Undefeated Packers?

"When you're undefeated and there's room for improvement, that's an indication that the ceiling is very high for you"  -Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji

Those 1972 Miami Dolphins players are probably getting a little nervous right about now. There have been frequent challenges to their undefeated season. This years version of the Packers is a greater threat than most. As the only undefeated team in NFL history, the '72 Dolphins take great pride in that title. Some say too much pride. I think that they have every reason to be proud. Going undefeated is obviously a difficult thing to do. If the 2011 Green Bay Packers were to match, it takes nothing away from what the Dolphins accomplished in '72.

The Packers biggest obstacle to an undefeated season might be next week when they visit the New York Giants. Unlike most teams, the Giants don't have to blitz to apply pressure on the quarterback. With the way that Aaron Rodgers is throwing the ball this year, opponents have to be able to pressure him with as few defenders as possible. As many defenders as possible have to be back covering all of the Packers offensive weapons. When healthy the Giants defensive line can rush with the best. New York has been a mystery so far this year. Great some weeks. Terrible others. They have to be great this week. After the Giants, the Packers face the Raiders, Chiefs, Bears and Lions. All but the Chiefs are at Lambeau. The only thing that might stand in the way of an undefeated season is how the Packers approach meaningless games. If they rest their starters, division foes Chicago and Detroit might grab those games. They'll likely be far from meaningless to those teams.

Anything can happen in the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints might be the biggest threat to the Packer title hopes. The Saints backs are finally all healthy. They have to stay that way. As a group they provide a variety of worries. The Saints are getting better each week. Far better than the team that lost a shootout with the Packers in week 1. With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers that could be a fun game for fans of offensive football. It might more resemble 7-on-7 passing leagues than an NFL playoff game.

The Packers seem to be more focused, more businesslike than previous defending champions. At least offensively, they are doing most anything they like against everyone. Stats do lie in regards to their defense. This is a playmaking group. As well as the Packers are playing anything can still happen. Especially in the playoffs.