2009 Green Bay Packers Football Preview

2008 Record: 6-10, Third NFC North

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Head Coach: Mike McCarthy; Fourth year

Key Additions: S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston

Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

1st Round Draft Picks: B.J. Raji – Defensive Tackle, Clay Matthews – Linebacker

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

2009 Green Bay Packers Schedule

Green Bay Packers 2008 NFL Season in Review

A 4-3 start vanished by the wayside as the Green Bay Packers lost seven of their last nine games to finish 6-10 on the season. The offense was led by the solid play of Aaron Rodgers, who finished the season with a 93.8 quarterback rating, 28 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions and over 4,000 yards with a nearly 64% completed rate. Ryan Grant also played solidly on the ground, accumulating a 1,200 yard season. Altogether, the Packers finished 5 th in the league in scoring.

However the defense struggled to keep pace, ranking 22 nd in the league in points allowed. The club was particularly weak against the run, giving up over 130 yards per game on the ground to rank 26 th in the league. The defense created turnovers, with three players having five or more interceptions, but the only player to consistently pressure the quarterback was defensive end Aaron Kampman, who finished the year with 9.5 sacks.

Green Bay Packers 2009 NFL Season Preview

As division rival Minnesota is struggling with the latest round of the endless Brett Favre saga, the Packers just have to be happy it's no longer their turn. The lineup wasn't changed dramatically in the off season through free agency or trades. Instead, the Packers are hoping that two first round draft picks on the defensive side of the ball and a healthy season will boost them into playoff contention.

2009 Green Bay Packers Offense:

Aaron Rodgers displayed grit, skill and intelligence in his first full year as the starting quarterback. He played through injury and put up huge numbers. Without the distractions of last season, one has to think that he has the potential to be at least as good if not better than he was in 2008. His favorite weapons, wide receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver both remain on the club and are an excellent 1-2 combination. The Packers also hope to have another solid year from unheralded running back Ryan Grant, to complete the offense as a dynamic unit.

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2009 Green Bay Packers Defense:

Young team leader A.J. Hawk is going to have the help of a few more young college standouts on the defensive side of the scrimmage. Linebacker Clay Matthews and defensive tackle B.J. Raji, both first round draft choices, should both help to patch the holes in a porous running unit. Their presences should also help Hawk and Aaron Kampman pressure the quarterback more effectively.

In 2008, cornerback Al Harris missed four games, safety Atari Bigby missed nine, defensive lineman Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila missed nine and linebacker Nick Barnett missed seven. Getting these players back healthy will add talent, depth and experience to the defense. If backfield members Charles Woodson and Nick Collins can continue their ball hawking ways, the healthy lineup and the young draft choices could significantly improve the Packers defensive performance.

2009 Green Bay Packers Prediction: Third NFC North

By Jake Emen
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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