While it’s almost a certainty that Brett Favre will be busy breaking Dan Marino’s passing records this season, what number 4 really craves is another Superbowl ring. After a dismal 2005 the pack made strides last year breaking even with an 8-8 record. Green Bay is a young team that has been handled well by Head Coach Mike McCarthy. SBG Global have made the Green Bay Packers +4500 betting odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl XLII.
McCarthy inherited a 4-12 team and has done an admirable job of developing young talent internally. Rather than go on an off-season spending spree the Packers are confident that their homegrown players have the goods to deliver a winning season.
A zone blocking scheme with a West Coast style passing offense is what the Packers attack with. Gunslinger Favre still makes great presnap reads and has a rifle arm. The Running Back position is a glaring weakness that was not upgraded in the off-season. Vernand Morency is the starter in place but he is a chardonnay-drinker who can’t gain tough inside yards. Last year the Receivers led the NFL in drops but both Greg Jennings and Donald Driver have the ability to develop into fine starters.The Offensive Linemen are more effective in the running game than passing game but remain a sturdy group.
On defense the pack play a 4-3 D with the corners playing bump-and-run. The Defensive Line is a competent bunch that is strong against the run. DE Aaron Kampman is a an accomplished pass-rusher, recording 15.5 sacks last year off the edge moreover he is improving. The Linebacking clique has intensity. OLB A.J Hawk is a big play guy who will take players heads off. The Secondary has a strong duo of cornerbacks in Charles Woodson and Al Harris. The Special Teams have a borderline Kicker and lack depth in all areas.
The Packers young talent could surprise in the NFC North and with Brett Favre in the saddle you can’t count them out.
Brad Marchetti Opening Day Green Bay Packers Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale
20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great
Coaching: 50
Quarterback : 65
Backs : 40
Receivers : 55
Offensive Line : 60
Defensive Line : 60
Linebackers : 60
Secondary : 55
Special Teams : 45
SBG Global have posted NFL betting odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl XLII:
COLTS +695
CHARGERS +505
BENGALS +1700
PATRIOTS +300
RAVENS +1800
BRONCOS +1800
STEELERS +2200
CHIEFS +4000
BEARS +1400
SEAHAWKS +1600
PANTHERS +1400
SAINTS +1500
GIANTS +2200
COWBOYS +1200
EAGLES +1200
REDSKINS +4500
RAMS +4000
CARDINALS +4000
JAGUARS +2000
DOLPHINS +4000
JETS +3800
BILLS +7500
TITANS +4500
VIKINGS +9000
FALCONS +4000
BUCCANEERS +4250
49ERS +3750
PACKERS +4500
LIONS +10500
TEXANS +6500
BROWNS +7000
RAIDERS +15000
