Green Bay Packers Predictions 2008
July 8, 2008
Brett Favre’s body of work last year was nothing short of amazing and if he decides to stay retired his replacement Aaron Rodgers has some huge shoes to fill. Not to many NFL experts know what to expect from this year’s Packers with Rodgers behind center, but after a promising game against Dallas last season the fans are optimistic. It should be noted that head coach Mike McCarthy inherited a 4-12 team three years ago and last season the Pack fell just one game short of reaching the Superbowl. Over the last 22 games the Packers have the best record in the NFL (18-4) with the exception of the New England Patriots. With a roster largely intact from last year’s squad that went to the NFC championship game, Green Bay is still the team to beat in the NFC North with or without #4. The 2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Betting odds to win the Superbowl are at 25-1 odds.
The offense will still remain the same with a West Coast attack that features power running and lots of play-action passes. Mobile QB Aaron Rodgers can make all the NFL throws with velocity and accuracy to fit passes into tight spots. The only thing that Rodgers is lacking is game experience. With some of the finest wideouts in the NFL, Rodgers should be productive in his first year as a starter. Led by veteran Donald Driver the Packers receivers are a sure handed crew that have a big-play threat in young star Greg Jennings. Jennings is an undersized wideout that excels at making ankle breaking moves once the ball is in his hands. #3 wideout James Jones hit the rookie wall last season but he is a big wideout with soft hands that knows how to gain separation from defenders. The Packers also added depth by drafting physical wideout Jordy Nelson in the second round. The 2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Betting odds to win the NFC North are at 7-4 odds.
The offensive line is a steady unit led by left tackle Chad Clifton. Clifton is easily the best player on a line filled with blue-collar players that have good technique. Last season the line may have looked better than they actually were however with the emergence of running back Ryan Grant. The 6’1 218 Lb. Grant had a sterling 5.1 yards per carry average that ranked third among backs with 150+ carries. Grant is a hard runner with a perfect one cut and go running style that suits the Packers zone-blocking scheme. Grant hasn’t proven yet that he can carry the load for an entire season however, and his blocking and pass-catching still leave something to be desired. The 2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Betting OVER\UNDER season wins TOTAL is at 8.5 Wins.
On defense the Packers play a standard 4-3 that uses mostly press coverage in the secondary. The Packers are conservative in their approach and rely heavily on generating pressure from their front four to create pressure on the quarterback. The biggest question mark on the defense will be replacing tough guy defensive tackle Corey Williams. Counted on to fill Williams void will be last year’s #1 draft choice Justin Harrell. As a rookie Harrell was a disappointment but he has potential with his good initial quickness and run stuffing ability. Also on the interior of the line will be Johnny Jolly who plays with a great motor. The stud on the line is defensive end Aaron Kampman who was a disruptive force last season. Kampman is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and he has terrific read and react ability. On the opposite side DE Cullen Jenkins will be counted to improve on last seasons mediocre performance. Entrenched as the pass-rush specialist is DE K. Gbaja-Biamila who had an excellent season recording 10 sacks. The D-line has good depth and could be even better than last season despite the loss of Williams.
The linebacking core is fast and athletic but the team still is expecting more out of outside linebacker A.J Hawk who has been only average. In the middle Nick Barnett plays with passion and is an explosive tackler. Barnett is a leader and a sideline to sideline tackler that plays with a mean streak. Added in the off-season was outside linebacker Brandon Chillar who will battle with Brady Poppinga for the other starting position. This is a talented group that could get better if Hawk is able to make more game changing plays.
The secondary is still in good hands with solid bump-and-run corners Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Harris has lost a step but Woodson is still playing at a pro-bowl level. Nickelback Tramon Williams has made strides in training camp and could make an impact this season if Harris declines further. Also added was 2nd round pick Patrick Lee who is a physical corner that is perfect for the bump-and-run. Safeties Nick Collins and Atari Bigby are both crushing hitters that still have room for improvement in some areas. The special teams improved dramatically last season with kicker Mason Crosby hitting close to 80% of his field goals and ranking 3rd in the NFL in touchbacks. Punter Jon Ryan was ranked 12th in net average and the coverage units were sound.
The Green Bay Packers still have their stingy defense intact and if Brett Favre does decide to return they must be considered a Superbowl contender. Aaron Rodgers could be a good QB in time but at this stage it is hard to see him leading this team to any better than a 9-7 record.
2007 Green Bay Packers NFL Betting Record: 12-3-1 ATS
2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Betting Power Ratings 1-10:
Coaching: 7
Quarterback: 7 (Without Favre)
Running Backs: 7
O-Line: 6
Recievers: 8
Defensive Line: 7
Linebackers: 6
Secondary: 7
Special Teams: 7
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