(Sports Network) - What is it they say - careful what you wish for? You don't need to tell Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers that. It has long been common knowledge that the former first-round pick would one day face arguably the toughest mission in all of sports: replacing a legend under center. In this case, the legend is the incomparable Brett Favre. Rodgers's situation is not unlike an aspiring rock artist finally making it to the spotlight, only to follow Jimi Hendrix on stage.

Brian Griese and Jake Plummer found out the hard way how arduous replacing a legend can be. But despite the fact that John Elway capped his Hall of Fame career with back-to-back Super Bowls, the uphill climb that Griese and Plummer faced was not as steep as what is in store for Rodgers.

For starters, Denver, CO is not Green Bay, WI. Denver isn't Titletown, and it isn't a community that centers entirely around its football team. Secondly, John Elway is not Brett Favre. Both were great, but only one was unconditionally beloved by all. What's more, when you think of the Denver Broncos during the Elway era, you think not only of No. 7 but also of Terrell Davis, the famed zone-blocking offensive line and head coach Mike Shanahan. Think of the Green Bay Packers during the Favre era and you think only of No. 4.

No organization is as syncopated to its own history as the Packers. While Elway's club has since moved into Invesco Field and has long forgotten the Mile High Salute, Favre's club has only immortalized Lambeau Field and its patented Leap. The rich culture in Green Bay is part of what made (makes) Favre the NFL's greatest star. He truly was (is) the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers apparently did not want to see Favre in a Green Bay uniform, that much is now clear. This raises another debate: are GM Ted Thompson, head coach Mike McCarthy and the rest of the decision-making brass crazy? Green Bay's supporters reason that the Packers have spent the past four months adjusting to life without Favre. Green Bay's detractors argue that it's freakin' Brett Favre we're talking about. And, this team is a freakin' Super Bowl contender. You know it's a great debate because both sides seem to be right.

Caught in the middle of it all is Rodgers. If Green Bay's only concern was protecting the young passer's psyche, Favre would have been welcomed back with open arms. After all, with everything that's gone on this summer, plenty of psychological damage has already been done. But the Packers' trepidation about No. 4 wasn't just about protecting No...--what number is Rodgers? After all, Green Bay's not even certain that Rodgers is their guy.

Back in April, GM Ted Thompson used a second-round draft choice on Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm. For his first three years with the Cardinals, Brohm was an ace in the type of West Coast offense that McCarthy employs. Before his senior season, many thought Brohm would be an early-first-round pick. He is not projected to be a backup in this league, which makes his presence in Green Bay officially the worst vote of confidence anyone could have given Rodgers. On a positive note, maybe the pressure of Brohm's presence can offset the pressure of Favre's absence. (Doubtful.)

With Favre gone, Rodgers will still have to win over the fans. Even if the Green Bay faithful are supportive, what about the rest of the country? The Cowboys are America's team, but Favre was (is) America's player.

Below we take a capsule look at the 2008 edition of the Green Bay Packers, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:

2007 RECORD: 13-3 (1st, NFC North)

LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2007, lost to N.Y. Giants, 23-20 (OT), in NFC Championship

COACH (RECORD): Mike McCarthy (21-11 in two seasons with Packers, 21-11 overall)

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Joe Philbin

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bob Sanders

OFFENSIVE STAR: Aaron Rodgers, QB (218 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INT)

DEFENSIVE STAR: Aaron Kampman, DE (64 tackles, 12 sacks)

OFFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 21st rushing, 2nd passing, 4th scoring

DEFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 14th rushing, 21st passing, t6th scoring

KEY ADDITIONS: QB Brian Brohm, (2nd Round, Louisville), QB Matt Flynn (7th Round, LSU), WR Jordy Nelson (2nd Round, Kansas State), TE Jermichael Finley (3rd Round, Texas), LB Brandon Chillar (from Rams), CB Patrick Lee (2nd Round, Auburn)

KEY DEPARTURES: QB Brett Favre (retired), QB Craig Nall (not tendered), WR Koren Robinson (released), TE Bubba Franks (to Jets), TE Ryan Krause (not tendered), OT Tyson Walter (not tendered), DT Corey Williams (to Browns), CB Frank Walker (to Ravens)

QB: The biggest concern about Green Bay's quarterbacking situation, oddly enough, is the lack of depth behind Aaron Rodgers. Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn are both callow rookies unready for the professional stage. As you've probably heard, Rodgers is not necessarily an iron man like the guy before him. Don't be surprised if the Packers bring in a veteran quarterback at some point.

RB: There is more to this Packers team than the quarterback position, believe it or not. Running back Ryan Grant will be an integral element in 2008. With his No. 25 jersey, upright and downhill running style, and vision in setting up his blocks, the surprising star evokes memories of Dorsey Levens. Green Bay's rushing attack was a cut below inept last season until Grant came along in early November. Over the final eight games, he rushed for 929 yards (second most in the NFL, behind L.T.). He had 201 yards in the playoff win over Seattle. Last year's second-round pick Brandon Jackson has proven to be more of a third-down back. The guys behind Jackson--Vernand Morency and Noah Herron--have all had their moments but are nothing more than teases. Korey Hall has made a nice transition from Boise State linebacker to Green Bay fullback. Hall (236 pounds) is not vigorous at the point of attack, but he's a very intelligent player who moves well enough to land every block. When the Packers need more of a pounder leading the way, they'll call on 255-pound backup John Kuhn.

WR/TE: Rodgers is fortunate to have an outstanding crew of receivers to work with, and will also benefit from a system that generates big gains off of short completions. Last season, the Packers led the league with 2,294 yards after the catch (51.5 percent of their total passing yards). Tenth-year veteran Donald Driver is still the class of the group. Driver possesses the toughness and consistency that demands extra attention from opposing defenses. Given the stability he brings and timeliness of his big plays, it's not inconceivable that Driver is the most valuable wide receiver in the NFC. Third-year wonder Greg Jennings is fast becoming Green Bay's most lethal weapon. Jennings has terrific speed and the quickness to get separation in the offense's quick-hit routes. James Jones has shown flashes of brilliance running in-routes from the slot, but injuries heading into the regular season could help him lose his job to second-round rookie Jordy Nelson. Ruvell Martin should stick around as well. Tight end Donald Lee is an excellent outlet option who always seems to run faster than expected. He'll have no trouble keeping his job from callow third-round rookie Jermichael Finley.

OL: It is a priority for the Packers to improve their run blocking in 2008. The front five is outstanding in pass protection (only 19 sacks allowed last year) but inconsistent with their zone scheme on the ground. Heading into training camp, the spotlight was on the left guard position. Third-year pro Daryn Colledge has held down the job the past two years. Colledge is excellent on the backside, and he's a cut above adequate in pass protection. However, he is plagued by inconsistency (especially in '07), which is why perennially unpolished but constantly intriguing Junius Coston has pushed for his starting job in recent years. This year, Colledge's biggest challenger is second-year pro Allen Barbre who, like Colledge, played tackle at the NCAA level. Barbre is said to have more raw talent than any of Green Bay's interior linemen. Right guard Jason Spitz is serviceable, thanks to his power. The struggles of rookie guard Josh Sitton have helped Spitz's job security. Spitz is actually better at center, but fifth-year veteran Scott Wells is far too solid to supplant there. Tackles Chad Clifton (left) and Mark Tauscher (right) form one of the sturdiest bookend tandems in football. Third-year pro Tony Moll is a decent swing tackle who has starting experience.

DL: The Packers' greatest defensive strength is a front line that, when fully functioning, is among the deepest in the league. The headliner is Aaron Kampman, who, unlikely as it sounds, could be the best defensive end in the NFL. Opposite Kampman is auxiliary force Cullen Jenkins, who typically slides to defensive tackle in passing situations to make room for speed-rushing specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Jenkins is also relieved by Mike Montgomery on occasion. The Packers are hoping that they won't have to call on Jenkins to play inside fulltime in 2008. The possibility exists, though, after the trade of Corey Williams to Cleveland and the questions about the health of tackles Johnny Jolly, Colin Cole and Justin Harrell. Whoever lines up at defensive tackle will enjoy facing one-on-one blocking as a result of playing next to 322-pound Ryan Pickett. No longer decried by critics who question his effort, the 27-year-old Pickett is regarded as one of the preeminent run-stuffers in football.

LB: Pickett's services are appreciated by middle linebacker Nick Barnett. The team's top tackler in four of the past five years has steadily matured into a leader and quasi-Pro Bowl force since being drafted in the first round back in 2003. A somewhat lackluster sophomore season shouldn't prompt people to sour on Barnett's excellent cohort, A.J. Hawk. Hawk--6'1", 247--is a custom-made linebacker who has top-level speed and a high football IQ. Strongside linebacker Brady Poppinga is somewhat limited though still capable of starting. His consistency in coverage will determine his fate. Should Poppinga struggle, the Packers will call on free agent acquisition Brandon Chillar. Chillar is stronger and coming off his best season as a pro. However, having spent his first four years in St. Louis, he can't match Poppinga's familiarity with the system.

DB: Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders puts a lot of stock in the man-to-man coverage abilities of his veteran cornerbacks, Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Few players can handle such mountainous responsibilities. Unfortunately, Harris may no longer be one of those few. Thirty-four in December, he is starting to lose what little speed he had to begin with. Backup corners Jarrett Bush and Tramon Williams are not capable of starting, and second-round rookie Patrick Lee, while a great fit for this scheme, is said to be far too raw at this point (he might still be frozen). Thus, Green Bay will have to rely on Harris for at least one more season. This shouldn't be a problem because, not only is Harris a proud veteran, he's also playing alongside two good young safeties. Free safety Nick Collins is establishing a reputation as a reliable centerpiece in the Packer pass defense, and strong safety Atari Bigby is a burgeoning star with an uncanny knack for creating turnovers.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker Mason Crosby led the league in points (141) last season, though it's silly to pretend that anyone cares about scoring statistics in football. What people care about is Crosby's ability to kick under pressure and from long range. He's decent in these areas (12-of-19 from beyond 40 yards as a rookie in '07). Punter Jon Ryan has a strong leg, and he's aided by a coverage unit that ranked fourth a year ago. Charles Woodson is not as dangerous fielding punts as his reputation suggests. His longest return last season was just 34 yards. Backup safety Tramon Williams--the team's primary kick returner--has more speed and could be a better option here. Williams returned six punts in 2007--one of them 94 yards for a touchdown.

PROGNOSIS: With Favre gone, Green Bay's season indeed comes down to Aaron Rodgers. Very rarely does a Super Bowl contending team undergo such a dramatic change at such a dramatic position. If Rodgers doesn't perform well right away, it will be almost impossible for the Packers to establish championship- caliber unity in 2008.

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Contact Andy Benoit and read all 32 of his 2008 team preview reports at www.NFLTouchdown.com