2006 Green Bay Packers Preview

2006 season preview of the Green Bay Packers NFL football team from Maddux Sports expert sports handicappers. Once the regular season starts don't miss any of Maddux's Expert NFL Picks and you will want to check out the free NFL odds section of the site featuring live odds from the best online sportsbook websites.

The Pack has a new head coach—first-timer Mike McCarthy, who has served as a NFL offensive coordinator. Some may say that they needed a new QB too. But that did not happen.

Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre did not retire after posting his worst season. No one will ever fault Favre for lack of guts. But deciding to come back after throwing 29 interceptions, losing 7 fumbles, posting a QB rating of 70.9 and placing 31st among NFL starters in 2005, may have people questioning his judgment. Fans are hoping his athletic ability, stamina, health and accuracy are intact. Improving the offensive line could certainly help Favre, but that has not happened.

RB Samkon Gado was the team’s primary rusher when just about everyone else, including Ahman Green, went down with injuries. Gado was impressive, rushing for 582 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging 4.1 YPC. Green, one of the most explosive runners in the league, is back and Gado is a third stringer again.

WR Don Driver (86 REC, 1.221 YDS, 14.2 AVG, 5 TDs) was a standout, while Robert Ferguson (27 REC, 366 YDS, 13.6 AVG, 3 TDs) must perform better. TE Donald Lee has shown promise.

The defensive line features two outstanding players—Aaron Kampman (105 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (8 sacks). Ryan Pickett (St. Louis), a run-stopping expert, has been added.

Linebacking is also improved, with rookie A.J. Hawk, perhaps the best defensive player in the draft, ready to start and Nick Barnett returning to provide continuity.

Corner Charles Woodson (Oakland) has been signed to pair with veteran corner Al Harris. Safety Marquand Manuel (Seattle) will provide leadership, as second-year man Nick Collins should continue to improve.

2006 Green Bay Packers Predictions

Green Bay is seriously thin on offense, especially at QB and on the line. The defense has been upgraded while the offense should play better as long as key elements stay healthy. Along with tough division opponents, the Pack plays two division champs--New England and Seattle—and two highly improved clubs—Miami and Arizona. They were 4-12 last season. Going 8 – 8 would be a major achievement. We have the pack pegged for a third place finish in the NFC North Division in 2006.

For more info on the Packers NFC North division rivals check out the Bears, Lions, and Vikings team previews that Maddux Sports has compiled for the football bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 Green Bay Packers football team visit the Green Bay pro team page at NFL.com.