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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Packers mid-season review (almost)
        
(Message started by: Jay on Oct 23^rd, 2002, 1:23pm)

Title: Packers mid-season review (almost)
Post by Jay on Oct 23^rd, 2002, 1:23pm

Overview
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This is a hurting football team. The Packers have taken advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them, including playing a series of teams that were facing equally daunting injuries or struggling starters. They've managed to feast upon the weak to this point, and their lofty record does not necessarily point to a dominant football team. However, a lot question marks have been answered so far this year in terms of the quality depth that is on this football team, because it is the depth that has carried so far.

Quarterbacks
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Favre is having one of the finest seasons of his amazing career. He has been carving up the league like a Thanksgiving turkey, milking the speed and athleticism of his receiving corps. He has spread the ball around and kept defenses honest. He has often shown why he is one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game. He is having an MVP season. There is no one behind him. If the knee injury reers its ugly head, the Packers season will fade to an abrupt halt. Pederson and Nall are not starting calibre.

Running Back
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Ahman Green has shown several times why he is one of the elite players at his position. He has done more damage on the ground and less through the air this year. His power/speed combination continues to be a problem for defenses. The depth at the position is not what the Packers had though at the beginning of the season. Two rookies follow him in the depth chart. Najah has shown flashes of potential, but he has yet to prove that he can shake the injury bug. A long-term injury to Green would be nearly as damaging as one to Favre.

Wide Receivers
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The big question mark coming into the season. It has been answered. Glenn, Driver and Jevon Walker, as well as Franks have all stepped up at key times throughout the first half of the season. Glenn has shown to be less durable than hoped but still a solid contributor. Ferguson has been mostly a non-factor to this point, but it has not hindered the offense in any way. Driver continues to be Favre's most reliable target. All of the weapons have shown big-play ability.

Offensive Line
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This is a disaster area. The team has lost both starting tackles for an extended period of time, including Clifton for the season. The starting center is currently playing left tackle. While the backups have played well above their heads, there isn't anything left in the cubbard. This could be a major problem as the season wears on. Tauscher is eventually expected back, but it can't be soon enough.

Defensive Line
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Like the offensive line, the defenisive line is being held together by duct tape. Both starting DEs have been out, though Vonnie Holliday is expected to return soon. This has left the team terribly undersized at DE, but the backups have held their ground with big efforts from KGB and rookie Aaron Kampman, whose motor NEVER stops. Gilbert Brown and Cledius Hunt have proven to be a very solid interior tandem. The return of Holliday will be a welcome relief, if he is truly healthy. He does not play well when playing through injury.

Linebacker
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Na'il Diggs has finally turned the corner from a solid linebacker into a playmaker. He has been all over the field and has been the best linebacker so far this year as Wayne fought through some nagging injuries. Both outside backers have been very solid. Nickerson has been a disappointment. It would not be a surprise to see Torrance Marshall starting in the middle before the end of the year. He is already getting significant playing time.

Safety
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Losing Edwards to injury at safety was a Godsend. He won't get his starting spot back. Matt Bowen and rookie Marquis Anderson have been incredible. Anderson looks like a budding superstar, and Bowen has been more than solid. What was a question mark has become a huge strength upon the shoulders of these two young players. Sharper has been superior, as always, and Tyrone Williams continues to quietly perform. McBride played well as a starter in place of the injured McKensie, again proving the depth to be solid.

Draft Class
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This wasn't a large draft class, but every player, except Craig Nall (QB) has contributed largely to the early success of the football team. Walker, Anderson, Davenport and Kampman have all been asked to start at some point this year and they have all contributed Packer victories. Walker and Anderson look like potential superstars.

Title: Re: Packers mid-season review (almost)
Post by ugley on Oct 23^rd, 2002, 3:04pm

[smiley=smileythumbsup.gif] [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=wave.gif]

Title: Re: Packers mid-season review (almost)
Post by FourTwoOh on Oct 24^th, 2002, 2:26pm

Good review and idea! I'll have to put one together next week for the Chiefs. This IS Raider week so all KC thoughts are locked on one and only one thing.