Packers Break Camp

Defensive Line Key To 2079
By "Brett Favre III"

Pre-Season 2079 (Green Bay, WI) - Having added several impact players and considerable depth to the offensive line, defensive line, receiving corps and defensive backfield by working out a deal with Dallas sending 19 draft picks in return for 7 players, the Green Bay Packers broke camp yesterday feeling optimistic about the 2079 season.

'We took a close look at our salary structure for the next 4-5 seasons and the demands that some of our current players might have on our cap through free agency, and decided it was best to unload the picks to Dallas,' commented Packers' GM Todd Ricotta. 'Any time you can get the quality of players we were able to get for just 7.500 against your cap, and in doing so unload 48.000 in future salaries, you have to look closely at that opportunity. We did, and we decided to go for it...we're happy with the outcome.'

Ricotta is also no doubt excited to be able to send 4 of the most dominant defensive lineman in the game on to the field every Sunday. Green Bay traded franchise defensive lineman Eugene Baldinger to Washington, the first trade of the offseason in the USAFL, and immediately following Free Agency used the available franchise player slot to designate LB Tracy McJulien, drafted 1st overall in the 2074 draft, and keep him off the free agent market in the 2080 offseason.

'We we're on edge all offseason about trading Eugene to Washington and not being able to replace his talent, but we could not afford to let Tracy hit the market. He is now getting paid well and he and his family love the Green Bay area, so it worked out for all parties involved...espcially once the Dallas deal was finalized bringing in Hansen.'

Defensive lineman Rob Hansen, one of the players in the Dallas deal, had a strong camp -- and that camp, coupled with a trimmed down, revitalized 13 year veteran Kimble Wright moving to the end, will put Hansen inside along with franchise lineman Danny Wafford. Lineman Albert Hall, acquired through free agency last year from Oakland, performed well on strong side of the line and will stay in the #2 slot at end this year.

The four players, Wright, Hall, Hansen and Wright will no doubt be the key to the Packers' season. If they are as dominant on Sundays as they can be, the Packers have a shot at getting to Miami in January.

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In other news, as expected 9-year veteran QB Cary Lowery surfaced from training camp as the #1 guy heading in to the season. Lowery has been the focus of much chatter throughout the league following his record setting 4-interception performance in the 2078 Super Bowl, but Lowery received a strong vote of confidence from Ricotta heading in to training camp and will lead the Packers again in 2079. QB Sam Gibson, selected 5th overall in the 2076 draft, will have to wait at least one more year before taking over the job in Green Bay.

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