The Packers are making a defensive switch from the 4-3 scheme to the more challenging and sophisticated 3-4.  Their linebackers are going to be put under enormous pressure this year, and with some of the offenses in the NFC North, this makes the Green Bay Packers' defense one to watch in 2009.

Being a Steeler fan means that I've watched the 3-4 defense since Cowher was named the head coach in 1991.  We've been blessed here with great linebackers for virtually that entire time, but since the philosophy has never wavered, the Steelers have always been able to draft their type of guys that fit the scheme.  The first year of any kind of major philosophical switch is a key one, but this one might be the most challenging of them all.

In 2008, the Packers fell back into the pack