2018 Record - 6-9-1
Head Coach - Matt LaFleur
Newcomers for 2019 - Billy Turner (OL), Preston Smith (LB), Za'Darius Smith (LB), Adrian Amos (DB), Sam Ficken (K)
Keys on Offense - Back for his twelfth season as the Packers starting quarterback is Aaron Rodgers, who had 4,442 passing yards last year with 25 touchdown passes and only four interceptions.
The primary receivers are Davante Adams (111 receptions, 1,386 yards, 13 TD), Geronimo Allison (20, 303, two TD) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had 38 receptions for 581 yards and two scores. Jimmy Graham is the tight end and made 55 receptions for 636 yards and two touchdowns.
The running game features Aaron Jones (728 rushing yards, 5.5 ypc average and eight TD) and Jamaal Williams, who rushed for 464 yards (3.8 ypc average) and scored three touchdowns. Both of these backs can catch the ball as well. Williams had 27 receptions a year ago while Jones made 26 catches.
Keys on Defense - Top rookie draft pick Rashan Gary (Michigan) is expected to start on the end spot and will team with nose tackle Kenny Clark (six QB sacks) and outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (10 1/2 sacks) to provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Other stalwarts on defense include linebackers Blake Martinez (five sacks), Preston Smith (four sacks with Washington) and Za'Darius Smith, who had 8 1/2 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens last season. The secondary has Tramon Williams and Jaire Alexander at the corner spots with Adrian Amos (two interceptions with Chicago in 2018) and possibly rookie Darnell Savage (Maryland) at the safety positions.
OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - The Packers fired Mike McCarthy and now have Matt LaFleur as their Head Coach. It will be interesting to see how he and Rodgers work together as it became obvious the relationship between A-Rod and McCarthy had gone sour.
The Packers are not used to losing, but they have endured two consecutive losing seasons and are anxious to get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. The key will be the offense getting back on track after faltering a year ago, finishing in the middle of the pack in total yardage (369 yards per game) as well as scoring (23.5 points per game). The offensive line must be better at protecting Rodgers, as they gave up 53 sacks last season.
The defense was up and down in 2018, finishing 17th overall (allowed 354 yards per game) and 22nd in scoring defense, allowing 25 points per game. The Packers got after enemy quarterbacks (44 sacks) but they also gave up too many big pass plays and made only seven interceptions for the season.
The schedule is a tough one and the Packers need to get off to a good start, especially with division foes Chicago and Minnesota looming large once again this year. Another losing season (7-9) is a strong possibility, but don't be surprised if this team finishes at .500 (or slightly better) and possibly challenge for a wild card berth.
If Rodgers is feeling refreshed this season (with new coach in tow) and can stay healthy, the Packers are always going to be in any game they play. They must be consistent on both sides of the ball and buy into what the new coaching staff is offering.
Stay tuned.
2019 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at Chicago
Week 2 - vs. Minnesota
Week 3 - vs. Denver
Week 4 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 5 - at Dallas
Week 6 - vs. Detroit
Week 7 - vs. Oakland
Week 8 - at Kansas City
Week 9 - at LA Chargers
Week 10 - vs. Carolina
Week 11 - BYE
Week 12 - at San Francisco
Week 13 - at NY Giants
Week 14 - vs. Washington
Week 15 - vs. Chicago
Week 16 - at Minnesota
Week 17 - at Detroit
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