marty -> RE: The Packers (8/23/2013 11:17:33 PM)
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I'm starting to lean towards picking the Packers to win the division, but have to see a little from the Vikes preseason game 3, 1st half, to finalize my decision. Why would I pick the Packers ? The Packers played a tough Seattle team, and the Packers without their best WR (Nelson) played Seattle tough. I thought the refs were doing quite a bit to help the Packers, calling holding penalties on Seattle's offensive drives, and the refs unfairly gave the Pack a 1st down where there was clearly a fumble (that they thankfully changed after a replay challenge), and incorrectly gave the Packers a TD (Finley) where the ball hit the ground (thankfully, also that was turned over after replay). The Packers played physical, they have some good size. I think their LT is likely to be an improvement over Newberry (who appears to have now lost the starting RT spot). Johnny Jolly also gives them size on defense, but I'm hoping he becomes a cancer. Nick Perry also gives them some size, and their 2ndary looks pretty good. Jolly AND Perry should help the run defense, but I suspect there are still holes with regards to run defense in the 2ndary, along with Hawk, who's a liability at times against thh run. Eddie Lacy gives them a good physical presence with the running game, but I question if they'll open up enough holes for him. Hopefully, he flounders. On the negative side, I think playing Arrogant Rodgers one series could hurt them in the opener against SF, they could come out rusty on offense in a game I expected them to get help from officiating (assuming the betting is mostly on SF) and pull the upset. Nelson not playing could mean his timing with Rodgers might be off, and he might not even play the 1st game (perhaps he doesn't want to play the game, allowing himself to be hurt, figuring GB is likely to lose that game). Harris getting hurt tonight could also hurt their depth a bit. I still think the Vikes have a shot at the division, but want to see more out of Ponder and Patterson, and Jennings, etc...., and some proof that the defense won't miss Winfield. And after an impressive performance from the Bears at Oakland, I think that means something. They could be the team that wins the division if their offense clicks early in the year, and their defense gels quickly.
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