-Brady VanDeurzen
Uncapping the Packers’ offense was the primary concern in 2015 after Jordy Nelson went down with an ACL tear in the second week of the preseason.
The Packers’ offensive woes began when the 49ers began to approach the Packers’ offense differently in week 4.
Rather than running the traditional Cover 2 defense against the Packers, the 49ers switched their defense to a 4-6 defense; bringing in the strong safety to help with run support.
The 4-6 defense, typically is a pass-happy defense. With a snooping safety in the box, the deep ball is more manageable for the offense.
Under regular circumstance, Rodgers routinely audibles to a deep passing play when confronted with a 4-6 type of defense. However, with an aging James Jones, a regressing Davante Adams and an underachieving Randall Cobb all being below-average deep threats, Rodgers’ options were heavily decreased.
After the 49ers slowed down the Packer’s offense to only 17 points, every team began to implement the same styled defenses; ultimately slowing the Packers defense down to a crawl.
With the substandard play that the players like Devante Adams and Randall Cobb were exhibiting, other players received the chance to take their places. Players like the speedy Jeff Janis and the hometown hero Jared Abbrederis received many first team reps because of it; both were able to show off their individual talents, and show that they deserved playing time.
Both Janis and Abbrederis proved that they can be helpful adjustments when the Packers offense hits a snag.
Now, in 2016, the Packers’ offense looks brand new. With Nelson and Ty Montgomery returning, the Packers should have no issues with their aerial assault.
The signings of Jared Cook, and rookie speedster Trevor Davis make out to be fairly intriguing additions as well.
Cook, the Packers biggest TE since Jermichael Finley, reportedly ran a 4.37 40-yard dash in 2007, and with a 6 foot 5, 250 lb. frame, Cook provides a HUGE target for Rodgers over the middle. Davis is also a very fast wide receiver, with a 4.4 40-yard dash time at the combine, he is poised to be one of the fastest wide-outs at camp.
To accommodate for the depth of talented players that the Packers have, it is likely to see the Pack try different packages over the course of the season. By implementing all of their offensive talent, defenses will presumably be caught off guard, and lose a step. And with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, all a player needs is one step.
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