Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is the most talented player on Minnesota's offense. But the Packers haven't needed to shut down Peterson to beat the Vikings in the past.
A.J. Hawk is having arguably his best season in the NFL in 2012. His fiery play and recent weight loss are factors, as is the coaching staff's decision to limit the linebacker's playing time.
The defense of the 2012 Green Bay Packers has been statistically miles ahead of its 2011 counterpart, but let's pump the brakes on crowning this unit so early.
The issues that plagued the Packers defense in 2011 are the same ones that appeared in the Packers' season opening loss to the 49ers, and defensive coordinator Dom Capers is to blame.
The Packers defense was historically poor in terms of yardage allowed in 2011. But its ability to cause turnovers remained despite the mountains of yards. We examine how the offense turned those turnovers into points last season.
Charles Woodson returned to the practice field Tuesday for the start of Packers' minicamp, but little was learned about any changes we'll see in his role for 2012.
Based on the way the Packers are approaching this offseason, it looks like they might consider running a 3-4/4-3 hybrid-type defense in the same vein as the New England Patriots.
Don't expect the Packers defense to transform into something it isn't. Expect it to play slightly better than it has the past month and to help the Packers get to Indianapolis.
If Christian Watson truly has a handle on his hamstring issues, you can bet the Packers will look to get back to stretching the field vertically with the talented wide out.
