Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels recently hosted several teammates on the defense to a nice dinner.  It's not unusual for teammates to befriend one another and spend time together off the clock.  We also see position groups get together to bond when they're together for team activities.

But this recent gathering had a different air.  I wasn't there and I don't know what was said, but it just seems like this year's team has a stronger sense of what they can accomplish than I've seen in quite some time.

The embracing of his role as a leader by Daniels and the comeuppance of safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, for one, seem to indicate that there is a stronger veteran presence in the Packers locker room.  Already established are the obvious: Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews, Morgan Burnett, and Randall Cobb.  Recently added veterans Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks and Ricky Jean Francois seem poised to add their presence to that list.

Since the days of Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, Greg Jennings, Ryan Pickett and Cullen Jenkins, the Packers seem to have been searching for the return of that type of leadership presence.  

Fans have been wanting it even more, it seems.  Anywhere that fan comments are found, Packers fans have been calling for more veterans and (some) tossing darts at pictures of general manager Ted Thompson for his constant lack of involvement in infusing more veteran talent on his team.  The constant revolving door of young hopefuls left the Packers constantly trying to replace both talent and presence.

In looking at many of the recent Super Bowl champions, there is the common thread of strong veteran presence both on and off the field.  

2012's Baltimore Ravens was led by Ray Lewis, one of the most vocal leaders the NFL has seen.  2013 was the year of the Seattle Seahawks and the Legion of Boom, along with a defense that terrorized opponents all the way to the Lombardi trophy.  The New England Patriots are. . the New England Patriots.  Their leadership and moxie comes from the top with Bill Belichick and trickles down through Tom Brady and whoever else is on the roster.  2015 champions, the Denver Broncos?  Peyton Manning, Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, Emmanuel Sanders.

Talent can't be ignored in the formula to create a championship team but leadership and a tight bond between teammates have to be part of it.  A strong and common purpose is so very key and it seems that this year's Packers team has an elevated sense of that goal.

Will it be enough to get this team over the hump and back to a Super Bowl?  Many other things typically need to happen to reach that pinnacle, such as health and a little luck.  But beyond the talent, of which the Packers have a good amount, the 2017 team looks to bring more of the intangibles that have historically been present in champions.  The most imporant, a strong bond.