2013 Green Bay Packers Season Preview
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
The Super Bowl champions following the 2010 season, the Packers look to again get to the big game. When you have a quarterback that a lot of people think is the best in the game, it’s going to be hard to shut the Packers out forever. At some point, they’re going to make another deep run, right? They have gone 26-6 since their Super Bowl run of 2010-11, but have only one playoff win to show for it. Let’s not be too hard on Green Bay, as in both seasons they lost to the eventual NFC representative in the Super Bowl.
There were some issues last season with an offense that had become known as one of the best in the business. Their lack of a running game seemed to really hurt. Nothing against the legs of QB Aaron Rodgers, but you probably don’t want him being the second-leading rusher on the team. Alex Green led the Packers in rushing with a scant 464 yards.
Watching Eddie Lacy run wild in big SEC games offers a glimmer of promise for the Packers’ running game. As the 61st pick in the draft, there are obviously many who doubt his ability to become an A-list back, but he should at least add something to the run game. If he falters, look for rookie Johnathan Franklin to get some touches, as well. And Alex Green and James Starks are still there if all else fails. Something should pan out to boost the Green Bay rush attack at least a little bit.
Losing WR Greg Jennings is not great, but GB didn’t take the hit they may have taken if that happened a few years ago. Over the last few seasons, other receivers have stepped into the fold, making Jennings less of an all-important factor. The pass-catching corps are still stocked with TE Jermichael Finley, and receivers Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones. One doesn’t want to say losing a key guy like Jennings will be no big thing, but the Packers should be OK without him. Having Nelson healthy for the whole season should also add an extra boost.
Defensively, the Packers lost a key guy in Charles Woodson. Still, one is compelled to look at what remains--namely dynamite Clay Matthews, who was hurt a lot last season. If he can stay healthy, look for a big year. And they also have slew of talented guys in the mix like Raji and Pickett on the line and guys like AJ Hawk and Nick Perry making plays. Corners Sam Shields and Tramon Williams provide capable play and this defense should be pretty tough.
Sometimes, you can throw out all the facts and figures. Green Bay just seems “due,” for the sake of a better-rounded explanation. As far as Super bowl favorites for the upcoming season, San Francisco, Seattle, and even Atlanta are getting a lot of attention and maybe people are sleeping on the Cheese Heads, a team that has shown they can can win the big games.
When looking at the championship prospects for teams, people like to see a lot of offseason moves and the Packers have been rather quiet in that area. Their biggest offseason moves were the departures of Jennings and Woodson, leaving some people with the belief that they did nothing to advance their standing for next season. While there have been no marquee free agent signings or high can’t-miss draft picks for the Packers, that doesn’t mean they won’t be improved. Some existing players should return in a healthier state and they had a quietly effective draft.
Look for versatile Randall Cobb to make a big push this season. A healthy Jordy Nelson is one of the best receivers in football. A lot of players should be hitting their prime this season on both sides of the ball. So while they didn’t add a bunch of talent, a little rise in form amongst the players they do have should result in a season where the Packers are one of the best teams in the NFC.
Some people see the Pack going in the wrong direction. A Super Bowl season led to a 15-1 disappointment, a Packers team that lost a home divisional playoff game and was sent packing early. Then last year, they slid to a 10-win season, again losing in the divisional round. One would be foolhardy to expect Green Bay to begin fading into the sunset at this point. By the end of the year, the Packers should be in position to do some big things and offer some decent wagering value at 12/1 odds.
