Packers offense should be set for an encore
It has the makings of a blockbuster sequel.
Consider team records were set in the 2011 season for points (560), total net yards (6,482), not to mention the eye-popping statistics produced by quarterback Aaron Rodgers with passing yards (4,643), touchdown throws (45) and passer rating (122.5), the latter also an NFL milestone.
In short, the Packers offense is loaded for more of the same fireworks next season. The unit is expected to remain mostly, if not fully, intact, so much that Green Bay could have more changes on that side of the football with its coaches than it does with its players.
After offensive coordinator Joe Philbin left for a golden opportunity to coach the Miami Dolphins, a trickle-down effect has ensued on the coaching staff. Head coach Mike McCarthy promoted quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to coordinator, and tight ends coach Ben McAdoo was moved to Clements' former post.
What cosmetic alterations may be made with player personnel will be in the offing in the coming weeks.
The Packers have a short list of prospective free agents. Of those, only four are offensive players: tight end Jermichael Finley, running back Ryan Grant, center Scott Wells and quarterback Matt Flynn.
The likely scenario is general manager Ted Thompson will use the franchise tag on Finley, an indispensable playmaker in the era of explosive tight ends, and allow Flynn to explore a long-coveted starting opportunity elsewhere.
That leaves Grant and Wells with the start of free agency March 13 a month away. The early money is on the Packers' re-signing Wells, a first-time Pro Bowl honoree last season, and sitting back to see what interest the 29-year-old Grant draws from other teams at the outset.
Breaking up the Rodgers-Wells pairing after four years isn't desirable. Letting Grant go, however, wouldn't be a substantial loss given that Green Bay has a young stable of capable backs with James Starks, Brandon Saine and Alex Green, a promising third-round draft pick last year who will be coming back from a severe knee injury.
Beyond the free agents, Thompson and McCarthy have to decide whether the success and continuity of the high-powered offense won't be compromised by saying farewell to a couple mainstays.
Receiver Donald Driver, the team's longest-tenured player since 1999, turned 37 on Feb. 2 and is due a $2.2 million roster bonus next month. His scheduled earnings for next season is $5 million, a huge amount for a player whose production dropped considerably to 37 catches for 445 yards last season.
The Packers already have an embarrassment of riches in the receiving corps with Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb and Finley, which makes Driver expendable.
Meanwhile, left tackle Chad Clifton, a starter with the team since his rookie season in 2000, is due to earn $5.7 million next season, including a $5.25 million salary.
Clifton, who turns 36 in June, missed most of last season with hamstring and back injuries. With Bryan Bulaga entrenched at right tackle, Marshall Newhouse or 2011 first-round draft pick Derek Sherrod would be a worthy successor if the Clifton era in Green Bay indeed comes to an end.
Rodgers is prepared to bid adieu to a few of the pieces that have contributed to the Packers' impressive puzzle on offense.
What the newly honored NFL MVP can't predict is whether Green Bay can replicate what was accomplished last season, when it rolled up the points in going 15-1 during the regular season before the stunning 37-20 loss to the New York Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs.
"It might not be 45 (touchdowns) and six (interceptions) every year," said Rodgers, referring to his regular-season numbers. "But, I'm blessed for the way it worked out, and hopefully, we can win a couple more championships. That's more important."
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