The 2023 NFL season ended with plenty of optimism and hope for Packers fans after a surprisingly wholesome campaign. The campaign was headlined by the breakout of QB Jordan Love, who aims to follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers as the next great Packers signal caller.
After guiding the Packers back to the playoffs and spearheading a shocking blow-out victory over the number two-seeded Dallas Cowboys, many analysts stated that the Packers could quickly emerge as a lively Superbowl contender heading into the 2024/25 season behind their developing but exciting young QB, a great O-Line, endless offensive weapons, and a stacked defense.
These hopes were even further boosted by the offseason acquisitions of free agents RB Josh Jacobs and S Xavier McKinney, who both enjoyed blockbuster debut seasons in title town. The Packers’ defense is also ranked amongst the league’s elite.
However, the offense took a step backward. Love’s critical turnover habits in clutch moments stunted their progress to challenge for the NFC North crown. This resulted in Green Bay sneaking back into the playoffs as the seventh seed, where they were ultimately thrashed 22-10 on the road against the Phildapehia Eagles. This left many to question what the offseason could hold for what was once predicted to be a promising young Packers group.
- Jordan Love still has more to offer:
Love is still viewed as the franchise quarterback for the long-running future at Green Bay, and for good reason. He finished the 2024 regular season with 3,389 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, which shows immense promise but may not paint the full picture as to why Green Bay’s season ended so abruptly.
In the wildcard matchup against Philadelphia, Love threw for 212 years and zero touchdowns to three picks. Most of their offense came through their potent run game, which has helped take pressure off the young Packers quarterback.
Love still has a ways to go when it comes to development, as he has clearly shown the immense talent and potential that he has to offer. This is undoubtedly an asset that a team like Green Bay can significantly benefit from, and it always gets the best out of any developing quarterback.
While the Packers will likely not be one of the top choices for fans who are interested in checking out all the latest Super Bowl betting odds for the 2025/26 season, Love’s improvement in play will come soon enough as he will be supported by a top-tier ranking offensive line and under the tutelage of head coach Matt LeFleur and his patterned offensive scheme which can cater to the needs of any QB in the NFL.
- Consistency needed at Receiver:
While Love’s play under Center certainly raised questions about whether he is ready to step up to the plate as the next superstar QB in Packers colors, Green Bay’s various downfield threats certainly did not step up in crucial scenarios when they were most needed.
WR Christian Watson’s 2024/25 season was riddled with injuries, which really hindered the Packers’ momentum heading into the playoffs. This left his teammate Jayden Reed to pick up the scraps and tally just shy of 900 receiving yards.
Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks were also disappointed this season as TE Tucker Kraft was viewed as a more viable threat to Love whenever he could get the ball out.
RB Josh Jacobs was the only consistent offensive threat to make any sort of impact. His rushing attack resulted in an impeccable 1,300-yard season with 15 touchdowns.
It seems clear that Green Bay still needs to gift Love with an extra option downfield. Given that the Packers do have the assets to land a household name at WR, there could be several impending rumors circulating around the Packers potentially landing a landmark playmaker who could fill the void vacated by former All-Pro Receiver Davante Adams, who left back in the 2022 offseason.
- Limit any tampering with the defense:
Green Bay’s defense was quickly the most consistent part of the 2024/25 season as numerous star players stepped up in monumental matchups to keep scorelines close.
LB Quay Walker led the team in total tackles with 102, DE Rashan Gary was named to the Pro Bowl after a 7.5-sack season, and superstar S Xavier McKinney also enjoyed a breakout debut campaign at Lambeau Field. He finished with an outstanding eight picks and will likely be named to the NFL All-Pro first team.
CBs Jaire Alexander and Keisan Nixon, DT Devonte Wyatt, and LB Edgerrin Copper all had productive and impactful seasons as part of a Packers defense that has dramatically improved following the hiring of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in the offseason.
While Green Bay does have its issues on the offensive end that certainly require attention, their defense has been stellar this season, and the front office should retain its star power on that side of the ball going into next season unless there is a possibility to land a superstar player who can transcend this defense from elite to generational.
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