With the NFL Draft and a five-day mini-camp already in the books, the Green Bay Packers are working toward what they hope will be a successful 2003 season. But it's not too late to remember the triumphs of 2002.
En route to their first division title in five years, the Packers went 12-4 last season, securing back-to-back 12-win seasons for only the second time in team history.
In the latest highlights package from NFL Films, you can relive some of 2002's greatest moments, from Marques Anderson's 78-yard interception return to Donald Driver's 85-yard touchdown catch. You also can get a rare glimpse into the Packers' locker room, as GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman addresses the team.
Did You Know ...
For just the second time in franchise history, the Packers posted 12 wins in two straight years (also consecutive 13-3 records, 1996-97). Since the NFL shifted to a 16-game schedule in 1978, only four other NFC teams have accomplished it: Chicago (1985-86), Dallas (1980-81, 1992-95), N.Y. Giants (1989-90) and San Francisco (1989-90, 1996-98).
The Packers are tied with Oakland (33-15, .688) for the second-best winning percentage in the NFL from 2000-02. Philadelphia is first at 34-14 (.708). However, the Packers own the league's best mark since 2001 (24-8, .750), 1998 (tied with Titans, 52-28, .650), 1997 (65-31, .677), 1996 (78-34, .696), 1995 (89-39, .695), 1994 (98-46, .681) and the 1993 start of unrestricted free agency and the salary cap (107-53, .669).
The 49ers and Broncos won 12 games three straight years, from 1996-98, and the Cowboys did it from 1992-95. But, if the Packers could win 12 in 2003, they would become be only the fifth ever to do it three straight years (also Miami 1983-85).
Few if any coaches consider winning at home more important than Mike Sherman. Since his hiring in 2000, the team is 21-3 at home in the regular season (the NFL's best mark, two games better than Miami's 19-5). At home including postseason, Sherman is 22-4, and 28-4 in all organized games (including 6-0 in preseason).
The Packers don't lose many close games. In 2002, they were 5-0, the league's best record (and only undefeated mark) in games decided by eight points or less. In games decided by three or less, only New England (3-0) had a better record than the Packers (2-0). Over the last two years, the Packers are 8-3 in games decided by eight or less.
In 2002 ...
The Packers quietly led the league in passing touchdowns (29). For the first time since 1991, three players - Brett Favre, Doug Pederson and Bubba Franks - threw for touchdowns. And, nine players caught touchdowns. In the NFC, only Arizona and Washington (10 each) had more players with touchdown receptions.
The Packers' passing defense (186.7 yards per game) ranked third in the NFL, their highest ranking since leading the league in 1996. In '02, only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50.4) allowed a lower completion percentage than Green Bay (54.0).
The Packers' 24 interceptions tied the Atlanta Falcons for third in the NFL, behind Tampa Bay (31) and Baltimore (25). What's more, 11 players picked off passes in 2002, more than any Packers team since 1989 (13).
