The Future of the Packers' Defense

Open for Discussion: How will the Packers fare with Dom Capers and his 3-4 defensive scheme?

I believe that it was a much needed change for the Pack on the defensive side of the ball. The 3-4 scheme plays toward the strength of the defense in that we get to keep more of our linebackers on the field and not as many of our d-linemen. With Hawk, Barnett, Poppinga, Chillar, and Bishop in the rotation at LB, it's definitely a positive to keep as many of those guys playing as often as possible.

If there was a weak spot on the field this past season it was definitely at the defensive line. With the return of Cullen Jenkins, the continuing solid play of Aaron Kampman, and Ryan Pickett clogging up the middle I think the defensive line just needs a couple more additions to make the Packers a competitive force to be reckoned with in the NFC. These additions could be addressed in the draft with the 9th pick (but that's another discussion) or in free agency. But seeing the way that Ted Thompson runs the team's personnel decisions, it will most likely be through the draft...and let's all just hope that it doesn't turn into another Justin Harrell fiasco.

The major concern that I have with the 3-4 is that it will take away from the Packers' biggest strength on defense...its man-to-man coverage in the secondary. Most commonly with the 3-4 defense the coverage is more zone-oriented. This plays away from the strengths of lock down corners like Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Capers has mentioned that he will mix up the looks as far as man-to-man and zone coverage are concerned, but it is likely that it will mostly be a zone scheme.

All in all, I think it's the right decision because of the lack of strength at d-line and the potential at LB, but only time will tell what the offseason will bring and let's all hope that we'll be crowned the Kings of the NFC North once again in 2009.

Weigh in with your thoughts and let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the Packers' future on Defense...