When the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl in 2011, not only did they have a top tier offense, but the defense also ranked among the best in the league.  The defense ranked among the top five in yards allowed and was also second in points allowed.  This was largely due in part to Dom Capers who was hired by the Packers before the 2009 season.

Capers, one of the most experienced coaches in the league, instituted the 3-4 defensive scheme upon his arrival in Green Bay, as opposed to the 4-3 scheme the team had previously run.  The benefits of the scheme have been seen over the past few years as the team ranks in the top five for total takeaways, interceptions, opponent passer rating and points allowed per game.

This last season has been hard for Packer fans to watch.  Aside from losing All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a majority of the season due to injury, the defense to some was even more of a downfall.  The Green Bay defense ranked in the bottom ten in points and yards allowed per game.

Many Green Bay fans have called for the firing of Defensive coordinator Dom Capers, calling his defensive strategies “soft” and too confusing on younger players.  Many Packer fans point to a steady decline of how far the team has gone in the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl in 2011.  Instead of the blaming the coaching of Capers, I would look to the Packers organization in how they handle players to be more at fault.

The Packers roster this year consisted of only two players who have played for another team, which was smallest number of multi-team veterans on any team in the league.  Ted Thompson, the Packers General Manger, is known for his draft and develop philosophy.  He and his staff have done an outstanding job by going this route.   But at times when injuries strike, there needs to be veteran leadership on the field, to ultimately, keep the team in order and keep winning games.

The Packers have had the injury bug the past few seasons including their Super Bowl year, which also raises questions about team doctors and other medical physicians associated with the team.  The difference, however, the year they won the Super Bowl, was they had signed season veterans to the team that could help the team win. This year, the Packers had none of that, thus resulting in a Wild Card exit from the playoffs.

Capers is an experienced and talented coach.  His track record proves he is a winner despite struggles of late.  Capers also received the approval of head coach Mike McCarthy recently so it looks as if he is here to stay for the time being.

The Packers struggles on defense can be solved be more effective player management and more emphasis on staying healthy.   By having a more balanced mix of players the Packers can be Champions once again.