A new future outlook might be coming for the Green Bay Packers. After losing to one of the worst teams so far this NFL season in Week 7, the Denver Broncos, and now dropping their fourth straight loss of the season to the Minnesota Vikings, a lot of fans now realize the Packers are not as good as we thought they would be this year. 2023 has been a year of growing pains and figuring out who should be a part of the core of this team moving forward. While that will remain the case for this team for the rest of the season, here are my thoughts on what’s next for the future of the Green Bay Packers.
The Offense of The Packers
The offense has had its differing problems throughout the season. The inability to move the ball and score points, especially in the first half of games, has been imminent. But, there still is a bright light in this dark hole the offense seems to find themselves in.
Packers Wide Receivers
The Packers have a very promising young receiving core that probably just needs a little more veteran presence in the group to help develop the play. Jayden Reed has looked like a great all-around receiver who can create plays. Romeo Doubs has made some big plays all season that have helped create some wins. Christian Watson continues to struggle to stay healthy but has shown raw skills that can develop into an elite receiver.
Running Backs
Now, the running backs have been a bit up and down due to the availability of Aaron Jones and the inconsistency of AJ Dillon, so the future of the position could be addressed in the next draft. Lastly, the offensive line has been a bit of an issue this season, but the group has often been injured, so it is hard to expect a ton. Aaron Jones seems to be healthy finally, but Coach Matt Lafleur is not seeming to want to give Jones a lot of work. Jones was a key part of the opening win of the season, scoring two total touchdowns and collecting 127 yards on just 11 touches. For more into the frustrating use the Packers have given Aaron Jones, click here.
Offensive Line
The team will need to look to add a guy who can replace what David Bakhtiari brought as a left tackle as well. The good thing there is our GM has drafted very well at the offensive line position. There are a couple of top options at tackle this upcoming draft, including Joe Alt out of Notre Dame, who may be available where we will end up selecting.
The Defense of the Packers
The defense has some very good playmakers at every level of the ball, but it needs a new face calling the plays who can also organize a scheme that fits the strengths of our players. Joe Barry has underutilized a lot of players who should be able to make plays to help create more stops. Yes, the defense has been dealing with many injuries, but this is the most talent the defense has had in years. The most valuable player on the defense, Rashan Gary, has just signed an extension. So, the team needs to find consistency and a leader to put them in a better position.
Rashan Gary Contract Extension
Is Jordan Love The Packers Franchise QB?
Now, the big question for me remains at quarterback: is Jordan Love the guy? Love has shown a lot of promise this season, but he has also shown some traits that do not result in many wins, with some bad decision-making and not being able to complete some typical throws to win games.
My current stance is he is obviously the starter for the rest of the season, and then the organization gets to see what Love looks like for the rest of the season. If he improves and plays a lot better, he gets another season, and the team makes some necessary changes around him. But, if he struggles and you find yourself as an organization in a position to draft a quarterback in a really great class, that will become an option as well.
Patience
Packers fans need to learn to be patient and root for growth from the young players this season. Many forget we do have the youngest roster in the entire NFL. Let’s see what the rest of the season entails. We do not need to have the highest expectations, and that’s alright. We have been spoiled for almost 30 years, and we need to feel what it feels like to experience growing pains to get to where we want to be again: a Super Bowl contender eventually. While this season is pushing everybody’s patience, that’s all we can try to do for the rest of 2023, try to be patient.