How the Packers Defense Will Look in 2012

Here's a link to the article I wrote for my website. Check it out. What do you guys think?

http://beforethekickoff.com/2012/05/05/how-the-packers-defense-will-look-in-2012/

It's been said several times that Hayward will play at CB, not safety. I understand that could change, but Dom Capers and Mike McCarthy haven't alluded to that AT ALL to date. As a result, I don't expect him to be penciled in as the starting free safety. 1) because Burnett is the most athletic of our current safety crop and has the greatest range. The free safety spot is his to lose, and 2) see the above comments about Hayward playing at CB. Perhaps injuries could change things, I suppose, but that's always the case.

Sorry, thought that I would post two just for the people who really follow the draft news and one for the general group of people.

D won't see any immediate improvement outside of Perry IMO.

Our DL was pretty lousy, so I hope that there will be some improvement there too. Unfortunately Neal and Hargrove are both suspended for 4 and 8 games, but I hope that Worthy can contribute something right away beyond what we saw last year with Jarius Wynn and what's-his-name the other guy who played DE is. They were so invisible I don't even remember their names TBH.

Can't stop. The run. Can't stop the run, ya can't stop. The run. Can't stop the run ya can't stop.

I'm in the camp that our defense didn't need a huge inflow of talent. They were very talented and successful in 2010 with nearly the same line-up. I attribute the decrease from #5 to #32 in defense to complacency more than lack of talent. I think these guys simply didn't work as hard after winning the SB - coupled with no offseason with the CBA issues resulted in a few players who lost their edge. I expect them to come back this season much better prepared. That being said, there were 3 positions lacking more than others last season. DE, OLB, and S.


DE - We expected more from Neal, and I'm not ready to give up on him. He can still be a force. Worthy - very talented and I'm excited to see what he can do. I think he got wore down playing a lot, and being constantly doubled teamed. CJ Johnson - People may forget about him, he has flashed at times. He has had one offseason and typically DL need a year or two before they start to perform. Guy - No telling what we have here, but he has lots of potential.

OLB - Perry is going to bring a lot to the table to this position. There are concerns regarding how he will make the OLB transition, but I'm not too worried. I think Dom is smart enough to limit his liabilities and exploit his strengths.

S - It will be nice if McMillian is ready to play. If not, Woodson may shift over to S. If not, maybe Peprah 2012 will look more Peprah 2010 with a better pass rush.

C.J. Wilson? I haven't forgotten about him. Overall, he just seems like an average player at best to me. A decent 7th round pick, but still just that: a 7th round pick. He's decent against the run, but get's little to no push in the passing game. He's decent depth, but not much more, in my opinion. I don't see him elevating his game much more than he already has despite being young. He's just not much of an athlete.

Lol. yes wilson. i didnt forget him, just his name.

Yeah, I'm rooting for the guy as Carolina kid (ECU). I'm just not sure he can contribute much more than he already has/does.

I hear he plays a mean keyboard, does that contribute?