OK, Super Bowl 52 is in the books and the NFL Draft is months away. Now is as good of a time as any to look into the crystal ball. It’s always fun to make predictions about how things will shake out with our beloved Green Bay Packers. The following are predictions concerning the 2018 Green Bay Packers.
Prediction #1: The Packers defense will finish in the top 10. Mike Pettine is going to lead an unpredictable, multiple-front and aggressive unit to the field this year. The defense will remind fans of the ballhawking days of Charles Woodson, Nick Collins and Sam Shields. Pettine will instill life and energy with a new voice and approach for the defense. Quarterbacks will get moved off the spot with complex blitz schemes and the secondary will be the benefactors. Look for the Packers to rank near the top of the league both in takeaways and points allowed in 2018. Turnovers lead to a short field and that’s never a bad thing when you have a healthy #12 under center.
Prediction #2: Some Packers will hit statistical milestones. Davante Adams will make the Packers look like straight geniuses by putting in some serious work in 2018. Look for him to amass at least 1,300 yards and 12 touchdown. Adams will significantly reduce the number of drops from the year prior and show the NFL his ability to break tackles and make yards after the catch. In addition and maybe the real surprise here is that Jamaal Williams will have a huge breakout season. Williams really found his groove after getting some extensive work due to the injuries of both Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones. Williams will rush for just over 1,000 yards this season while becoming the Packers bell cow running back. Finally, Aaron Rodgers will put his talent back on display after being on the shelf for much of the 2017 season. Rodgers will throw for 3,800 yards, 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The running game will boost his numbers simply because defenses will now have to bite on the playaction game, allowing him to scan the field and hit the open man.
Prediction #3: The Packers will cash in on the Pro Bowl this year. The Packers had two alternates eventually make the Pro Bowl roster last year in Mike Daniels and Davante Adams. While neither had significant contributions in that game, they were in Orlando nonetheless. Next year, it will be evident that the Packers made major hay because several will be punching their ticket to the Pro Bowl. The Packers that earn their stripes in 2018 include: Aaron Rodgers, David Bakhtiari, Davante Adams, Mason Crosby, Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark and Blake Martinez. In addition, Kevin King will have a substantial impact this year and be considered a Pro Bowl “snub” missing the final call.
Prediction #4: The Packers will earn homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. This is almost imperative for the Packers to reach the NFL pinnacle once again and it happens in 2018. The Packers end up with the NFC’s best record and the road to the Super Bowl runs through Lambeau Field. This road to the dance will look far different than the one the team took in 2010. As you all remember, the Packers were road warriors that year, winning the team’s 4th Super Bowl as the 6th and final seed that year. This year, the Packers establish their dominance early and often.
Prediction #5: Yes, the Packers become Titletown once again. The biggest prediction of all will be a popular one. Mike McCarthy silences his critics and those calling for his head by hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy once more. The Packers will top the Patriots in Super Bowl 53 by a late Mason Crosby field goal. The final score will be Packers 33, Patriots 31.
Which predictions can you see coming true? Which ones won’t? Make your own in the comments section. Be loud. Be bold. Be heard.
Robert Martin bleeds green and gold despite living in North Dakota, where many cheer for the purple. He is currently a writer for PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter @robertmartinPHD.