Setting the Bar: Defining Success for the Green Bay Packers' 2023 Season
This is not a Super Bowl or bust season, after so many of those for Green Bay
This is the first time in several years in which the Green Bay Packers don't face a Super Bowl or bust type of season. No one expects the team to be title contenders, even though there are fair disagreements over what the franchise is trying to accomplish. So, if the Super Bowl is not a realistic expectation, what would a successful season look like? Considering the state of the roster, it's much more related to individual growth from potential building blocks than to defined team results - surely, a playoff spot would be good, but that's not necessarily the most efficient way to measure success for the team.
Therefore, let's talk about six things that should happen for the Packers to have a good 2023 season.
Love shows he can be a top QB
The Packers don’t need Love to be a franchise quarterback right away in order for them to be a decent team in 2023. But it’s really hard to win sustainably without a top quarterback, and replacing Aaron Rodgers with another franchise passer is a priority for the franchise. Love will probably have at least two years to prove he can be their guy, but he needs to show signs of what he’s capable of doing this year. If he doesn’t, the Packers will probably use the extra draft capital acquired in the Rodgers trade to look for another option.
In 2008, for example, Aaron Rodgers wasn’t anything near what he would become in his prime years, but the first-year starting quarterback gave clear signs that he would be a viable long-term option, which made the Packers extend his contract in the middle of that year. Love isn’t a rookie either, so it’ll be imperative to watch his performance and compare to what he has already done in a small sample size in the league.
Offensive weapons make impact
Every wide receiver on the Packers roster is either a rookie or a second-year player. There are also the young tight ends. So, the reality is that nobody knows exactly what to expect from these players. Christian Watson had a promising season last year, but now he is expected to be the primary target, which adds pressure to his second season. Romeo Doubs had ups and downs, and the coaching staff believes he can be a top down to down option because of his prolific route running ability. The three wide receivers drafted this year, but second-round pick Jayden Reed in particular, will also have a chance to show up with reps and targets, because there are no veteran place-holders. In the tight end room, Josiah Deguara is more experienced, but he tends to be a role player. That means rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft will inevitably have a large role immediately.
It’s unrealistic to think that all of them will perform at a high level, but the Packers need at least three offensive passing weapons to impact the game to be comfortable with this group moving forward — and to give Jordan Love a fair chance to succeed.
Packers get real return from the last three draft classes
The 2020 draft is totally dependent on Jordan Love at this point. But the 2021 and 2022 classes, specifically, also must provide impactful results for this Packers team to be good. Eric Stokes had a promising rookie season, but he suffered a downgrade in performance even before his injury last year. Josh Myers also has a new (and maybe last) chance to prove he can be a reliable starting center.
Regarding the 2022 class, Watson and Doubs have already been mentioned, but Zach Tom will have the opportunity to be a starting right tackle. Moreover, the Packers will need more from the two first-round picks, Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt — especially from the defensive lineman, who was just the fifth option on last year’s rotation, but might be a full-time starter this year with the departures of Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry. The rookie class will also be imperative for the team, because general manager Brian Gutekunst made 13 total picks. This version of the team is so reliant on young players that their growth and development are fundamental for the roster’s present and future.
Defense finally is above average
It doesn’t matter how much the Packers have invested in defensive talent, it feels like they never have a top unit. And this has been the case for more than a decade. Now, it’s make or break season for defensive coordinator Joe Barry. They were 20th in DVOA and 27th in EPA/play, which is much below the individual talent and potential of the unit. The Packers were 14th in dropback EPA allowed, but 31st in rushing EPA. If Green Bay isn’t able to be at least a top 15 defense in 2023, it will be really hard to justify keeping the coaching staff as it is and the roster-building model with so many defensive high draft picks. While Jordan Love and the rest of the offense develop, the defense must be the unit ready to play at a high level right away.
STs keep on the right track
The Green Bay Packers went from 32nd to 17th in special teams DVOA, which is a great development and a clear sign of what Rich Bisaccia has been able to do with his unit. That’s why he gained so much power to give the front office indications of what and who he wants on the roster. The Packers will have a very different group of specialists this year, with kicker Mason Crosby and long snapper Jack Coco gone — punter Pat O’Donnell is not a lock to make the roster either. If the Packers are able to keep on the right track on their special teams with so many changes, it means Bisaccia succeeded at building a sustainable philosophy that combines investment, a good plan, and fine execution.
LaFleur gets post-Rodgers recognition
It’s easy to say that Matt LaFleur has been a good head coach because he had a Hall of Fame quarterback. But Packers fans know how important the head coach has been to establish a different culture, innovative ways, and to improve Rodgers’ performance after a couple of down years. However, LaFleur hasn’t received his deserved national recognition, and now it’s his chance. The coach will have an opportunity to apply his true offensive system, without adaptations for what Rodgers wants to do, and if he’s able to lead a prolific unit with Jordan Love under center, it’ll be proved how smart and effective he is, independent of his surroundings.
This year, the record isn’t the most important thing. The Packers would happily take a winning season and a playoff berth, but the long-term looking of the team is in play, and it’s much more important than a couple of games.
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Wendell Ferreira covers the Green Bay Packers for Zone Coverage and Cheesehead TV. He is a Brazilian journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, soccer, NBA, and MMA. Follow him on twitter at @wendellfp
Comments (65)
TKWorldWide
June 06, 2023 at 11:20 am
Wow! Well written! Can’t argue with any of it.
A couple thoughts: replacing Lowry with a JAG would be an upgrade. Replacing him with a first round pick who’s had a year to develop should be a huge upgrade.
There’s an old adage that says something to the effect of, when evaluating young players, “you don’t put stock in how bad they occasionally look, you put stock in how GOOD they occasionally look”. I don’t know if that was Confucius, Steve True, or Warren Zevon, but I agree with the notion.
mnbadger
June 06, 2023 at 12:23 pm
Just so long as the old adage wasn't from Jeffrey Epstein!
Sorry, my bad.
GPG!
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 02:13 pm
TK, I've heard that expression as "you are never as good, or as bad, as you looked". You aren't your hilight reel, and you aren't your blooper reel either. Think Billy Buckner.
greengold
June 06, 2023 at 02:37 pm
Agree on Lowry.
For that last bit, are you talking about closing time? When the lights go on?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 06, 2023 at 02:46 pm
Lowry wasnt a bad player. He was out of position playing in 2 dlinemen sets on early downs. Hes a 5 technique in a 3 man front or 3rd down pass rush in nickel. Hes not a block eating runstuffer. Neither is Kenny Clark, who got mauled by double teams regularly last year too. I like Wyatt a lot, but if they put him in the same hopeless situations they put Lowry in, he will fail too.
TKWorldWide
June 06, 2023 at 03:12 pm
I’d agree Lowry wasn’t horrible, but after watching his whole career in GB, I’d be hard pressed to say what he was good at. Wyatt is billed as an athletic disruptor for both run and pass. I’ll take it.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 06, 2023 at 05:26 pm
Lowry was a pretty good pass rusher earlier in his career when he wasnt used as much on early downs. Its the main reason he got a nice 2nd contract. Like i said, I like Wyatt a lot too but Barry cant keep hanging them out to dry on early downs. This soft nickel crap is for the birds. Its coaching from a place of fear. Fear of giving up the deep pass. If thats where they want to live then Slaton and Ford need to play more on early downs. At least make the offense work for it.
croatpackfan
June 06, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Wendell, nice article. Basically, I agree with the all of your points. Except, I believe Packers are already doing their due dilligance regarding potential DC who would/should replace Joe Barry. That visit from former Bills DC explained as some job he is doing for NFL, might be indication that Packers already testing the market in case that Packers D will not improve their level of playing.
Also, appointing Rich Bisaccia as Assistant HC shows that Matt LaFleur is more as OC than true, inspirative HC. And, in case that everything will fall apart, they have solution, at least as interim HC, in Rich Bisaccia already doing some HC job. Here, I have devided feelings. I like Rich B attitude and his connection with players, and he really looks like leader, players would go through wall for him, but, on the other hand I do not believe MLF would accept to stay as OC in Green Bay, if FO decide that he is not HC quality. And I believe MLF is to soft to make hard decisions.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 06, 2023 at 02:50 pm
Leslie Frazier was in Green Bay in an official capacity for the NFL's Accelerator Program for developing minority and female coaches. He's already said he took this year off from coaching to gear up for a run at a head coaching job next year. He's not lobbying for a DC job nor are the Packers flirting with another DC with Joe Barry still on the team. They have more class than that.
croatpackfan
June 06, 2023 at 03:16 pm
I did not say Packers are flirting. I just say that innocent conversation can finally finish in something different.
I know that he take year off, but as I remember he was not that successful as HC (I believe it was with Vikings), so he might be in the mix if Joe Barry will not be with Packers.
PhantomII
June 06, 2023 at 05:16 pm
UM, Which means they are not going to PAY a DC who is let go AND PAY a new DC at the same time. That's whatI know and my eyes have seen. When MM was terminated they demanded ML unproven salary much lower than MM was being paid and shot down ML choice of ST coach because he wanted 1 Mill....And here we are.
Lare
June 06, 2023 at 12:03 pm
Nice article Wendell, i also agree with all of it. I think the majority of the pressure in 2023 is on MLF and Joe Barry.
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 12:08 pm
The season is a success if we win the division.
Grandfathered
June 06, 2023 at 08:54 pm
I would consider success at 9 wins.
Coldworld
June 06, 2023 at 12:11 pm
This is a season of discovery on a number of fronts.
What can LaFleur do in an offensive context without Rodgers influence as a factor or excuse?
How well will LaFleur prepare this young team both to start the season and to handle roles throughout it?
How many young players will take a significant step and how much of one?
How competent is Barry? What about Butkus and others? Are they good choices? Are we getting at least par value from talent on D, the OL and are we learning from game to game and within them?
Is Love showing signs of capability and the potential to grow further?
Success for me isn’t about wins or losses, but about whether the coaches and players are moving in a credibly upwards direction. Are we seeing signs of growth and is that both on and off the field?
If the answer is no, then the first object of scrutiny has to be coaching. If the perception is that coaching is still holding talent back then the there needs to be a deeper house cleaning before any upturn.
If Love, Watson, Doubs and others grow and the offense is threatening despite mistakes of inexperience then that will be a win. Does the D then match that and perform in the top 3rd or better? If so then we will be well placed for 2024. If not, well, we will at least know where the rot resides and what has to be done.
Having a more honest, accurate, self-assessment by season end would in a sense be a win. However, a true triumph would finding out that the talent in the field is real, if raw, and the coaches are up to the task of exploiting it heading into 2024.
If that is indeed what transpires, then how we end up in terms of wins or division placing this season doesn’t matter: we will be well set for the years ahead. If that’s not the case, then more profound off field changes will have proven to be urgently needed and long overdue.
Yes, this season is not about where we finish this year, but about how well we can use and develop our assets and where we are heading by season end.
mnbadger
June 06, 2023 at 12:27 pm
I enjoyed Wendell's article and wholeheartedly agree with CW's deeper dives.
Growth across the board - players, HC, Coordinators, position coaches and support staff.
Time for all to shine on their own and stand up to constructive criticism through the season.
GPG! Record be damned!
SoCalJim
June 06, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Great article, Wendell! I’m also keen to see the coaches correctly figure out the right players to start every game. Some of their recent choices were head scratchers. (E.g., Am. Rodgers, J. Hanson, etc.).
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 12:30 pm
"Hanson, etc."
Until proven otherwise, I will believe we have a Chicago plant in the coaching department.
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 12:26 pm
How 'bout just beating the division? Doable and an attainable goal that will answer all the other question along the way.
mnbadger
June 06, 2023 at 12:34 pm
Detroit has given us fits the last three years and has likely gotten better. I'm not looking past them.
I'd celebrate 5-1 within the division, be happy with 4-2, satisfied with 3-3 if we defend the tundra and disappointed with anything less.
Enjoy the summer, looking forward to the fall.
GPG!
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 01:30 pm
Detroit made US give ourselves fits. Witch (I guess) is one way you win games in the NFL.
All those games were very winnable and usually things go back to normal, and Detroit beats itself.
Simple coaching can make this happen. Just hope we don't have simple coaches.
CheeseEdWest2
June 06, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Say 4 and 2 in the division with at least a split against other division foes. Not losing home and away to the Lions. Playing clean tough football. Not relying on offensive finesse, or a soft zone defense.
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 01:01 pm
You guys have to require a Bears sweep at least.
splitpea1
June 06, 2023 at 12:39 pm
This is pretty thorough; not much to quibble except for a couple of minor things.
"Packers get real return from last three draft classes." I would imagine that's the case for every team who wants to be successful.
"It doesn't matter how much the Packers have invested in defensive talent, it feels like they never have a top unit." Some reasons: Questionable in-game coaching philosophies or match-up decisions at times; sometimes drafting players with great athletic potential and high ceilings but not paying too much attention to the floor--which sometimes resulted in bringing them along slowly or having to experiment to find the ideal position for them; not prioritizing the ILB position until recently.
Defense: Stopping the run is where it all starts unless you want to open the playbook wide for the opposing offense. I will not be a happy camper if we have problems here once again.
The Bisaccia philosophy on STs must be sustainable because the Packers have explored every other one that isn't....
"LaFleur hasn't received his deserved national recognition...." He has been treated fairly and recognized for helping AR garner a couple more MVP awards. I don't know what more some fans are looking for, but additional accolades usually come for building a team from the ground up, and/or navigating the team successfully through the playoffs to at least reach the Super Bowl. But you're right; now is his chance to build a mostly fresh young team with his stamp on it and turn them into serious contenders again with a little patience.
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 01:09 pm
"Bisaccia philosophy on STs" is already blooming.
I want Bisaccia the Assistant HC to be in charge of in-game adjustments, especially on D, because running the offence is a full-time job for MLF.
It would be an impressive arrangement IF this was MLF's idea to improve the team, not the front office's way of getting him to re-sing to continue coaching.
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 03:12 pm
""Defense: Stopping the run is where it all starts..."""
I don't think so. The average pass attempt gains 7 yards and the average run gains 5. Also, completed passes gain more yards than runs, and they're more likely to end up as a long play, and more likely to end up in the endzone.
By your theory, we'd stuff the run and make it 2nd and 9. This would make it much more likely the next play is going to be a pass, and the one after that. The average ATTEMPT is 7 yards, the average completion is over 10, and QBs complete 2 out of 3. IMO, what you've done by stuffing the run is increasing the likelihood of a big play.
By my theory, if a team is averaging 5.0 yards per rush, that's a lot better. Because sooner or later, the offense will find a way to get into a third and long and that's when our pass defense has their opportunity. So if they start at the 25, and run it 5 straight times for 25 yards, that's not a problem. They're still 50 yards away from the endzone.
But if they throw it 5 times, and complete 3, they've moved the ball farther AND we've had 3 more chances to give up a big play because most teams biggest "playmakers" are receivers, not RBs.
Defense doesn't start with stopping the run, it starts with keeping teams out of your end zone.
splitpea1
June 06, 2023 at 04:03 pm
You are outsmarting yourself with a lot of arithmetic and "likelihood" statistics. It seems you are saying we should not stop the run because we might get burned by a long pass play...and 2nd and 5 is preferable to 2nd and 9 for the defense...and that keeping teams out of the end zone doesn't involve stopping the run at any point.
LOL, looks like I've arrived on the other side of the looking glass.
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 04:56 pm
I know it's a lot to take in, but take your time and think it through. It starts with the basic fact that 5<7.
I've never said that you never have to stop the run. I'm just acknowledging that it's a passing league, most points are scored by the pass, the majority of big plays are passes.....so defending the pass is a helluva lot more important than stopping the run. Most teams will stop themselves from running if they start falling behind, .Have you ever noticed how the highest scoring teams also have some of the best run defense numbers? Have you ever wondered why?
And the first step(s) in that are discouraging teams from throwing on you, and by putting them in bad down-and-distance situations you are ENcouraging the very stuff you don't want them to do, especially if they have a viable air attack. Ultimately, you want to take the ball out of the hands of their best players.
I use Minnesota as the example. You can run Cook 30 times for 150 yards, or you can end up throwing it 40 times for about 280 yards to guys like Jefferson. Every time Cook gets the ball, it's 5 yards. Every time they just try to throw it to Jefferson, it's 7 yards. If it's completed, it's double that. So why would we rather have them throwing it than running it?
And it obviously works, since only the Eagles scored over 28 on us last year, and we gave them 14 off of turnovers. This style, this scheme, keeps the score close, and when we get some offensive support, we win. Just about all of our losses were games where we couldn't generate at least 23 points, whicih is pretty near the average.
splitpea1
June 06, 2023 at 05:52 pm
I would point to the 2019 NFCCG where the opposing QB only had to attempt 8 passes because SF was so effective running it--to the tune of 285 yards and 4 TDs.
Your original argument works best in a prevent-style defense where we want them to eat clock by running....or if the opposing offense started the series with a penalty to set them back, you would be more focused on the pass to prevent a conversion.
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 06:15 pm
IMO, the example you point to is an exception, not the rule. The Passing Game is a bigger part of football, on offense and defense, than the ground game is, but stuff does happen. I'd rather bet on the odds than against them.
Also, I'm not stating my opinion about what would or should or could be done, I'm saying we ARE doing this. It's pretty clear to me that this is by design, and it has worked to the extent that it has worked. I think it's genius, frankly. It's like playing with loaded dice.
jont
June 06, 2023 at 01:06 pm
"If Green Bay isn’t able to be at least a top 15 defense in 2023, it will be really hard to justify keeping the coaching staff."
IMO, this is a good way to look at it. There is talent on the defensive side of the line and a few guys who could be impact players. Make that should be impact players. It's up to the coaches to help those guys get over the top and really influence the outcome of the game.
If they can't get that done after a year or two of trying, the FO has to try a new coach who looks like he can. I'm not really on board with some of the emotional rage against Barry, but NFL means not for long for coaches too.
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 02:00 pm
Jont, I'm just going to say that the defense has been average-to-above average in the last two seasons, and that in the games that ended our seasons in 2021 and 2022, the defense played pretty well and our offense didn't get much done.
Last season, we were 17th in points allowed with 371, two more than Kansas City. That's always the biggest measure of a defense. If you dig a little deeper, you'll see the defense was pretty good in some other areas. For example, they only had 314 passes completed against them, 3rd fewest in the league, and were 6th in passing yardage allowed. They were 2nd in the league in fewest yards after catch at less than 100/game. They were 8th in pressuring the QB. They were 4th in fewest missed tackles. They were 4th in interceptions.
The run defense numbers are all bad, because we'd rather have teams run on us than pass on us. I think it has something to do with not giving up a bunch of big pass plays, and if you smother the run, teams will throw more, they'll complete more passes, and they'll have more of a chance of eventually getting a big play. So you let them hand off and gain some yards. Eventually, the offense finds a way to put itself in a 3rd and long, because of a penalty or something, and now you bring a pretty good pass defense. Lots of pressure, lots of picks, not much YAC.
Only 1 team scored over 28 on us. If we could manage that again this year, I'd take it.
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 02:18 pm
LH, I didn't know "They were 4th in interceptions."
Weren't we close to last till the middle of the season? I remember them (at least JA) saying they were going to game more and try to put the ball back in the O's hands.
Maybe you have stats to break that down. Wonder where we'd have been if they'd started sooner.
Leatherhead
June 06, 2023 at 03:00 pm
Here's the thing, Steve, fewer passes were attempted AGAINST the Packers than against any other team, so to be among the leaders in interceptions is even more remarkable. As a percentage, we were 2nd in the league in intercepting passes. That's good pass defense, IMO.
I don't know what happened to change things around, but I do know that you will get more interceptions when you're ahead than you will when you're behind. We had a nice stretch towards the end of the season where the offense got off the bus and we scored some points and that probably helped as much as anything.
I just used the stats at pro-football-reference.
LambeauPlain
June 06, 2023 at 09:26 pm
With the Packers near bottom of the NFL run D, I wouldn't pass on them either.
jont
June 07, 2023 at 01:12 pm
I mostly agree with you, LeatherHead. A couple times last season I ventured to suggest that the D wasn't nealry as bad as some of our brethren here were saying.
My point is "taking the to the next level". I don't mean that as a lazy cliche. I'm hoping for a D that is better than above average, a defense that is as big a threat to win a game as the offense is.
TarynsEyes
June 06, 2023 at 01:08 pm
A teams' success is, regretfully, to the dismay of some here, though undoubtedly the most direct fact is the record. The success that will come in the future is based on how the staff understands and figures out how to change the reasons for its failures, and grows its successful parts.
A losing record doesn't mean all is lost, unless the staff and players can't understand why the losses came to be. This has been an issue for the Packers as we, the fans, notice weekly, and for long stretches the replay of its failings, or shortcomings for the easily hurt feelings wise.
Another is the failure of players, and coaches to grow, whether by a coaching defect or player ability, it needs to be rooted out faster as the league moves too fast now to retain that which stands still. The time for 3 year waits is being phased out for the more instant performance, by both player and coach. If one gets that 3 year grace period, he had best be something when it's time to put out. Since the NFL is looking more like its farm system, College Football, in its play and rules, the three-year rule is harder to justify. The transition difficulty, excuse, is being eradicated.
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 01:16 pm
You've got it. It's a worst to first league now.
You made me think of a new nickname. Like "wefense" for STs, "wefans" for us.
Johnblood27
June 06, 2023 at 01:30 pm
This season is already a resounding success.
The GBP franchise is one year closer to wishing Mark Murphy a successful and happy retirement!
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 01:43 pm
Is it more important that we host the draft, or who we draft?
greengold
June 06, 2023 at 02:33 pm
WHO, a bazillion%. The hosting of the draft is merely an extraneous bonus for the local economy, and a boost to the team's PR.
"Who" we draft always takes precedence.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 06, 2023 at 02:53 pm
Do you want the Team President deciding who they draft or focusing on the business side of things like hes supposed to do?
Johnblood27
June 06, 2023 at 06:21 pm
WHAT we draft...
as in DRAFT BEER!!!
mnbadger
June 07, 2023 at 09:58 pm
Miller Genuine Draft is a smooth old family favorite.
Good in short yardage situations along with stamina to carry the G all 4 quarters.
GPG!
mnbadger
June 07, 2023 at 09:58 pm
Miller Genuine Draft is a smooth old family favorite.
Good in short yardage situations along with stamina to carry the G all 4 quarters.
GPG!
LeotisHarris
June 06, 2023 at 02:12 pm
If the Packers can play with intensity and confidence, like a well-coached team should, and improve each week, I'll be a happy fan. It would be wonderful to watch a group of young, talented athletes gel into a team. It's a long season, and anything can happen.
How many of you had the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals? How about the Florida Panthers playing for the Stanley Cup? Those teams are great examples of what effective coaching can produce. Observation: I haven't seen Erik Spoelstra or Paul Maurice wave a towel above their head to fire up the crowd.
T7Steve
June 06, 2023 at 02:21 pm
Like the fans in GB need to be told what to do to help the team,
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 06, 2023 at 02:52 pm
Playoffs or bust. This team won 8 games despite Rodgers having the 26th ranked qbr in football. I shouldnt have to explain how bad that is. If Love is average, which is about what I expect, this team will be in the playoffs. If hes better than average, look out.
White92
June 06, 2023 at 07:01 pm
Incredibly myopic take. I love your enthusiasm for the team, but i think it's affecting your perception of reality.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
June 06, 2023 at 10:33 pm
No, whats myopic is the assumption this team will be bad cuz Rodgers is gone. This offense will start 1-2 rookies max and Love is a 4th year player. But some of you are treating them like its gonna be all rookies out there playing tiddlywinks. Reminds me of 2008 when all the boomer doomers cried about a return to the 80s. I wont apologize for refusing to join the doomer parade. Your misery wants my company but you cant have it.
PewAuKeeFan
June 06, 2023 at 02:58 pm
After articles from Cory Wood and Ed Jennerjohn (sorry, they're interchangeable), it is great to get a good article like this.
Keep up the good work Wendell!
stockholder
June 06, 2023 at 04:01 pm
Love - Franchise isn’t the word.
Leader is- He must lead by example.
Not stupidity.
Weapons- Let the three last year. - Grow.
The three behind them must not take their Reps.
Don’t push them.
Proper Route ruining is vital, for Love to succeed.
Draft returns- Ok I’ll buy everything but Stokes.
Stokes will never be an All-pro CB.
Don’t invest in China Dolls.
Defense is aging.
Gary may never achieve his upside now.
Like CM3 - The injuries only make you older.
And how much more can they get out of Cambell.
P.Smith and Clark.
The packers must hit on their rookies here.
STs- Right Track in deed.
MLF- I have No problem w/MLF.
It’s Barry rushing only two Des at times.
The record - It’s always about the stats!
Alberta_Packer
June 06, 2023 at 04:32 pm
Unlike the most recent years - I see this season is more about the journey, than the destination, for the team.
Poolshark
June 06, 2023 at 04:41 pm
I dont comment much. But I have to say this was an informative and well written article. Thanks, Wendell!
HawkPacker
June 06, 2023 at 05:05 pm
Wendell almost always has great, informative articles.
PhantomII
June 06, 2023 at 06:15 pm
It will be a successful season if ML schemes his weapons open for easier yards. The OL is healthy and plays well. The RB's are not fed the ball from the shotgun. ML uses all the speed he has available in the backfield for both runs and screen plays. The play clock never runs down to zero for a penalty or unintended time-out. The offense executes smoothly for the first time in years. JL executes a 2 minute offense or a no huddle. The defense is dominant in run or pass game. The Coaches use the players to their greatest ability....Okay, okay...any three of them is more than any season I can remember lately. GPG
SoCalJim
June 06, 2023 at 08:29 pm
PhantomII said: “ The play clock never runs down to zero for a penalty or unintended time-out.”
I predict an epidemic of busted TVs in NY/NJ this Fall.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 07, 2023 at 02:04 am
It's good for business :)
SicSemperTyrannis
June 07, 2023 at 02:01 am
Phantom, here's another: if every player gives 100% effort on every play of the game, all season. We didn't get that last year and I don't know why not. Players? Players losing faith in coaches?
I don't know how that works, but if they can turn that much around I think this will be a dominant team for a decade. Everything else can be tweaked as you go, but this kind of focus has to become "the standard."
Starrbrite
June 06, 2023 at 09:03 pm
Success at the professional level is determined by wins and losses.
These athletes are drafted and paid to succeed (win). If it doesn’t happen—coaches and players are blamed—rightfully so.
“Just win baby”—-that’s what counts.
Go Packers!!!
LambeauPlain
June 06, 2023 at 09:38 pm
You wrote a nice read, Wendell. Comments from the faithful good too.
My intuition tells me the Offense is going to better than many expect. And if they exceed expectations, with continued solid play from STs (questions to be answered at K, I know) with some field flipping plays, and a decent schedule then it comes to the Defense.
That curbs my enthusiasm...but if Rich is sitting in on D meetings, who knows?
I think we will win more than we lose...and have a lot of fun in the last quarter of the season.
LLCHESTY
June 06, 2023 at 09:42 pm
Kurt Warner released a breakdown of Love based on last year's preseason and 9 throws against the Eagles. Really could do without his occasional issues with throwing short balls to the RBs. For the most part Warner thinks he's making good decisions.
Connor Wall
June 07, 2023 at 09:03 am
I disagree, they should focus on winning the championship
Leatherhead
June 07, 2023 at 10:18 am
The road to the championship begins with qualifying for the playoffs, and if you win your division, you're in. That has to be the focus of the regular season.
T7Steve
June 07, 2023 at 02:23 pm
Isn't it funny how many times we circle around to the same things this time of yeas LH? LOL
We should log our arguments so we can just go back to see them and not have to repeat them so many times.
Might be that the best goal to have is team health at the end of the season (ask 49ers). Healthy teams that make the playoffs already have a leg up (pun intended). These days in the NFL depth players are usually development types that wouldn't be starting otherwise.