Packers Set Roster, Ready for Regular Season

Normally this is where you'd find "Game Balls & Lame Calls" but since so much has happened and changed since last Thursday's preseason finale, this is more of a wrap up of the preseason and the unofficial beginning of our coverage of week one of the 2015 regular season.  

The Packers made several roster moves to get down to the mandated total of 53 players.  Most of those moves were expected and there weren't many surprises this year.  A few players who were cut sparked more conversation, such as receiver Jared Abbrederis and running back Rajion Neal, but this year's Packers team is much as many predicted.  

That is, with one exception.  Veteran receiver James Jones was signed on Sunday and brought back after spending last season with the Oakland Raiders.  The Raiders released Jones after just one season and he spent training camp with the New York Giants.  The Giants cut Jones on Saturday and on Sunday, he was on a plane to Green Bay.  He becomes the first true free agent the Packers added who was originally drafted by an NFL team and wasn't on their roster last year.  The decision to sign Jones came after the team opted to keep young receivers Jeff Janis and Myles White to complement Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and Ty Montgomery.  Neither Janis nor White have much experience in regular season play and neither have proven an ability to make plays when it counts so the adding of Jones made sense.  He knows the offense and has a good relationship with Aaron Rodgers.  He should be able to step in as a role player and help get some of the tough yards that Jordy Nelson had been called upon to get over the past few seasons.

Speaking of Nelson, he ended up being the only key player to suffer a major injury during the preseason that will keep him out of action.  Cobb's shoulder sprain is classified as a major injury, but one that he expects to be able to play through.  As far as health goes, the Packers seemed to emerge from the summer relatively injury-free.  Hopefully that carries over into the regular season.

As the Packers begin preparation for the Chicago Bears, they already know they'll be without defensive linemen Datone Jones and Letroy Guion.  Both are serving suspensions.  Jones will serve one game while Guion will serve the full three games originally imposed on him.  One player who has not yet been suspended for his part in an off-field incident in early July is tight end Andrew Quarless.  I'm not sure if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was too tied up in the Tom Brady proceedings and forgot, but as far as we know, Quarless will be available for the Packers in week one.  With that said and coupled with my luck, expect to read about a suspension for Quarless by day's end.

This Packers team still has Super Bowl aspirations and while the path to get there became more difficult with the loss of Nelson, there are still many who expect Green Bay to make a deep playoff run again.  With Rodgers at quarterback, the team can seemingly count on at least 10 wins and with another year of good health, throw in a few more.  Between the guys returning from last season to some of the new faces, this year's team seems to have a great mix of experience within the team's system, talent and youth.

Defensively, the Packers will look to infuse the cornerback and linebacker positions with rookies who have a lot of upside.  

The departures of Tramon Williams, Davon House, A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones meant the Packers had a lot of work to do to replenish the cupboard.  They spent their first two draft picks on defensive backs, both of whom put up some good showings in training camp and in preseason games.  Damarious Randall had an interception in his first game action and Quinten Rollins nearly had two in his.  Add in undrafted free agent LaDarius Gunter and the Packers shouldn't lose much ground after the losses of Williams and House.  Casey Hayward will slide outside opposite Sam Shields and for now, is the starter on the outside.  With Randall and Rollins as options, however, we could see some shuffling around if the youngsters can make their mark early on an show that they can get it done in real time.

At inside linebacker, Jake Ryan made his debut for the Packers and while he's not ready for a starting role quite yet, did show some great athletic ability in coverage that the Packers have not seen from their linebackers for quite some time.  Ryan will spend some time learning his craft behind Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington.  Matthews is still going to be counted on in the middle this season, both out of necessity and because he was so effective there last season.  Hopefully the Packers can work Ryan in during garbage time periods and hopefully those are aplenty after the Packers have secured a large enough lead.  The more snaps Ryan takes, the better he will become.  He seemed to improve in his play and looked to be more comfortable in the defense as the preseason moved along.  Third-year veteran Nate Palmer adds valuable depth in the middle, even more valuable after Carl Bradford was cut and signed to the team's practice squad.

On the outside, Andy Mulumba returned after an early-season ACL tear last year.  Mulumba made some nice plays during the preseason and should add some nice depth there.  Jayrone Elliott had another strong preseason showing and should do the same.  Julius Peppers and Mike Neal return as the starting tandem, unless Nick Perry has his say.  Some of the discussion during training camp led to debates about whether Perry would even make this year's team.  The Packers didn't pick up his fifth-year option and he will become a free agent after this season.  Perry has had issues staying healthy and has missed games in each of his first three seasons with the team.  The former first-round pick has this year to beat the injury bug and consistently make the types of impactful plays he has made in seasons past.  If he can, he'll bump Neal down the depth chart and start in the base.

On offense, let's hope the offensive line can stay healthy along with. . the obvious.

Tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga both suffered injuries that forced from out of preseason games.  Bakhtiari appeared only in the preseason opener and was recovering from a knee injury.  He has said he'll be back for week one.  Bulaga suffered an ankle sprain in week three against the Philadelphia Eagles, but also alluded to his being available for the Bears game next week.  At the guard spots, Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang also took some time off to nurse injuries.  Sitton was dealing with soreness in his back while Lang suffered a concussion in week two against the Pittsburgh Steelers and sat out the rest of the preseason.  This line was expected to be one of the better units in the league, and they still very much can.  Health is going to be the biggest key.  For depth, the Packers have Don Barclay, J.C. Tretter, Lane Taylor and Josh Walker.  Walker and Tretter have both played tackle in the past and provide depth there.  The Barclay experiment at tackle was a disaster and he should only be counted on on the inside, if needed.  Taylor seemed to look better this summer than he did last season, but hopefully we won't have to test that theory anytime soon.  With the return of Datone Jones and Guion after their suspensions, we could see a move made among the offensive line backups.

Offensively, there's a lot this Packers team can accompish.  They set the world on fire at home last season and should do much of the same this season as well.  On the road, they'll face some tough venues such as Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver and University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.  This week should be full of season preview shows, posts and podcasts so stick to the Packers blogosphere to get your fill of it all.

-------------------

Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

NFL Categories: 
0 points
 

Comments (47)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
croatpackfan's picture

September 07, 2015 at 08:51 am

NIce review... Nothing to add!

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

September 07, 2015 at 09:29 am

I would add Pennel is one to watch on the D line. Seems like he is ready to take a step up as a second year player.

0 points
0
0
Oppy's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:14 pm

If by 'stepping up in year two', you mean, 'putting BJ Raji on the bench', I am in complete agreement.

Ah, heck, I HOPE Raji proves me wrong, but I DOUBT he will. To my eye, Pennel at NT > Raji at NT.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 07, 2015 at 09:39 am

Nice job Jason. You hit on everything but the dreaded Special Teams. I'm sure there will be plenty of discussion on the STs as we get closer to game time. My 5 keys for this 2015 Packer season are:
1. Stay healthy, especially AR and the OL.
2. Improve the run defense and tackling overall.
3. Improve STs, at least get our place kicks and punts blocked effectively and get some KO returns past the 20 to give AR some decent field position.
4. Reduce or eliminate dumb penalties. We have a head start with the release of Brad Jones who never met a penalty he didn't take.
5. Play 60 minutes regardless of score or opponent.

Additional points to note:
The loss of Jordy Nelson will result in some offensive drives ending prematurely, the signing of J. Jones will mitigate this somewhat but you can't replace Jordy's experience or his working relationship with AR. This means that our defense will need to step up and make some stops and plays to get AR and the offense back on the field more frequently than in the past. Finally, I'm hoping (probably incorrectly) that the signing of J. Jones is an indication that the Packers are willing to do whatever it takes this season to win the SB (meaning signing other FAs during the season if injuries create the necessity). Looking forward to another great season of Packer football and to reading all the great articles from the Cheesehead team and insightful posts from my fellow bloggers. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

September 07, 2015 at 10:25 am

Good Job Since '61, I think you pretty much covered everything. Masthay punting this year will be very much like Crosby kicking in 2012, I'll hold my breath every time hoping the result isn't a disaster.

I think James Jones was Ted's "Splash Move" of the season. Jones was really a no brainer and I'm glad Ted signed him. If Janis and Montgomery deserve to be ahead of Jones they will. If you give me a choice of Myles White and Jones, I'll take Jones every time. Especially with Abby sitting on the PS now.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 07, 2015 at 10:47 am

Nick - thanks for the positive feedback. Agree with you on Masthay, but I can accept some shorter punts versus having them blocked.
Also agree on Jones over White. Abby has the advantage of being able to return punts which is probably a key reason for bringing him back on the PS. If Hyde or whoever is ineffective in punt returns early I expect to see Abby moved onto the 53 for that reason alone. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Archie's picture

September 07, 2015 at 10:11 am

1 - AR needs to stay healthy (very possible);

2 - ST need to do a night and day reversal (very unlikely); and,

3 - Defense needs to be top half of league vs run and pass possible but unlikely).

W/o Jordy, with improvement in division (MN & DET) and tough Packers' schedule, even at home, Pack will struggle this year to get to double digit wins and/or win division. There's also the question of whether last year's ugly season ending loss will help or hurt this year's team. It's tough to be in the SB (virtually) and 5 minutes later to give it away on a silver platter. Will it motivate or will it make them go in fetal position when adversity strikes? Time will tell. The only defensive change that hurts is losing House. But this year's big 3 rookies look promising. Losing old ILB crew is a blessing. Barrington is no more a dime LB than AJ Hawk was. Raji may not last long. Pennell looks like the future.

Prediction: 9-7 2nd place [WC = ?]

If ST and defense surprise, then a division crown would be attainable. But how many years now have we been looking for improvement on ST and defense? At least 5. I just don't see the front 7 studs in the pipeline. No excuse missing on Thornton, Worthy, Jones, Perry and Neal. Peppers another year older. Not to mentioning coaching, particularly DC and WM. When the defense plays well 2 games in a row, against good competition, I will officially become optimistic.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

September 07, 2015 at 10:32 am

Well you're certainly not optimistic now that's for damn sure. I'm glad every Vegas Oddsmaker and "NFL Experts" don't share your opinion Archie.

0 points
0
0
Oppy's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:27 pm

No one should ever look at vegas odds as any sort of indication of anything EXCEPT as a reflection of public opinion, right or wrong, about a given team.

Professional odds makers aren't into gambling- that's a fool's errand. They are running a business, and that business is all about trying to lure the same amount of money on bets on both sides of the equation.

They aren't in it to "win" the bet. They are in it to be the middle man, moving money from the losers to the winners, and collecting a transaction fee which serves as their profits.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

September 07, 2015 at 07:02 pm

I was only using Vegas Oddsmakers for SB 50 as an example the Packers aren't an 9-7 team, nothing more, nothing less. Hell, I've never placed a bet in my life and know little about Vegas other than they didn't build those beautiful Casinos by losing. Just an example, apparently not a good one.

0 points
0
0
porupack's picture

September 08, 2015 at 12:35 am

thanks for that well stated capsule. I'll use this some day (with your permission).

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:13 am

Archie - Good post! Good to see you back and in midseason form already. I agree with your points about the STs and the defense. You correctly point out that we have been waiting since the 2010 SB for the defense and STs to improve, however, except for 2013 when AR was injured we have won the division with double digit victories and made the playoffs every season. We even won the division in 2013 with less that 10 wins. Therefore, I am optimistic about winning the division again. It is playoff time when our defensive and ST weaknesses have been exposed and cost us, hopefully we overcome them this post season. Note that at least some of the players who contributed to the collapse in Seattle are gone; Bostick the first to go, Jones and Hawk who both blew assignments on the fake FG and Tramon who gave up inside position on Seattle's OT TD. I am hoping that their departures will at least somewhat mitigate the psychological impact from the Seattle debacle. Those 4 players do not have to live with their former team mates and the remaining players do not have them as physical reminders of the failed plays. Not that I am blaming those 4 players entirely because it was a team suicide but we have new players in their place who want to establish their own careers and legacies. Plus this coaching staff and team have been resilient over the years. Remember we suffered a pretty devastating defeat in the playoffs to the Cardinals in OT in 2009 and we won the SB the next year with 16 players on IR, pretty resilient I'd say. We'll know if there is any "Seattle hangover" by the time we get through the first 4 games, especially on defense. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:36 am

Completely disagree on Detroit being better this year than last. You don't just replace a player like Suh. They will miss him up front. Stafford is not an accurate enough passer who can carry the team. They won several games in the last minute last year. Don't think they can be that lucky again and repeat 12-4.

ILB is definitely addition by subtraction. Can't wait to see Palmer and Ryan develop.

Really think you're dwelling too much on Pack deficiencies only because you're most familiar with them (as opposed to say, the MIN O-line). Every team has holes. Pack is best suited to overcome theirs.

We'll see...

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:02 pm

Correction...won't repeat 11-5 record.

0 points
0
0
Dan Stodola's picture

September 07, 2015 at 10:51 am

I think the article glossed over Nate Palmer way too much. He is currently listed as the starting ILB opposite Barrington. Any snaps he gets are only going to make him a much better player. He was an OLB like Bradford was till a year ago, and unlike Bradford, he embraced the move to ILB. He is a player that will gain valuable experience the more he plays ILB, much like Ryan, and of right now stands to get more playing time than Ryan.

I like Ryan too, but lets not underestimate Palmer to anoint Ryan just yet.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:10 am

Dan - good point about Palmer. I think (hope) that the ILB group will improve as the season goes on. It is a matter, as you say, of Palmer and Ryan getting more snaps with each game. We don't need them to be great, just to reach the point of providing solid play consistently. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
jasonperone's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:36 am

I did gloss over Palmer but that's because realistically, he's there for depth purposes. He may have been listed as a starter on a depth chart but that chart is then considering Matthews an OLB. Right now and when in base, the Packers aren't likely to run with Palmer and Barrington in the middle. Opposing offenses would feast all day long on that and the matchups it would create. Matthews will see a good amount of time inside until Jake Ryan or Palmer improve. I'd bet on Ryan being the guy first based on what we saw in preseason. Rookie or not, Ryan's ability seems to exceed Palmer's in my opinion. Palmer's biggest value right now is on special teams and this team needs his best as those units need a lot of improvement.

0 points
0
0
Dan Stodola's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:52 am

"that's because realistically, he's there for depth purposes."

That's your opinion. Maybe you should state it as such. Personally I think the Packers give Palmer as much a chance to be the full time player opposite Barrington. Heck maybe next year Palmer and Ryan are both ahead of Barrington for all we know.

No one really knows the plan for Matthews right now. He only played 28% of ILB snaps last year after the change in philosophy. And it was a change in philosophy to move Matthews around a lot more, moreso than it was a change in position to ILB. I tend to think that is what continues.

Matthews will clearly see more than the 28% ILB snaps he got last year. I'm guessing possibly up to 35 or 40% ILB, but that still means he's playing other positions a lot more than ILB.

It seems you think Palmers being the starter opposite Barrington is more ceremonial than anything, I don't share that opinion and I doubt the Packers do either, or he wouldn't be listed as the starting ILB right now.

Matthews is the Defenses version of Charles Woodson from a couple years ago. Moving him around to get him better matchups, keep defenses from planning for him as much and putting him in position to make more plays.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:05 pm

Matthews should get double salary, he's playing 2 positions.

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

September 08, 2015 at 08:04 am

Matthews does get double salary.

0 points
0
0
jasonperone's picture

September 07, 2015 at 03:58 pm

Stroh! So good to see you here! "That's your opinion. Maybe you should state it as such." I just did. I don't know which depth chart you're referring to, but let's chat mid season and see how it all panned out.

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

September 07, 2015 at 05:46 pm

I don't put much stock in website depth charts. The NFL of 2015 is all about maximizing the entire gameday roster.

Last year, the Packers defense really locked things down a lot when they decided to use the entire group of LBs, mixing and matching liberally. Even Jones and Hawk were included at times. What it was really all about was using the strengths of the all the guys he had as the situation dictated.

I hope Capers continues with that approach. If he does, I expect Ryan v Palmer v Barrington situation will sort itself out quickly. And I definitely include Barrington in the mix of guys that could play their way to a greater role or the bench. He was their best pure ILB last year but he wasn't exactly setting the league on fire.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

September 07, 2015 at 05:52 pm

Amen. Let them compete.

0 points
0
0
Green Machine's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:36 pm

Nate Palmer = Jamari Lattimore.

0 points
0
0
Dan Stodola's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:58 pm

Palmer looked better playing w/ a club on his hand than Lattimore or Jones did healthy and w/ 2 functioning hands.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

September 07, 2015 at 05:25 pm

I'm willing to give Palmer a look. He is a quintessential draft-and-develop pick coming out of Illinois St. Jones hit his ceiling and was average at best. Let's see what the next guy can do. Lattimore was just a guy.

Palmer...the opportunity is yours. Make us proud.

0 points
0
0
Mojo's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:14 am

I would like to add - since this is Bears week - that the Packers have a chance to even up the all-time series record between the two teams. Currently the Bears lead 93 to 91 with six ties.

This would be incredible considering what a hole the Packers were in pre -Farve/Rodgers. The Packers have been trailing in the series since the 1930's.

After two wins this year they can go for the lead next year. That will be sweet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKXKXWaexNE

0 points
0
0
Dan Stodola's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:01 pm

I knew it was getting close to even. Can't wait for that to be a good 10 game advantage for the Packers in the coming years. One less thing they can have in their favor.

Bet that'll get Dicka really steamed!

0 points
0
0
SteveCheez's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Yeah, that's been a long time coming. It is easy to forget how far behind we were, and how dominant we have been over the past couple decades.

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

September 07, 2015 at 05:50 pm

A few years into the Packers dominant run over the Bears with Favre, I remember thinking the all-time series W/L record was still so lopsided I would never live to see it turn around in my lifetime.

It has been extremely fun to watch that prediction go to hell.

0 points
0
0
EdsLaces's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:15 am

I watched Jake Ryan alot last game. He's gaining momentum toward some substantial playing time I think.....maybe I'm wrong haha.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:06 pm

I think you're right.

0 points
0
0
holmesmd's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:32 am

The defense last year was a top 15 unit based on the last half of the season. They stonewalled Seattle at home until CMIII left the game and we imploded. Why all the doom & gloom about the defense? They will be fine and I think D-line will be a strength this year. GP!

0 points
0
0
Green Machine's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:33 pm

" Why all the doom & gloom about the defense?"
Because there's only one playmaker on that side of the ball and he tends to get nicked-up quite a bit (he is right now, if I'm not mistaken).

"...and I think D-line will be a strength this year."
How, on earth, can you think this?

I, honestly, have zero idea what to think of this team.
I figure the ST has to be better simply because it couldn't be worse.
This is the first season 12 won't have a stacked wr corp.
The defense seems to have more "snap" on the back end but it's raw.
The middle of the defense is troubling save for the safeties.
Can the '15 Jones = the '14 Adams?
Can the '15 Adams in any way resemble the '14 Nelson?

The division is tougher.
The schedule looks hard (but who knows).
Judging by TC it seems like this might be one of those deal-w/-a-ton-of-injuries years.

I'll give 'em 9-7.
Rodgers probably isn't Brady (who's had to deal w/ mediocre wr's).

I'm really not expecting playoffs again.
Let's just get this first game.

0 points
0
0
holmesmd's picture

September 07, 2015 at 11:35 am

Barrington's speed needs an upgrade in coverage

0 points
0
0
TKWorldWide's picture

September 07, 2015 at 06:55 pm

I'm thinking he only plays on running downs. But who IS GB's "coverage" LB?

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

September 07, 2015 at 07:45 pm

That's a really good question.

0 points
0
0
Dan Stodola's picture

September 07, 2015 at 09:38 pm

Matthews on some downs. He played in coverage a lot more last year than previous years. Remember almost all his snaps at ILB were in nickel and Matthews dropped and played man coverage quite a bit in nickel. Its one reason I hoped Dantzler would get on the PS. He might be a quality coverage ILB.

Other than Matthews, the Packers don't have a LB that's worth a damn in coverage In my expert opinion.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

September 07, 2015 at 12:07 pm

No more second guessing, just kick the dam ball.
GOPACKGO!

0 points
0
0
Lphill's picture

September 07, 2015 at 01:32 pm

Maybe the packers shoul bring in Steve Weatherford that the Giants released.

0 points
0
0
johngalt's picture

September 07, 2015 at 01:51 pm

I think the d's success will hinge on the play of both Perry and Peppers. 1st and 2nd downs this year will be featuring heavy doses of AP, Abdullah, Forte, beast, etc. ILB will be fine- will the outside?

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

September 07, 2015 at 02:04 pm

Miles White lost his roster spot on James Jones account! It was reported on http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/9/7/9272839/report-myles-white-lo...

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 07, 2015 at 02:12 pm

Are the Packers better than last year? My answer is IDK. Week one I'd say no. Week 12, IMO: maybe. The good news is that GB was the best team last year imo, and doesn't need a lot of improvement.

OL: same personnel. Some improvement can be expected since Sitton, Lang and Bulaga are a year removed from the nagging injuries they played thru. It is possible that Linsley and Bakh take a jump. Depth is better. Barclay's knee might improve over time, and Walker & Tretter both might improve. Taylor is better. But we didn't have a serious injury in 2014. Still thin at RT, but with some hope in Barclay and Walker later, so I'd call it a push.

TEs are the same. Dearth of talent. Rodgers will trust Rodgers more (no reason not to last year, but he didn't) so his #s should improve. No one can block a lick still, making 2 TE sets less useful. Push.

WRs are not as good, but still is a good unit. A negative grade

QBs: Good depth, and Rodgers is healthy. A huge +.

RBs: Same personnel. Harris can't be less useful than DuJuan. Slight improvement can be expected.

FBs: Better. I think Kuhn is about the same. Later, Ripkowski might offer serious "blow up the DL" improvement in run blocking, and is a big reason to hope that GB can punch it in from the 1. + grade.

DL: Raji/Pennel > than Guion/rookie Pennel. Guion at LDE is > than Boyd/Datone. Daniels is still good. Depth is an issue. I don't want to waste Peppers' now limited snaps at DE. Jump from Datone? He looked good against 2nd stringers. Grade +

OLB: Better. Like Mulumba and Elliott. Peppers might be better after a yr of playing OLB with limited snaps, too. Neal is Neal. Perry is a wild card. He has the ability to really improve, but is OK as is if healthy. CM3 will be good. Grade is a +

ILB: Did Barrington hit his ceiling? Palmer had a good camp, but I'd classify him as better depth. Ryan should improve over time, but is it week 12 or season 2? ILB is better compared to 1st 8 games last year: it is a slight plus over the last 8 games.

CBs: Negative. Hayward is a wild card. Even if he equals Tramon's not very good 2014 season, GB loses his stellar role play in the zone and slot. Of course, he could be > Tramon. I expect Shields to improve, as he was average last year. (I hope he is a professional and not just laughing all the way to the bank.) Hyde had a bad 2014. Has he been exposed or can he improve? Rookies are all wild cards. Can any of them play outside if Hayward sucks? Can any of them play nickel or dime, or replace the quality snaps Hayward provided? Lots of wild cards, and lots of moving parts. This unit encapsulates The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: it could be any of the three. It could even be really good- Hayward > Tramon; Shields = true shut down CB; Hyde rebounds; rookies are solid to good later. Grade is wild card. If not that, it is a definite -.

S: Dix will probably improve, but a sophomore slump is possible. In preseason he looked both better and still making the same mistakes. Burnett had his best year in 2014. Is this his new normal? Richardson is useless except as a hybrid, spy or STs. Banjo is solid depth, nothing more. Push/+

ST: Masthay has the yips. Which Crosby & Punter (hehe - watch the waiver wire) will show up? [Quis Scit - use the catholic pronunciation to get the full flavor of what I mean.] Our long snapper is Goode. Coverage teams can't be worse, and there look to be more guys with ST ability than last year. Wild card really. I can live with a bad punter but not a bad kicker. Grade is + but... Zoooooooook

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

September 07, 2015 at 06:03 pm

I expect TE to make a much bigger contribution in 2015 than 2014. Rodgers was making strides as a blocker and he's a coaches kid. I expect much better performance in run and pass from him.

0 points
0
0
chugwater's picture

September 07, 2015 at 05:49 pm

I salute you Reynoldo. Great riff.

Maybe I'm not your traditional Packer fan, but I'm the eternal optimist. I'll predict 2 of the 3 rookie CB's pan out to be solid starters. Isn't that what TT did with Tramon after he left Houston? Wasn't he unproven?

Change is hard. But TT has staked the franchise on it. I'm a believer.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 07, 2015 at 10:17 pm

You're very kind, Chugwater. As a note, I approved of TT letting Tramon and House walk, knowing he would not get a FA and would fill it via the draft. Worse for me in a way, I did and still do disapprove of drafting Randall instead of Malcolm Brown. Not that I think Randall won't pan out, just I think Brown was BPA in a deep CB class. I think one or two of the CBs will pan out as well, just hope it happens sometime during this season. My prediction is 12-4 as long as Rodgers and CM3 stay healthy. Injuries at some other positions would hurt, but at almost any other position we have at least a possible decent replacement. Go Pack.

0 points
0
0
vj_ostrowski's picture

September 07, 2015 at 06:21 pm

I guess this column is as good a place as any to
post my prediction before the season begins.

With a fully healthy team, I saw a 14-2 team that was, in actuality, capable of winning every game on their schedule.

Sans Jordy Nelson; and even with James Jones back, I see a 12-4 team. One that should win the division, but needed a few of those explosive plays that JN provided to win some games where they just aren't playing up to their potential for whatever reason. It's hard for me to believe that a WR is worth more than 2 games when you've got the best QB in the game.

But stack our roster as a whole up against any in the division. We've got a clear lean on all of them. We may or may not give up one to Detroit at home (hopefully not a recent continuing trend), but I think we're clearly the superior team there. We really should win all those division games. Let's say we lose one.

I'll pencil in a loss vs Seattle. Though revenge would be sweet, I'm expecting it in the playoffs rather than here. A win in the RS would still feel great though. A loss to the 'boys in a revenge game feels inevitable to me. And I'm guessing we'll dump one in Carolina, because weird stuff seems to happen to us there. Otherwise switch that Carolina loss out with one in Arizona?

That's 12-4 right there. Barring more major injuries, I don't think we'll do worse than that.

Denver is the one that I keep seeing people
Talk about, but my (maybe not so) bold prediction is that that premiere game will be the final nail in the coffin to the question of whether Manning is washed up or not. I think we make him look silly that day.

0 points
0
0