The season opener is right around the corner, and the Packers should have an ok year. Probably not a playoff year, but you never know.

I predict them to go 9-7 and finish behind the Bears this year. Why?

A large part of their success depends on the defense. While the Packers defense was rated 25th(PPG) in the league last year, I think they really were better than that. The numbers don't show it, but they were very strong. The reason their numbers sucked so hard is because the offense really sucked hard last year. The offense had so many 3 and outs it seemed like the defense was always on the field. The defense had a lot of great stops, but could not do that every time. The defense should be about the same as last year, if not a little better. The front 4 and linebackers are solid as ever, Cullin Jenkins seems to be stepping it up, and the secondary has gotten better just by having Manual off the field.

The real story though, like always, is the offense. Expect the offense to be about the same as last year. The big, obvious hit is running back. Trading Green was the right move, he is used up as a running back, and wanted too much money per fumble. Unfortunately everyone got hurt in preseason and we are stuck with an unproven rookie. The saving counter to a questionable running game is the revamped receiving core. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and now James Jones should be a pretty potent mix. And don't forget that Koren Robinson is coming back after 4 games. He only had 7 catches last year, but 6 of them were for first downs.

The other bonus for the offense is the line. This line has been together for a year now, and everyone has heard of the zone blocking scheme up in Green Bay, so the time to gel will really help out. The increased line will give Farve more time to throw, which he will need because I don't think the other teams will respect the run too much.

That said, if Jackson does pan out Willie Parker or a Rudi Johnson, this Packer season could be a lot more exciting than many people think. And that is not so far fetched. Running backs do make a difference, but I'm starting to feel its the team that matters more. How does Wisconsin find stellar running backs every year that don't make it into the playoffs? How does Addai step in for Edge? How does Denver seem to have a great running back every year? It might have more to do with the system than the back.

Two games each against the Vikings and Lions, then the Giants, Redskins, Chiefs, Raiders, and Rams adds up to 9. Yea, they lose on Sunday to the Eagles because they are too young and the Eagles have our number.