It is anyone’s guess what the Green Bay Packers are going to look like during the 2023 season. They are entering uncharted territory as they have been considered a contending team for so long, reigning over the NFC North.
But, they aren’t in that same tier this year. A lot of that has to do with the departure of Aaron Rodgers. The Packers traded their long-time starter to the New York Jets this offseason, officially kicking off the start of the Jordan Love era.
Love is a mystery at this point as he enters Year 4 of his NFL career with only one start and 10 overall appearances under his belt. Because of that change, many people have already written the Packers off heading into 2023.
But, one person who hasn’t is Mike Jones of The Athletic. Jones put together a piece naming the most overhyped and overlooked teams heading into the season. The Packers landed on his list of the teams being most overlooked.
Coming off of a season in which they went 8-9, there is certainly a chance that the Packers can find some luck in a game or two this season and win nine or 10 games. If the young players on the team develop quicker than people expected, there is a lot of talent that could shine through in expanded roles.
As Jones noted, the relationship between Love and head coach Matt LaFleur is important as well. With Rodgers at the helm, LaFleur wasn’t able to install the entire offense, which he can do with Love. After being in the system for three years, Love should know this offense like the back of his hand; now it is just a matter of executing it on the field.
Also being overlooked is how big of an impact the established units on this team can have. A young quarterback’s best friend is a good offensive line and running game. The Packers have both, as good health could lead to their offensive line being the best in the NFL with a strong duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon in the backfield.
Defensively, this team has the pieces to be elite. Seven first-round picks could see the field at any time, ranging from stars such as Jaire Alexander and Kenny Clark, emerging options such as Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker and reclamation projects such as Darnell Savage Jr.
If that unit gels and can shore up some of their weaknesses from 2022, they will be among the highest-ranked defenses in the NFL. That should be more than enough to keep the team competitive; how high they can ascend will ultimately depend on Love and the offense.