Tracking The Power Sweep's 2022 Predictions
If there’s anything that’s true about sports media, it’s that predictions aren’t taken seriously.
Sure, people might clown Mel Kiper Jr. for his draft takes from time to time, but mostly nobody goes back to check on what anybody actually says.
I think that’s dumb, so I want to put down my predictions for everybody to see.
Here’s every prediction I’ve made about the Packers so far this year, starting with the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout the season I’ll be adding more and I’ll keep a running tally on what I get right, what I get wrong, and how things shake out the way they do. If they embed below doesn’t work, check out this link for the full list of 2022 predictions.
As you can see, many of my predictions have already panned out one way or another. Here are a couple quick thoughts about the ones still in the works.
Predictions that I feel good about
I feel very good about my predictions related to Rashan Gary’s productivity in 2022. I think the sky’s the limit for Gary this season, and I think he’s going to blossom into a true star with stats to match.
I also feel very good about my predictions regarding Eric Stokes’ plays on the ball, even the one about him scoring a touchdown in 2022. He had an excellent rookie year, but making plays on the ball was a big potential growth area. I think he takes a big step forward there this season.
Predictions that I don’t feel good about
There’s a good chance that Jake Hanson is my first big miss of 2022. I predicted he wouldn’t make the 53-man roster or the practice squad, but right now he’s angling for a starting job. That’s a surprise, and one that’s going to leave me with egg on my face, more than likely.
It’s also hard to feel good about Chauncey Manac’s chances of making the practice squad considering he was released on the first day of camp. Typically it’s hard to get consideration for the practice squad if you’re not practicing with the team. Oh well.
Predictions that I have no idea what to think about
I felt confident making it, but putting a range on the Packers’ points per game feels weird. I predicted they’d score between 22.5 and 25 points per game, which would be down a bit from last year. Generally, I think they’ll be a little less explosive but a little more efficient on offense without Davante Adams, but that scoring is basically a guess.
I also have no idea what to think about the Packers’ sack total this year. Rashan Gary is going to put up numbers, but I don’t know where the sacks will come from other than that. Preston Smith and Kenny Clark are both very capable pass rushers, but Smith’s totals have been up and down his entire career and it’s tough to count on big numbers from an interior lineman. It’ll be interesting to watch!