Green Bay Packers – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis

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The Quest Continues...

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers head into the 2017 season with one thing on their mind: The Lombardi Trophy. The Packers were first place in the NFC North in 5 of the last 6 years. But unfortunately for the cheese heads, they have failed to take their wins all the way to the Super Bowl. Over the course of the off-season the Packers made some changes that could either make or break the top contending team.

Major Losses

Eddie Lacy - Running Back

The former leader of the backfield announced he will be signing a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Although Lacy did not live up to his potential in Green Bay, this can be a major loss for a team struggling to find a solid run game. Ty Montgomery will take over at lead back and the Packers will utilize Aaron Ripkowski as their full-back. The Packers rookie, Jamaal Williams from BYU, will likely be number two in line for carries.

Defensive Losses

CB - Micah Hyde
DE - Julius Pepppers
DE - Datone Jones
DT - Mike Pennel

An already struggling defense finds themselves losing a few cornerstone pieces. Veteran defensive end, Julius Peppers signed with the Carolina Panthers over the off-season taking away a big-time mentor for the young players. Defensive back, Micah Hyde made his way over to the Buffalo Bills. The Packers will need their rookie draft picks to step up this season if they hope to remain on top of their division.

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Key Additions

Receiving Threats

Martellus Bennett - Tight End
Lance Kendricks - Tight End

The Packers lose one tight end and bring in two. Jared Cook signed with the Raiders over the off-season and the Packers were quick to fill the void. They signed both Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks which could provide some great targets over the middle of the field for Aaron Rodgers. This seems to be an upgrade to an already dynamic passing game supported by WRs Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams.

Defensive Additions

CB - Davon House
DT - Ricky Jean-Francois

House had a tough year in 2016 but he will become the #1 corner back on the Packers roster. Jean-Francois has had a solid career and combined for a career high 32 tackles last season with the Washington Redskins. The Packers will need these players along with their veterans Clay Matthews and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix to step up to their full potential in 2017 to try and put an end to last year's defensive troubles.

Draft Picks

CB - Kevin King - 2nd Round
S - Josh Jones - 2nd Round
DT - Montravius Adams - 3rd Round
LB - Vince Biegel - 4th Round

The Packers drafted a slew of defensive players in the early rounds of this years draft. Kevin King, the hard hitting corner from Washington will get the nod as a starting d-back. NC State's Josh Jones will certainly have a safety role with the Packers. Both King and Jones have looked sharp over the course of training camp and will provide the Packer's defense with some fresh, young talent. Montravius Adams and Vince Biegel both head into the season sporting foot injuries and remain sidelined indefinitely.

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The Outlook

The Green Bay Packers remain the team to beat in the NFC North. Aaron Rodger's already dominant air-attack received a boost over the off-season with their new tight-end threats. But will the altered run game and inexperienced defensive backs be enough to carry them through to the playoffs?

Green Bay Packers Website: http://www.packers.com/

Thanks for reading!
-- @jeffjagoe --

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