The NFL news streaming across the web just isn't that interesting today. For example, I don't care that WR Anquan Boldin is switching agents, but that is one of the big NFL news stories. And not much Packer news on the eve of the Packers' first spring practice.
But Shutdown Corner did post an offseason progress report about the Packers. And his conclusion:
Progress: The progress will have to come from Capers and new draft picks B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews. I don't have any major concern about the ability of Aaron Rodgers to guide the offense, but you don't want him in a position where he has to get in a shootout every week. It's all up to Capers and how he deals with the hand he's been dealt.
Plus 2 wins. 6-10 last year, 8-8 this year.
As he said in the intro, his progress report isn't exactly a 2009 preview. He's just looking at what changed and he projected a record on that alone, so I won't pick on all the things he didn't consider.
What he sees is an offense that is still good, but only led them to a 6-10 record last season, and a defense that upgraded with a better defensive coordinator and two 1st round picks. But the defense took one step back because everyone has to learn the new 3-4 defense, and several players have to learn new positions (e.g. Aaron Kampman is moving to linebacker).
He sees some improvement and that should be good for two more wins. But I don't expect he'll stick with just an 8-8 record when he looks at everything in a full 2009 preview. I expect he'll add a couple more wins to his final 2009 preview because anything short of a 10-6 record will be a disappointment.