The season is approaching. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, Green Bay Packers 2024. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Faced with a long winter after Aaron Rodgers' departure, Green Bay ultimately avoided the league's bottom and a lengthy rebuild.
A rough draft at the start of the season, the team transformed itself at Thanksgiving to finish with a bang. A surprise guest in the playoffs, they first crushed the Cowboys at home, before making the 49ers tremble. With its youth and talent, the team's ceiling can give them the desire to dream very big.
Last season: 9 wins – 8 losses, 2nd NFC North
Off-season movements
Notable arrivals: Josh Jacobs (RB), Xavier McKinney (S), Andre Dillard (OT), Greg Joseph (K)
Re-signings: Jordan Love (QB), Kenny Clark (DT), Kesean Nixon (CB), AJ Dillon (RB), Corey Ballentine (CB), Eric Wilson (LB), Emanuel Wilson (RB)
Draft: Jordan Morgan (OL), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Javon Bullard (S), Marshawn Lloyd (RB), Ty'Ron Hopper (LB), Evan Williams (S), Jacob Monk (C), Kitan Oladapo (S) ), Travis Glover (OL), Michael Pratt (QB), Kalen King (CB)
Notable losses: David Bakthiari (OT), Aaron Jones (RB), De'Vondre Campbell (LB), Darnell Savage (S), Jon Runyan Jr (G), Jonathan Owens (S), Yosh Nijman (OT), Josiah Deguara (YOU)
The franchise took advantage of the offseason to confirm its return to the forefront. Flashy recruitment, executives extended, Brian Gutekunst (GM) did not (for once) do things by halves. Traditionally reluctant to spend, and long blocked by the salary of their former MVP, the Packers took advantage of the salary cap increase to strengthen themselves. And to save some money.
End of the adventure for David Bakhtiari after 2 and a half seasons of injuries. Also out is De'Vondre Campbell, who was handsomely paid for only one good season in 2021. But the surprise came from the cut of Aaron Jones. A favorite of the cheeseheads, the rider paid a heavy impact to come in the payroll and physical glitches, not very severe, but more and more frequent.
To replace him, the Packers signed Josh Jacobs, the NFL's most prolific rusher in 2022. Green Bay's other big move was to address their designated weak spot. With the signing of Xavier McKinney, the team finally found a big-time player, a leader of the last curtain, that it has been missing for years.
The other big news of the spring was Jordan Love's extension. After months of rumors, the player finally got a huge contract at the start of training camp. During the tough negotiations with their quarterback, Kenny Clark, the pillar of the defense, signed on for 3 more years.
Packers 2024 All-Star Team
Quarterback: Jordan Love – Running Back: Josh Jacobs – Receivers: Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed – Tight end: Luke Musgrave – Offensive line: Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jordan Morgan, Zac Tom
Defensive Line: Preston Smith, Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary – Linebackers: Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Eric Wilson – Cornerbacks: Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes – Safety: Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard
The strong point(s)
The Packers have the youngest roster in the NFL for the second year in a row. A youth symbol of hope and tomorrow that sings so much the green and gold have shown great things in 2023.
A symbol of this triumphant youth, the receivers' squad has a striking force that makes you salivate. If no number 1 stands out, the density and homogeneity are a real strength and a source of uncertainty for opposing defenses. Danger can come from anywhere.
Even without David Bakhtiari, Green Bay's offensive line has maintained its tradition of solidity in 2023. With only 30 sacks conceded (3rd NFL), Jordan Love's bodyguards have accomplished their mission. With Jordan Morgan selected in the first round, and more experience for youngsters Zac Tom or Rasheed Walker, Jordan Love's pocket should be rock solid again this season.
The weak point(s)
As classic as a victory against the Bears, the Packers' ground defense remains among the league's dunces. Accustomed to offering their opponent, a one-night runner, the performance of his season, Matt LaFleur's men will not be able to hope for anything until they make real progress in this area. Especially in a conference where the 49ers and the Eagles are rampant.
In a bad way when his team was at 3-6 in mid-November, Matt LaFleur saved his head thanks to a magnificent end to the season and a wild card demonstration in Dallas. But the 44-year-old technician continues to blow hot and cold. Too often his team gives the impression of not having prepared for a match. When the starts of matches are missed, especially offensively, he always seems incapable of adapting his game plan. And the cherry on the cake, LaFleur too often lacks the courage to make the necessary decisions during the season to correct the shortcomings.
Player to watch: Devonte Wyatt (DL)
Selected in the first round in 2022, Devonte Wyatt had a timid NFL debut. Coming from the great university of Georgia, the defensive tackle had a lot of trouble making the transition to the NFL. Between insufficient investment in training, and a failed integration into the group, he went through his rookie season in relative anonymity with limited playing time.
The 2023 campaign saw him used more and performed better, but he still has to take a step forward. This third season will be a revealer and an indicator of his future. At the end of the 2024 financial year, the franchise will have to decide whether to exercise the 5th year option for the player. An option often premise of a future nice contract. A change of system to 4-3, the revelation of the young Karl Brooks, and the extension of Clark, all elements that emphasize Wyatt and his status.
X-Factor: Jeff Hafley (defensive coordinator)
Pointed out for more than 10 years, the Packers defense regularly comes back as the cause of the failure to conquer a new Lombardi trophy. Failures often attributed to successive coordinators. Dom Capers, Mike Pettine and recently Joe Barry, all have been designated as incapable of putting together a talented team.
Having played for the 49ers, the Browns and Ohio State, Jeff Hafley is the polar opposite of his predecessor. A follower of an aggressive philosophy and gifted at helping his players progress, he is expected to finally maximize all the investments made on this side of the ball. He must bring more rigor, authority and a sense of the game. The first feedback from the players has been excellent, and he seems to be unanimous. With the multiplication of talents on all lines, Hafley has the breeding ground to transform Green Bay into a defensive stronghold in the conference. A necessity to have ambitions.
2024 Packers Schedule
@Eagles, Colts, @Titans, Vikings, @Rams, Cardinals, Texans, @Jaguars, Lions, Bye, @Bears, 49ers, Dolphins, @Lions, @Seahawks, Saints, @Vikings, Bears
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
Without transition, the Packers have already become contenders again. Fearsome on offense, with great potential on defense, there are arguments on both sides of the ball. The experience gained in 2023, especially in the playoffs, is a valuable asset for a young group that is full of talent. The schedule will offer some tough games, but it is not insurmountable to secure a place in the playoffs and reclaim the NFC North throne. And one thing is for sure, Green Bay will not be easy to take in January.
