2012 Green Bay Packers Predictions
Odds to win Super Bowl XLVII: 6-1

The Packers looked like they would waltz right in the NFC Championship game after a 15-1 season. But something happened on the way to Lambeau Field. Their defense allowed 37 points in their playoff opener at home against the New York Giants and that 15-1 season was a distant memory. The Packers, who normally are quiet during the offseason, picked up some defensive help (DE Anthony Hargrove, DT Daniel Muir) and added veteran C Jeff Saturday. In the draft, the Packers added more defensive help in their first six picks.

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Offense:

Aaron Rodgers won the NFL MVP award after completing 68.3% of his passes for 4,643 yards, 45 TDS and just six picks with a record 122.5 passer rating. He’s athletic, has a strong arm and is a very good leader. Green Bay’s running game ranked just 27th (3.9ypc) as they ran just 395 times. James Starks led the Packers with 578 yards despite being hampered by ankle and knee injuries. He’ll be pushed by Alex Green (6-0, 225), last year’s third-round pick who tore his ACL last October, will try and push Starks. At receiver, Jordy Nelson (68 for 1,263 yds, 15 TDs) is coming off a career year where he averaged 18.6 yards per catch. Greg Jennings (67 for 949 yards, 9 TDs) is still the number one receiver, and often lines up in the slot. TE Jermichael Finley (6-4, 247) is one of the best tight ends in the game, who had 55 catches for 767 yards and eight TDs. The offensive line loses stalwart LT Chad Clifton (released). The frontrunner is Marshall Newhouse (6-4, 319), who struggled last year. He does have good feet but struggles against elite pass rushers. Josh Sitton (6-3, 322) can be a dominant guard, while C Saturday (6-2, 295), takes over for Scott Wells, who made his first Pro Bowl last year and signed as a free agent with the Rams.

Defense:

The defense finished 32nd in the NFL overall and 32nd against the pass, so it’s no surprise that the Packers focused on defense in the offseason. The Packers’ troubles started up front where they never really overcame the loss of pass-rushing end Cullen Jenkins, who signed with the Eagles last year. DE Mike Neal (6-3, 294) hurt his knee in training camp and didn’t play until Nov. 20. NT B.J. Raji (6-2, 337) recorded 3 sacks last year after recording 6.5 in 2010. He still managed to make the Pro Bowl despite the declining numbers. Injuries hampered them so they improved the depth by adding Hargrove (6-3, 283) from the Saints and Daniel Muir (6-2, 312) from the Colts. Second-round pick Jerel Worthy (6-2, 308) can start at right defensive end right away. Jairus Wynn (6-3, 285) is also in the mix. At linebacker, Clay Matthews (6-3, 250) made his third straight Pro Bowl but his sack total dropped from 13.5 to six last year. He did lead the team in pressures, was second with 8 sacks for loss and picked for three passes. Desmond Bishop (6-2, 238) led the team in tackles with 116, but A.J. Hawk (84 tackles) struggled in coverage. In the secondary, Charles Woodson (75 tackles, 7 picks) put up big numbers, but his cover skills have declined. Tramon Williams (4 picks, 65 stops) also had his share of problems. He was never the same after colliding with FS Nick Collins in the season opener, hurting his shoulder. Collins, a three-time Pro Bowler, in his neck in Week 2 and the secondary was never the same. He was released and will be replaced by Morgan Burnett, who finished second in tackles with 106, adding 3 picks. He’s better suited to strong safety and that will be manned by Charlie Peprah, who recorded 5 picks with 94 tackles.

Special Teams:

The Packers have one of the best kickers in the game in Mason Crosby, who was fourth in the NFL with 140 points, adding 56 and 58 yards bombs. P Tim Masthay set a single-season franchise record with 45.6-yards. Randall Cobb scored on a 80-yard punt return and a108-yard kickoff return.

Outlook:

The Packers may not win 15 games again as the NFC North appears to be getting better. But their defense should improve with still some concern in the secondary. As long as they have Rodgers, they’ll be in the postseason.

2012 Schedule:

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