The hiring of defensive coordinator Dom Capers was instrumental in Green Bay’s turnaround from a six-win weakling into an 11-5 playoff contender.
Not only did the defensive mastermind’s 3-4 scheme help increase sack totals from 27 to 37, but a permeable run defense suddenly became impenetrable. In fact, the Packers limited opposing ground games to a meager five touchdowns and 83 rushing yards per game in 2009, making them the stingiest unit in that department.
The Green and Gold were plenty strong in the secondary as well, although a season-ending injury to cornerback Al Harris in late November made the team more susceptible to big plays in the passing game.
Although Harris will be back on the field at some point during the regular season, Green Bay’s special teams unit won’t be as easy to revitalize.
Over the past five years, the