After a tumultuous offseason filled with uncertainty, Aaron Rodgers is back in Green Bay for the 2021 season (nflanalysis.net). That means that the Packers are the team to beat in the NFC North once again. Both the offense and defense are loaded with talent and that could spell disaster for the Packers’ opponents this season.
Green Bay came close to a Super Bowl appearance in 2020 but lost to Tom Brady and the Bucs in the NFC Championship game. You can bet Rodgers and company will be eager to get that bad taste out of their mouths in 2021.
2021 Offense
Rodgers seems to get better with age and the 37-year old is coming off another fabulous season. The three-time NFL MVP led the league in touchdown passes (48) and completion percentage (70.7%) last year. Though Rodgers toyed with the idea of leaving Green Bay, it looks as if he and the front office have kissed and made up (at least for the time being).
Green Bay has two immensely talented running backs to help give the offense a more balanced attack. Aaron Jones scored nine touchdowns and ran for 1,104 yards in 2020. While Jones is the feature back, don’t forget about AJ Dillon, who has the size (6-foot, 247) and speed to be a nightmare for defenders.
Davante Adams has quietly become one of the best receivers in all of football. The former Fresno State Bulldog led the NFL last season in receiving touchdowns with 18. Veteran wideout Randall Cobb is also back in Green Bay after a year in Dallas and a year in Houston. Keep an eye on rookie Amari Rodgers, a speedy third-round draft choice out of Clemson.
2021 Defense
Green Bay had a solid defense in 2020 and that trend should continue this season. The strength of the defense is the secondary as the Packers ranked seventh in the league against the pass (221.2 passing yards allowed per game).
The secondary could be even better this year with first-round draft pick Eric Stokes getting some playing time. The former Georgia star has 4.3 speed and excellent covering ability to bolster this already strong unit.
The Packers linebacking unit is also solid with Rashan Gary leading the way. The former Michigan Wolverine had 35 tackles and five sacks in 2020. Kamal Martin should also play a key role in this year’s defense after getting limited playing time as a rookie last season.
2021 Special Teams
Mason Crosby continues to be a model of consistency at kicker for the Packers. Crosby hit all 16 of his field-goal attempts last season and should once again be one of the top kickers in the NFL.
Former Alabama star JK Scott will be back for his fourth season as the Packers punter in 2021. Scott averaged 45.5 yards per punt last year.
The return duties will be handled by Malik Taylor, Josh Jackson, and maybe Randall Cobb. Taylor had 167 kick return yards in 2020.