Sorry to throw "some" water on your building playoff fire, but seriously folks...
1)Strength of schedule. This year the Packers won four of their eight games against Detroit and Minnesota. Yes they won, but....they also beat Arizona, Miami and the 49'ers...hardly teams knocking on the playoff door. The win over the Bears was significant, but did Chicago go all out?
Keep in mind the early loss to the Bears, the Jets, and New England. The Packers weren't even factors in those games...and maybe the Philadelphia loss as well. They could/should have won the St. Louis and Buffalo games but didn't.
Next year the Eagles, Panthers and Chargers come to Green Bay and away they play the Giants, Cowboys, Rams, Broncos and Chiefs.
If the team finishes 8-8 next year I would consider that a step forward than beating the Cards, Dolphins and 49'ers.
2)Everyone is assuming Favre comes back. I don't. I think he's done. I think he wanted to do one more year so his final year wasn't the el stinko 2005 campaign. The change at QB could be significant for the offense. Aaron Rodgers is hardly battle experienced.
3)A. Green is a free agent. While he's likely to come back, if he leaves do we have a runner capable of carrying the load? Morency? Really?
4)I think the defense will be better. They will have to be because the competition is better.
5)Changes in the coaching staff. Jagozlkxjxklxski's loss could be significant in that he seemed to be the person to implement the zone system. No one knows the system as well as he did. A new coordinator also will want to put his stamp on it, though McCarthy has the final say.
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So the simple "they're heading to the playoffs next year" is assuming much, in my opinion. But there is reason to think the team will improve. But, don't be surprised if they tread water one more season.
