Game-by-game analysis of 2009 schedule

For all the so-called Packer fans that love TT and claim that TT deserves the credit for 2007 and that last year was just a fluke or a hiccup: please explain to the TT haters that the Packers will easily win 13 games and go to the Superbowl, especially since the Packers have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL.

Please don't let me down. If you don't explain this to the haters, they will know that you really don't believe in TT and that you all are just mindless cheerleaders and hypocrits. If you don't really believe in TT, at least come up with some excuses about why he is going to fail. Please help!

I'm not sure whether or not there is sarcasm in your post. However, if you think GB is going 13-3, you are mistaken.

They will likely split with MIN and CHI. They are underdoggs against both BAL and PIT. They will also likely be underdoggs against ARI.

But then again, thats why they play the games.

b1gdmart wrote:

I'm not sure whether or not there is sarcasm in your post. However, if you think GB is going 13-3, you are mistaken.
They will likely split with MIN and CHI. They are underdoggs against both BAL and PIT. They will also likely be underdoggs against ARI.
But then again, thats why they play the games.

Yes, I thought the sarcasm would be obvious. Sorry! You know how the TT lovers refuse to acknowledge that TT is just a one year wonder? And how they keep bringing up the 13-3 season while ignoring all the other seasons? If they really believe their own B.S. they ought to believe that the Packers will win at least 13 games and go to the Superbowl. But as you can see from the lack of responses to my post, the TT lovers don't believe their own b*llshit.

GBPfan wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes, I thought the sarcasm would be obvious. Sorry! You know how the TT lovers refuse to acknowledge that TT is just a one year wonder? And how they keep bringing up the 13-3 season while ignoring all the other seasons? If they really believe their own B.S. they ought to believe that the Packers will win at least 13 games and go to the Superbowl. But as you can see from the lack of responses to my post, the TT lovers don't believe their own b*llshit.

I have been working, so I will answer as a so called TT lover and say my peace. 13-3? That is a little stretch, but 10-6 and making the playoffs is EASILY accomplished this year. I will repeat myself, we lost 7 games by 4 points or less. With major injuries on defense and a first year starter at QB. Now with AR having gone thru those growing pains will only make him better. Ryan Grant missed a lot of time, we need him back, so late in games the defense can't sit back and wait for passes from AR. We added young but seemingly good players thru the draft on D, which adds much needed depth. I really think we can turn 3-4 of those close losses into wins just because of that, if not, like I said before changes definitely need to made, its make or break this year for TT and MM. I seem to be repeating myself a lot on this website. I understand where you come from GBPfan, just don't think we are far off from making a major playoff push for years to come, most of the pieces are in place, now they just have to strap on their helmets.

im going for 11-5 10-6. As usual the healthiest team will win it as the case 95% of the time.

History proves that when a team changes their defensive scheme entirely from one year to the next, they are going to experience initial growing pains.

I can understand being a fan of the Packers and rooting for the best! However at the same time, I want you to take a step back and take a look at what your facing.

GB is set on starting DL Kampman at the outside linebacker position. In this position, the player is rushing the QB about 70% of the time. However, there is that 30% where Kampman will be playing in space. We're talking about a lifetime defensive end, whose game is built off of pure hustle and high motor, slowing it down and dropping into coverage. If anyone, Packer fan or not, thinks this will be a smooth transition, you are kidding yourself.

I personally believe Kampman is not real hott on the idea of him being a 3-4 rush LB. He's been real "hush hush" to the media here in WI. This is news, because throughout his career in GB, Kampman was always media friendly.

Aside from Kampman, you have zero experience in the 3-4 defense along your defensive line. Its an entirely new scheme. There is no longer a 3 technique position. DL will be pushed to be more of a 5 technique athlete. That will take time.

And finally, one of GB's most glaring weaknesses is along the offensive line. Sooner or later, TT will take a step back and realize that the 3 OL he drafted 3 years back are servicable back-ups at best. I do not like the analogy "swiss-cheese," but without an effective OL, no OFF can truly take off.

GB's HB position should've been upgraded as well. Although Ryan Grant performed nicely in 2007, he had a very subpar 2008, even when he was NOT injured. While back-up Brandon Jackson seems to be nothing more than a "nice" 3rd down option.

GB has a chance despite these weaknesses because the divison is so close. However to state that they will attack a 10-6 record with a divison title "easily," is a fantasy.

jeremy wrote:

<quoted text>I have been working, so I will answer as a so called TT lover and say my peace. 13-3? That is a little stretch, but 10-6 and making the playoffs is EASILY accomplished this year. I will repeat myself, we lost 7 games by 4 points or less. With major injuries on defense and a first year starter at QB. Now with AR having gone thru those growing pains will only make him better. Ryan Grant missed a lot of time, we need him back, so late in games the defense can't sit back and wait for passes from AR. We added young but seemingly good players thru the draft on D, which adds much needed depth. I really think we can turn 3-4 of those close losses into wins just because of that, if not, like I said before changes definitely need to made, its make or break this year for TT and MM. I seem to be repeating myself a lot on this website. I understand where you come from GBPfan, just don't think we are far off from making a major playoff push for years to come, most of the pieces are in place, now they just have to strap on their helmets.

Yes, you keep repeating the same excuses over and over and over again. All I ever hear from you TT lovers are excuses. It is incredibly annoying. But even you, a self described TT lover, admit that TT can't repeat his one and only winning season. You are hoping for 10 wins. As pointed out to you, that is a fantasy. Being a TT lover = being a fan of losing. It is time to become a PACKER fan.

GBPfan wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes, you keep repeating the same excuses over and over and over again. All I ever hear from you TT lovers are excuses. It is incredibly annoying. But even you, a self described TT lover, admit that TT can't repeat his one and only winning season. You are hoping for 10 wins. As pointed out to you, that is a fantasy. Being a TT lover = being a fan of losing. It is time to become a PACKER fan.

I have repeated that if this year is a failure, then changes need to be made. I also wrote "so called" TT lover mocking you. I really don't think you read my posts. I also wrote that if Favre and TT are still playing their little game, then I boycott both of them and lose all respect because no player or GM is bigger then the Packers. Why you think I love TT is beyond me. I love the PACKERS and just want them to be good, and I think 10-6 is very realistic. You just have to make the playoffs to get to the Superbowl. You don't have to go 13-3.

b1gdmart wrote:

History proves that when a team changes their defensive scheme entirely from one year to the next, they are going to experience initial growing pains.
I can understand being a fan of the Packers and rooting for the best! However at the same time, I want you to take a step back and take a look at what your facing.
GB is set on starting DL Kampman at the outside linebacker position. In this position, the player is rushing the QB about 70% of the time. However, there is that 30% where Kampman will be playing in space. We're talking about a lifetime defensive end, whose game is built off of pure hustle and high motor, slowing it down and dropping into coverage. If anyone, Packer fan or not, thinks this will be a smooth transition, you are kidding yourself.
I personally believe Kampman is not real hott on the idea of him being a 3-4 rush LB. He's been real "hush hush" to the media here in WI. This is news, because throughout his career in GB, Kampman was always media friendly.
Aside from Kampman, you have zero experience in the 3-4 defense along your defensive line. Its an entirely new scheme. There is no longer a 3 technique position. DL will be pushed to be more of a 5 technique athlete. That will take time.
And finally, one of GB's most glaring weaknesses is along the offensive line. Sooner or later, TT will take a step back and realize that the 3 OL he drafted 3 years back are servicable back-ups at best. I do not like the analogy "swiss-cheese," but without an effective OL, no OFF can truly take off.
GB's HB position should've been upgraded as well. Although Ryan Grant performed nicely in 2007, he had a very subpar 2008, even when he was NOT injured. While back-up Brandon Jackson seems to be nothing more than a "nice" 3rd down option.
GB has a chance despite these weaknesses because the divison is so close. However to state that they will attack a 10-6 record with a divison title "easily," is a fantasy.

Yes AK worries me, but regarding Grant, you don't just turn it around in the middle of the year with a groin injury. That is a lingering injury that stays with you all year. He was never able to get in a groove because of missing the first part of the year, so if he stays healthy we are way better off.

Since it's only a prediction, I'd say 11-5, 12-4. This team should have no weaknesses. The run game will be fine and Rogers will light up the league, throwing over 30 TD's. The defense, with better coaching, will be better. I see Raji a force in the middle and if Jenkins can come back strong then the d-line looks pretty good. I'm not worried too much about Kampman; our LB corps could be outstanding. There are no issues in the secondary with a blend of age/youth. Optimistic, maybe a little, but it's a prediction so why not!!!

jeremy wrote:

<quoted text>I have repeated that if this year is a failure, then changes need to be made. I also wrote "so called" TT lover mocking you. I really don't think you read my posts. I also wrote that if Favre and TT are still playing their little game, then I boycott both of them and lose all respect because no player or GM is bigger then the Packers. Why you think I love TT is beyond me. I love the PACKERS and just want them to be good, and I think 10-6 is very realistic. You just have to make the playoffs to get to the Superbowl. You don't have to go 13-3.

And of course, 10-6 has won the Superbowl before, like the Giants! They happened to have a defense capable of playing as good as any. They then proceeded to play OUTSTANDING defense in four sraight "on the road" playoff games. Needless to say, this kind of scenario playing out in Green Bay this year is considerably less than "probable." Let's all hope for at least 13 wins!

GBPfan wrote:

<quoted text>
And of course, 10-6 has won the Superbowl before, like the Giants! They happened to have a defense capable of playing as good as any. They then proceeded to play OUTSTANDING defense in four sraight "on the road" playoff games. Needless to say, this kind of scenario playing out in Green Bay this year is considerably less than "probable." Let's all hope for at least 13 wins!

Making the playoffs would be a successful year that we can build on, and maybe some key vets would want to come and play for us next year. This 3-4 transition will not be easy, but it could be very successful and we could very likely make a run at the end of the year once this defense hits its stride, ya never know. I believe the Steelers were 10-6 when they won those road playoff games also and the Superbowl.

wal0645 wrote:

Since it's only a prediction, I'd say 11-5, 12-4. This team should have no weaknesses. The run game will be fine and Rogers will light up the league, throwing over 30 TD's. The defense, with better coaching, will be better. I see Raji a force in the middle and if Jenkins can come back strong then the d-line looks pretty good. I'm not worried too much about Kampman; our LB corps could be outstanding. There are no issues in the secondary with a blend of age/youth. Optimistic, maybe a little, but it's a prediction so why not!!!

You also have the NFC getting back to the way it was in the 90's. There are not many weak teams in this conference anymore. That is why I think making the playoffs would be a success. Examples..Cardinals,Saints?,Pa nthers,Bears,Vikings, NFC East, Seattle has improved on paper, Bucs? 49ers? and the Packers will be better. Should be a great year of football, I can't wait, but I'll enjoy summer first before old man winter comes back, we had record snowfall in my area this year including a major flood following, glad spring is here!

jeremy wrote:

<quoted text>Making the playoffs would be a successful year that we can build on, and maybe some key vets would want to come and play for us next year. This 3-4 transition will not be easy, but it could be very successful and we could very likely make a run at the end of the year once this defense hits its stride, ya never know. I believe the Steelers were 10-6 when they won those road playoff games also and the Superbowl.

Apparently you want the Packers to have "something to build on" this season. This is year 5 under TT and the big goal is "something to build on."

Sorry, but I expect the Packers, not only to compete with the Steelers and Giants of the league, but to beat them. Any GM looking for sowething to build on in year 5 is never going to get them there.

The fact that you are buying in to the transition into the 3-4 thing, shows that you are frighteningly unfamiliar with the little games that loser GMs play in order to prolong their sad careers.

GBPfan wrote:

<quoted text>
Apparently you want the Packers to have "something to build on" this season. This is year 5 under TT and the big goal is "something to build on."
Sorry, but I expect the Packers, not only to compete with the Steelers and Giants of the league, but to beat them. Any GM looking for sowething to build on in year 5 is never going to get them there.
The fact that you are buying in to the transition into the 3-4 thing, shows that you are frighteningly unfamiliar with the little games that loser GMs play in order to prolong their sad careers.

TT came in with an aging team, including BF. So 3 of those 4 years were drafting and getting us back under the salary cap, and with the transition at QB,RB,OL,and LB, this year should tell us a lot on how TT built this team. If we suck again this year, I agree that he has to go, and he will, the fans will not tolerate another losing season with this much talent. You'll buy into the 3-4 once it becomes a success, I'll buy into your theory if it fails. Don't tell me I'm frighteningly unfamiliar with the aspects of the NFL.

jeremy wrote:

<quoted text>TT came in with an aging team, including BF. So 3 of those 4 years were drafting and getting us back under the salary cap, and with the transition at QB,RB,OL,and LB, this year should tell us a lot on how TT built this team. If we suck again this year, I agree that he has to go, and he will, the fans will not tolerate another losing season with this much talent. You'll buy into the 3-4 once it becomes a success, I'll buy into your theory if it fails. Don't tell me I'm frighteningly unfamiliar with the aspects of the NFL.

If you are familiar with the coaching carousel that so many GMs create when attempting to prolong their jobs, then why are you putting so much faith in this obvious ploy?

Packers will be 8-8 this year most likely.

GBPfan wrote:

<quoted text>
If you are familiar with the coaching carousel that so many GMs create when attempting to prolong their jobs, then why are you putting so much faith in this obvious ploy?

I don't have THAT much faith, just think the 3-4 is the new wave of defense in the NFL. Offenses are too sophisticated for the 4-3 anymore. I know it's a "GM" move, but offenses scored at will on us. The 3-4 gives you more exotic looks, and the offense has a tough time figuring out where the blitz is coming from. Example, Eagles VS. Vikings in playoffs, Peterson got shut down and T-Jack looked like a deer caught in the headlights. We just need more experienced players, lets say... Larry Foote?