Five Keys to the Packers Returning to the Playoffs

On ESPN’s NFL Live Monday, June 29, 2009, both analysts (Cris Carter and James Hasty) said Green Bay was the non-playoff team from 2008 most likely to make the playoffs in 2009. There are few times a 6-10 team can enter the next season as a team that is widely considered a contender to not only make the playoffs, but win their division.

But the Packers outplayed their division rivals head-to-head, going no worse than 1-1 against any team and outscoring all three. They also have the history of dominating their division, winning seven of the last 14 titles.

Plus, with the NFL’s parity, it is not unheard of, either. Last season was the first in the short history of the NFC South that the last-place team did not win the division the next year (other than the first season of the division, with no incumbent last-place team).

However, all three other teams in the NFC North have improved in the off-season. Therefore, the Packers need some things to fall in place to make the playoffs; here are the top five keys to the Packers returning to the post-season:

1. Can the Packers’ young offensive line hold together?

There are several players the Packers are looking to step up and either take over a starting position or elevate their game to the level it needs to be. Among those who were not on the field last season are T.J. Lang and Breno Giacomini, and others who may be in the mix for starting are Tony Moll, Allen Barbre, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton, and Daryn Colledge. Incumbents Scott Wells and Chad Clifton struggled with injuries and may lose their spots if they are not healthy this season.

2. How quickly can the Packers defense adjust to the new 3-4 system?

The Packers will have three players with new responsibilities, the most drastic being Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman moving to outside linebacker (where he has not played since college). But either DE Jeremy Thompson or 4-3 outside linebackers Brady Poppinga or Clay Matthews III (a rookie) will play the other spot, and Johnny Jolly or Justin Harrell will be moving from the inside to play end.

3. Will Pat and Kevin Williams have their suspensions reduced by a favourable Minnesota court?

Both players were able to play at the end of last season as a Minnesota court conveniently ruled their suspensions should be delayed for an investigation. This was almost unprecedented, and could be repeated as the final decision is once again in the hands of a court within the team’s fan base. If the four games are reduced, the two will be available when the Packers come to town.

4. Will Brett Favre be healthy and if he is, how quickly will he acquire chemistry with his new teammates?

Favre has struggled mightily at the end of the past four seasons, throwing just 15 TDs and 39 picks in the 17 games from Thanksgiving on. But Favre is a definite upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels. If he clicks as quickly in Minnesota as he did in New York last season, the Vikings can win in week four even without the Williams Tackle Tandem.

5. How much of a difference will Jay Cutler make for the Chicago Bears?

Cutler will not likely have a Brandon Marshall-quality receiver to throw to for the Bears, who have no receivers on their roster who could even crack the Packers top-four. This could mean Cutler struggles to perform at a much higher level than Kyle Orton did in 2008, but if the Bears can get significantly more out of the quarterback position than they did last year (a 9-7 season), they are probably in the playoffs, making the Packers that much less likely to earn a birth.