In this series of articles here on the Last Word On Sports, we will be breaking down each NFL division starting every Monday, preparing for the upcoming 2018 NFL Season. We will highlight strengths and weaknesses of each team and make our best analysis and predictions for this upcoming season. Let’s finish the NFC North Breakdown.
2018 NFL Breakdown: Green Bay Packers (13-3)
Who are the three losses too you may ask, well that is simple. 1. Splitting the series with the Minnesota Vikings. 2. Losing to the Seattle Seahawks on a short week after they have a bye. 3. The Los Angeles Rams. Yes, a win against the New England Patriots, and yes a win against the Atlanta Falcons. This Green Bay Packers team is scary and has history on their side. Last time Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone he came back better than ever and won the league’s MVP award. Without Rodgers covering up some weak spots the team had this last season, they were able to address them correctly. Wide receiver Davante Adams, playing with Brett Hundley, still put up 10 touchdowns on the year showing he is a true #1 receiver. The young backfield proved they were something to be respected after running behind the second offensive line unit. This offense has the making to be one of the best in the NFL. Oh yeah, and they added deadly red zone target, Jimmy Graham.
Strengths
Since I already gave the offense credit, lets say the defensive line. The defensive line with Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels, Mohammed Wilkerson, and Dean Lowry is one of the top units in the league. To beat the best teams in the league inside pressure is the key. 8.5 sacks between Clark and Daniels last season, and now add former Pro-Bowler Wilkerson to the mix. Opposing quarterbacks will need to watch out.
Weaknesses
Outside linebacker depth. Behind Clay Matthews and Nick Perry are some promising yet unproven bodies. The way to keep the pass rush off the outside productive is to stay fresh. If Kyler Fackrell, Reggie Gilbert, and Vince Biegel, don’t provide enough support to get Matthews and Perry off the field, the outside pass rush will again struggle this year.
Team MVP: Kevin King
Who wouldn’t say, Aaron Rodgers? For the sake of you readers, I will say Kevin King. There was a lot of promise watching him play last year, but injuries dampened his potential. This year after rehab and recovery, he needs to prove he can be a true #1 corner. Stability in the backend will sure up the atrocious pass defense from last year and it starts with Kevin King. Everything in the backend will be simpler if they need not worry about who is in front of King.
Breakout Rookie: Jaire Alexander
For the same reason as above Jaire Alexander. He and King compliment each other well. Alexander has the ball skills to change games in the NFL, and he will have the opportunity to do so against the high powered offenses that Green Bay will be playing this year. Versatility to play on the boundary or the slot will give him plenty of opportunities to play. With King hopefully being on an island, Jaire will be receiving a lot of attention this upcoming season.
Main Image Credit:Embed from Getty Images
