Since 2001, the Green Bay Packers have won fewer games than the previous year. Their alarming slide came to the fore last season when they finished a paltry 4-12. The team was plagued with injuries and problems. It seemed that the last season of Brett Favre would be to forget. However, Favre has decided to return for a fifteenth season in 2006. This upcoming season has to be better than 2005, right?

quarterbacks

Brett Favre is past his prime and clings to the glory days gone by. Sure, he still has some gas in the tank, but he makes too many mistakes to get the team somewhere meaningful, like the Super Bowl. What’s worse is the fact that the Packers don’t have a bona fide replacement for him. Of course, many will say that there is only one Favre. Still, the Packers are average in this category. A QB who throws 29 interceptions and 20 TDs just isn’t getting the job done.

runners

Who’s gonna step up and be the man? Ahman Green is an injury waiting to happen. Last season was interrupted: he had 255 yards. If Green is healthy, he should run for about 1,000 yards. Still, that’s only 62.5 yards per game. 2003, when Green rushed for 1,883 yards, was a magical year and not indicative of Green’s ability, especially now that he’s older. The Packers’ running game is average at best.

receivers

The receiving tandem is anchored by Donald Driver. Again, question marks ahead. If Driver stays healthy, he estimates he’ll get around 1,200 receiving yards this season. Apart from Driver, there is a big gap in the receiving unit. He is Driver and Conductor. He is the only reason the receiving unit gets an average rating. If he goes down, this unit is well below average.

Defense and Special Teams

The Packers have a mediocre line this season. They picked up DT Ryan Pickett, but lost Grady Jackson. The best this line can hope for is to make a little push. The Linebackers are slightly better and could end up anchoring the defense if some key players, like Ohio State’s AJ Hawk, step up. To improve the secondary, the Packers sign CB Charles Woodson. He’s not a tight corner by any means, but he could give the secondary a little boost. As for special teams, well, there’s not much to talk about. The only bright spot, Ryan Longwell, has left the team for Minnesota. The special teams unit is below average.

2006 sermon

The Green Bay Packers have a somewhat challenging schedule in 2006. Based on 2005, there are at least 11 games they could lose. Some of their opponents include Seattle, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New England, and the enemy division. It’s the last hurrah for Brett Favre. The Packers will most likely finish between 5-11 and 7-9.