* Starks just ripped through a hole in a short yardage drill. One of those 3rd and 1 runs that sometimes goes for like 40 yards

* MM: Starks is as explosive as he was in playoffs. Think he looks more powerful than last year. Has had excellent camp.

(that last one presumably a report from McCarthey’s after-practice presser)

This could be really good–if the Packers have Grant and Starks as a one-two punch for the running game, and Rodgers passing to that receiving corps… wow. I’m trying to maintain a reasonable level of expectations here, but this could be a really good season.

D∈T

Well, apparently the Pack stand at 11 mil. We might as well try and lock somebody up, with so many key players nearing the end of their contracts.

We could also bring in a guy or two at linebacker, and D line to add more depth. Depends on the situation. But if we are ok in depth, we should try and extend somebody like Finley or Nelson.

He pressured the pocket; he drove his opponent backward.

Although listed at 290, I’ve heard he’s put on 10-15 pounds — and that it’s muscle and he looks good — which will help against the run…

I totally agree that this team is even better than last year. No glaring weaknesses and possibly addition by subtraction with Colledge leaving in FA. Lang will win the LG spot and we will forget all about the inconsistant Colledge by game 1 of the regular season.

The D line and ILB are the only true ?s on this team and I have full faith TT and co will not leave the Pack vulnerable at either position.

Charles Woodson is the man, I love that guy and will always be thankful he became a Packer.

I remember what it was like going into the playoffs. I fully expected the Packers’ (as you say) marginal running game would lead to a loss in the playoffs. That first week, I was just hoping for one win, or at least a game that didn’t turn into an embarrassment by halftime. It wasn’t really until after the win @ the Falcons I felt like they had a real chance to get to the Super Bowl.

The struggles the Packers had in 2010 can basically be explained by injuries to key players (including Rodgers and Matthews), along with TT/MM’s ability to take late-round and undrafted players and make difference-makers out of them. (You guys remember how we got Ryan Grant, right? He was on the Giants’ practice squad, and we traded a 6th-round pick for him. Some deal, huh?)

2. WRT the playoffs:

–I don’t think it’s fair to say we steam-rolled through the playoffs. Except for the Divisional game @ the Falcons, every game came right down to the end, with the defense making one last play to win the game.

–It’s not fair to call the running game (at least in the playoffs) marginal either. 138 yards @ the Eagles, 96 @ the Falcons, 120 @ the Bears… the Super Bowl was the only game was weak (50 yards!) But that was a play-calling issue: only 11 running plays (and a couple kneel-downs).