By Eric “Big E” Jacinto
2013 Green Bay Packers
2012 Record: 11-5 (NFC North Champions) lost 45-31 in the Divisional Round to the San Francisco 49ers
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy (8th season)
2013 Green Bay Packers’ Schedule: click here to view!
The Packers ended the 2012 season with disappointment, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in a shoot out, 45-31. Since winning the Super Bowl in 2010 they have lost in back-to-back divisional games, both times losing to the NFC Champions (Giants & 49ers). Rodgers had a fanatic season last year, leading the league in QB rating for second season in row (108.0), second in TD passes (39), third in completion percentage (67.2%) and eighth in passing yards (4,295). He is still considered by many the best quarterback in the NFL right now, and looks to lead the Packers back to the Super Bowl this season. With two good rookie running backs, the Packers can go back to a more balanced offense. Rodgers signed a contract extension in the off-season ,a five year deal worth $110 million, which makes him the highest paid player in NFL history.
Packers’ Off-Season Moves:
Key Additions: Datone Jones, (DE, Drafted), Eddie Lacy, (RB, Drafted).
Key Departures: Greg Jennings, (WR, Signed with the Minnesota Vikings), Donald Driver, (WR, Retired), Tom Crabtree, (TE, Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Charles Woodson, (S, Released; Signed with Oakland Raiders.
Biggest Question heading into the season:
Can either one of the Packers’ rookie running backs Eddie Lacy or Jonathan Franklin step up and give the Packers the running back they have been looking for, for years?
Big E’s Final Thoughts and Predictions:
The Packers have a big chip on their shoulders, especially Aaron Rodgers, who wants to bring another championship to “Title Town.” In order for the Packers to win the Super Bowl they will have to execute a more balanced offense, while the defense must step up and be at least close to what they were back when they won it in 2010.
Big E’s Prediction:
12-4 (1st in the NFC North): The Packers are the class of the NFC North and have been for the last few years. They have perhaps the best QB in the NFL and if they find their running back they’ve been searching for, they will have a nice balance attack. They should run away with the division and earn a bye week in the first round.
Thanks For Reading!
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Edited by: Todd LaPlante