Green Bay Packers 2009/2010 Playoffs Preview
Posted 1/7/2010
The Green Bay Packers have been a model of inconsistency this year, but some late season improvements have helped make them one of the more dangerous teams coming into the playoffs.
Green Bay fans have had a rough season as they watch former Packer legend Brett Favre tossing touchdowns left and right for the rival Minnesota Vikings, leading them to the NFC North title. They also had to deal with two losses to the Vikings this year, and Favre played very well in both Minnesota victories.
Nonetheless, the Packers have a talented quarterback of their own in Aaron Rodgers. After some struggles early in the year, he put together one of the best statistical seasons for an NFL quarterback this season.
Rodgers was getting punished behind some terrible pass protection from his offensive line early in the season, and he was also holding onto the ball far too long. It looked like he might not even make it through half the season before being forced to the sideline because of various injuries. Rodgers and the Packers eventually made the proper adjustments, and the quarterback's play has really blossomed.
Despite a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, the unit has been one of the NFL's best. A lot of the credit has to go to new defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who elected to make a switch to the 3-4 defense.
The switch caused a lot of disappointment and skepticism from players in the offseason and through the preseason, but it seems that they finally bought into the scheme.
Their first round playoff game is a rematch of the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The Packers beat up on a Cardinals team that decided to rest quarterback Kurt Warner, and Matt Leinart was no match for a tough defensive unit. Both teams can put a ton of points on the scoreboard and can do so in a hurry thanks to prolific passing games led by talented quarterbacks who have talented receivers running down the field.
Green Bay has a strong defense and a balanced offense that can put up a ton of points in a hurry. The first round matchup isn't a cakewalk, but it is a very winnable game. They are a dangerous team that is capable of making a deep playoff run in the suddenly wide open NFC.