Packer fans fear that the window of opportunity for success may be closing, or perhaps was even shut by Minnesota in last season’s home wildcard playoff loss. Green Bay was a respectable 10-6 in 2004 and captured a third straight NFC North title, but for the fourth straight season was unable to advance deep into the playoffs. The onus of the disappointment last year falls squarely on the defensive side of the ball, as that unit was abysmal at most times, finishing the season ranked 25th in yardage allowed and dead last in turnovers forced. Many a quarterback enjoyed career days against the Packers’ secondary last year, most notably Donovan McNabb, who threw for 464 yards and five TD’s against them. On a good note, the offense was prolific enough to enable Green Bay to finish with the NFL’s third best yardage differential. QB Brett Favre and WR’s Javon Walker and Donald Driver had huge years.

The biggest moves made in Green Bay in the offseason were in the front office. Jim Bates of Miami was name Defensive Coordinator and Mike Sherman was stripped of his GM duties. He will now just serve as Head Coach with Ted Thompson making the personnel moves. One of his first moves was to steal QB Aaron Rodgers in the draft with the 24th pick. Considered the expected successor to Favre, Rodgers was rated as high as #1 on the board by some experts. Otherwise, there were no other draft picks or free agency additions that are expected to contribute too heavily. As far as departures are concerned, the Packers lost the two starting guards from the recent years’ highly regarded offensive line as well as S Darren Sharper.

The fear of once venerable Lambeau Field is gone as the Packers have lost playoff games there in two of the last three seasons and recorded just a 4-5 SU & 2-7 mark there in 2004. As badly as the defense has played, and minus that home field edge, this team has resorted to fully relying on Favre to get it done. It’s amazing that Green Bay has enjoyed as much success as it has. If Bates can turn around the defense, this team should be good enough to compete for the NFC North title again in 2005.