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"We were aggressive in areas we felt we needed to be. We're all excited, it's a new year. This organization feels we're gonna be a threat to deal with on both sides of the ball." Easy E
The moves by the Packers this offseason may not be sexy.. but they are effective and hard to argue with. The front office was very clear in the direction they wanted to move and that was apparent throughout free agency, trades and the draft.
The Packers doubled down on defense by drafting a "hotshot" young Cornerback out of Texas in Julius Scott at 2nd overall, and Rayshon Morgan in the third round, a very impressive Strong Safety from San Jose St. In free agency the team welcomed a seasoned veteran in William Gay, whom I'm sure will take on the responsibility of showing the "rooks" a few tricks of the trade. These moves were made to replace the absence of veteran Sam Shields who was traded to Tennessee in the offseason and departure of Ha-HA Clinton Dix last season.
"I'm excited to be in Green Bay and I can't wait to put on that helmet for the first time and run out on to Lambeau field... it's absolutely a dream come true." Julius Scott
"I've worked so hard to get here and happy to now have a job playing the sport I love." Rayshon Morgan
Jordan Hill moved to the right defensive end position, while Brandon Mebane stays on the left. John Rodriguez, the second year hard nosed Defensive tackle from LSU, will fill the middle. Matthews, Mingo, Perry, and Barrington will be the return representatives for this linebacker corps which completes this rugged front seven, that seemed to give several offenses late last season some serious trouble.
"We're excited about what we've put together and can't wait to get this year started, and hey, Defense wins championships right.." Clay Matthews
Lions, Vikings and Bears oh my.. pssshhhh get outta here, and word to the south, when it gets a lil' cold, we're coming to see you too! Barkavious Mingo
In the 2017 season, the NFC North will match up with the NFC South, and the Packers will play the Saints, Buccaneers, Falcons and Panthers in what could turn out to play a very crucial role in where the team's playoffs hopes lie, as they come in the later part of the year. With the Super Bowl champion Lions matching up head to head with the Packers in weeks 1 and 3 of the regular season we might learn early what this team is made of.
On the offensive side of the ball the Packers made a small adjustment at Center through free agency by adding Kraig Urbik. Urbik is bruising "Big Mauler" style player that will add some veteran experience to the 2017 offensive line. The receiving corps got a bit more interesting with the addition of Doriel Green-Beckham, a 6'5 235 plus pound second year receiver from the Titans. Barkavious Mingo and Eric Mettenberger have been reunited from their college playing days from LSU here in Green Bay and the two have enjoyed catching up on the "golden years". Mettenberger will be learning from one of the best here in Green Bay, although it's way too early to tell if he will be the answer in the future. For now he will be a very suitable backup, and option for Rodgers if he needs a series off from time to time.
In closing Packernation the boys are getting excited and to be honest, so am I. I've covered this team for quite a while now, and to see the focus and determination I've seen on the practice field, I have the best of hopes for what's to come. Coming off a season that finished even at 8-8 the community feels that yes... This year could be our year!! Only time will tell of course but as the owner says himself, the changes have been made in the areas where needed to be a threat on both sides of the ball.
SEASON 3 IS HERE!!!!!