The Green Bay Packers know that they will have their work cut out for them to find success during the 2023 season. Changing starting quarterbacks is never an easy thing to overcome, but when the player you are replacing is a legend such as Aaron Rodgers, the task is that much more difficult.
Jordan Love will be tasked with filling Rodgers’ spot in the lineup, similar to how Rodgers had to replace Brett Favre; both Packers legends were traded to the New York Jets. While there is a ton of uncertainty surrounding the team, there is no denying the potential.
Green Bay is loaded with young, high-upside talent on both sides of the ball. A ton of early draft capital has been poured into the skill positions, where Love will be surrounded by multiple second, third and fourth-round picks.
Inexperience on that side of the ball will be their biggest obstacle to overcome, as running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are the only two projected skill position starters with more than one season of NFL experience. Defensively, the team won’t be relying on nearly as much youth.
While younger players still litter the starting lineup, there are also established veterans anchoring the unit. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark, EDGE rusher Preston Smith, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and cornerback Jaire Alexander are leading the way.
Despite some household names, the Packers found themselves very low on the roster power rankings put together by Mike Clay and Seth Walder of ESPN. Green Bay was ranked in the bottom third of the league at No. 23.
That is a bit surprising given the fact this was a team that fell one game short of the playoffs last season. Having to replace Rodgers certainly played a part in the ranking, as no one knows what to truly expect from Love and offense given how limited his opportunities have been.
Alas, this is a Packers team that seems to be a little overlooked heading into training camp. With a few things breaking their way and good injury luck, they have the pieces in place to surprise some people this upcoming season.