The offseason strength and conditioning program is well underway in Green Bay, giving Packers.com a chance to catch up with a few guys to get their thoughts on the past season, next season, and what they've been up to in between.
Punter Jon Ryan followed up a solid first season in the NFL in 2006 with a better year in 2007. While his gross punting average remained steady (44.4 yards, one-tenth of a yard less than the year before), his net punting average improved by nearly two yards, from 35.7 to 37.6. He also booted a career-long 72-yard punt in the regular-season finale, tying him for the sixth-longest punt in team history.
Here's what Ryan had to say ...
How does it feel to be back?
It's good. It was good to have a different offseason. It goes quickly, but at the same time it was kind of a painful offseason, because you wanted to get back here and work toward redeeming ourselves.
What have you been up to during the offseason?
Went back to Canada, spent five weeks there and caught up with family and friends. Just kind of relaxed, basically.
What's been the biggest highlight for you since the season ended?
I didn't do anything big. Usually I do get away to a warmer place for a little bit, because Canada is pretty cold. But kind of the highlight was hanging out with my nieces and nephews and getting to see all of them again.
If you had to grade yourself on your 2007 season, what grade would you give yourself?
I was happy with my season. I'd probably say a B, B-plus. I think there's still room for improvement, but at the same time I think I made a lot of improvements between 2006 and 2007, and I plan on making that same jump from 2007 to 2008, and continuing to improve.
What do you think you need to do to continue improving?
Just continue to become more consistent. I think that's probably the No. 1 thing, the thing every punter would tell you, the more consistent you get, the more comfortable you are on the field, the better you're going to be and the more you'll be able to contribute to the team.
{sportsad300}What was your personal favorite moment of last season, on or off the field?
I think it was probably that Seattle game. That whole experience, playing in the snow. The crowd that day was just unbelievable, and it was one of those memories that you'll definitely never forget.
Did you ever play in a snow game like that in the CFL?
I played in a lot of snow games, but for some reason, just the magnitude of that game and everything made it really special.
What are you most looking forward to about 2008?
Right now just getting back on the field. Once the offseason comes, you always miss those Sunday afternoons. So that's what I'm looking forward to, just getting back on the field and playing football again.
What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
I have a lot of big goals that I've made for myself this season, and I'll let you know in about February whether or not they happened.
