My Jermichael Finley Blog

The Green Bay Packers were one of the surprise teams in 2009, as they went from winning just six games in 2008 to finishing 11-5 and a second place finish behind the Vikings in the NFC North. The Packers earned a spot in the postseason as one of the wild card teams, but were one and done after suffering a tough loss to the Cardinals in a 51-45 overtime thriller. The Packers head into the 2010 season with a ton of confidence, but for this team to take over the North they have to find a way to beat the Vikings, who they lost to in both games last season. Here is a quick preview of the 2010 Green Bay Packers and my prediction on where they finish the season in the NFC North.

Offense: After letting Brett Favre leave town everyone questioned whether or not Rodgers was going to have what it takes to keep this team in contention, and while things didn't go so well in his first season as a starter, Rodgers emerged as one of the elite quarterbacks in this league after his performance in 2009. Rodgers threw for 4,434 yards with 30 touchdown passes to just 7 interceptions, and was very productive scrambling out of the pocket, rushing for 316 yards and five scores.

With the offense focused around the passing game, running back Ryan Grant still put together a pretty solid season rushing for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns, and I don't think there will be any complaints if he can duplicate that performance in 2010. The Packers drafted James Starks in the sixth round of the draft to give Brandon Jackson some competition for the leading backup role.

At wide receiver the Packers have a ton of weapons for Rodgers to throw to, led by wide outs Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, who both surpassed the 1,000 yard receiving mark in 2009. I look for Jennings to put up even bigger numbers as he has also emerged into one of the top players at his positions. I also look for another big season out of tight end Jermichael Finley, who was pretty impressive in his second season with the team grabbing 55 passes for 676 yards and five touchdowns.

The offensive line had its ups and downs in 2009, but a lot of that had to do with injuries at the tackle positions. The Packers are hoping left tackle Chad Clifton and right tackle Mark Tauscher can stay healthy this season, as they combined to miss 12 games in 2009. The Packers did select Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga with their first round pick, and he figures to be able to step in at either tackle spot if needed.

Defense: The Packers will be without starting defensive end Johnny Jolly for the entire season, as he was suspended for the year after suffering felony charges this offseason. While the loss hurts, I don't think it will be all that bad with B.J. Raji taking over the vacated spot. Raji struggled in his rookie season, but that is expected out of first year 3-4 defensive lineman. Ryan Pickett is the anchor at nose tackle, and he needs to stay healthy after only starting 9 games in 2009.

At linebacker the Packers decided not to bring back Aaron Kampman, who missed six games in 2009 with a torn ACL. That leaves the door open for Brad Jones, who played well filling in for Kampman last season. The Packers love what they got out of rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews in 2009, as he led the team with 10 sacks last season, and figures to improve on that total this season. Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk are back as the two starters on the inside.

In the secondary the Packers have to very solid veteran starters at corner in Al Harris and Charles Woodson, but both are entering their 13th season in the NFL and you have to wonder just how much these guys have left in the tank. Harris played in just 10 games in 2009, while Woodson was outstanding with nine interceptions and four forced fumbles. At safety the Packers are hoping Atari Bigby will be able to hold down the strong safety position, but he hasn't played a full season since 2007. Look for rookie Morgan Burnett to push for the starting job in training camp. Nick Collins is back at free safety and is coming off an impressive six interception season for the Packers.

Prediction - 2nd NFC North: Just where the Packers finish the 2010 season in the North depends on whether or not Brett Favre comes back in Minnesota, as the Packers would quickly jump into the top spot if Favre decided to retire. Either way I believe this team is headed back to the postseason and has a great shot at making a run at the Super Bowl.

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