With their third coach in three seasons, the Packers opened last season slowly under Mike Sherman. They won their final four games -- beating all four division rivals in December -- to finish 9-7. Although the Packers didn't make the playoffs, there is optimism in Green Bay because they return 21 of 22 starters.

	CAMP AT A GLANCE
	Antonio Freeman caught just 62 passes last season.
	Location:St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wis. Rookies report: July 24 Veterans report: July 24 Preseason schedule:  Aug. 11: at Cleveland  Aug. 20: Denver  Aug. 25: Miami  Aug. 31: at Oakland

Veterans such as LeRoy Butler, Dorsey Levens, Earl Dotson and Frank Winters took pay cuts to stay with the team and the top two off-season priorities, safety Darren Sharper and kicker Ryan Longwell, were re-signed. Those two contracts tied the Packers' hands in other areas, but, given their strong finish, they felt all along that if they could keep the team intact they could contend.

Man in the spotlight
Wide receiver Antonio Freeman hasn't been the same since he signed a $42 million contract in 1999. In a parting shot, retired general manager Ron Wolf said the money went to Freeman's head. Whatever the reason, Freeman was fined and suspended last year for incidents on and off the field. Worse, his production slipped for the second straight season. Freeman has promised to behave this season and report in good shape, which is good because he's the Packers' best hope for a badly needed big-play threat.

Key position battle
Levens was hurt early last season and Ahman Green, stolen from Seattle in a trade for cornerback Fred Vinson because he supposedly had fumble-itis, turned into a stellar performer. He rushed for 1,175 yards and led the Packers in receptions with 73. In the team's final minicamp, Levens looked like he finally might be recovering from tendinitis in his knee, which will make this a battle to watch. When he's healthy, which isn't often, Levens is the perfect back for the West Coast offense. However, Green won Sherman's heart with his brilliant relief effort last year and is the team's long-term answer at halfback.

Biggest adjustment
Ever since Mark Chmura went down early in the 1999 season with a serious neck injury, quarterback Brett Favre has been forced to operate without a premier tight end. Given how much Favre once relied on Chmura, that was a crippling blow to the offense. Bubba Franks got pushed around a lot last year as a rookie. He failed to generate much push as a blocker and often was unable to fight past linebackers to get into the pattern. After an off-season in the weight room, Franks is stronger and might finally show why he was the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2000.

Rookie report
The front four failed to generate a consistent pass rush last season, so the Packers traded up in the first round and landed the premier pass rusher in the draft, end Jamal Reynolds. He could be an instant starter. Second-round wide receiver Robert Ferguson will eventually push Freeman for the job as the go-to receiver, but rookie wide receivers seldom make an impact in the West Coast offense. Fourth-round guard Bill Ferrario might step in immediately for Ross Verba, the only starter lost in free agency. Tight end David Martin might be forced into action because Tyrone Davis, Franks' backup, could miss the season after hamstring surgery.

Offseason moves
Players signed	Players lost
NT Gilbert Brown (signed as free agent) RB Ahman Green (re-signed) QB Brett Favre (re-signed) RB Dorsey Levens (re-signed) DT Jim Flanigan (signed as free agent) K Ryan Longwell (re-signed) S Darren Sharper (re-signed)	QB Matt Hasselbeck (traded to Seahawks) LB Mike Morton (signed with Colts) OT Ross Verba (signed with Browns) LB Brian Williams (released)