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5 Things the Green Bay Packers Must Do Well in 2016

By John Sarianides

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers finished a disappointing 10-6 in 2015 but they were able to make the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

For the second straight off-season,  Green Packers fans were left asking, what could have been? Despite a tumultuous season that saw the Packers finish 10-6 and fail to win their division, the team did make the playoffs for a seventh straight season and they beat the Redskins in the wild card round.

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Expectations are once again high in Green Bay for this team. Thanks to the return of all-world wide receiver Jordy Nelson, a slimmer Eddie Lacy and reinforcements on defense, Packer backers are dreaming big.

If the Packers are going to meet these lofty expectations, they must stay healthy and they need to do these five things well.

Jul 31, 2016; Green Bay,WI, USA; Injured Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jordy Nelson (87) and wide receiver Ty Montgomery (88) stand on the sidelines during the team
Jul 31, 2016; Green Bay,WI, USA; Injured Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jordy Nelson (87) and wide receiver Ty Montgomery (88) stand on the sidelines during the team /

1. Keep Jordy Nelson Healthy: The Packers felt Nelson’s absence last season. If they are going to get back on track offensively this season, they need Nelson to stay healthy. He had a minor setback entering training camp but Nelson shouldn’t see the field until he’s ready physically. He’s too important to rush back. The Packers need to be cautious with the number-one receiver.

2. The O-Line Must Play Better: Thanks to injuries and inconsistency, the Packers offensive line struggled last season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers cannot get hit as much as he did last season. The offensive line must do a better job in pass protection and they must be more physical in the running game.

3. Stop the Run: The Packers finished 21st in the league against the run last season. That’s not terrible but the Packers defense could be better in this area. This has been an issue of concern for the club over recent years. It would help if the Packers tackled better. Green Bay is routinely one of the worst tackling teams in the league.

4. Run the Football: A slimmer Eddie Lacy equals more success on the ground, right? Not necessarily. While being slimmer will help Lacy return to form, the Packers offensive line needs to be more physical and head coach Mike McCarthy needs to emphasize the running game more in his play calling.

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5. Play Better At Home: The Packers lost to all three division rivals at home last season. In fact, the Detroit Lions beat the Packers at Lambeau Field for the first time since 1991. That’s unacceptable! (and the difference between the team making the playoffs and losing out on the division title to the Minnesota Vikings). The Packers have been dominant at home in recent years. They need to reclaim that home advantage this season.

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