Feature Image by Mike Morbeck
The Green Bay Packers are one of the strongest franchises in the NFL and will be quietly confident of success this year. Led by Aaron Rodgers, arguably the best quarterback in the National Football League, the Packers possess an outstanding attacking unit that are capable of beating any opponent on their day. However, star wide receiver Jordy Nelson has been ruled out for the entire season after tearing his ACL in preseason.
by Brian Giesen
Nelson is Rodgers’ favourite target and there’s no doubt that the Packers signal-caller will miss his number one wideout. Last season, Nelson caught 98 passes for 1,519 yards and also hauled in 13 touchdowns in just 16 matches. These kind of numbers are hard to replace but Green Bay’s number two wide receiver Randall Cobb is a competent player and is capable of filling the void left by Nelson. In fact, Bet365 are pricing Cobb at 12/1 to record the most receiving yards across the NFL this season and he is certainly likely to receive more targets at the very least.
by Kyle Engman
However, Cobb’s status for Green Bay’s opening fixture remains uncertain. The Packers will travel to NFC North rivals Chicago Bears for their opening clash of the season and head coach Mike McCarthy will be hoping that Cobb, who caught 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will be fit for the curtain raiser. Cobb’s 2014 figures are equivalent to that of a number one receiver elsewhere and Green Bay might struggle to adapt to life without both of their top two wideouts.
by Mike Morbeck
The Packers still have plenty of talent on offense and will be quietly confident of success this year. Running back Eddie Lacy is one of the top talents in the NFL and showed his versatility last season as both a power back and an option in Green Bay’s heavy passing game. Meanwhile, Davante Adams is likely to be the main beneficiary from Nelson’s injury as the second-year star is set to receive more targets from Rodgers this season. Furthermore, James Jones has returned to Lambeau Field and will help to free up space for both Cobb and Adams. He is a competent receiver and will be useful throughout the year, particularly if Cobb is out for a sustained period of time.
by Phil Roeder
Despite Nelson’s absence, they are still capable of a Super Bowl push. There is no doubt that Green Bay will miss their number one wide receiver but they still boast one of the top offensive units in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers is a sensational quarterback and has the ability to lead the Packers to yet another Super Bowl title but they won’t overpower teams like they did last year. Eddie Lacy’s running game will be crucial to their success and McCarthy will be relying on the former University of Alabama product to flourish this term. If their offensive talents all perform at their very best, the Packers will stand a great chance of winning this season.