The Green Bay Packers were not their normal selves in 2015, but how could they be when they were faced with injuries last season at key positions. But, healthy and loaded, the Packers are focused on one goal, a championship.
What Aaron Rodgers missed most last season was chemistry. He’s a method passer, on point, he knows where his receivers are supposed to be, and they understand that he can get the ball to them in the toughest of situations. 2015 they fell short of their usual production standards as Rodgers had to rely on old faces like James Jones and new faces like Richard Rodgers. While each provided a spark, it wasn’t enough as the passing attack finished the season ranked 25th in yards.
That was not a typical Rodgers led offense but more of a make-shift, wait until my players are back refuge. Jordy Nelson missed the entire season with an injury which allowed defenses to focus on Randall Cobb which in turn made his production slip. He still received normal targets (129), but his yards were down from 1287 to 829. Jones made his return to Lambeau and while he tried to recreate the magic he once had with Rodgers it just wasn’t enough.
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The ground game was average at best as Eddie Lacy, and James Starks shared the load. The Packers must decide if that’s the plan going forward or do they let Lacy loose on opposing defenses. If the ground game can improve on their 12th ranked rushing attack and found the end zone more than eight times, that will take a load off Rodgers and the passing game.
Where Jones and Devante Adams failed last season, Nelson will look to provide stability. In 2014 Nelson caught 98 passes for 1519 yards and 13TD, but with him gone, no receiver reached double-digits. Nelson, Cobb, and Rodgers are one of the best trios in the game and if Lacy can get back to his 2014 form where he combined for 1500+ yards and 13TDs the offense will provide the Packers with what’s needed to reclaim their hold on the North division.