Must win game for the Packers

Could the season be over already after Week 2?  The Washington Redskins will head to Lambeau Field on Sunday to take on the Green Bay Packers in what will be a crucial game for both teams.  Although it is only Week 2, this will be a must win game for the Packers who look to avoid starting the season 0-2.

It was a closely contested four quarters of football last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but the Packers could not hold the lead late and lost 34-28.  The defense did an excellent job limiting the 49ers to only 90 yards on the ground, but they allowed Colin Kaepernick to throw all over them.  In 39 passing attempts, he through for 412 yards with three touchdowns.

Not only did the defense struggle, but the Packers running game did as well.  This offseason the Packers said they were going to be more committed to the run, and drafted Eddie Lacy to be the guy to lead their rushing attack.  In only 19 carries the Packers running backs only rushed for 63 yards.  This was a major disappointment, and needs to improve quickly if the Packers want to win.

Speaking of winning, the Packers need to win this week if they want to make the playoffs.  While it is only Week 2, Green Bay has never made the playoffs after they started the season 0-2.  Not only has the Packers struggled when they got off to a 0-2 start, but the entire NFL has as well. Since 1990, when the current playoff system went into effect, teams who started 0-2 have only made the playoffs 12 percent of the time.  These numbers are not in the Packers favor, and with a team who struggles to run the ball, and plays below average defense, it will be a major concern if they Packers cannot secure a victory at home.

The Packers come into Sunday's matchup between the Redskins needing to get a win to avoid a 0-2 start.  Their running game and defense needs to be improved from last week in order to even have a chance at securing the "W" at home.  Expect this game to come down to the wire with both teams trying to avoid an 0-2 start, but the Packers will have the advantage playing at home.

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.  

DuJuan Harris Will Not Be the Starter Week 1

Every year in Training Camp there are numerous position battles, and this year the Green Bay Packers starting running back position has been one of the competitive battles in camp.  Veterans running backs Alex Green, James Starks and DuJuan Harris, along with rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin are all vying for roster spots and most importantly, the starting job.  

DuJuan Harris was recently taken of the PUP list, and it already appears that he is the starter, for now.

"I'm excited to see when DuJuan Harris come back, because I view him as our starter," Mike McCathy told USA TODAY Sports last Thursday.  "I want him to get back in there and earn it like he did all of last year.  He made an impact in our offense."

McCarthy is correct in saying that he made an impact last year in the Packers offense, with 157 yards and two touchdowns in the final four games of the regular season.  He also recorded 100 yards rushing and receiving combined with one touchdown, but this season the Packers have a better option on the roster.  

The Packers best option at running back is the Alabama product, Eddie Lacy.  While Lacy is a big, physical back, who excels at running the ball down the defense's throat, he also has excellent breakaway speed and pass blocking ability.  He is exactly what the Packers need, and he can make a significant deference for the Packers offense. 

DuJuan Harris is a solid running back, but the Packers drafted Eddie Lacy in the second round to be the starting running back this season.  Lacy provides the Packers with the best opportunity to win at the running back position, and he will be the starter Week One.  

Packers, Vince Young Agree to a One-Year Deal

Entering Training Camp the Green Bay Packers had uncertainties at multiple positions, but one of their biggest question marks was the backup quarterback position.  Second year quarterback B.J. Coleman and incumbent Graham Harrell were vying for the backup job, until their disappointing performances during the team scrimmage on Saturday night.  This raised even more question marks on whether either of them could truly be a solid backup quarterback in the NFL, causing the Packers to sign free agent quarterback Vince Young.

Vince Young is a mobile quarterback who has had previous success in the NFL as a starter.  Already 30 years old, Young was drafted third overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2006, but he has not played in the NFL since 2011 with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Young's mobility and success as a starter in the NFL is what really intrigued the Packers.  Even though he will only be the backup quarterback and may never see the field as a Packer, he can help them prepare for mobile quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III.

The Green Bay Packers needed to find a solid number two quarterback, just in case Aaron Rodgers would ever have to miss a game, and they found their guy in Vince Young.  Young provides them with experience and mobility to prepare their defense for other mobile quarterback.  This signing was a low risk move for the Packers and it will pay off well in the long run, even if he does not step onto the field.