The Difference Makers for the Green Bay Packers in 2010

The 2010 season has a lot of hope for the Green Bay Packers as they are touted to be heavy favorites to reach the Super Bowl this year. There isn’t much different from this team than the one last year, except for one thing, experience. The Packers have matured and their playoff run last year speaks volumes for what they can do this year.

Jermichael Finley and the receiving corps:

The receivers are loaded for the Packers this season, and as long as they produce, could easily turn into a high flying offense that could put up major numbers. One of the main valves for offense this season will be TE Jermichael Finley, who causes major matchup problems for any defense and could possibly score at will. His speed helps him get by many linebackers, while his size makes him stand tall over many corners, allowing him to get many jump balls. Expect the Packers to take advantage of this, as long as Finley can stay healthy this season. Greg Jennings is another receiver the Packers hope to rely on as he has become a reliable set of hands anywhere on the field, but especially the deep ball that Aaron Rodgers loves to throw. The receivers could be a great part of this season as long as they can stay healthy and continue doing what they do best.

Charles Woodson and Al Harris:

Last years Defensive Player of the Year has been key on the Packers defense in shutting down many offenses be it interceptions for even forced fumbles. Charles Woodson has become the face of the Packer’s defense and continues to shine in man-coverage, which is something Green Bay will need this upcoming season. The Packers defensive backs struggled a bit last year after Al Harris went down and Woodson tried to carry the load, but hopefully he’ll just be part of the defensive backfield instead of the main component. Looking to aide Woodson is Al Harris who went down midseason last year due to torn ACL. While his recovery has been a bit long, he should be able to contribute in the second half of the season. Until then, Charles Woodson will be holding the fort down with Nick Collins.

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The Offensive Line:

How the offensive lines holds up determines whether the season goes as planned or ends cataclysmically. If they can keep Aaron Rodgers standing after a subpar season last year, then the offense could easily get going, allowing for many wins this season. If they struggle, then it puts a burden on the offense to produce on its own. Another reason why the offensive line needs to gel is for the running game, if they can’t run the ball it puts more emphasis on the passing game to produce for the yards lost on the ground. Chad Clifton, Scott Wells, Mark Tauscher, Josh Sitton, and either Daryn Colledge/Brian Bulaga(the Packers want to have Bulaga play LG to get some experience before taking over for Clifton at LT) have to the most important job this season, keep the Packers going.

The Line Backers:

Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, and Brad Jones all have the ability to get quality numbers. What the Packers like to do is get pressure on the backfield, and with this group of linebackers, they could certainly do so. Clay Matthews proved to do so last year, becoming a force on this defense along with the already proven Barnett and Hawk. There is a lot of depth at those positions too, so if one where to go down with an injury, there wouldn’t be too much of a drop off, with Brady Poppinga, Brad Chillar, Desmond Bishop, and Frank Zombo backing up, and in the rotations on defense. If the linebackers can control the game on the defense, and create multiples stops, it allows the offense to rest peacefully knowing they won’t be involved in too many shootouts where the offense has to score on every possession. If the defense can produce like they should, then the offense can relax, and run without too much pressure on them to score, leading to more fluid plays, and a fluid game for the Packers.

Morgan Burnett:

The rookie safety from Georgia Tech. has been thrust into the starting lineup due to regular starter, Atari Bigby, being sidelined with an ankle injury after having surgery. Although there was going to be a competition for the starting job, I believe few thought Bigby wouldn’t be able to defend his job. Atari “Attack” Bigby is known for his ability to lay out many receivers, and his hard nose style of defense, the question is, will Morgan Burnett be able to fill his shoes on a very physical defense. So far in the preseason Burnett has proven to be a Darren Sharper type safety, in being a ball hawk and could actually contribute to this defense with a lot of pass break ups and interceptions which would be more than what is asked of him for his rookie season. If Burnett can make plays, then he could fit right in on this experienced Packers’ defense a lot sooner than expected.

If the Packers can take advantage of these difference makers then the season could be a warm up for what’s to come in the post season. The Green Bay Packers have many opportunities to be great this season, and you better expect them to take advantage.

By Byron Reyna
ProFootball-fans.com Green Bay Packers Correspondent