Don't blame Capers for the defenses struggles

It was a disappointing season for the Green Bay Packers as they just barely made the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record, and fell in their first round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.  Although many fans might place the blame all on Dom Capers, he does not deserve all of it.

While the Packers defense ranked 25th in the NFL, allowing 372.3 yards and 26.8 points per game, the struggles of the defense go beyond coaching.

First the defense suffered an immense amount of injuries, as at times it seemed like almost every player was on the injury report at some point throughout the season.  Casey Hayward, who was regarded entering the season as a top-10 cornerback in the NFL, was limited to only three games with hamstring injuries.

Clay Matthews had to also deal with injuries missing five games this season after receiving a massive contract extension to be the playmaker on defense.

Another problem the Packers' defense had was players struggling to make plays.  It was a common site to see players, especially the secondary, getting burned on a regular basis.  Although Capers job is to make sure the defensive players are prepared for the game, he cannot be out their playing for them, and making sure they do everything correct.

Sure the defense struggled this season, but in five years with Capers at the helm, it has been ranked 15th in total defense in the NFL.  The Packers need to add players this offseason to the defense who can make a positive contribution, but firing their defensive coordinator is not the answer.

The 3rd Man In Sounds Off: Matthews not worth the money

In the offseason the Green Bay Packers made a move that will affect their salary cap and roster for the years to come.  They signed linebacker Clay Matthews to a five year, $66 million contract extension, making him the highest paid linebacker in NFL history!

While he is an excellent pass rusher, he is only an average player against the run, and can be a liability in pass coverage.  He deserved a new contract, but for a guy who misses games each season due to injuries, is not worth anywhere near the money he was given.  

Matthews has missed nine games over his five year NFL career, and when he has been absent, it hardly has affected the Packers at all.  In those nine games the Packers are 6-3, and have allowed about 22 points per game.  

Matthews is a good player, but he is not great, and he is definitely not worth anywhere near the amount of money the Packers are paying him.  

Rookies Key to Success

You always expected a high draft pick to become a star in the NFL, but there is always a chance they do not pan out.  The Green Bay Packers will need two of their rookies, who have an enormous amount of potential, to be key contributors this season if they want to win another Super Bowl.  Eddie Lacy and Datone Jones may not develop into stars this season, but they need to be solid contributors in order for the Packers to be successful.  

Eddie Lacy was drafted this offseason to help improve the running game, and so far in camp he looks like the real deal.  Many people have already been extremely impressed with his ability and size causing him to receive comparisons to a young Steven Jackson.  As long as he is able to remain on the field, he will be a difference maker in the Packers offense.  They have been looking for a guy to become their every down back and Eddie Lacy is that guy.  With an improved running attack, lead by Lacy, the Packers offense and team will be even tougher to beat.  While their offense will continue to be one of the best in the NFL, their defense needs to improve from last year.  

The Packers have had trouble finding another pass rusher in recent years to complement Clay Matthews, but this offseason they might have found the right guy in Datone Jones.  While an ankle injury has caused him to miss practice time this Preseason, he will be a key to the Packers success this season.  He was drafted in the first round by the Pack in this past NFL Draft, and he has huge expectations to be a difference maker at defensive end.  If Jones and former first round pick Nick Perry can remain healthy, they should both instantly improve the Packers pass rush and defense. 

Eddie Lacy and Datone Jones were both high draft picks for the Green Bay Packers for a reason, and this season they need to be key contributors to the team in order for the Packers to have any chance of winning another Super Bowl.  While it will not be easy for these two rookies, they need to play to their strengths and be healthy in order to help the Packers win.  

Green Bay Packers 2012 NFL Draft Preview

With the 28th overall pick the Green Bay Packers select...?  The Packers have needs on both sides of the ball, but their top priority needs to be a player that will improve their awful defense.  The Packers need another pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews, and I think they need to take a proven college pass rushing linebacker or defensive end.  They also might now target a safety since they released Nick Collins earlier today.  I think the Packers will take a pass rusher with their first pick, but I would not be surprised if they did take a safety, even though it is not as big of a need.  The Packers need to get an outside linebacker who can step in right away and make a difference.  The answer to the Packers problems is outside linebacker Shea McClellin, from Boise State.  McClellin has the length and skills to be a great fit in the Packers defensive system, and he also has a lot of experience that will allow him to contribute right away.  The Packers have multiple needs, but the Packers will take a pass rusher, most likely Shea McClellin, with their first round pick.  I would not be surprised though if the Packers move up in the draft.

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