As the Green Bay Packers get ready for another NFL season, the team is at a crossroads. With one of the youngest rosters in the league, the Packers have made the playoffs the last two years. This year they want to keep that trend going with minimal losses in free agency and a top 10 roster.
The NFC North is tougher than ever and with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings looking strong, the Packers need to be ready to step up if they want to make a deep run.
Building a Competitive Roster
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has been building this team for 8 years and has made 80 draft picks. The Packers are 8th in the league in roster depth but face stiff competition in the division.
The Lions and Vikings are not just good teams, they’re built to win now. The Lions went 15-2 last year with injuries and the Vikings went 14-3 and added Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to the defense.
The Lions and Vikings: Foes to Fear
The Detroit Lions even with injuries showed they can play at a high level. Their offense is a juggernaut and their defense will be better with Aidan Hutchinson back. They also added defensive pieces through the draft and free agency.
The Minnesota Vikings with a 14-3 record present their own challenges. Although they have uncertainty at QB with J.J. McCarthy starting, their roster is otherwise solid. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen added to the defense only makes them better.
Jordan Love: The Key to Success
For the Packers to go further, Jordan Love has to step up. The team has surrounded him with a good offensive line and talented wide receivers. Emerging stars like Tucker Kraft and Josh Jacobs who had a great debut season with the Packers help out.
The addition of first round wide receiver Matthew Golden could put the offense in the top 10. But none of that matters if Love can’t take control of the field and lead the team.
Defensive Strength and Potential
Defensively the Packers made some smart moves to maintain their strength. Despite a spotty pass rush last year, the addition of Nate Hobbs and the growth of Edgerrin Cooper looks promising. Consistency from the defense will be key to the team’s overall success.
But how will the defense hold up against the elite offenses in the NFC North?
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
While the Packers are good, there are still questions, especially with special teams and quarterback evaluation. The team’s performance in those areas will decide their fate in the NFC North.
With the Lions likely to win the division, the Packers need to fix those issues. As the season goes on the Packers will be watched closely. Jordan Love’s development and the team’s ability to adjust and grow will be the keys to playoff success.
The road gets tough, but with a good roster and good leadership the Packers can make some noise. Whether Jordan Love can deliver when it matters most will be the question of the year.
As the NFC North gets more competitive, the Packers will have to prove they can handle the heat and take the next step in the rebuild.
Leave a Reply