By Will Button
Coming off of a disappointing 2013-14, the Green Bay Packers are looking good in the pre-season, but a few key changes may impact their 2014-2015 season. Their 2013 season was rough, and while many saw Green Bay’s offense as powerful, their record speaks for itself. The Packers were only 8-7-1 in the regular season and ended with a close wild card playoff game loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was downed early by a collar bone injury and only started nine games, but in those games he managed to pass for 2536 yards and 17 touchdowns. Had Rodgers played a full season, their record would have been much better. With a strong offense bolstered by power running back Eddie Lacy (1178 yards and 11 touchdowns), the Packers are in a great position to improve their record and Superbowl chances this season.
The loss of Rodgers was a major hurdle, but the Packers defense simply wore down towards the end of the season. The team has addressed that need with some important off-season acquisitions that should help to improve their D. One important addition is defensive end Julius Peppers. Starting his career in 2002 with the Panthers, Peppers move to the Chicago Bears where he posted extremely strong numbers. In 2013, he had 7 sacks and an interception, as well as 31 tackles and a career high 14 assists. If he still has gas left in the tank, he will give Green Bay’s defense a well needed boost. Another key acquisition on the defensive side was rookie HaHa Clinton-Dix, coming from Alabama. In his three seasons there, Clinton-Dix posted 58 tackles, with 30 of them coming in the 2013 season. Green Bay is hoping his ability to read plays and support the defense will translate over to the NFL.
While these two exciting acquisitions have fans excited, a few losses on the offensive side of the ball are a bit worrisome. One major loss was wide receiver James Jones, who has been with Green Bay since 2007. Over his career there, he posted 4305 yards, averaging 13.9 yards a catch. His 2013 season definitely showed a lot of promise, as Jones brought in 59 receptions for 817 yards, a career high. With stats so promising, fans will be hoping Green Bay can fill the void with a worthy contender. Another key loss was center Evan Dietrich-Smith. While his numbers haven’t been great in the past few seasons with Green Bay, changes like these will likely have an effect on Aaron Rodgers and company.
The NFC North definitely is going to be close in the 2014-2015 season. With teams like the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears nipping at the heals of Green Bay last season, many assume this season will be no exception.
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