Green and gold season

It's time (past time actually) to get my annual Green Bay Packer prediction out. Once again, I'm going with 9 and 7, and if things break right, a playoff berth. It worked out pretty well last year, especially when you consider the staggering start (1 and 4 after five weeks).

The biggest problem on offense is the line. It's hard to downplay the departures of longtime guards Mike Wahle (Carolina) and Marco Rivera (Dallas); the preseason games did nothing to dispel the notion that the line has a long way to go. On the positive side, they've got a promising future in seventh round pick Will Whitticker, who looks to start at right guard and there was some progress in the unit. Given that the rest of the offense is back, the season hinges in many respects on the play of the line and I think they'll do better than many others seem to.

The defense has been much maligned and I'm not going to add wood to that fire. The line is undersized and a potential weak point. They're a bit thin a linebacker and don't have an outstanding talent there but they're competent. The defensive backs are going to be interesting to watch (in good and bad ways). Rookies Nick Collins and Mike Hawkins are likely to get a bit of playing time, we'll have to see what happens with Marviel Underwood. I believe that Jim Bates D will be better than some expect and the real surprise of the season.