Exploiting Depth @ WR

Tom Silverstein reminds us in his May 13th article that great QBs must come through on final drives and win close games. We all remember how BLF could do this or throw a game ending pick. But it was his ability to run the 2-minute drill that made him great.

And so we are reminded that it's not JUST the defense that needs to improve if the Packers are going back to the playoffs. That's got to worry anyone familiar with the sophomore QB slump. But when you think about the Packer WR, you have to have confidence. Nobody is talking about the WRs. Occasionally, someone whispers Donald Driver is 47 or something like that. But look at him. Drivers' body fat levels seem to be genetic wonder plus impeccable conditioning.

Greg Jennings didn't have a sophomore slump. He was 13th among WRs in catches. Driver was 20th. Rodgers will need to hit them in stride as Favre was doing in the second half of 2006 and all of 2007. This is the key to the Packer offense. In 2007 Driver ranked #14 and Jennings #42. Not like N.E. in 2007 with Welker tied for #1 and Moss #9, but things weigh out better when you add in the #3 & #4 receivers.

The image of James Jones' helmet flying off last season reminds us it's a dangerous position. Some QBs have a knack for getting their WRs splattered. That's a real intangible, but I hope to see fewer Packer WRs creamed, especially on slant routes this year.

We can also hope the Packers' offense is tweaked to involve James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Ruvell Martin. When you consider the quality of nickle and dime backs in the NFL vs. starting CBs, you have to see a golden path to getting Jennings and Driver through to the playoffs.

It would make some sense to pull the plug on Jennings "contract year" and sign him to an extension now like they did with Donald Driver a few years back. I could really care less about Jennings' individual stats this regular season. Playoff teams will have capable nickle & dime backs, and Jennings & Driver will be needed at full-strenght.

Let's ask a few Packer media folks about how the Packers might exploit their depth at WR this season and see what they say.