Green Bay Packers 2006 Preview

Since 2001, the Green Bay Packers have won fewer games than the year before. Their alarming slide came to the fore last season when they finished a measly 4-12. The team was plagued with injuries and problems. It seemed like Brett Favre’s final season would be one to forget. However, Favre has decided to return for a 15th season in 2006. This upcoming season has to be better than 2005, right?

quarterbacks

Brett Favre is past his prime and is holding on to the glory days of his past. Sure, he still has some gas in the tank, but he makes too many mistakes to take the team anywhere meaningful, like the Super Bowl. What’s worse is the fact that the Packers don’t have a bona fide replacement for him. Of course, many will say that there is only one Favre. Still, the Packers are average in this category. A QB throwing 29 interceptions and 20 TDs just isn’t getting the job done.

runners

Who’s gonna step up and be the man? Ahman Green is an injury waiting to happen. Last season was interrupted: he had 255 yards. If Green is healthy, he should rush 1,000 yards. Still, that’s just 62.5 yards per game. 2003, when Green rushed for 1,883 yards, was a magical year and not indicative of Green’s ability, especially now that he is older. The Packers’ running game is average at best.

receivers

The receiving tandem is anchored by Donald Driver. Again, question marks ahead. If Driver stays healthy, he estimates he’ll get about 1,200 receiving yards this season. Apart from Driver, there is a big gap in the receiving unit. He is Driver and Driver. He is the only reason the receiving unit gets an average rating. If he goes down, this unit is way below average.

Defense and Special Teams

The Packers have a mediocre line this season. They picked up manager Ryan Pickett, but lost Grady Jackson. The best you can hope for this line is to do a little pushing. The linebackers are a little better and could end up being the anchor of the defense if some key players, like Ohio State’s AJ Hawk, step up. To improve the secondary, the Packers sign CB Charles Woodson. He’s not a tight cornerback by any means, but he could give the secondary a little boost. As for special teams, well, there’s not much to talk about. The one bright spot, Ryan Longwell, has left the team for Minnesota. The special teams unit is below average.

2006 sermon

The Green Bay Packers have a somewhat challenging schedule in 2006. Based on 2005, there are at least 11 games they could lose. Some of his opponents include Seattle, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New England and the foes division. It’s the last hurrah for Brett Favre. The Packers are likely to finish between 5-11 and 7-9.