Packer fans surely remember the days of highly-mediocre offensive skill personnel from the early 2000s. While GM Ron Wolf did supply Brett Favre with Pro Bowlers like Ahman Green and Donald Driver, the gunslinger’s next best options were often Bubba Franks and Robert Ferguson. Compare these supporting casts to those of the Ted Thompson era, which have been loaded with talent and versatility. The offensive skill personnel of 2014 will likely be no exception but may look noticeably different from recent years.
Just weeks ago the Packers organization was informed that second-year running back Johnathan Franklin’s neck injury would force an abrupt end to his career. A similar (yet not quite as severe) scenario could play out with tight end Jermichael Finley, who also suffered a neck injury last season and appears far from football condition. Finally, the Packers lost long-time No.3 wide out James Jones to free agency in the offseason, initially leaving the offense thin at receiver.
Though these three departures would frighten many franchises, the Packers still look like a Top 10 offense on paper, a title they’ve held every year of the Mike McCarthy year except for one. The emergence of power back Eddie Lacy and wide out Jarrett Boykin helped the team finish third in the NFL in total offense last season, despite being without Aaron Rodgers for seven games. Additionally, some faces that weren’t present in 2013 could prove instrumental in the rebuild of the Packers’ backfield and receiving corps.
While it is certainly a shame that we will never see what Franklin can amount to as a third-down back, many fans forget that the Packers have a version of him in DuJuan Harris, who turned in several impressive performances in 2012. Harris was injured before the 2013 season began and watched all 16 games from the sidelines, which could have easily ended his stint in Green Bay. Instead, Franklin’s injury has opened the door for Harris’s return to the offense, this time playing a more complimentary – but still important – role.
Thompson also added several potential contributors in the May NFL Draft, starting with Fresno State receiver, Davante Adams. Adams is expected to contribute similarly to Jones and Greg Jennings during their rookie seasons, playing the majority of snaps out of the slot. Joining Adams in the 2014 rookie class is fellow slot receiver, Jared Abbrederis, and big-bodied tight end, Richard Rodgers.
It’s hard to tell whether the product of these moves will be a net-positive in the long-run. But, knowing Thompson’s strong resume with offensive skill personnel, one has to imagine that the resources for success in 2014 are already on the roster.
Twitter: GPN_JR
It’s always difficult as a fan to see players who have grown to be favorites over time or have so much potential just drop out of the mix, but I think you’re right. I really don’t see our offense taking a step back.
On thing I will be interested to watch is the backup running back competition. Harris had the starting slot last year until he got injured. Starks has been a good change-up back, but I have a gut feeling Harris might step into that second position. If he still has the speed he had before the injury Harris could be, quite literally, a change of pace back. He would hit holes and be gone faster than the sledge hammer that is Eddie Lacy.
One thing is for sure TT knows how to stock Offense! My concern is will these Defensive players step up and finally play this year? And I know I will get some flack for saying this but it is time for TT to address the middle!!! Hawk is and always will be our weak link along with B.Jones on yhe middle,If TT can open his eye’s an see this then and only then will our defense start to improve.