The Green Bay Packers entered the 2023 season with mild expectations. The biggest question was whether or not Jordan Love would be the QB of the future in Titletown. Vegas set the preseason win total at 7.5. Chicago, Minnesota, and Detroit fans were all clamoring about “their time.” What I have seen throughout the season though is that the Packers are close to being a Super Bowl contender. Maybe not this year, but very soon.
Quarterback
Jordan Love has looked solid in year one as a starter. Through 15 games Love is completing 62.5% of his passes for 3,587 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His movement in the pocket is eerily similar to his predecessor, Aaron Rodgers. He is mobile, although not a running QB, he has 246 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His opportunity to sit for a few years, learn the system, and grow as a QB, has paid off. Will he be a Hall of Fame QB? I think so, but even if he does not attain HoF status, he will bring the Packers back to the top of the NFC North soon.
Offensive Skill Players
The Packers chose to go without any veteran pass catchers this year. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs entered as Sophomores and rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks got thrown right into the fire. The four young wideouts have combined for 175 catches, 21 touchdowns, and almost 2,000 yards.
Not only are the Packers young at Wide Reciever, but they have two rookie Tight Ends also. Second-round pick Luke Musgrave and third-round pick Tucker Craft have combined for 55 catches, 617 yards, and 3 touchdowns. The young duo have had more production in the latter part of the season.
The running back room has the only veterans of the skill players. Aaron Jones, when healthy, is a top back providing value as a runner and a pass catcher. He has only played nine games this year but has 425 yards, two touchdowns rushing, as well as, 24 catches for 193 yards, and a touchdown receiving. AJ Dillon had a slow start this year but has played up to his expectations as of late. Dillon has played in 14 games and has 586 yards and two touchdowns rushing.
Offensive Line
The O Line is an area that needs to be upgraded in the offseason. Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom have played solid, but the rest of the line has been inconsistent. The Packers will look to upgrade in the draft but need to sign at least one solid lineman in free agency. LT David Bakhtiari cannot get healthy and his time in GB should be coming to an end. If the Packers are smart they will leverage his relationship with Aaron Rodgers and get compensated by the Jets in a way no other team will pay for the old, injured Tackle.
Defensive Front Seven
The Packers have done a great job acquiring talent up front. Kenny Clark and second-year lineman Devonte Wyatt lead the way on the D line. Rashan Gary and promising edge rusher Lukas Van Ness handle the outside, while De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker can solidify the middle, when healthy. The Run defense could use some help, but overall the front seven for the Packers are in a good place.
Defensive Backs
Other than the Offensive Line, the DBs are in need of a major upgrade. Injuries have plagued Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. The Packers have played with very young Corners throughout the season, and have been average at best. The Safety room is full of average players as well. The Packers should go out and land a Safety and Corner in free agency while looking to add through the draft also.
Coaching
With Aaron Rodgers’ ego out of Green Bay, Head Coach Matt LaFleur was finally able to run his offense. The offense has had some down moments, but overall the promise, with the young core, is exciting. Defensively change is needed. DC Joe Barry has failed to adjust to his players’ strengths. The Packers need to find an innovative coordinator to get their defense over the top. Special Teams has finally found a coach who can eliminate mistakes in Rich Bisaccia. If the Packers can keep him, it would be a major positive.
Why The Packers Will Be Contenders Soon
The Packers have the QB, the skill players, and a solid front seven. With improvements on the OL, DBs, and a new Defensive Coordinator, the Packers will be back on top in their division. The Bears still suck, the Lions are… the Lions and the Vikings are headed in the wrong direction. Win the North is step one, followed by winning the conference. Many thought the Packers were going to be down for a while, but I think we will be seeing the Packers as contenders by 2026.
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