Written by: Kevin Berge
What were the Packers thinking ruining the NFL's perfect mainstream, boring Cowboys vs. Patriots Super Bowl? (Image Courtesy of: ftw.usatoday.com)
Another year, another one NFL article as I once more cover my favorite team's success and failure. Luckily, this year was a bit more exciting for the team than last year.
Last season, the Packers showed a dangerous tendency toward overconfidence that cost them the division. This year, the expectation was that they would learn from their mistakes especially with Jordy Nelson back in the lineup to aid the offense.
In fact, there were many who predicted the Packers could very well make a Super Bowl run as long as the team's stars could stay healthy. In the NFL though, nothing is ever quite as clear as people project it to be.
Last season, the Packers showed a dangerous tendency toward overconfidence that cost them the division. This year, the expectation was that they would learn from their mistakes especially with Jordy Nelson back in the lineup to aid the offense.
In fact, there were many who predicted the Packers could very well make a Super Bowl run as long as the team's stars could stay healthy. In the NFL though, nothing is ever quite as clear as people project it to be.
Previous Packers Season in Review: 2015
One day, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will actually not take the first half of the season off. (Image Courtesy of: lombardiave.com)
Season in Stages
A Disaster Unfolding (Weeks 1-11): The Packers had their embarrassing Denver loss (from last year) early this season with a destruction in the new Vikings stadium. From there, the teams struggled almost every week before embarrassing losses popped up against the Cowboys, Colts, Titans, and Redskins.
Where this all went truly wrong were the multiple injuries along the secondary with Sam Shields quickly sidelined by a bad concussion. A groin injury sidelined Damarious Randall before week 5, and he never fully recovered even once he returned in week 12. By half way through the season, Quinten Rollins was also dealing with groin and neck injuries.
This made the defense unable to stop anyone, but this was not the whole problem. The offense looked just as out of sync as it had last year with the wide receivers constantly struggling to get open and Aaron Rodgers losing faith in his receivers to the point he was miss them getting open.
Running the Table (Weeks 12-17): After the loss in Washington, Aaron Rodgers said, "I think we can run the table. I really do." In a year where the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings had become playoff contenders, the Packers needed to do just that. They needed to win six straight games to take the division.
Somehow the Packers did just that. Rodgers got on one of the hottest streaks of his career, pulling off plays and throws that just should not be possible with the receivers stepping up. Jordy Nelson started playing at a WR1 level with Davante Adams taking a major step up, even outshining Nelson in multiple games.
The defense allowed a mere 19 points a game down the stretch with Ladarius Gunter growing up quick into a decent cover corner who was often forced to work solo with top receivers. It was as if the team of young stars was riding a destined hot streak, and they managed to take it all the way to the playoffs with wins over the Vikings and Lions to close the season.
Fighting on One Leg (Playoffs): Even with as hot a streak as the Packers were riding, they were still banged up. Nelson and Adams were hurt early in the wild card round, and the Packers could not get a strong enough group of corners to stop WRs such as Odell Beckham Jr., Dez Bryant, and Julio Jones.
Somehow, the Packers kept riding Rodgers' unbelievable play including an drawn-up-on-the-fly sideline pass with seconds on the clock to Jared Cook who also was finally stepping up. They ran into the Falcons in the conference championship though and were simply outmatched by a team that was shockingly healthy and much better balanced, ending a shocking season with an unsurprising result.
Where this all went truly wrong were the multiple injuries along the secondary with Sam Shields quickly sidelined by a bad concussion. A groin injury sidelined Damarious Randall before week 5, and he never fully recovered even once he returned in week 12. By half way through the season, Quinten Rollins was also dealing with groin and neck injuries.
This made the defense unable to stop anyone, but this was not the whole problem. The offense looked just as out of sync as it had last year with the wide receivers constantly struggling to get open and Aaron Rodgers losing faith in his receivers to the point he was miss them getting open.
Running the Table (Weeks 12-17): After the loss in Washington, Aaron Rodgers said, "I think we can run the table. I really do." In a year where the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings had become playoff contenders, the Packers needed to do just that. They needed to win six straight games to take the division.
Somehow the Packers did just that. Rodgers got on one of the hottest streaks of his career, pulling off plays and throws that just should not be possible with the receivers stepping up. Jordy Nelson started playing at a WR1 level with Davante Adams taking a major step up, even outshining Nelson in multiple games.
The defense allowed a mere 19 points a game down the stretch with Ladarius Gunter growing up quick into a decent cover corner who was often forced to work solo with top receivers. It was as if the team of young stars was riding a destined hot streak, and they managed to take it all the way to the playoffs with wins over the Vikings and Lions to close the season.
Fighting on One Leg (Playoffs): Even with as hot a streak as the Packers were riding, they were still banged up. Nelson and Adams were hurt early in the wild card round, and the Packers could not get a strong enough group of corners to stop WRs such as Odell Beckham Jr., Dez Bryant, and Julio Jones.
Somehow, the Packers kept riding Rodgers' unbelievable play including an drawn-up-on-the-fly sideline pass with seconds on the clock to Jared Cook who also was finally stepping up. They ran into the Falcons in the conference championship though and were simply outmatched by a team that was shockingly healthy and much better balanced, ending a shocking season with an unsurprising result.
A healthy Jordy Nelson makes a good offense. (Image Courtesy of: thefalconswire.usatoday.com)
Grading the 2016 Packers Roster
Quarterback: Quick Grade - A
Notable Players: Aaron Rodgers
It is easy to praise Rodgers who was legitimately the best quarterback in the league once the team began running the table, but it is important to temper that praise with criticism. Rodgers looked bad early in the season, not even playing at a middle of the pack level.
Certainly some of the blame for that goes to the wide receivers, but Rodgers also often was blind to the receivers actually getting open. Once he got comfortable with the group though, he was nearly unstoppable particularly when he escaped the pocket.
Running Backs: Quick Grade - C+
Notable Players: Eddie Lacy, Ty Montgomery, Christine Michael, Aaron Ripkowski
Eddie Lacy only played in five games this year, but he average 5.1 YPC which is on par with Ezekiel Elliott and only surpassed by four backs. The Packers were left with a conundrum when he went down with an ankle injury and found their solution in finally officially naming Ty Montgomery a running back.
Together with FB Aaron Ripkowski and late addition Christine Michael, the Packers hobbled together a competent running game though one where Rodgers still was often the lead rusher. Montgomery and Ripkowski should be solid complementary backs for a long time for the Packers.
It is still hard to say where this group will go from here. Lacy is set to hit free agency with the Packers likely not valuing him as highly as others will. With James Starks ineffective when playing and often hurt, this leaves no one truly proven to take the reigns.
Receivers: Quick Grade - B
Notable Players: Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jared Cook.
It took too long for the group to gel, but the receivers in Green Bay were lethal this year with Rodgers on a roll. In particular, Nelson was one of the top five WRs in the league by the end of the season, and Adams was also playing at a WR1 level. Randall Cobb dealt with a few too many injuries but was great at times.
The real interesting aspects of the offense were Jared Cook and undrafted rookie Geronimo Allison. Cook struggled with drops and injuries but was electric near the end of the season as a big play target for Rodgers. Allison took up the reigns whenever one of the top three went down and only got better with time.
Offensive Line: Quick Grade - A+
Notable Players: David Bakhtiari, T.J. Lang, Corey Linsley, Lane Taylor, Bryan Bulaga
In the NFL, few things are more important these days than a powerful offensive line, and only Dallas and perhaps Oakland have one that is better than the Packers. Even with the team's best player Josh Sitton sent packing to make up cap space before the season, the group stayed healthy and focused.
The only real injury to speak of for the O-line was at center as J.C. Tretter went down only to be replaced by Corey Linsley who was more or less the starter before he was injured last year. The duo can both play at a top ten level.
All Green Bay had to avoid was ever having to play Don Barclay at either guard position which they mostly accomplished. With Lane Taylor stepping up to fill Sitton's role and Bakhtiari becoming a true number one tackle, this crew was the best pass blocking line in the league which is impressive given how long Rodgers often holds the ball.
Notable Players: Aaron Rodgers
It is easy to praise Rodgers who was legitimately the best quarterback in the league once the team began running the table, but it is important to temper that praise with criticism. Rodgers looked bad early in the season, not even playing at a middle of the pack level.
Certainly some of the blame for that goes to the wide receivers, but Rodgers also often was blind to the receivers actually getting open. Once he got comfortable with the group though, he was nearly unstoppable particularly when he escaped the pocket.
Running Backs: Quick Grade - C+
Notable Players: Eddie Lacy, Ty Montgomery, Christine Michael, Aaron Ripkowski
Eddie Lacy only played in five games this year, but he average 5.1 YPC which is on par with Ezekiel Elliott and only surpassed by four backs. The Packers were left with a conundrum when he went down with an ankle injury and found their solution in finally officially naming Ty Montgomery a running back.
Together with FB Aaron Ripkowski and late addition Christine Michael, the Packers hobbled together a competent running game though one where Rodgers still was often the lead rusher. Montgomery and Ripkowski should be solid complementary backs for a long time for the Packers.
It is still hard to say where this group will go from here. Lacy is set to hit free agency with the Packers likely not valuing him as highly as others will. With James Starks ineffective when playing and often hurt, this leaves no one truly proven to take the reigns.
Receivers: Quick Grade - B
Notable Players: Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jared Cook.
It took too long for the group to gel, but the receivers in Green Bay were lethal this year with Rodgers on a roll. In particular, Nelson was one of the top five WRs in the league by the end of the season, and Adams was also playing at a WR1 level. Randall Cobb dealt with a few too many injuries but was great at times.
The real interesting aspects of the offense were Jared Cook and undrafted rookie Geronimo Allison. Cook struggled with drops and injuries but was electric near the end of the season as a big play target for Rodgers. Allison took up the reigns whenever one of the top three went down and only got better with time.
Offensive Line: Quick Grade - A+
Notable Players: David Bakhtiari, T.J. Lang, Corey Linsley, Lane Taylor, Bryan Bulaga
In the NFL, few things are more important these days than a powerful offensive line, and only Dallas and perhaps Oakland have one that is better than the Packers. Even with the team's best player Josh Sitton sent packing to make up cap space before the season, the group stayed healthy and focused.
The only real injury to speak of for the O-line was at center as J.C. Tretter went down only to be replaced by Corey Linsley who was more or less the starter before he was injured last year. The duo can both play at a top ten level.
All Green Bay had to avoid was ever having to play Don Barclay at either guard position which they mostly accomplished. With Lane Taylor stepping up to fill Sitton's role and Bakhtiari becoming a true number one tackle, this crew was the best pass blocking line in the league which is impressive given how long Rodgers often holds the ball.
A unhealthy secondary makes a bad defense. (Image Courtesy of: deathvalleyvice.com)
Defensive Line: Quick Grade - C
Notable Players: Mike Daniels, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Kenny Clark, Clay Matthews, Datone Jones, Blake Martinez
It often felt like the entire Packers defensive line chose certain days to step up. Beyond the reliably impressive Daniels, no one in the defense is an elite talent, but many stepped up game by game for serious performances. Still, even with great performances from Peppers and Perry, they still disappeared too often.
The Packers attempted to get a host of rookies into the mix, and they looked like rookies often with potential flashed but also failed moments. This is a line working to get into sync, and it may take a while longer especially once Peppers decides to retire.
Secondary: Quick Grade - D
Notable Players: Ladarius Gunter, Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, Micah Hyde, Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Nothing killed this group more than the week two loss of Shields. Once he was gone, the Packers watched their secondary implode with injuries making certain Green Bay never had a great group covering the receivers. Gunter did as good a job he could as a second year undrafted free agent, but he got little help.
The bright spot that kept this group from truly failing were the safeties. Burnett and Clinton-Dix have become a great combination in the backfield along with Hyde moving around the secondary at cornerback and safety at times to make for three playmakers who could be great with more help.
Special Teams: Quick Grade - C+
Notable Players: Mason Crosby, Jacob Schum
The Packers finally made a change at punter, and the move was clearly an upgrade. While not an elite option, Schum pulled out some crucial punts particularly when they mattered most in the playoffs. Crosby is also not among the best kickers, but he was fairly reliable with a top ten field goal percentage and proved his worth in the playoffs with back-to-back 50 yarders to win the Packers the game against the Cowboys.
Notable Players: Mike Daniels, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Kenny Clark, Clay Matthews, Datone Jones, Blake Martinez
It often felt like the entire Packers defensive line chose certain days to step up. Beyond the reliably impressive Daniels, no one in the defense is an elite talent, but many stepped up game by game for serious performances. Still, even with great performances from Peppers and Perry, they still disappeared too often.
The Packers attempted to get a host of rookies into the mix, and they looked like rookies often with potential flashed but also failed moments. This is a line working to get into sync, and it may take a while longer especially once Peppers decides to retire.
Secondary: Quick Grade - D
Notable Players: Ladarius Gunter, Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, Micah Hyde, Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Nothing killed this group more than the week two loss of Shields. Once he was gone, the Packers watched their secondary implode with injuries making certain Green Bay never had a great group covering the receivers. Gunter did as good a job he could as a second year undrafted free agent, but he got little help.
The bright spot that kept this group from truly failing were the safeties. Burnett and Clinton-Dix have become a great combination in the backfield along with Hyde moving around the secondary at cornerback and safety at times to make for three playmakers who could be great with more help.
Special Teams: Quick Grade - C+
Notable Players: Mason Crosby, Jacob Schum
The Packers finally made a change at punter, and the move was clearly an upgrade. While not an elite option, Schum pulled out some crucial punts particularly when they mattered most in the playoffs. Crosby is also not among the best kickers, but he was fairly reliable with a top ten field goal percentage and proved his worth in the playoffs with back-to-back 50 yarders to win the Packers the game against the Cowboys.
Still waiting for Clay Matthews to return. His near invisible stunt double is getting a little silly. (Image Courtesy of: si.com)
Final Reflection
This was a season that was hard to watch at times which made the incredible run all the more satisfying. It was a well told story from start to almost finish that also showed this team, defined by quite a few young players, has real potential to make a frightening run if it can do this from the start next year.
Making it to the conference championships is a huge deal for any team even if leaving without a win makes certain this team leaves without a playoff trophy to their name. At one point, I was certain this team was going to be 8-8. For them to rally and even slightly tease a shot at the playoffs was something special.
While the Packers seem to always fall into these situations where they are good enough to make the playoffs but never enough to make the Super Bowl, this was the kind of success that can be built upon rather than last year's rather languid finish where the Packers put on a decent showing after backing into the playoffs.
With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers will always have a chance at winning it all, and they'll have to do it much like this, having players step up in big ways to make a run of it if the Packers plan to ever get Rodgers a second Super Bowl victory.
Making it to the conference championships is a huge deal for any team even if leaving without a win makes certain this team leaves without a playoff trophy to their name. At one point, I was certain this team was going to be 8-8. For them to rally and even slightly tease a shot at the playoffs was something special.
While the Packers seem to always fall into these situations where they are good enough to make the playoffs but never enough to make the Super Bowl, this was the kind of success that can be built upon rather than last year's rather languid finish where the Packers put on a decent showing after backing into the playoffs.
With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers will always have a chance at winning it all, and they'll have to do it much like this, having players step up in big ways to make a run of it if the Packers plan to ever get Rodgers a second Super Bowl victory.