There are a few familiar faces on the 2008 Green Bay Packers roster. Wide receiver Kevin Dorsey, S Chris Banjo, LB Jake Doughty, and T John Fullington were released. RB Michael Hill was also released along with wide receiver Adrian Hubbard and tight end LaDarius Perkins. Other notables include Boyd Dowler, a former Packers wide receiver, and Max McGee.
To acquire a fourth-round pick in the draft, the Packers traded one pick to acquire quarterback Matt Flynn from LSU. They also selected wide receiver Brett Swain of San Diego State. They signed Ryan Considine, a tight end, and Kyle Ward (defensive end), both from Louisiana-Lafayette. They also signed Ryan Krause, a former University of Louisville tightend, to a one year contract. But the biggest question mark is who will play at tight end?
The NFL has a number of high-profile players on the Packers’ roster, including wide receiver Desmond Howard. He was the NFL’s top-ranked receiver for the first half century of Howard’s career and led the Packers in touchdown receptions nine more times. In addition, he was one of the key contributors to the Packers’ championship win in Super Bowl XLV, which was their sixth title under Lombardi. The Packers have also inducted a handful of players into the Hall of Fame, including two former running backs, who have played for the team.
While Favre wasn’t on the Packers’ first day of camp, he was still on the team’s radar. He told GM Ted Thompson he’d wait until the trade is finalized before reporting to camp. Meanwhile, Ryan Grant was missing from the first day of training camp due to a contract dispute. Brett Favre, a quarterback, was one of the other rookies to sign before the season started. The 2008 draft class is stacked with talent, and a strong core group of veterans is sure to add to the team’s winning ways.
The 2008 Green Bay Packers have a strong defensive interior that features stars from the past. Hall of Famer Henry Jordan is on the team’s defensive line. In addition, two members of the 1960s’ dynasty make up the defense. Gilbert Brown, the legendary defensive end, was a key part of the 1996 Super Bowl champion team. If you can spot a Hall of Famer on the 2008 Packers roster, chances are they’ll be on the starting lineup.
The quarterback situation is also interesting, as Aaron Rodgers was moved from the backup role to the starting job. Aaron Rodgers’ performance resulted in a change at the quarterback position. However, the team’s coaching staff decided that Brett Favre wasn’t committed to the organization. He was eventually traded to the New York Jets, where he became a target of jeers. Rodgers was eventually given the starting job and the Packers’ offense improved significantly.
Seattle started the game with the ball. The Packers were able to stop them on a 3rd and out. Ryan Grant had a 17-yard run on 3rd down before being tackled for a loss. After a turnover, the Packers forced a punt. The next drive was highlighted by a TD pass by Aaron Rodgers to WR Donald Driver and a 7-yard pass to rookie WR Jordy Nelson.