The story of every season has its own unique characters, but there are always a couple things in common: to be successful, a team needs to get its money's worth out of its stars and pick up some new contributions from players who weren't necessarily the biggest of factors in the past.
Read MoreMason Crosby's rebound from moribund to magnificent is well documented, as it should be. Crosby bounced back from what easily was his worst season as a professional to have his best yet. Crosby's 89.2% conversion rate bested his previous high by 3.5% and relieved the hurt feelings of legions of Packers fans who'd called for his head during his terrific slump of 2012. All is well in Mason Crosby's universe.
Read MoreWe all remember the play that almost was. The play that probably should have been.
Read MoreWhile the Packers successfully addressed their biggest draft day priority in landing safety Ha Ha Clinton Dix, they did not address their other big need at inside linebacker.
Read MoreLinebackers are the lifeblood of the 3-4 defense, and outside linebackers are the stars of the system. The Packers have used every available means to find outside linebackers for their defense, from the draft to converting defensive linemen to picking up undrafted free agents.
Read More"Ever churning legs."
"Flashes speed and short area burst."
"Has quickness to attack gaps."
"Fluid lower body and easy movement skills."
Read MoreOne of the Packers' most devastating injuries in 2013 came before the regular season even kicked off. During last year's Family Night scrimmage at Lambeau Field, left tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered an ACL tear in his left knee, making him unavailable for the entire 2013 campaign.
Read MoreOnce upon a time, Derek Sherrod was the Packers' bookend tackle of the future. Gifted with tremendous physical tools, Sherrod would partner with Bryan Bulaga, anchoring both ends of the offensive line for the next decade or more, protecting Aaron Rodgers and carving running lanes in the ground game.
Read MoreWith the (assumed) departure of Jermichael Finley, the Packers needed to address the tight end position in this year's NFL Draft.
Read MoreIt's easy to name every guy lining up at tight end for the Packers, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and wonder how they could fit into this year's team. It's much harder, though, to think about the man responsible for their development: tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot.
Read MoreOf the foreseeable position battles on the Packers' roster, tight end may be the most high profile and the least consequential.
Read MoreIt's taken as almost a given that the Packers will manufacture successful wide receivers. Ted Thompson has been more or less wildly successful picking pass catchers near the top of the draft. But oddly enough, it may be an undrafted player who may have the most pressure to perform this year.
Read MoreEvery backfield can benefit from having different kind of backs to implement in different situations. Big, powerful backs dominate near the goal line. Small, shifty backs are best in the open field.
Read MoreIt feels nice to finally say that I am pleased with the running back situation in Green Bay. With the top four backs healthy (fingers crossed) in Eddie Lacy, James Starks, Jonathan Franklin and DuJuan Harris, it seems like the spots on the final roster are set. But those aren't the only backs on the current, 90-man roster. There are still three other backs working their tails off to make the "Final 53." Let's meet them, shall we?
Read MoreEverything tends to look rosy before the grind of the regular season begins. No position on the Packers' roster greater exemplifies this phenomenon than running back, where the Packers presumably have a solid backfield in the works.
Read MoreEarlier this week, we briefly explored the possibility that Aaron Rodgers' career is very likely closer to the end than to the beginning. Though it may not be quite as scary to think about, I think it's important to realize that the same may be true for the architects of the Packers' on-field success, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy.
Read MoreAfter a second straight post-season loss to the 49ers back in January, I don't think I've ever seen more Dom Capers hate from my Facebook feed.
Read MoreAt some point, Aaron Rodgers will be old. Today is not that day, but we're standing at the precipice of the season in which Aaron Rodgers will turn 31 years old.
Read MoreWriting voluminous amounts of words about a guy who hasn't played a down yet in the NFL seems to be the thing to do this week, so who am I to judge? Here are my thoughts on Colt Lyerla.
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