From: tkelsey@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (todd.p.kelsey)
Subject: Packers 1992 Summary (long)
Organization: AT&T
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 22:02:25 GMT


Since the Packers did not make the playoffs and there season is
finished, I think it's appropriate to review their 1992 season.

Overall: B
The Packers 1992 season was beyond my wildest preseason expectations.
This was a team I expected to win 3 to 5 games and they nearly made
the playoffs.  After the seventh game this team really started to gel 
and understand Mike Holmgren's system.  The leadership of Ron Wolf and 
Holmgren leave the Packers well positioned to continue their rise.

Quarterback: A-
Brett Favre is a budding star in the league.  He has all the tools
(strong arm, mobile, tough, leadership) to be an outstanding quarterback
for many years.  The task for Favre and Holmgren is to keep Favre
focused on reaching his potential.  Don Majkowski's days in Green Bay
appear numbered, since he will be a free agent and the Packers will
never want to match his $1.7 million salary of this year.  The Packers
will need to pick up a veteran backup quarterback in the off season.

Running Back: B-
The Packer running backs made great strides in 1992.  This was an area,
going into the season, that appearred to be a major weakness, but turned
out to be adequate.  Workman, Thompson, and Bennett all showed they could
be the feature back when necessary.  Harry Sydney was steady at fullback
and continually came up with key plays when needed.  Bennett, Dexter McNabb,
and Marcus Wilson all have potential.  The Packers could still use a game
breaking runner (so could about 24 other teams), but if that person
is not available in the draft, what they currently have should be adequate.

Wide Receivers: B-
This breaks down to Sterling Sharpe - A+, everybody else D-.  Sterling
was fantastic in 1992.  This offensive is perfect for him.  It's great
to know he has that 10 year contract.  The Packers desparately need
a receiver to complement (take the heat off) Sharpe.  Ron Lewis showed
flashes and may be the guy next year.  Corey Harris was a special teams
star.  If he can get to that level as an offensive player he could start.
Robert Brooks is young and very inconsistent.  Sanjay Beach is a stiff.
The Packers need to draft or sign free agent receivers.

Tight Ends: B
Jackie Harris is on his way up.  Ed West is on his way out.  Harris 
finally started to live up to his potential.  If he makes similar
strides next year he could make the pro bowl.  West has shown he
can not catch Favre's passes.  He also is slowing from age and past
injuries.  He may be gone next year.

Offensive Line: B
This group performed way beyond expectations this year, but there are
some major holes to fill.  For the first time in years the Packers
were actually able to run the ball and in most games the quarterback
was given adequate time to throw.  The Tootie Robbins trade solidified the 
right tackle position.  He had an excellent year.  Ron Hallstrom also had his
best season in years.  What happened to the Hallstrom who seemingly had
2 holding penalties per game in 1991?  Both these players are near the
end of their careers, though.  Ken Ruetggers had a fine season, as well,
but I expect him to leave Green Bay as a free agent.  Campen is solid,
but unspectacular (I've heard rumors that he will be leaving Green Bay
as well).  Winters and Sims filled in admirably when called on.
It appears Tony Mandarich's career may be over and he will forever
carry the label of a major bust.  His weight is still at around 270.
Green Bay needs to get young linemen via free agency or the draft.  I
don't expect this patchwork line to be able to duplicate its success
next year.

Defensive Line: C-
This group has some major holes that were obvious in the Viking game.
They get almost no pass rush from the line and they are also ineffective
at stopping the run.  Nearly to a man the Packers DL are all stopgap at
best.  Matt Brock may be the only one who deserves to start.  This
would be an ideal position for the Packers to try to lure a big name
free agent.  They also need to draft at this position.  Either way,
the DL needs help if the Packers defense is to improve.

Linebackers: B+/A-
The strength of the defense.  Johnny Holland finally overcame the 
inconsistencies he had early in his career to have an outstanding 
all-around season.  One could make a very good argument that he
deserved to go to the pro bowl.  The Packers should make signing
him a high priority in the off season.  Tony Bennett continues to 
improve and could make the pro bowl next year.  He had a chance
this year, but faded in several key late season games.  George Koonce
looks like he will be a fixture for many years in this defense.  He
always seems to be around the ball.  Brian Noble appears to be on
the decline.  He had his worst season since early in his career.  His
neck injury may have had a psychological effect.  The Packers depth
at LB appears good.  Brady, Dent, and Paup all had their moments.
Due to injury, D'Onofrio was a major disappointment this year.  The
Packers need him to step up next year.

Secondary: B-
Loads of talent that improved immensely during the season.  This could
be a team strength for years to come.  Chuck Cecil had an excellent
year (although I'm suprised that he will be starting in the pro bowl).
As the season progressed he developed a "nose" for the football and
would look for the interception.  His hitting intimidated several
opposing receivers and resulted in a lot of dropped passes.  It's
hard not to like a player who has blood running down his face in 
nearly every game.  Cecil will be a free agent.  Signing him must
be a priority.  LeRoy Butler looks like he will be an outstanding
strong safety.  His hitting improved alot this year and he's always
been a good cover man.  Terrell Buckley has loads of talent, but
needs to learn to keep his head in the game.  He gets "burned" more
than he should (but most rookie cornerbacks do).  He also needs to 
work on his tackling.  Considering he missed all of training camp,
I thought he had a good year (3 ints, 2 TDs).  Packer fans need to
remember he is only 21 and a rookie.  Vinnie Clark is an enigma.  He
has ideal size, great speed, yet continually gets burned.  If he
doesn't improve in training camp, he may be gone.  Roland Mitchell
had a fine year.  More depth is needed in the secondary.

Special Teams: C+
The play of the special teams mirrors the Packers entire season.
It was pathetic early on, but solid if not spectacular at the end
of the season.  A couple of key moves solidified the special teams.
First of all, the acquisition of Corey Harris improved the coverage
teams and kickoff returns.  He deserves a roster spot next year
just on his special teams play.  Second, the return of Don Majkowski
as holder improved the field goal unit.  Jacke missed very few kicks 
with Majkowski holding.  Third, the replacing of Paul McJulien
with Bryan Wagner.  What happened to McJulien?  I thought the Packers 
were set for many years at punter.  Wagner was steady, but could be
improved upon.  Finally, the removal of Terrell Buckley as punt
returner.  Buckley is very explosive and I believe he will be a
great punt returner, but he needed to be replaced this year.  Over
the off season he needs to work to reduce his fumbling.  I expect he 
will be the punt returner again next year.

Coaching: A
Mike Holmgren and his staff pulled off a minor miracle in getting
a team in total disarray and lacking talent to the brink of the
playoffs.  

Front Office: A
Bob Harlan finally did what all good team presidents (owners) should
do.  Pick a good football man, give him absolute power, and get out
of the way.  Ron Wolf was the man he picked and this looks like a
great choice.  Here's a summary of Wolf's accomplishments in his
first year (complete with my original opinion of the move):

1.) Essentially traded a 2nd round pick for a head coach
	with no previous coaching experience.  I thought this was
	ludicrous and wanted him to hire Parcells.  Holmgren
	has already proven himself to be worth more victories than
	any single player could have been.

2.) Traded a 6th round pick for what appeared to be a washed up Offensive
	Tackle (Tootie Robbins).  Robbins was the anchor of a
	much improved offensive line.

3.) Traded a 1st round pick for a third string quarterback.  Of course,
	this quarterback is Brett Favre, who is pro bowl bound and 
	appears to be a budding superstar.

4.) Picked Terrell Buckley with the 5th pick in the draft.  The jury
	is still out on this one, but Buckley has shown he has potential.


1992 turned out to be a pleasant suprise for this Packer fan who
came into the year with very low expectations.  It's entirely
possible that the Pack may not duplicate this season's success
next year, but with a good draft and a few key free agent moves
I expect them to challenge for a playoff spot.
Either way, the foundation appears to be there for the Packers
to be an NFL power by the mid 1990's.

Comments welcome.

-Todd