We have reached the bye week in the Green Bay Packers 2007 season. When this article was written, the Packers had played five games into the campaign, posting a 4-1 record, their best start since 2002. Here is how the various positions on the squad grade out.

Quarterbacks (A-) Brett Favre has looked simply spectacular in the early-going, and he just turned 38. He posted three straight games in weeks two through four of a quarterback rating over 100, a feat he hadn’t accomplished since 1996.

He’s been in tune with coach Mike McCarthy’s short-passing game, completing 67 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns and four interceptions. The only thing that keeps him from an A is his careless interception against Chicago.

Still, he is the reason they sit atop the NFC North.

Running Backs (D+) While Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency have been banged up, this group is struggling to get anything done as the Packers rank last in the NFL in rushing yardage.

DeShawnn Wynn got something going against Chicago but inexplicably got cramps in the first quarter.

Wide Receivers (A-) Donald Driver has kept his Pro Bowl form. Greg Jennings has recovered from missing the first two games with a hamstring injury by hauling in three touchdowns, including the game-winner against San Diego and Favre’s record-breaker.

Rookie James Jones’ two fumbles had a big part in why the Pack are not 5-0, but his overall play has been tremendous. His touchdown at Minnesota was a thing of beauty and had a big part in that great win.

Tight Ends (B) Nobody expected 33 combined catches between Donald Lee and Bubba Franks, including three for touchdowns. The two must improve on run-blocking.

Offensive Line (C) They have given Favre ample time to throw, which is not an easy feat when pass-rushers are pinning their ears back. Still, their shortcomings in the run game must be corrected.

Don’t be surprised if left guard Daryn Colledge gets replaced if his play continues to slip.

Defensive Line (B) The highlight for the line was the 12 knockdowns and four sacks in Minnesota. We’ve seen steady play from Aaron Kampman and a re-emergence from Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who has 4.5 sacks.

Cullen Jenkins has been banged up, limiting his effectiveness. On the inside, Corey Williams and Johnny Jolly have played well and Ryan Pickett has done a nice job holding his anchor down to allow linebackers to flow.

Linebackers (B-) Nick Barnett has had a career year. Against San Diego, he shut down “LT” and had the game-ending interception. Brady Poppinga has been alright, but he sometimes struggles in coverage, as evident by the game-losing touchdown to Chicago.

A.J. Hawk has been alright too, but the Packers want more out of him. Expect it as the season rolls along.

Secondary (B+) Al Harris and Charles Woodson have battled through injuries to play well using physical play. Look for Nick Collins to improve.

Atari Bigby has been a pleasant surprise. He’s been steady in the run game and his interception ended the Minnesota comeback attempt.

Special Teams (A-) Mason Crosby’s cold-blooded game winner against Philadelphia was huge. Kick coverage has been solid. Tramon Williams has added a little juice to kickoff returns. Jon Ryan has been decent.

Coaching (B) McCarthy got too conservative against Chicago, but overall has called plays that have won games. He’s kept his team focused. Defensive Coordinator Bob Sanders has players in the right positions on defense.

Overall (B+) Not many had the Pack at 4-1 at this point. The schedule is manageable from here on out. There is not a game they can’t win. Despite the loss against Chicago, you could clearly see the Packers are the better team of the two and the best team in the division.

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