Strong offseason—with draft still ahead—bodes well for Green Bay, GM Thompson
By CHRIS HAVEL
It cannot be said the Green Bay Packers stood pat.
While the rest of the NFC’s finest were busy signing free agents at the outset, the Packers laid low for a week. Then, just when it seemed Green Bay wasn’t going to spend in free agency, they got after it.
General manager Ted Thompson re-signed cornerback Sam Shields at the going rate, and he also retained linebacker/defensive end Mike Neal, tight end Andrew Quarless, running back James Starks and nose tackle B.J. Raji in Green Bay-friendly deals.
The icing was signing free agent defensive end Julius Peppers. The eight-time Pro Bowler can still rise to the occasion, at least on occasion, and he leaves a void in the Chicago Bears’ Swiss cheese defense. Peppers’ three-year deal counts just $3.5 million against this year’s cap, with only $7.5 million guaranteed. Again, excellent work by Thompson, whose vision with head coach Mike McCarthy is to reload the offense, retool the defense and go out and win a championship.
The Packers still have needs, and a couple of holes – if not question marks – but they also still have the draft. Typically, the NFL draft is when Thompson makes his splash. He uses an entire department’s worth of information gathering and deciphering and squeezes it into a three-day quest for the best available talent. By covering himself at backup running back, tight end, defensive end, nose tackle and cornerback, Thompson can focus on safety, inside linebacker and backup quarterback in the draft.
It seems likely the Packers will draft a safety to either eventually unseat Morgan Burnett, or be paired with him until Micah Hyde is up to speed. Either way, the Packers have to be better than they were last year with Jerron McMillion, M.D. Jennings and Burnett. What’s even more likely is that the Packers will reassert their position among the NFC’s elite teams.
Who are the NFC’s elite? There is Seattle at the top, followed by San Francisco, Carolina, New Orleans and Philadelphia with potentially elite teams in Arizona, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago and Tampa Bay. Where do the Packers fit in that group?
Clearly, Green Bay (8-7-1) needs to make significant upgrades on defense to contend for an NFC Championship. The aforementioned signings are a step in the right direction. The Packers’ greatest challenge is transforming potential into production, especially on defense.
The offense is going to strong with a solid offensive line, Quarless and Co. at tight end, a receiving corps that features Jordy Nelson, Randal Cobb and Jarrett Boykin, plus running back Eddie Lacy and the trigger man, quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Quality depth is available in the offensive line and running back. I suspect Thompson will make sure that he has a competent backup quarterback behind Rodgers.
The defense should be better with Peppers, a healthy Jerel Worthy and a more experienced DaTone Jones. It should also be better because Clay Matthews enters the season with rested hamstrings and a completely healed thumb. Raji has great incentive to play hard, Neal has a lot to prove and Mike Daniels merely needs to keep doing what he is doing. The greatest defensive liabilities appear at inside linebacker and safety. Both are tremendous needs that must be addressed in the draft.
If the Packers’ defense improves enough to occasionally carry the team, or at least capitalize and force turnovers when Rodgers hands it a lead, Green Bay will be a force.
Seattle returns most of its big guns, including the offensive line, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. Receiver depth is weak, however, and the Seahawks need Percy Harvin to play more than 30-something snaps this season. The Seahawks’ vaunted defense lost Red Bryant, the big defensive lineman, but Seattle likely won’t concede much  this season.
San Francisco still has Frank Gore, Colin Kaepernick and a brutish offensive line. It also has the Smiths – Justin and Aldon – and a very strong linebacker corps even with Navarro Bowman on the mend, plus newly added safety Antoine Bethea. Carolina has question marks, especially with quarterback Cam Newton undergoing ankle surgery. Furthermore, Newton has precious few receivers to throw to when he does return. The Panthers might be ready to be leapfrogged by Green Bay. In fact, the Packers might be better than San Francisco, too. The 49ers beat the Packers by three points in the postseason, and that was with Green Bay still trying to find itself after missing Rodgers for so long.
New Orleans, Arizona and Atlanta fall a notch below the Packers. The Bears and Lions are capable of unseating Green Bay for the NFC North crown, but until it happens the Packers are the defending champs. By the time the NFL draft wraps up in May, Green Bay will have upgraded its roster and covered itself at several thin positions.
Other NFC teams are going to have a difficult time matching the Packers’ offseason, especially when we see the draft unfold.

Packers sign ex-Bears’ DE; retain NT Raji on 1-yr deal
By CHRIS HAVEL
Play it again, Packers fans.
Take a hit on that grit, blow a seductively slow smoke ring and tickle the ivory with some sad, bluesy song as a backdrop to fans crying a river because their team’s GM, Ted Thompson, refuses to play in free agency.
Whoops. That was my bad. Wrong script on this suddenly exciting St. Patrick’s Day weekend, 2014! It turns out Thompson is willing to sign a big-name free agent or two, the first being Charles Woodson in 2006, the second being Julius Peppers during the weekend.
Peppers, 34, was released by the Chicago Bears in a salary cap-cutting move, and the Packers pounced by signing the eight-time Pro Bowl player to a three-year, $30 million deal with $7.5 million guaranteed. Essentially, it is a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, and it is a deal the Packers were wise to make because:

• It covers the defense in case Clay Matthews’ thumb gets reinjured or is slow to recover this offseason. The fact that painfully little has been said about Matthews’ injury is a concern until the facts prove otherwise.
• If Matthews is fine it gives the Packers’ defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, what could be a very powerful 1-2 pass rushing punch.

Certainly, Peppers isn’t the great player he once was, because he was among the NFL’s best in his prime. But at 34, he still can be a force. He registered seven sacks last year on an awful Bears defense, and he long has been a big-game player. In fact, Peppers’ big-game ability makes him special. He is experienced enough to recognize the moment, and he remains athletic enough to rise to it. He will be a welcome addition if and when the Packers reach the postseason this year.
The Packers didn’t make Peppers available to the media. However, they did share Peppers’ comments on their website.
“I have a lot left in the tank,” he said. “I have a lot left to give, a lot left to offer. I want to show people I can still play the game at a high level.”
Peppers also made it clear he came to Green Bay to win a championship.
“The teams that have the good quarterbacks are the teams that win,” he said. “That obviously factored into some of my decision-making. I’m looking forward to playing with Aaron (Rodgers). As much as I disliked chasing him around, I’m excited to join him.”
Peppers’ critics claim that he takes plays off, has a mercenary mindset and isn’t the greatest locker room guy. That sounds pretty flimsy. When the Bears failed in recent years it wasn’t due to Peppers and the Chicago defense. Imagine what Peppers and Matthews could do together when playing at a high level? Or better yet when playing with a double-digit lead if the Packers’ offense plays to its potential?
Peppers prefers to line up in a 3-4. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft can play end in a 3-4 or tackle in a 4-3 sub-package. He also is athletic enough to set and hold an edge against a nifty ball carrier or an exceptionally good running quarterback. He played for Packers’ defensive line coach Mike Trgovac at Carolina, and Capers knows how to utilize Peppers’ skills.
The Packers also signed Raji to a one-year, $4 million contract. It gives the Packers a defensive line featuring: Raji, Peppers, Neal, Jerel Worthy, Josh Boyd, DaTone Jones and Mike Daniels. That is a significant upgrade from last year’s group. In fact, I don’t even remember the other members of year’s group, which proves the point.
Add Nick Perry at the elephant position, along with Matthews and perhaps an inside linebacker in the draft, and the defensive front seven doesn’t look so shabby.
Last week, the Packers re-signed cornerback Sam Shields to join Tramon Williams, Casey Hayward and Davon House. It seems likely the Packers will select a safety and perhaps an inside linebacker in the draft.
Thompson’s signing of Peppers may be a bit of gamble, given his age, but the 6-foot-7, 287-pound defensive end will pick his spots. His signing has several of his new teammates excited.
Neal tweeted: “So we get Julius Peppers!!! LOL and we got BJ back … and we already got some dawgs!!! Well damn let the hunting begin!!!
For those who question whether Peppers will be a difference maker, consider this: In his four seasons with Chicago he started all 64 games and registered 37 ½ sacks. That’s the type of production, and player, the Packers have been looking for to pair opposite and/or twin with Clay Matthews.
As Neal tweeted, let the hunting begin!

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Packers wise to low-ball Raji, pursue free agent TE, safety
By CHRIS HAVEL
The Packers’ decision to pay Sam Shields does more than merely allow the defense to tread water. It prevents Green Bay’s defense from having one of its few strengths (a young stable of cornerbacks) become a weakness if injuries occur.
Shields’ reported four-year deal is worth $39 million including a $12.5 million signing bonus. Aside from the practical matter of keeping Green Bay’s cornerback quartet intact (Tramon Williams, Casey Hayward, Davon House and Shields), it also sends two important messages:

• That the Packers take care of their own by re-signing their own so long as they play at a high level
• That players such as B.J. Raji, who reportedly declined an $8 million-a-year deal at midseason, won’t be rewarded for substandard play.

The hardest pushback Raji showed all season was when he allowed his play to slip noticeably in the wake of the unsigned deal. By offering him a one-year, $4 million deal, GM Ted Thompson got it right. Clearly, it was a take-it-or-leave-it offer.
Too many NFL general managers lack the discipline to stick to their plan. By overpaying Raji, and rewarding indifference, if not laziness, the Packers would have done damage to the locker room’s makeup. The Packers fear bringing in a high-priced free agent who may disrupt the team’s chemistry. But that is no worse than resigning one of their own when the player isn’t worthy.
The Packers didn’t slam the door on Raji. They drew a line in the foyer. Raji’s reaction to Shields’ signing was typical. He decided to test free agency rather than go for the one-year deal. Raji may receive a generous offer from another team, and if that happens, good for him and so be it.
Last week, I wrote that if head coach Mike McCarthy really intends to be more involved in the defense, he should start by doing what it takes to convince Thompson to resign Shields. Whatever the dynamic behind the Shields signing the fact is the Packers kept a good player at a key position in the NFC North. Because of it, the defense can build on what it did well and begin fixing what it didn’t.
Shields, 26, had four interceptions in 14 games. He made a terrific play at Dallas to help close out the road victory, and he played well against the NFL’s best, including Cincinnati’s A.J. Green, Dallas’ Dez Bryant, Chicago’s Brandon Marshall and Detroit’s Calvin Johnson. Now, Thompson can focus on retooling the rest of the defense.
Defensive end Mike Neal still seems interested in returning to Green Bay, a move I’d make only if the price was right. Neal hasn’t done anything to earn a sizable, long-term contract. The Packers just might play in free agency, which officially opens tomorrow at 3 p.m. I would expect Green Bay to show interest in several veterans at key positions. The safety position is one area that may require attention in free agency and the draft.
Another position in need of help is linebacker. If the Packers feel they can generate enough pass rush with Nick Perry at elephant, Jerel Worthy at the five-technique and DaTone Jones bringing it on passing downs, they would be wise to invest in an inside linebacker. Ex-New England linebacker Brandon Spikes would fit the bill. He would be a significant upgrade over A.J. Hawk or Brad Jones. A heavy hitter at inside linebacker would help cure the sagging run defense, and it might allow for more plays to be made by Perry and Co.
It will be interesting to see how the dominos fall from here on out. Re-signing Shields was a strong move in the right direction.

Green Bay will be wise to let Raji walk, tag Shields
By CHRIS HAVEL
If Mike McCarthy truly intends to be more involved in his team’s defense this season, the Green Bay Packers’ head coach would be wise to start today. The best thing McCarthy could do for defensive coordinator Dom Capers is to somehow, some way convince General Manager Ted Thompson to re-sign cornerback Sam Shields. If that means placing the franchise tag on him before today’s deadline by all means get to it.
The Packers’ defense needs all the help it can get, and Shields is – or heaven forbid was – an integral part of a mostly beleaguered unit. Tramon Williams’ resurgence, Casey Hayward’s healthy return and Shields’ continued ascent would put the Packers’ secondary in perfect position to make a ton of plays this season. In fact, I’m confident enough to say that without knowing the safeties’ identities. But really, could they be worse? I can’t imagine. That much most everyone would agree on.
The problem is this: What if the Packers let Shields walk? If Thompson chooses not to use the franchise tag on Shields (the cornerback number is $11 million this year) it seems likely another team will move in and sign him to a fat contract. If that happens it means one of three things:

• The Packers expect to address cornerback in free agency (but wouldn’t they have re-signed Shields?) or the draft (unlikely with their need for safety help);
• They intend to place the franchise tag on nose tackle B.J. Raji or another of their unrestricted free agents, although I can’t believe the Packers would be so foolish as to tag Raji and no one else seems likely;
• They feel that Hayward’s return, coupled with Micah Hyde’s move to safety, and perhaps mid- to late-round help in the draft, will be more than enough to compensate for Shields’ departure.

Frankly, I like none of those reasons for allowing Shields to walk, but let’s be honest: Which of these three seems the most likely?
That would be No. 3. The Packers’ lifeblood isn’t free agency. It never has been and it never will be under Thompson. However, if the Packers have a reported $33.5 million in salary cap space and elect not to use it on a rising star such as Shields, what does that say? It says just because the Packers are beneath the salary cap doesn’t mean they are going to use it to sign high-priced free agents.
Re-signing Raji would be a mistake, but play-making cornerbacks are worth every penny. Shields, an undrafted free agent, played for $2.01 million last season. The former University of Miami star is an excellent example of the Packers’ “draft and develop” philosophy.
It seems a major gaffe not to re-sign Shields. If not Shields, then who is worthy of the cap space? No one else on the roster comes to mind. McCarthy told reporters last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that he would “set the vision for the defense, (and) Dom Capers and the defensive staff will carry it out.” Let’s hope that vision includes No. 37 making a lot of plays.
In other news, the Packers still have hopes that tight end Jermichael Finley will be playing for them this season. Finley took to Twitter on Monday to let everyone know his workouts are going great and that he’s going to come back in a big way. Finley’s determination shouldn’t be discounted. He is too talented a tight end to be dismissed too lightly. If the Packers aren’t going to spend money on Shields, they ought to direct it Finley’s way. 
Aaron Rodgers and the offense rely too heavily on the tight ends to not re-sign Finley, especially if he’s willing to do an incentive-heavy deal. In fact, I wouldn’t think it overkill to re-sign Finley and select a tight end in the early to middle rounds of the draft. It is that crucial to the team’s success, especially with the emergence of Eddy Lacy and a bona fide running game which sets up play action.
Two of the sweetest sounds to Packers’ fans ears: “Touchdown, Rodgers to Finley!” and “Interception by Shields.”
Packers’ fans can only hope.

Report: McCarthy will be more involved on defense
By CHRIS HAVEL
Micah Hyde may move to safety, David Bakhtiari will stay put at left tackle, Bryan Bulaga probably will line up at right tackle and Jermichael Finley still figures in the mix at tight end.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy strongly suggested as much to reporters during the annual NFL Scouting Combine held this past weekend at Indianapolis.
McCarthy also defended incumbent safety Morgan Burnett’s play. If only Burnett had defended opponents as vigorously. In the process, McCarthy acknowledged the defense needs more production from both of its safeties, and hinted that poor play opposite Burnett didn’t help.
“We need more production next to Morgan,” McCarthy told ESPN. “Which I think definitely would help him.”
The Packers played musical safeties opposite Burnett last year. They tried and eventually released 2012 fourth-round pick Jerron McMillian. They also lined up with M.D. Jennings and Sean Richardson at the spot. The fact that McCarthy defended Burnett – as one would expect – but also acknowledged the apparent problems suggests change.
That might involve Hyde, a second-year player from Iowa, who made a stellar first impression as a rookie. His playmaking skills, sure tackling and return ability caused his value to soar. However, moving Hyde doesn’t preclude Packers GM Ted Thompson from selecting a safety in the early rounds of the May draft.
The same can be said of tight end. The Packers received excellent news this week from Finley’s neurosurgeon and the team’s physicians. It appears there will be a very good chance that Finley will be cleared to play again. Furthermore, it seems plausible that he will do so in a Packers uniform.
Trying to determine a fair contract won’t be easy under the circumstances. However, if the Packers offer Finley an incentive-laden contract plus the chance to resume his career here he might accept it. Re-signing Finley would be the right move, but the Packers shouldn’t stop there. They should also draft a tight end in the first three rounds.
Too many times the Packers’ offense has been, well, hamstrung by injuries. It has to be maddening to work on specific plays all week, only to have an injury derail the game plan before the team takes the field.
McCarthy had to use half his playbook, or less, too many times. Because the tight end is such a key position in the offense Green Bay can’t afford to let one injury determine how it conducts its business.
Several mock drafts have the Packers selecting a tight end. The best bets are North Carolina’s Eric Ebron or Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins, although the position is deep and talented this year.
The Packers interviewed Ebron at the combine as part of doing their due diligence.
Realistically, the Packers’ greatest needs are a safety, a defensive lineman and a tight end. If the Packers hit on all three and make the necessary adjustments with returning players it could be a big year.
McCarthy’s decision to become more involved in the defense is wise. As he told reporters, he can’t do both (offense and defense), but he also has to walk the balance between assisting and ignoring the defense. It also sends a message to the locker room that the highest standards of execution are going to be demanded on offense and defense.
Too many times the “Let Aaron and the offense do it” mentality prevailed.
The Packers plan other more subtle changes.
Nick Perry might be moved to an “elephant” or 7 technique position in which he lines up inside the tight end. He can play the run, chip the tight end and rush the passer, or drop into coverage. Mostly, he’ll be expected to tackle the runner on the way to the quarterback. It is a more natural position for Perry than trying to cover tight ends or backs in space.
The Packers, according to McCarthy, spent considerable time practicing with the “elephant” position during training camp. A litany of injuries curtailed that initiative and left Mike Neal and others out of position.
In a perfect NFL world, Thompson’s 2014 draft would unfold as follows:

• First round: The highest-rated player at safety or defensive line.
• Second round: Trade up into a late first- or an early second-round slot and select the best tight end available.
• Third round: Draft either the safety or defensive lineman – whichever the Packers didn’t get in the first round.

The idea of trading up at a reasonable price is appealing because the draft IS the Packers’ primary way of adding impact players.

Also, would Packers draft DE Michael Sam? Plus, McCarthy’s vision for ‘D’
By CHRIS HAVEL
The Green Bay Packers are approximately $27.5 million under the 2014 NFL salary cap, according to a report that surfaced early last week.
The next day, almost on cue, a report came out strongly suggesting Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson might sign as many as five “outside” free agents this off-season.
The news prompted some Packers fans to put aside their NFL draft guides, mock drafts and trade/pick value charts long enough to consider that rarest of creatures in Green Bay: the NFL free agent. Rarer still in Green Bay is the high-priced, impact-making free agent.
Could this be the off-season that sees “Packers” actually included in ESPN’s “free-agent signings” crawler?
Maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it. As much as it sounds sexy to daydream about the Packers making a big splash in free agency it seems doubtful for several reasons.

Aaron Rodgers & Clay Matthews Contracts Recently Extended

The Packers just paid out a significant amount of money to extend quarterback Aaron Rodgers and outside linebacker Clay Matthews.

Cornerback Sam Shields is Needed

They appear to be on the verge of paying cornerback Sam Shields a salary approaching an $8 million annual average. After missing with safety Morgan Burnett’s contract extension, the Packers can’t afford to be gun-shy and let Shields go elsewhere.

Thompson doesn’t play much in free agency

He may use the cap room to fill out his roster with veterans, preferably a reliable offensive tackle, a gritty (Howard Green-like) nose tackle, and a savvy special teams’ demon who moonlights as a safety.
Look for the Packers to use the draft to acquire their impact players. One possibility to consider is Thompson moving up in the draft. It happened in the 2009 draft with Matthews, and it could happen again. It isn’t simply a pipe dream or wishful thinking to suggest Thompson executes his own pick at No. 21, and then trades back into the first round to grab a second player with “first round” talent.
If Thompson could draft a safety and a tight end, for example, it makes filling holes at linebacker and the defensive line seem more do-able.

Would the Packers select Sam if they felt he brought value at a particular spot in the draft? Especially if he brought value at a position of need at outside linebacker-pass rusher? I think Thompson and his scouts would make an honest football appraisal, sexuality notwithstanding, to evaluate Sam. If they felt he could help the Packers win games, and he was available, say, in the fourth round, I believe Thompson would pull the trigger.
Green Bay would be a fine landing spot. Fans are demanding, but if a player delivers they will offer praise. If a player fails, they will let him know, and Sam wouldn’t be any different in that regard. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy discussed his vision for the defense, and the importance of defensive coordinator Dom Capers fulfilling that vision.
McCarthy’s comments on the defense were honest. He didn’t tap-dance around the need for clearer communication and crisper execution. The Packers’ defense slipped mightily in 2011, bounced back in 2012 and regressed in 2013. That yo-yo effect isn’t going to yield consistency.
Why the ups and downs?   It can’t all be blamed on safety Nick Collins’ possibly career-ending injury, or defensive end Cullen Jenkins’ departure, for goodness sake.   It was important to see and hear McCarthy address the defense in terms of his expectations, his vision and his additions to the staff.  
Now it’s time to begin making McCarthy’s vision the Packers’ reality.

NFL mock drafts have one common theme: Defense
By CHRIS HAVEL
Whether it is Louisville’s Calvin Pryor, Minnesota’s RaShede Hageman or Notre Dame’s Louis Nix III is a matter of opinion. What most NFL draft experts do agree on is this: With the 21st pick in the 2014 draft the Green Bay Packers will select defense. In fact, they may draft defense in the second, third and fourth rounds, too.
Whether this is a repeat of the 2012 draft when Packers GM Ted Thompson went defense with the first six picks remains to be seen. Rest assured, however, that the Packers will attempt to revamp all three levels of their defense through the draft.
A majority of Packers fans who suffered through humiliating defeats to non-playoff teams such as the Giants last season will reply: No kidding! The key is to select the best defensive player who is also a great fit. Translation: Draft a player in the first round who will start immediately. That should be the goal for the Packers each offseason, especially since they are so reluctant to play in free agency. If they are to add difference makers and big-time playmakers it’s going to come through the draft.

So who do the Packers select?

The closest to a consensus is that the Packers will choose one of two safeties: Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or Louisville’s Pryor. Perhaps lining up opposite a high-end safety will enable Packers safety Morgan Burnett to regain his form. Surely it can’t hurt a secondary that lacks big hitters, playmakers and effective communicators.
As a No. 2 safety Burnett might be good enough to win with. In 2010, Burnett became only the second safety to start as a rookie since Chuck Cecil in 1988. He helped the Packers win Super Bowl 46 when teamed with Nick Collins. Four seasons later, the Packers may be looking at starting another rookie safety to open the season.
Clinton-Dix is a 6-foot-1, 208 pound hitter who also hauled in seven interceptions the past two seasons for the Crimson Tide.
Pryor, at 6-2, 208, is a strong tackler who possesses better ball skills and greater range than Clinton-Dix. If the Packers were fortunate enough to land either of these safeties it would be considered a significant upgrade.
The other possibility, aside from a nose tackle, is cornerback Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State. Gilbert, who doubles as an explosive return specialist, is probably going to be taken in the top 15. But if he is available it’s unlikely the Packers would pass on him with the 21st pick.
Notre Dame’s Nix III is a massive man (6-2, 342) who would be a tremendous replacement for B.J. Raji if he leaves via free agency. Nix can play nose in a 3-4 or tackle in a 4-3.
The Golden Gophers’ RaShede Hageman is another interesting prospect. Hageman, at 6-feet-6, 318 pounds, is powerful and athletic. He also is versatile and can play defensive end in either a 3-4 or 4-3. He also has a nasty streak that the Packers’ defense could really use.
One possibility is a repeat of 2009 when Thompson selected Raji with the ninth overall pick, and then traded back into the first round to select Clay Matthews with the 26th pick. If the Packers’ defensive depth is OK, and the need for playmakers is at a premium, trading into the first round may be the only way to secure enough impact players on that side of the ball.
Several mock drafts have the Packers selecting a tight end. The best bets are North Carolina’s Eric Ebron or Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The Packers do have a need at tight end with Jermichael Finley coming off major neck surgery. Still, it would be difficult to justify a tight end in the first round. The Packers found Finley in the third round.
Ultimately, the needs on defense supersede everything else. My best guess is that the Packers select the best defensive player available at 21 and then strongly consider moving up into the late-first or early second-round to get another potential playmaker on defense.
While it is true that draft picks are considered gold by Thompson, so are playmakers, and if you don’t shell out the cash in free agency the only other currency available is draft picks. The Packers will have Jerel Worthy and Casey Hayward returning to help in the line and the secondary. If Nick Perry develops at outside linebacker, and DaTone Jones steps up at end, the Packers’ defense could look – and more importantly play – vastly different in 2014.

Seahawks’ rugged defense, team unity just too much for Denver in 43-8 loss
By CHRIS HAVEL
Even in an outdoor, open-air stadium Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos looked like the roof was caving in on them. There are many ways to win a football game and the Seattle Seahawks explored them all in a 43-8 rout of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Head coach Pete Carroll’s high-energy, take-no-prisoners Seahawks scored via a safety, an interception return, a kickoff return, a pair of field goals, two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown.
Seattle’s thorough dismantling of Denver occurred on every level. If any Broncos outperformed their Seattle counterparts the list is short.

The Seahawks forced four turnovers while committing none.

One of the most important came with Seattle leading 8-0 and Manning looking to answer on the ensuing drive. Facing third-and-7 at the Denver 23, Manning’s wobbly pass sailed too high for Julius Thomas and into the hands of Seattle safety Kam Chancellor for an interception.
The Seahawks’ offense then clicked off a 7-play, 37-yard touchdown drive that was extended by a Denver penalty and capped by a Marshawn Lynch 1-yard touchdown run to make it 15-0. On Denver’s next possession, Manning misfired when he was hit while releasing the football. The errant throw was picked off by Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith, who went 69 yards for a touchdown to push Seattle’s lead to 22-0 at the half. Smith, the game’s MVP, had 10 tackles, a fumble recovery and the interception return. Bobby Wagner, Chancellor and Smith each had 10 tackles to spearhead a defense that played smart, tough and together.
“The only way we could say we were the best defense was to take down the best offense,” Wagner told reporters after the game.

Russell Wilson missed high on his first pass attempt.

Frankly, it’s the only poor pass I recall him throwing all night. He finished 18-for-25 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson also threw accurately and confidently while converting 7 of 12 third down plays. Wilson, at 5-11, stood tall in and out of the pocket. He played with an impressive mixture of poise and precision while making more than enough plays to lead Seattle to victory.
“We’ve been relentless all season,” Wilson said. “Having that mentality of having a championship day every … at the end of the day, you want to play your best football and that is what we did today.”

Percy Harvin, the X-Factor, made his presence felt early with a 30-yard gallop on an end around.

He sealed Denver’s fate with his 87-yard touchdown return on the second half’s opening kick to make it 29-0. Carroll’s decision to defer after winning the coin toss proved fortuitous. He put his best unit on the field to open the game, and he put one of the game’s most dangerous return men on the field to start the second half. If anyone ever wondered what a near-perfect Super Bowl XLVIII performance looks like, well, this was it.
“This is an amazing team,” Carroll said afterward. “Took us four years to get to this point, but they never have taken a step sideways. These guys would not take anything but winning this game.”

The mild weather with the temperature at kickoff 49 degrees seemed as if it would favor Manning and the Broncos.

It didn’t matter because Seattle’s defense controlled Manning and the NFL’s top-ranked offense from the outset. Denver ran just four plays in the first quarter and never found its rhythm against the Seahawks. Manning finished 34 of 49 for 280 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked just once but was constantly harassed and finished with a miserable 73.5 quarterback rating. Manning is now 1-2 in Super Bowls and 11-12 in the playoffs.

Seattle’s GM, John Schneider, and its offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, were instrumental in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl ascendancy.

Bevell worked for the Packers from 2000-2005 as an assistant coach, and Schneider – a De Pere native – had two stints with the Packers’ personnel department (1993-96, 2002-2009). Both are extremely professional, humble men who have risen to the top by combining their talent with an incredible work ethic.
Perhaps one, or both, will return to Green Bay if the right opportunity presents itself. While Packers GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy aren’t going anywhere in the foreseeable future, isn’t it interesting that Seattle – once criticized for stealing Green Bay’s front office – may be the franchise to gripe about the Packers taking their coaching and front office talent?