The Green Bay Packers enjoyed three straight 13-win seasons, but things took a turn this season. The Packers missed the playoffs by going 8-9 this year despite having a win-and-in home game in Week 18. It didn’t seem possible early in the season at 4-8, but the Packers still controlled their own destiny in Week 18. However, in a recent familiar script Aaron Rodgers and the Packers lost at home to end their season.
Better QB play
Let’s be real. Aaron Rodgers wasn’t good last year. He was banged up with a broken thumb and injured ribs. But the Rodgers was 25th in QBR at 39.6. The Packers finished 8-9 and you’re looking for better QB play from your $50 million dollar quarterback. You’re looking for a $50 million quarterback to win you a couple games with his greatness. If Rodgers did that, Green Bay was playoff bound. First a decision has to be made on if Rodgers returns. If so, they need better QB play from him like his back-to-back MVP season in 2020 and 2021.
Following back-to-back seasons as NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers had arguably his worst season since becoming the Packers starting quarterback in 2008. His 91.1 passer rating was his worst in his 15 years as Brett Favre’s successor. He also had he second worst marks in yards per pass attempt and interceptions (12), his 3,695 yards were the third-fewest of his career and 26 touchdowns tied for fourth-fewest in Rodgers’ career.
Reporting from Tom Silverstein states that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has been ready to transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love. https://t.co/MZ7l00MiRf
— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) February 18, 2023
If the decision is to move on, the Packers should be able to depend on Jordan Love to produce at at least near the level Rodgers did in 2022. With improvements around the quarterback the Packers likely could make the playoffs regardless of who is QBing in 2023.
There might be some pushback on the “ready to compete” part for the #Packers but they finished the season 9th in weighted DVOA even with below average QB play.
Week 18 leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but GB has a good roster.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) January 25, 2023
More dynamic weapons to go with young WRs
Health of pivotal pieces

Better balance defensively
Brian Gutekunst says #Packers defense has a lot of talent, just didn't play as well as he expected. Asked him why: "That can be a variety of things. That can be because of injuries, it can be because of things going on in their lives."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 13, 2023
Give Aaron Jones more touches
Aaron Jones’ touches or lack thereof have been a topic of discussion for a few years now. Despite averaging over 5 yards per carry again in 2022, Jones had just 213 carries this season. He played in every game. That is an average of just 12.5 carries per game. Jones ran for a career-high 1,121 yards but had just two touchdowns rushing. He added 395 receiving yards and five touchdowns. With Aaron Rodgers approaching 40 years of age, I’d think Jones should get at least three more carries per game. If it’s Love, he deserves the ball as well to keep a young quarterback comfortable. I think I speak for all of Packer Nation when I say, I hope Aaron Jones is back and I hope he is utilized much more in the run game. He’s the Packers’ best offensive player. He needs more than 12.5 carries per game.
Aaron Jones picks up 5 yards every time he touches the ball and people still turn their nose up at this take. Real ones know the truth.
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) January 9, 2023
Final word
In conclusion while the Packers missed the postseason this year, the margin for error in the NFL is extremely small. With some added explosive playmakers in the passing game, more consistency from the defense and better QB play and the Green Bay Packers can easily find themselves back in the postseason next year, regardless of who is under center.
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