NFL Green Bay Packers

5 Changes the Green Bay Packers Need to Make for the 2015 Season

5 Changes the Green Bay Packers Need to Make for the 2015 Season

Green Bay Packers
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The Green Bay Packers posted a 12-4 record in 2014, which was good enough for the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a first round bye in the playoffs. Even though their concentration is on the divisional round matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, there’s no reason why we can’t look ahead. Here are five changes the Packers need to make for the 2015 season.

5. Make Micah Hyde Punt Returner Full Time

Make Micah Hyde Punt Returner Full Time
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5. Make Micah Hyde Punt Returner Full Time

Make Micah Hyde Punt Returner Full Time
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Micah Hyde and Randall Cobb split punt return duties in 2014. Even though Cobb has proven to be a worthy returner, the Packers must make Hyde the punt returner full time. The reason is because Hyde has proven to excel at the position, as evidence of his 15.8 average and two touchdowns. Not to mention, Cobb is too valuable of an asset to risk injuring on special teams.

4. Find Offensive Tight End

Find Offensive Tight End
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4. Find Offensive Tight End

Find Offensive Tight End
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I have nothing against Andrew Quarless, nor am I suggesting the Packers get rid of him. With that said, the No. 1 ranked scoring offense in the NFL can’t have a tight end that ranks 26th in the league in receptions. Aaron Rodgers needs an offensive tight end to work with. There’s a good chance there is one already on the roster, and that includes Quarless. Either way, Green Bay must find someone who is more productive at the position.

3. Get Deeper On Defensive Line

Get Deeper On Defensive Line
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3. Get Deeper On Defensive Line

Get Deeper On Defensive Line
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In general, the defensive line played well in 2014. However, part of the reason for the dismal run defense has to do with the guys up front. The Packers need at least one more lineman to clog up the middle to prevent running backs from reaching the second level. Letroy Guion has done a decent job replacing the injured B.J. Raji, but Green Bay needs more run stoppers on the defensive line entering the 2015 NFL season.

2. Move Clay Matthews Back to Outside Linebacker

Move Clay Matthews Back to Outside Linebacker
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2. Move Clay Matthews Back to Outside Linebacker

Move Clay Matthews Back to Outside Linebacker
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Moving Clay Matthews to inside linebacker has been a game changer for Dom Capers’ defense. Still, there’s no question he would better serve as a pass rusher on the outside on a full-time basis. Of course, the Packers can’t do that because they’re lacking talent at the inside linebacker position. As good as Matthews has been since the move in Week 10, he needs to suit up at his more natural position for all three downs.

1. Acquire Long-Term Inside Linebacker

Acquire Long-Term Inside Linebacker
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1. Acquire Long-Term Inside Linebacker

Acquire Long-Term Inside Linebacker
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It doesn’t matter if it’s with a first-round draft pick or free agency, but the Packers must find a way to come up with a stellar inside linebacker who can start for the foreseeable future. A.J. Hawk’s time is up and the people who are behind him on the depth chart could be doing a better job. If there is one change that has to be made for the 2015 season, it’s finding a stud at inside linebacker.

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