NFL 2000 Preview - NFC Central
By: James AlderDateline: August 17, 2000
Green Bay Packers
The once mighty Green Bay Packers showed some cracks in their armor last season finishing 8-8 under the Ray Rhodes regime. Bringing in Rhodes was a disastrous move that made no sense since Rhodes was not exactly setting the world on fire in Philadelphia anyway. But give general manager Ron Wolfe credit for recognizing his mistake and making a change before things really fall apart.The Packers were restricted in the offseason by salary cap problems. They did not have the cap space to bring in any of the big-name free agents that were available, so their chances this season will depend on Brett Favre returning to the form he exhibited during his MVP seasons. Green Bay will also have to count on some of their young players developing into quality fulltime players.
Brett Favre, at quarterback, is the heart and soul of this team. As Brett Favre goes, so go the Packers. He could lead them to the playoffs if he comes back strong, or he could lead them to the depths of the division if he continues his tendancy to give the ball away.
Mike Shermann is supposed to bring back the discipline that Favre and the Packers lacked under Ray Rhodes, but a little more discipline may not matter if Brett's thumb does not improve by the season opener. Brett was second in the league last year with 23 interceptions, a number that may have been inflated by his trying to play through the injury. Favre has also been bothered by tedenitis in the elbow of his throwing arm.
Dorsey Levins was slated as the opening day starter at running back after last year's 1,000 yard performance, although a recent arthroscopic procedure on his knee may leave him unavailable for the first game. Levins was also a very valuable safety valve for Favre, catching 71 passes out of the backfield. Basil Mitchell will probably start in Levins' spot until he returns while William Henderson once again starts at fullback.
At wide receiver, the Packers have Antonio Freeman and Bill Schroeder starting, but after that the level of ability drops drastically. Freeman should be one of the top receivers in the league if Favre returns to form, and Schroeder should get his share of catches, but Corey Bradford was a big dissapointment last year in the number three slot. The Packers also lost tight end Mark Chmura on sexual assault charges, but added rookie Bubba Franks who could compete for a starting job before the season is over.
The defensive line would be quite impressive... if it were 1997. Russell Maryland and Santana Dotson were, at one time, two of the best linemen in the league, but both players are past their prime now and may have lost a step over the last couple of years. Vonnie Holliday was impressive in his rookie season and may take over the starting left end position, but free agent defensive end John Thierry was an underachiever and was mostly ineffective with the chicago Bears.
The linebacking position will be a big question mark for the Packers. Injuries a free agent defections have decimated the talent at this position. Right now they are hoping Jude Waddy will develop into a productive outside linebacker. The Packers also have hopes that rookie Na'il Diggs from Ohio State will be able to contribute
In the defensive backfield, Antuan Edwards will challenge Darren Sharper for the starting free safety job. At corner Tyrone Williams will have to do a better job sticking with his coverage or else opposing quarterbacks will be throwing his way all day. Strong Safety LeRoy Butler should return to being the impact player he was two years ago under Mike Holmgren if Shermann uses him properly.
If you want an indication as to how the Pack is going to do this year just keep an eye on Brett Favre's performance. If he struggles again this season you can bet that the Packers will struggle too.
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How Will They Finish?
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