What we Missed on 2012 team????

[Terranimal]

We have been talking for months now on free agency, the draft, and Packer needs. I thought it over and then found where I had this stuck in another post someplace else.....

What we were missing was Bishop, Jenkins, and Collins. At least we got one of the 3 back this year. (2013_

 Bishop: Think he was under-valued by most fans of what he brought to the field and what he did on the field. Bishop brought that heart and fire kill instinct that seemed to be missing all season on the defense. not to mention his tackling, run support and used as a blitzer from the inside by Capers from time to time.

But we still don't seem to have found Jenkins' replacement even though we drafted DLs this past draft. To me we still need another pass rusher whether a free agent like Kruger from Balt....DE/OLB or drafting a 5 tech.

At Safety have to give it sometime yet. It took Collins 3 years before he started to become the impact player he turned into. McMillan offers a lot of potential and seems to be a solid hitter as he is figuring things out. So not so sure yet it is time to panic and give up on the young guys and grab a Safety in the Draft.

[golfman]

I don't disagree with your point, but what we're missing is what we miss almost every year with MM team. That is being a physical team that you don't run on and can stop the run. Even in our Super Bowl year we only became that team in the last quarter of the season and Super Bowl run.

I think we have the makings of that on defense with some of the young guys, but we need a thumper of an inside linebacker who is not a liability against the pass. Bishop maybe the first part of that but is not the second. We clearly are also missing a second pass rusher, and may have one on the team in either Neal or Perry. Time will tell.

On offense we're missing a here we come with the running game try and stop us mentality. We might have the horses to do that if we replace Newhouse with a better LT. Bulaga, Sitton, EDS and to a certain degree Lang can be that. We know Barclay is that type of guy.

[Bud]

I don't disagree with your point, but what we're missing is what we miss almost every year with MM team. That is being a physical team that you don't run on and can stop the run. Even in our Super Bowl year we only became that team in the last quarter of the season and Super Bowl run.

I think we have the makings of that on defense with some of the young guys, but we need a thumper of an inside linebacker who is not a liability against the pass. Bishop maybe the first part of that but is not the second. We clearly are also missing a second pass rusher, and may have one on the team in either Neal or Perry. Time will tell.

On offense we're missing a here we come with the running game try and stop us mentality. We might have the horses to do that if we replace Newhouse with a better LT. Bulaga, Sitton, EDS and to a certain degree Lang can be that. We know Barclay is that type of guy.

Why do I always agree with you golfman? Well, I guess not on the Farve debacle but you sum up my feelings on this subject as well. We need nastiness on both sides of the ball.

[Madman]

I know this doesn't exactly answer the question, but I've mentioned before that I just don't think this team has effectively addressed the void left in the wake of Collins' injury.  I really believe losing him early in 2011 was the most significant loss this team experienced in quite some time.  His range, speed, closing ability, and toughness are still sorely missed.  He was a considerable player, one that I think was sometimes taken for granted.

[Bud]

I know this doesn't exactly answer the question, but I've mentioned before that I just don't think this team has effectively addressed the void left in the wake of Collins' injury.  I really believe losing him early in 2011 was the most significant loss this team experienced in quite some time.  His range, speed, closing ability, and toughness are still sorely missed.  He was a considerable player, one that I think was sometimes taken for granted.

Madman, I've always enjoyed your thoughts and insights. This is no different. I was not a huge Collins fan to begin with but man, did he grow into a player! He left a void for sure and we haven't seen the likes since Butler.

[Packinatl]

What we missed on the 2012 team was playmakers 

In 2010 run we had Collins, Woodson, Matthews, Raji on defense.  In 2012 we basically had Mathews.

Plain and simple playmakers win in the this league, we have enough to be a playoff team but not sure we have the horses to go deep in January

[Bud]

What we missed on the 2012 team was playmakers 

In 2010 run we had Collins, Woodson, Matthews, Raji on defense.  In 2012 we basically had Mathews.

Plain and simple playmakers win in the this league, we have enough to be a playoff team but not sure we have the horses to go deep in January

Pack, you've brought me around to your way of thinking many moons ago. Playmakers are essential. Will the Pack get that back? I think this draft they do.

[Cheesedog]

What we missed on the 2012 team was playmakers 

In 2010 run we had Collins, Woodson, Matthews, Raji on defense.  In 2012 we basically had Mathews.

Plain and simple playmakers win in the this league, we have enough to be a playoff team but not sure we have the horses to go deep in January

And it's those playmakers that spark the non-playmakers to up thier game to the next level. I like what Golfman alluded to. Playing with an edge and a certain nastiness that "we show you how it's gonna go" I also think Madman has a point about the void Collins departure left.

I've always felt MM's teams are far too focused on the x's and o's. They're almost too academic.

During that SB in the playoffs the Packers imposed themselves on the other teams. Especially in the SB against PIT.

[GBP4EVER!]

It missed getting hot at the right time to win it all. Packers did it in 2010, Giants in 2011, and Ravens in 2012.

[Packinatl]

It missed getting hot at the right time to win it all. Packers did it in 2010, Giants in 2011, and Ravens in 2012.

It's part of the equation but not that simple. You still need the talent and guys / playmakers making plays. It's a long 3 game run without the bye. Cheesedog makes a great point of other guys elevating their game.

One of my biggest concerns about Woodson leaving is locker room leadership on defense. I don't sense Mathews being that type. Someone needs to take that role