Green Bay Packers 2005 Preview

By John Onan | Thursday, September 01, 2005 | ( 0 )

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As long as Brett Favre suits up in a Packers uniform, Green Bay will always be a contender in the NFC. Unfortunately, the pride of the Pack doesn't play defense. The Packers defense had more holes in it than a big chunk of Wisconsin Swiss cheese. Former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Jim Bates may have been the team's biggest move of the off season, as he was brought in to turn this unit's fortunes around.

Strengths: The Green Bay Packers lay claim to four dangerous weapons offensively in Favre, running back Ahman Green, and their receivers Javon Walker and Donald Driver. Favre may be getting older, but he's one tough customer who can still keep up with the young guys. Green fought through an injury plagued 2004, but still gained 1163 yards and scored 8 touchdowns. In his absence, Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher stepped right in and the Packers ground game hardly missed a beat.

Walker held out of camp after not receiving the big paycheck he had hoped for after his breakout year. He and Driver both exceeded 1,000 receiving and combined for 21 touchdown receptions. Tight end Bubba Franks was also a holdout, but reported to camp last week after getting a hefty raise. He is one of Favre's favorite targets in the red zone.

If there is a strength in the Packers much-criticized defense, it has to be defensive ends Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who registered a team-high 13 � sacks in 2004, and Aaron Kampman. For the interior line, it's a different story, as defensive tackles Grady Jackson and Cletidus Hunt have both been slowed with knee injuries. Depth is hard to come by at defensive tackle these days, but the Packers will call upon untested 2nd-year men Colin Cole and Corey Williams if either one of their starters are unable to go.

Weaknesses: Bates will have a tough task on his hands turning around the results from last year and it will start with what is perceived as a weak corps of linebackers. Two of the three spots are set in stone, with Nick Barnett in the middle and Na'il Diggs on the right side. Hannibal Naives was released a few days ago, and it appears former Arizona Cardinal Raynoch Thompson will line up on the left side.

Bates doesn't have the luxury of having anyone the caliber of Patrick Surtain or Sam Madison, two guys he had in Miami. The outlook is even bleaker when you consider their top guy from last year - safety Darren Sharper - is now defending passes for division rival Minnesota. Al Harris and Ahmed Carroll will be the corners, and they should expect to be tested often. At safety, Mark Roman is decent and he will be joined by rookie Nick Collins.

Also... The Green Bay Packers have two major holes to fill along the offensive line, guards Marco Rivera and Mark Wahle. Both players had been mainstays blocking for Favre for seven years. Often injured former Patriot Adrian Klemm and Matt O'Dwyer are being depended on to stay healthy and be a stop gap.

On special teams, kicker Ryan Longwell is top notch and punter Bryan Barker is above average. Speedy receiver Antonio Chatman and veteran Robert Ferguson will handle kick return duties.

Overall: Coach Mike Sherman has been criticized as often as his defense. Many observers were surprised that he survived last season, but another early exit from the playoffs may be the end for him despite receiving a contract extension in the offseason. Actually, it may be a struggle for his team to even make the postseason. The offense will score, but if Bates can get average play out of the stop unit, they can win the division once again.

Minnesota has upgraded on defense. It remains to be seen if Green Bay has done the same. Looks like 9-7 or 10-6, and more than likely a playoff spot.

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