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Green Bay Packers2008 record: 6-10 (Third in NFC North)
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Vic Carucci
The Packers have a rising star in Aaron Rodgers, and their new 3-4 defense looks as if it will bring improvement.
Prediction: 10-6, first in NFC North
Steve Wyche
Transition to 3-4 won't prompt a step backward. Aaron Rodgers and depth make Packers team to beat in the division.
Prediction: 11-5, first in NFC North.
Pat Kirwan
Playing more zone will help a team that was predictable in man coverages. Rodgers is on the verge of being a top 10 quarterback. If the running game gets going, eight wins is too low.
Prediction: 8-8, third in NFC North
Bucky Brooks
The Packers fly under the radar to finish with the league's best record behind an explosive offense and a suffocating defense.
Prediction: 12-4, first in NFC North
Jason La Canfora
The Packers have made the move to a 3-4 scheme look easy this preseason. Love the QB, and the offensive line should rebound.
Prediction: 11-5, first in NFC North
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Green Bay's defensive ranking in 2008. In an attempt to improve the unit's production, the Packers are switching to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Dom Capers. Through the first three preseason games, it has produced 12 turnovers.
"The decision was made in January. I made it with a clean, conscious mind. I like what I've seen so far. I've said it before, time and time again as I stood up here: I like the way Dom Capers has come in here. He's pulled the defensive staff together. The players have responded."
-- Mike McCarthy on his new defensive coordinator
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Aaron Kampman
Kampman is making the biggest transition of his career as he moves from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has 50.5 sacks in his seven-year career. However, the switch to linebacker will require him to drop into coverage on occasion, which may be a daunting task for a player who has always played with his hand in the dirt. Greg Jennings
The unheralded star has quietly blossomed into an elite receiver during his three-year tenure in Green Bay. A long strider with deceptive speed and quickness, Jennings has terrorized opponents with his big-play ability. He led the league with eight receptions over 40 yards in 2008, while his 1,292 receiving yards ranked sixth. With Aaron Rodgers growing into a star, Jennings' ascension is sure to continue.
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Backup plan?
Rodgers is better than starters for other teams above this spot, but his backups have no experience. If they had to rely on Matt Flynn or Brian Brohm for any long stretches during the season, the Packers would be lost.
Pass it on
Aaron Rodgers is coming off a breakout season. Not only does he have a strong arsenal of weapons around him, but nine of his 16 games come against teams that finished 15th or worse in pass defense.
Three pivotal games
Oct. 5 at Minnesota
No matter what players say about being calm when facing their former team, Brett Favre's emotions will be off the charts -- and so could his propensity for making some risky plays. Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams could be serving the final game of their suspensions and that could open the door for the Packers.
Nov. 1 vs. Minnesota
The atmosphere is going to be charged as the Packers No. 4 jersey could be set ablaze in bonfires outside of Lambeau. Though Favre may go into the Hall of Fame as a Packer, he is perceived as Benedict Arnold for signing with the franchise's hated rival. This won't be how he wants to be remembered in Green Bay.
Dec. 20 at Pittsburgh
This is a tough game amid a possible playoff run. The Steelers tend to play some of their best football late in the season. While the Packers are transitioning to a 3-4 defense, Pittsburgh is the master of it. Unless Green Bay's offensive-tackle play gets better through the season, Rodgers could be feeling some serious heat.
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