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Green Bay Packers Return to form by WR Freeman is critical factor
Updated: Sunday July 29, 2001 4:39 PM
Green Bay opens its training camp at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis., on July 24. By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com The retirement of general manager Ron Wolf, two years after former head coach Mike Holmgren jetted, signaled the end of the most recent Packers glory years. Second-year head coach Mike Sherman assumes the GM duties. However, quarterback Brett Favre remains, which keeps Green Bay a viable challenger in the NFC Central. The Packers can make the playoffs if … wide receiver Antonio Freeman erases the memory of 2000 and plays like the player signed to a big-dollar contract two years ago. The running game is above average and the offensive line is talented. Green Bay’s defense employs a bend-but-don't-break scheme that ranked 15th overall. Pivotal games: The Packers' three week stretch Oct. 7-21 is brutal: at Tampa Bay, play host to Baltimore, at Minnesota. Three NFC Central teams -- Minnesaota, Tampa Bay and Green Bay -- rank among the top four in strength of schedule, so ending a two-year, non-playoff streak will not come without its obstacles. On the hot seat: Second-year tackle Chad Clifton protects Favre's blind side, which makes Clifton one of the most valuable pieces to the offensive line puzzle. After leapfrogging Mike Wahle (projected to move to left guard) on the depth chart last season, Clifton is expected to capitalize on his huge upside. Up-and-coming: Linebacker Na'il Diggs, a 6-foot-4, 234-pound second-year player, will be the starting strong-side linebacker in the Packers' 4-3 scheme. After becoming the first Green Bay LB in eight years to start, Diggs was named to the all-rookie team for Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
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