2. Improved defense
The Packers defense was one of the best in the NFL the year they won the Super Bowl, but it has performed miserably since. They have failed to generate a consistent pass rush outside of Clay Matthews, but Thompson signed Julius Peppers in a rare free-agency splash. He is expected to take pressure off of Matthews, and rookie Carl Bradford is also expected to see snaps at outside linebacker. He is being seen as a draft steal after totaling 43 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks in his Arizona State career. Defensive end Mike Daniels also figures to provide an adequate pass rush after finishing 6.5 sacks as a rotational end last season.
The pass defense is much more talented as well with the drafting of HaHa Clinton-Dix, and losing Jennings and McMillian will work wonders at safety. Morgan Burnett is all but certain to bounce back now that he has more help around him. Sam Shields and Tramon Williams provide a solid starting cornerback duo, and ballhawk Casey Hayward is returning healthy after an injury-filled sophomore season. His 2012 rookie season consisted of six interceptions though.
1. Aaron Rodgers
This goes without saying, but the Packers sorely missed Rodgers’ presence when he was out with a collarbone injury. Until Matt Flynn was signed off the street, the Packers failed to win a single game without their franchise quarterback. Rodgers is without question an elite quarterback, and he single-handedly makes the Packers a contender. The former MVP has been provided with enough weapons to succeed, and the defense will receive more rest now that the offense will presumably be on the field longer. Rodgers has been known to play with a chip on his shoulder since the day he slid to the 24th pick in the 2005 draft, and the chip should start growing again now that he is being overshadowed by fellow elite quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
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