Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Packers trying to clear that final hurdle
GREEN BAY PACKERS (14-4)
New faces: TE Josiah Deguara, RB A.J. Dillon, DBs coach Jerry Gray, LB Christian Kirksey, QB Jordan Love, LB Kamal Martin, OT Rick Wagner
Key losses: WR Geronimo Allison, OT Bryan Bulaga, OLB Kyler Fackrell, TE Jimmy Graham, LB Blake Martinez
Strengths: Stability on both sides of ball in second year of coach Matt LaFleur’s system. Packers bring back most of nucleus and coaching staff. Offense has three exceptional playmakers with two-time MVP QB Aaron Rodgers throwing to WR Davante Adams and handing off to RB Aaron Jones. Rodgers has reliable blind-side protection from Pro Bowl OT David Bakhtiari. OLBs Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith combined for 25½ sacks last year. Promising young secondary features CB Jaire Alexander.
Weaknesses: Packers didn’t do much to boost run defense after allowing 285 yards rushing in NFC championship game loss at San Francisco. Receiving corps lacks proven performers aside from Adams. Packers have uncertainty at right tackle after losing longtime starter Bryan Bulaga in free agency. Kirksey’s injury history creates potential concerns at inside linebacker with Martinez gone. Kirksey has played total of nine games over last two seasons.
Pandemic development: Fans won’t be permitted for at least first two home games. Any home games that do have spectators won’t have crowds bigger than 10,000-12,000. WR Devin Funchess opted out and cited family health concerns.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 28-1. Over/under wins: 9.
Expectations: Packers benefited from good health and uncanny success in close contests last season by going 9-1 in games decided by eight points or fewer. Packers may not be so fortunate on either count this year. Packers have good shot at defending NFC North title but likely won’t approach last year’s win total.