing five games because of a knee injury in 2008, was limited to just 10 games in 09 because of calf and elbow injuries. Was one of the top core special-teamers when healthy.

Grade: C-minus

Quinn Johnson: Rookie fifth-round pick played in nine games and showed the kind of power the Packers liked in him at LSU but was too raw to be the kind of contributor that Kuhn or Hall were.

Grade: D-plus.

DeShawn Wynn

Played in four games as the third-down back but wound up on injured reserve (knee) for the second time in three years. Talented back but cant stay healthy and would seem to be about out of chances.

Grade: Incomplete

Receivers

Greg Jennings: Average of 16.4 yards per catch was a slight increase over last season (16.2) but caught 12 fewer passes (68) for 1,113 yards. Those numbers were 11th and sixth, respectively, among NFC receivers. Was targeted a team-high 118 times, which was 22 fewer than last season, and reduced his drops from eight (5.7 percent) last season to five (4.2 percent) this season. After supplanting Driver as the Packers top receiver in 2008, received extra attention from defensive coordinators in 2009. Touchdown catches dropped to four from nine in 2008 and 12 in 2007. Still was the best playmaker among receivers.

Grade: B

Donald Driver: Regained the team lead in receptions (70) and posted his sixth straight 1,000-yard season (1,061) and seventh overall in his career. Six touchdowns were the most since 2006 (eight). Average of 15.2 yards was highest since the same mark in 2002. No doubt benefited from the attention Jennings received and was thrown to 112 times. Had seven drops, which increased his drop percentage slightly (6.3 percent this season, 5.2 percent last season). Fumble in the wild-card loss to Arizona was a major gaffe. About to turn 35 years old, still showed no signs of letting age slow him down.

Grade: B-minus

James Jones: Played in every game and for the most part was the No. 3 receiver. Posted a career high with five touchdowns but had a major problem with drops. After dropping just one pass in 2008, he had six (9.5 percent) this season. Was third among receivers with 32 catches and had a 13.8-yard average but still hasnt matched his rookie season numbers (47 catches, 676 yards, 14.4 yard average).

Grade: C-minus

Jordy Nelson: A better deep threat than Jones because he has better straight-line speed and averaged 14.5 yards but had just 22 catches (two touchdowns). Missed three games in the middle of the season because of a knee injury. Had the highest drop percentage (9.7) among the receivers and tight ends. His straight-line speed didnt work well on kickoff returns, where he had an OK average (25.4) but no home-run ability.

Grade: D-plus

Patrick Williams

Promoted from the practice squad on Dec. 15 but was never active. Was the most talented of all the undrafted free agent receivers signed last offseason and has a chance to develop.

Grade: I

Brett Swain

Won a roster spot for the first time after a strong training camp. Made the team instead of veteran Ruvell Martin because of his special teams ability and played in the first six games, primarily on special teams, before blowing out his knee covering a kickoff on Oct. 25.

Grade: I

Tight Ends

Jermichael Finley: Became one of Rodgers go-to targets, especially late in the season after returning from the knee injury that cost him three games. After a disappointing rookie season (six catches, 74 yards), made a huge jump in year two with 55 catches for 676 yards (a 12.3 average) and five touchdowns. Size, speed, athleticism and great hands made him a matchup nightmare for corners, safeties or linebackers. Set a team playoff record with 159 yards receiving in the wild-card loss at Arizona. A budding Pro Bowler who needs to improve blocking so that he can play more in the base defense, which will create more mismatches against linebackers. Dropped only two of 71 passes thrown his way to easily post the lowest drop percentage (2.8) of all the regular receivers and tight ends.

Grade: B

Donald Lee: Dependable, durable and a better blocker than Finley but became an afterthought in the passing game. Caught just 37 passes his fewest in three seasons and averaged a career-low 7.0 yards per catch. Reduced his drop percentage slightly, from 8.0 last season to 7.3 (four drops in 55 times targeted).

Grade: C-minus

Spencer Havner: Converted linebacker excelled as the No. 3 tight end and was a reliable target in the red zone. Was only targeted 10 times but didnt have a drop and caught seven passes, four of which were touchdowns. Athletic limitations showed when he had to play more in the three games Finley missed. Among the top three special teams performers, finishing third with 20 tackles.

Grade: C-minus

Offensive Line

Chad Clifton, LT: Began the season feeling good after four offseason surgeries (both knees and shoulders) but played his fewest games (12) since the 2002 season when he was hit by Warren Sapp. Sprained ankle in Week 2 began the string of injuries. Missed four of the next five games and didnt finish two others because of a hamstring injury. Pass protection was mostly solid, allowing 3 sacks. The worst run blocker and was charged with five negative runs. Also has a team-high 10 penalties. An unrestricted free agent this offseason that has a chance to be re-signed if only because the future left tackle isnt on the roster.

Grade: C-minus

Daryn Colledge, LG: Yielded a team-high 8 sacks and a team-high 6 negative runs but some of those came when he was filling in for Clifton, an experiment that ended after the Vikings Jared Allen abused him in the Metrodome. Took him a while to readjust to left guard. Had only three regular-season penalties (including only one hold) but had a costly holding penalty in overtime in the playoff loss. A restricted free agent this offseason, its not a given he will return and if he does, he might not have a starting job.

Grade: D-plus

Scott Wells, C: Lost his starting job to Jason Spitz in training camp but started the final 14 games plus the playoff game and had the best season of his six-year NFL career. Yielded four sacks, which was one-half more than last season, but he played in two more games this year. Was charged with six negative runs and four penalties (all holds). Excelled at making line calls and adjustments.

Grade: B-minus

Josh Sitton, RG: First-year starter was the most consistent of the group. Started all 16 games and allowed four sacks and 4 negative runs. The best run blocker of the group. Looks like a solid starter for years to come. Had four penalties (two holds, two false starts).

Grade: B-minus

Mark Tauscher, RT: Signed off the street on Oct. 12 after completing the rehab from his torn ACL in 2008 and started the final eight games plus the playoffs. Helped stabilize the pass protection unit, which gave up only 14 of its 51 sacks after Tauscher entered the lineup. Allowed just two sacks and 1 negative runs in his half season. Committed three penalties (one hold, two false starts) and played well enough to consider bringing him back for another year.

Grade: C-plus

Allen Barbre, T: Opened the season as the starting right tackle but couldnt block a tackling dummy. Gave up seven sacks and one negative run in just 10 appearances (seven starts), and by the end of the season he was inactive. In two years, has lost a starting guard job in training camp and a starting tackle spot less than halfway through the season. Committed three penalties (one false start, two holds).

Grade: F

T.J. Lang, T: Rookie fourth-round pick looks like a future starter after playing in all 16 games (including two starts at left tackle and one at right tackle). Still to be determined is his best spot but probably could play both tackles and both guard spots. Allowed 5 sacks and 1 negative runs and committed three penalties (one hold, two false starts).

Grade: C

Evan Dietrich-Smith, C/G: Made the team as a rookie free agent and played in 13 regular-season games plus the playoffs, mostly on special teams. A tough mauler, got a lot of snaps in practice because of injuries on the line and looks like a potential starting center some day.

Grade: I

Breno Giacomini, T: Lost the starting right tackle job to Barbre in camp and for the second straight season was active for only one game. After a two-year free pass will have to show he can play in camp next summer.

Grade: I

Jason Spitz, C: Beat out Wells for a starting spot in training camp in part because they wanted a bigger body in the middle but struggled, giving up two sacks and negative run in four starts before a back injury ended his season. Could be a candidate to move back to guard next season if Wells remains the center.

Grade: I

Grading the Packers defense: Woodson, Jolly, Matthews shine 

Defensive Line

Johnny Jolly, DE: Seemingly destined for a backup role after B.J. Raji was drafted in the first round. Not only retained the starting job but had his best season. Started every game, played extensively in both the base and nickel packages and led all defensive linemen in tackles (75), the first time hes done that in his four-year career. Batted down 11 passes, the most among defensive linemen since the team began recording that stat in 1980. Had the first interception of his career when he blew up a screen in the opener against Chicago. Finished with nine quarterback hits, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Also blocked a field goal in Week 2 at St. Louis. After an ill-advised personal foul penalty in the second Minnesota game, played with more discipline the rest of the season.

Grade: B

Ryan Pickett, NT: Made a seamless transition to nose in the 3-4 and was a major reason the team led the league in rushing defense (allowing 83.3 yards per game). Recorded only 47 tackles (34 fewer than last season), but ate up blockers so the linebackers could pile up tackles. Missed the final three regular-season games because of a hamstring injury and might not have been 100 percent for the playoff game, when the Cardinals were able to run the ball. Scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, theres mutual interest in him returning next season.

Grade: B-minus

Cullen Jenkins, DE: Bounced back from the torn pectoral muscle that ended his 2008 season after just four games. Finished second on the team with 4 sacks, a total that could have reached double digits but he had trouble finishing rushes. Finished third on the team with 25 quarterback hits. Played in every defensive package base, nickel, dime and was the lone lineman in the five-linebacker Psycho package.

Grade: B-minus

B.J. Raji, NT/DE: Didnt have the immediate impact that was expected after being picked No. 9 overall. Contract dispute cost him valuable time in training camp and an ankle injury in the preseason finale rendered him ineffective in the early going. Once healthy, displayed the kind of power that should make him a force against the run. Showed flashes of speed that could make him effective as a rusher. Played more at end than at nose but long term is probably a nose. Totaled 36 tackles and a sack.

Grade: C-minus

Jarius Wynn, DE: Rookie sixth-round pick displayed some raw pass-rush ability in the preseason and got some action in 11 games in the nickel package. Has the potential to develop into a solid starter.

Grade: D-plus

Michael Montgomery, DE: Was no better as a 3-4 end than he was in the old 4-3 scheme. Played only sparingly on defense in eight games, in part due to ankle and hand injuries, and contributed on some special teams. Might have a hard time making the roster next season.

Grade: D

Anthony Toribio, NT: A practice-squad call-up late in the season for the second straight year, this time because of Picketts hamstring injury. Future likely depends on whether Pickett is re-signed.

Grade: I

Justin Harrell, DE: Re-injured his back the same injury that limited him to just six games of spot duty in 2008 and spent the entire season on injured reserve. The former first-round picks career is on life support going into his fourth season. If he cant get healthy this offseason, hell be done in Green Bay, and perhaps in the NFL.

Grade: I

Inside Linebackers

Nick Barnett: Started slowly after coming back from ACL surgery late in 2008 but by the end of the season was one of the best defensive players. Led the team with 122 tackles. Became an effective blitzer and tied for third on the team with a career-high four sacks. Became more proficient and comfortable making the defensive calls as the season progressed. Did have some trouble in coverage, giving up completions 62.2 percent of the time teams threw at him. Was responsible for one touchdown.

Grade: B-minus

A.J. Hawk: Up and down season in which he saw his playing time drop to fewer than 10 snaps in some games and increase to nearly every snap in others. With the team at full strength, was limited to just the base defense. Played decent against the run and ranked second on the team with 87 tackles but once again struggled mightily in coverage, giving up completions a team-high 71.4 percent of the time he was targeted but didnt give up a touchdown. With salary and bonuses totaling $4.6 million next season, its not a given that the former fifth pick in the draft will return.

Grade: D

Brandon Chillar: The teams most versatile linebacker who can cover, rush and play the run. Missed four games because of a broken hand but was given a contract extension at midseason. Was used mostly in the nickel package and the Big Okie, in which he replaced a safety. Gave up completions 40 percent of the time he was targeted and allowed two touchdowns. Also played some base and could replace Hawk in that role next season.

Grade: C-plus

Desmond Bishop: Finally found some playing time on defense in the Psycho package late in the season but for the third straight year was primarily a special teams player. Led the special teams unit with 22 tackles and had a forced fumble.

Grade: C-minus

Outside Linebackers

Clay Matthews: A stud in the making. Overcame a training camp hamstring injury that limited him the first month of the season. Became a full-time starter after four games. Led the team with 10 sacks, the most ever by a Packers rookie, and also had a team-high 35 quarterback hits. Led the team with three fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown, when he ripped the ball away from Minnesotas Adrian Peterson. Wasnt targeted much in coverage, where he allowed completions on 45.5 percent (5 of 11) of passes thrown his way. Made the Pro Bowl as a first alternate.

Grade: B-plus

Aaron Kampman: Showed the same pass-rush ability in his first season as a converted defensive end, finishing second on the team with 28 quarterback hits despite playing in only nine games before he blew out his left knee. Didnt handle the coverage aspect of playing the position that well, although he gave up only three completions (and one touchdown) on nine passes thrown his way. Probably remains a better fit as a 4-3 end but his injury complicates his future as an unrestricted free agent.

Grade: C-plus

Brad Jones: Rookie seventh-round pick showed flashes of playmaking ability after stepping into the starting role in place of Kampman. Had four sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 31 tackles in 14 games (including seven starts). Needs to play with more power and add strength to be more effective. Not a clear-cut starter even if Kampman doesnt return.

Grade: C-minus

Brady Poppinga: Opened the season as a starter but lost his job to Matthews and played only sparingly on defense. Had a bigger role on special teams, where he recorded 10 tackles.

Grade: C-plus

Cyril Obiozor: Undrafted rookie who flashed some pass rush ability in camp. Was promoted from the practice squad on Dec. 7 and played in every game the rest of the way, mostly on special teams. Has the natural talent to perhaps blossom into a pass rusher.

Grade: Incomplete

Jeremy Thompson: Injury-filled season limited him to just five games and left his career in doubt after a neck injury in practice on Dec. 4. Groin injury in camp prevented him from competing for a starting job after a strong offseason. Played in just five games, primarily on special teams.

Grade: I

Cornerbacks

Charles Woodson: Put together the finest season of his 12-year career and was the NFL defensive player of the year for the first time in his career and a Pro Bowl pick for the sixth time. Used in a variety of roles, including corner, nickel, dime and as a blitzer. Tied for the NFL lead with a career-high nine interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Also led the team with four forced fumbles (in the regular season) and popped out another one in the playoff game. Was targeted a team-high 84 times and gave up completions 47.6 percent of the time for six touchdowns. Committed eight penalties, most on the defense but four fewer than last season.

Grade: A

Al Harris: Was having another solid season as a shutdown corner until he blew out his left knee in the 10th game. Gave up completions 46 percent of the time he was targeted and allowed two touchdowns. Had two interceptions and six penalties. At age 35, its not certain whether the former Pro Bowler will be able to return to the same form.

Grade: C-plus

Tramon Williams: Held up OK in place of Harris and led the team with a career-high 22 pass breakups. Also had four interceptions and a sack. Was the teams best punt returner (10.4-yard average) but was taken off that duty when he became a starter. Gave up a team-high 46 completions (56.1 percent of the time he was targeted) and allowed five touchdowns. Had six penalties, including a team-high four for pass interference.

Grade: C

Jarrett Bush: Injuries forced Bush to become the nickel cornerback the last month and a half of the season, and he was exposed. Gave up four touchdowns and completions 59.1 percent of the time he was targeted. Still played decent on special teams but not as good as he has in the past. Matching the three-year, $4.5 million contract the Titans offered him as a restricted free agent still seems like a bad move.

Grade: D

Josh Bell: Saw limited action in the dime package after signing as a free agent on Nov. 24. Gave up only one completion but it was the game-winning touchdown on the final play at Pittsburgh.

Grade: I

Brandon Underwood: Rookie sixth-round pick played in 10 games, mostly on special teams, but did get a few dime snaps.

Grade: D

Trevor Ford: Rookie free agent was promoted from the practice squad on Nov. 25 and played in three games, mostly on special teams.

Grade: I

Will Blackmon: Return specialist blew out his left knee in the fourth game of the season. Averaged 23.3 yards on kickoffs and 3.7 yards on punts.

Grade: I

Pat Lee: Former second-round pick landed on injured reserve for the second time in as many NFL seasons. Never came back from a preseason knee injury.

Grade: I

Safeties

Nick Collins: Backed up his first Pro Bowl season with another one. Took command of the play calling in the secondary and after a slow start, made big plays in the second half of the season. Recorded six interceptions, including a stretch of four straight games with a pick. Was strong in coverage, allowing completions 41.1 percent of the time. A restricted free agent who should be the top priority for a long-term deal.

Grade: A-minus

Atari Bigby: Injuries again prevented him from returning to his 2007 form. Missed three games after sustaining a knee injury in the opener, and the defense suffered in his absence. Had four interceptions, 12 pass breakups and gave up completions only 38.4 percent of the time.

Grade: C

Derrick Martin: Acquired in a Sept. 5 trade from Baltimore for lineman Tony Moll. Made one start at Minnesota on Oct. 5 but botched two coverages. Finished second behind Bishop in special teams tackles (21).

Grade: D-plus

Matt Giordano: Fifth-year veteran was signed as a free agent Sept. 23 but played only sparingly, mostly on special teams.

Grade: I

Grading the Packers special teams: Crosby off the mark 

Specialists

Mason Crosby, K: Dropped to 75.7 percent on field goals (28-of-37 including playoffs) after converting at a 79 percent clip his first two seasons. Went through a brutal stretch late in the season in which he missed from 34, 42, 38 and 43 yards all wide right in four consecutive games. Leg strength has never been a problem but accuracy has become an issue. Was 12th in the league with 12 touchbacks after finishing sixth with 17 last season.

Grades: C-minus

Jeremy Kapinos, P: Finished 31st in the NFL in net punting (34.1 yards) and had only seven of 66 punts downed inside the 20. Had a decent gross average (43.8) but inconsistent hang times didnt help the coverage units. Will have to improve to win the job again next season.

Grade: D

Brett Goode, LS: Consistent, dependable and accurate, which is all a team can ask of a snapper.

Grade: C-plus

tough grader!

"bozz_2006" wrote: