It's time to grade the 2014 Green bay Packers, After a long run and a disappointing ending here are my grades.
Offense :
OL: All things considered, this was one of the best years by a Packer OL line in recent memory. Limited injuries and an opportunity to gel payed huge dividends for this group. Only lack of quality depth brings my grade down. Grade : B +
Backs and Receivers : Again solid effort by the starters that gets dragged down by depth. Both Boykin and Harris were disappointing this year and both may be replaced next season. I expect Abby and Janis to contribute heavy next season. Grade : B+
TE : A very bland season by this group with more ups than downs, other then Quarless just not a lot of upside from the group. Grade : D +
QB : Aaron Rodgers again provided an all pro performance as a pro, while the injuries are a concern there isn't a lot more to say. I will note that back up and or a future QB will need to be addressed sooner or later, but as long as Rodgers starts this position is in good hands. GRADE : A
Offense overall : Grade A minus , GB has to fix it's red zone issues along with some other bad habits on offense, but you really can't ask for much more from this unit.
DEFENSE :
DL : I continue to be unimpressed with this unit less Mike Daniels, one game they dominate the next they just seem to get by. While Letroy Guin was an ok fill in is he a long term fix at NT ? I still feel that this unit needs an upgrade. Grade : C
LB Corp : For the 4 th year running I contend as long as the group above is average or below you can't fairly grade the LB Corp but here we go. There is no denying that moving Matthews and the addition of Peppers paid huge dividends for the defense, Sam Barrington had some nice spurts at ILB and will be ready to start next season.
However you then look at Brad Jones and the hot/cold Perry and Neal and shake your head.
Grade : B
Defensive Backs : I saw much improvement from this group primarily the safeties. HaHa and Burnett were solid and when healthy our corners flourished in man press. The down side is a continued struggle in zone coverage . Look for a new player or two in this unit next season due to attrition. GRADE : B plus
Defense Overall : B minus , While the overall unit improved I still have too many questions to grade higher. Playing 3 man fronts and two deep zone, and that crazy NASCAR package just don't sit well with me. Consider that GB had a ton of luck rushing 4-5 and playing man press...the very defense they dumped pre Capers ?! Hmm ?
Specialists : Crosby is fine and I can't grade the punter because we didn't punt enough to really know for sure. Long snapping was fine as well. ( ST unit is included in coaching grades) Grade : A
Coaching : Here is the most controversial subject in the land. It's hard to grade the sum without taking into account a very solid overall record and deep playoff run, many thought GB fell short. I for one thought they overachieved and made a great run in the second half.
The ST coaching and many game day decisions really do make one scratch their head, I will admit, I still strongly believe that lack of "quality" depth is affecting ST more then anyone likes to talk about.
I also I am not convinced that our defensive scheme is as sound as many bloggers and writers claim it to be.
So all things considered, my grade is a sum of all the above. Not the pitchforks many want, but also not going to deny the flaws we have. Grade : B minus
2014 Team Grade : B
Another season in the books, not the ending anyone hoped for but still being a top 4 team in the NFL is something we can all be proud of. Jumping into the draft and FA now... keep on reading as we prepare for Packers 2015 ! GO PACK GO !
