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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TJV" data-source="post: 417389" data-attributes="member: 4300">A few here have expressed the opinion that Capers and the D will somehow turn on a switch and become the D from last year. I hope that's true but I can't think of a reason for them not playing better in the regular season if it were that easy. Certainly Capers will have some new looks teams haven't seen before: Remember Raji's pick six in the NFCC game? That was the first time that season the Packers ran that particular zone blitz. But it takes more than new looks to sustain a good defensive effort all game long. Getting everyone back - as healthy as they can be expected to be in January - will help a lot IMO. Bishop and Pickett are very important to this D, particularly against teams with strong running games. And a healthy Bishop is probably their second or third best blitzer on obvious passing downs. But players like Williams and Shields are going to have to pick up their play and I hope Burnett does as well. Burnett in particular hasn't advanced as far as I thought he would this season and that has made Collins' absence all the more noticeable. (But there's still time to shine Morgan!) IMO Capers started the season in bend but don't break mode, keeping more players in coverage rather than sending extra blitzers. After Woodson's comments about turning Matthews loose more I thought Capers started to get more aggressive. The results with either strategy have been mixed at best. I favor the more aggressive schemes because I think it is more likely to cause a turnover and even if it doesn't, it tends to get the ball back to the offense more quickly, one way or another. Whether they're playing coverage or blitzing, if the O is clicking, all the D has to do is contain the opponents' O: Force some FG attempts instead of allowing TDs. Don't allow consecutive drives of 9 or 10 plays - get a three and out to break the opponents' momentum and get the ball back to Rodgers and the O.  The Packers have several advantages going into the playoffs. IMO they have the best QB and best receiving corp - in today's NFL which emphasizes the passing game that shouldn't be understated. Another of the Packers' 'aces in the hole' IS home field advantage and that can be very important particularly to the Packers' D. Packers fans aren't stupid like many Bears fans: They don't need to be reminded (time and time again) to be quiet when their team's offense is on the field. A loud and rowdy crowd can make life difficult for opposing offenses. An opponent missing an audible and/or opponents' offensive lineman who have to hesitate a fraction of a second to be sure they don't jump off-sides can cause a turnover or an incompletion. Or at least disrupt the rhythm of the opponents' O.  The other advantage the Packers have is all of their coaching staff and most of their roster experienced last years' 6-game playoff run. Teams that know how to win in pressure-packed games have an advantage. By itself of course it's not enough but against teams like the 49ers and the Lions it, along with HFA, can be the deciding edge necessary to continue the playoff run. </blockquote>

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