Healthy returns expected
Rodgers will thrive with Nelson back
The Minnesota Vikings ended the Green Bay Packers’ run of four NFC North division titles, though Green Bay made the playoffs as a wild-card team.
That’s not the only thing that was different about the Packers’ 2015 season.
Usually Green Bay’s troubles had been the inability of the defense to protect leads. Last season, however, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense struggled, racking up the 10th-fewest yards per game.
Rodgers couldn’t get going largely because his top receiver, Jordy Nelson, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and sat out the season. Nelson says he is fully healthy and ready for 2016.
“You want to be out there and you want to have fun, so it’s nice to at least be catching some balls and have the jersey on and cleats on and not 100% in tennis shoes and being a coach,” Nelson said.
With Nelson out last season, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams had to step up, but they struggled with their increased roles.
Running back Eddie Lacy was unable to duplicate his first two seasons, in which he totaled 20 touchdowns on the ground.
The defense had its best year since 2012. The secondary allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards and sixth-fewest passing touchdowns.
One big move on defense will be moving Clay Matthews to outside linebacker.
“I think they anticipated getting me back on the outside, which I said time and time again not only do I feel most comfortable at but they do as well,” Matthews said during organized team activities.
With Nelson returning and the defense firing, the Packers will remain in contention for the NFC North title, but the maturing Vikings will be their top challenger.
QUARTERBACK
Rodgers had a poor 2015 by his statistical standards. His 3,821 yards were his lowest tota for a full season, he threw his most interceptions since 2012 and he had his lowest completion per- centage and passer rating since he began starting. Brett Hundley is Rodgers’ backup, and Ryan Williams and Joe Callahan will battle for the third spot.
RUNNING BACK
Lacy spent the offseason shedding the weight that he gained in 2015, and he tentatively has returned to a starting role. James Starks moved ahead of him last season when Lacy had only three rushing touchdowns. Starks immediately provided another receiving weapon for Rodgers, catching 43 passes and averaging 9.1 yards per catch. Starks could see more snaps on passing downs.
WIDE RECEIVER
Nelson’s return will delight Cobb, who struggled as the top target for Rodgers. Cobb gets to return to where he excels — in the slot — and Adams no longer will have to