The Green Bay Packers have had some playoff disappointments over the last several years. The historic and iconic franchise haven’t been able to break through to reach the Super Bowl promised land.

in 2023, many would have pointed out that Aaron Rodgers had left in the previous offseason, so Matt LaFleur and his team would have their work cut out for them anyway. Indeed, it appeared to be that way, as it wasn’t until Week 11 that things started to click. 

Nonetheless, there were promising signs throughout the second half of the 2023 NFL season, as they went on a stretch that saw them improve their record to 9-8, including two three-game winning streaks, reach the playoffs and score a shockingly dominating upset of the Dallas Cowboys in their building.

Jordan Love appears to be finding his feet at Lambeau

Jordan Love arguably arrived in controversial circumstances during the 2020 NFL Draft, when the Packers decided to trade up and go for a QB when many would have felt the better decision would have been to give Rodgers weapons.

However, that move - coupled with a few more strong draft classes in the years to have followed - has paid off and is starting to show why it was a good decision at the time. The quarterback appears to have been finding his feet on the hallowed Lambeau Field turf, filling into the positional jersey that Rodgers and Brett Favre have been so successful with in the past.

In fact, many believe that Love’s performances have helped transform the team into a Super Bowl contender - something many believe the franchise should always be. Even the bookmakers have the team as one of the main contenders, with Unibet Canada listing them high up in the odds being offered across multiple different markets.

Love’s performances will be crucial to the organization and their chances of reaching the Super Bowl. He will need to have a similar type of season (if not better) than what he recorded last year, where he was a stat-topper across the league.

In the last eight games of the regular season, Love finished with 18 touchdowns, second in that category, while having the fewest interceptions in the same period (just one thrown). He amassed the most passing yards (2,150) and was second in passer rating (112.7).

Packers ranked highly by NFL.com's Eric Edholm

In an article, Eric Edholm wrote that the Packers have one of the strongest and most complete rosters of any NFL team heading into the 2024 season, hence why so many are excited about the franchise’s prospects.

Love’s statistics and showing in the final stretch suggest he is coming of age. At the same time, he has numerous weapons on offensive that can be particularly useful in wide receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, and tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Edholm has described the group as “arguably the best young receiver corps in the NFL”.

While the offense sounds exciting, defense was the clear area of weakness last season. However, changes have been made. Jeff Hafley replaced Joe Barry as the defensive coordinator, while experienced safety Xavier McKinney joined from the New York Giants in free agency. In addition, safety Javon Bullard and Edgerrin Cooper (linebacker) joined the franchise as part of the draft.

McKinney’s arrival at Lambeau Field is one of the most exciting moves. He was a key part of the Giants throughout his career, and last season proved his importance again. Recording 116 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defensed, it was almost better than what the three safeties that the Packers had on the roster last season managed combined.

Add in the likes of Jaire Alexander, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark, among many others; there is a lot of talent on that side of the ball that can complement what the offensive can potentially bring to the table.

Will it be a strong season to begin with or will it require time?

The Packers will be tested right from the start, as they will face one of the best teams in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles in their season opener on the road in Brazil. From there, they will have a home game against the Indianapolis Colts and a road trip to the Tennessee Titans before their first NFC North clash with the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.

While a strong start will be desired, if they improve on the 3-6 start they had last season and show the type of form they produced in the backend of the season, it could be a good year for everyone in Wisconsin. If not, some might be feeling frustrated with what could have been once again.

Nonetheless, we’ll have to wait until September 6 to gauge whether the additions are paying off and whether the training camps have been successful.