The Green Bay Packers are optimistic about their chances of success in the upcoming season. One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the return of Aaron Rodgers from injury. After missing some of last season, Rodgers looks healthy and ready to join his team in another Super Bowl.
Moreover, many players signed to one-year exclusive rights contracts, and some of these players could have an impact immediately, such as LB Krys Barnes, TE Dominique Dafney, C Jake Hanson, OT Yosh Nijman, OLB Randy Ramsey, and WR Malik Taylor.
Although the Green Bay Packers have a talented roster, there are some areas of concern for the team heading into the 2022 season. Let’s look at their top five concerns.
Uncertainty over David Bakhtiari’s Status
Bakhtiari tore his ACL in December 2020 and has played only one game since then. In his lone appearance in week 18 against the Detroit Lions last season, he played a limited role. Moreover, Bakhtiari could not compete in the divisional round two weeks later.
The Packers were without their five-time All-Pro left tackle during their previous two postseason losses. Getting him fully healthy for the upcoming season would significantly boost the offense.
The 4th of July is exactly 69 days from Packers football this year? Nice! Here's a highlight of our #69 @DavidBakhtiari blocking two guys on the same play. pic.twitter.com/GNEvlOrIsb
— r/GreenBayPackers on Reddit (@redditPackers) July 4, 2022
Initially, the expectation was for Bakhtiari to return from injury last season and be ready for the playoffs; however, he suffered a setback in his recovery. Currently, Bakhtiari is expected to fully recover from his injury and is prepared to participate in training camp.
The Packers have a lot of faith in Bakhtiari, but the player is not exempt from injury. If he’s hurt again in training camp, we’ll see what other options the team has. Green Bay’s offensive line will be a lot stronger with his presence. His status will be something to track this season.
Defensive Depth
The Green Bay Packers’ starting defense is among the most talented in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers have All-Pros on defense, including Kenny Clark, De’Vondre Campbell, and Jaire Alexander. Moreover, with the presence of Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Quay Walker, Eric Stokes, and Adrian Amos, this defense is vital in critical areas.
However, the Packers’ defensive depth is a concern, especially along the defensive line and at the inside linebacker. They lost one of their defensive stars when Za’Darius Smith, this offseason. If either Smith or Gary misses any time, Green Bay will have to rely heavily on rookie running back Kingsley Enagbare to step into a starting position.
Special Teams
Special teams have been a sore spot for the Packers for quite some time. The Packer’s special teams cost them last season. They’ll need to improve their performance in this area. In 2022, everything that could go wrong did. And it cost the Packers a shot at a championship.
Green Bay drafted players who are expected to help on special teams. However, it is too early to judge the depth of this unit until we see significant improvements in the field.
Playoff Drought
This is a concern that the Packers must address in January. According to NFL odds, the Packers are among the favorites to win the 2022-23 season with an implied win probability of 63.6%, third-best among NFL teams, however, there have been problems getting the job done. Playoff exits in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 all took place on the road. To end their Super Bowl drought, they need to win the biggest games on the grandest stage in January, whether they play at home or away.
Wide Receiver Corps
Green Bay has added new receivers this offseason, including trading up for Christian Watson in the second round. The team drafted a receiver earlier than it has in two decades. Aaron Rodgers’ ability to spread the ball around may pay off, given the Packers’ depth. Moreover, Watson has a chance to make an immediate impact like Justin and Chase did as rookies. Whatever happens, the Packers have taken a leap of faith at wide receiver.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the Packers’ top five issues will likely be minor compared to a number of other teams across the league. However, if appropriately addressed, these concerns could lead to better results for the team in 2022. Overall, the Packers’ success will hinge on Rodgers more than anything else. His presence alone should put Green Bay in a position to contend for another title next season.
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I thought Bakhtiari looked heavy in last years Detroit game. Knee injuries can limit some of your cardio activities. The knee set back that Bakhtiari had last year must have been significant enough to limit Bakh’s activity, thus allowing weight gain. It can be a viscous cycle sore knee limits cardio that then causes unwanted weight gain. With a full off season hopefully Bakhtiari can get his knee and cardio back into playing shape.
I don’t disagree with your depth concerns at certain defensive position groups. I would add safety and corner to the depth concern position groups. To me the Packers are only 2 deep at safety, and 3 deep at corner with no “proven” backups. That is not much different than last year. At least the corner position has an upgrade with Douglas over king or Sullivan. Maybe the new and unproven guys can step up or into expanded roles, or Gute can go hunting for upgrades.
I get concerned when players take longer than normal to come back from an injury/surgery.
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I get more concerned when the team or coaching staff start making excuses, that you know are lies.
I can remember when Derrick Sherrod was set to “come back”. All we heard was, he’s close, he’s almost ready.
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On August 20, 2013, Packers GM Ted Thompson stated he was confident Sherrod would play in the 2013 season.[4] Sherrod started the 2013 on the PUP list. He was moved to the active roster on November 5, 2013.
Sherrod was waived on November 3, 2014.[5]
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When in reality they botched his first surgery. Some of you may remember his family being pissed off. Then it came out he had to have another surgery to repair the first botched job.
Not the proudest moment of the Packers or their medical staff.
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I’m not saying that Bakhtiari’s situation and Sherrod’s are similar. One big difference is that Bakhtiari had some talent to begin with.
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But we heard multiple times in the past about how close Bakhtiari was to coming back. They’d put him back in practice, then they’d pull him out. LaFleur would then tell us he had no setbacks.
Then he finally played in the Detroit game and LaFleur would then tell us he was pulled out because of fatigue, which is plausible in itself. But then why didn’t he play 2 weeks later?
I mean…c’mon….no setbacks?
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If he is held back in practices come late July, early August, that isn’t a good sign.
I’m not a surgeon but it seems to me that 18 or 19 months should be ample time to come back from ACL surgery.
If there are no setbacks.
“The Green Bay Packers are optimistic about their chances of success in the upcoming season. One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the return of Aaron Rodgers from injury. After missing most of last season, Rodgers looks healthy and ready to join his team in another Super Bowl………”
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Say what?
I have a list of 5 concerns too. I am so happy I looked at this site today. I had to comment.
1. Who Aaron Rodgers is dating. I think he was single in 2010 for the last SB win. Maybe he was playing angry. I think maybe he was allegedly banging Erin Andrews then but don’t really remember. Stay single dude!!
2. No long haired white dude at WR. Like Brett Swain in 2010. Bring back Kumerow!!!
3. Having at least one player from UCF on the roster. My Alma Mater. Atari Bigby and Josh Sitton in 2010!!! Keep Cole Schneider!!
4. Having someone named B.J. on the roster. 2010 B.J. Raji… 2022 don’t cut B. J. Baylor. We (as some say) all need a B.J.
5. Losing to Kansas City in the final pre-season game. Just like in 2010.
Fix this stuff and it is a sure Super Bowl win. It’s fate. Miss one and who knows?
I’m not sure what you think Ted Thompson was supposed to say. “Derrick Sherrod has no chance, let’s cut him now.”Even though the kid was attempting a comeback. I remember that injury. It was an ugly leg fracture. It wouldn’t surprise me if he doesn’t walk with a limp to this day. Not as bad as when Lawrence Taylor tackled Joe Theisman but close. I don’t ever recall anything about botched surgeries. When you have devastating leg fractures often they’ll go in and put rods and plates in to support the bone structure while healing and then go back in some months later and remove the hardware to improve mobility. Not sure if this was the case but sounds likely. The surgeries wouldn’t have been done by the local Packer medical staff either although it may have been done by a Milwaukee orthopedic MD of some merit. Management would have sought out the best orthopedic MD’s in the country. Teams have too much invested in these players not to. So the statement “it wasn’t the Packers medical staff’s finest hour” shows you lack of medical knowledge. The biggest thing working against Bakhtiari is his age. Being a big man and the fact he’s no spring chicken makes it an uphill battle he’ll ever be the player he once was. Fortunately we did just fine without him last year. And we have enough talent to get by until Elgton Jenkins makes it back from his ACL.
Thank you…
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That answered a long standing question i’ve been asking myself.
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Is it even possible that you are actually dumber than i imagined?
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Of course it is..
Kevin, I’d stick to the food service industry if I were you. That seems to be your wheelhouse. Making rash statements about the Packers medical staff is highly irresponsible given your limited background.
Thank you…
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That answered a long standing question i’ve been asking myself.
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Is it even possible that you are actually dumber than i imagined?
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Of course it is..
The biggest concern is the Vikings.