That was the pre-season byline for the Green Bay Packers when ESPN put out it's Power Rankings for the first time. It was true, at the time. The Packers in 2008 were the NFL's 20th ranked defense. They were 12th against the pass and 26th against the run. They allowed 23.8 points per game and were 22nd in that category. They were 25th in the NFL in sacks with just 27 on the season. They gave up 20 rushing touchdowns and over 131-yards per game on the ground.

Enter Dom Capers, his 3-4 defensive scheme, two highly talented rookies on defense, a future Hall of Fame cornerback playing at his highest level and a group of unstoppable offensive threats and you now have two units that is are at the top of heap in the entire NFL.

With pick number nine in the 2009 NFL draft the Packers selected B.J. Raji from Boston College. At 6-foot-2 and 337-pounds, the Packers hoped Raji would be able to fill a big need up front in the new 3-4 scheme. Raji was selected over Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who was the near-consensus top offensive playmaker in the draft and surprisingly available at the No. 9 slot. The Packers had little need for the Crabtree, with standouts Donald Driver and Greg Jennings already in place.

Ted Thompson sent the sent picks 41, 73 and 83 to the New England Patriots for picks 26 and 162, and with pick number 26 he selected Clay Matthews from USC. Matthews has been a terror this season in the 3-4, flying all over the field recording 51 tackles and 10 sacks this season. Following the draft, outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene has this to say about Matthews,

"I gave him the three basic job descriptions for an outside backer in the 3-4," Greene said. "He's got to cover like a big strong safety. He has to play the run hard at the point of attack, and he has got to rush the passer like a defensive end weighing about 285 pounds."

Both have been standouts on the Packers defense this season and the results have been immediate. The Packers, heading into the final week of the season, have a chance to finish with the number one rushing defense in the NFL. The Packers 131-yards per game in 2008 has been cut to a very slim 85.7 in 2009. Only Minnesota and New England have given up fewer rushing touchdowns than the Packers five.

Charles Woodson and the defensive backfield have improved their standing as well. At 10th in the NFL in passing yards allowed, the Packers have intercepted more passes than any other team in the NFL and their turnover ratio of +22 is far and away the best in the league.

On offense it is pretty much what you would expect. Aaron Rodgers is as advertised and with Jennings and Driver leading the way and Ryan Grant seemingly back to form they are nearly unstoppable. 2008 third round pick Jermichael Finley out of Texas, another key find from Thompson, is third on the team in receptions with 51. James Jones another third round pick from 2007 is fourth on the team in receptions and second in touchdowns with five.

Thompson is a firm believer in building his teams through the draft, and so far 2009 is proving to be a banner year from Teddy. The Packers on on their way to a Wild Card berth and are well equipped to make a run in the NFC Playoffs. It might be a good time for this site to take a break for a bit.

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Comments (1)

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written by Maroussia , February 26, 2010

It will be great to watch New England Patriots, i have bought tickets from
http://ticketfront.com/event/N...rd to it.

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