The conclusion of the Green Bay Packers’ 2023 season was marked by heartbreak. Their Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers ended in a 24-21 defeat, with the young Packers faltering in crunch time.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Anders Carlson missed a field goal that could have extended their lead to seven points. This blunder handed the 49ers good field position, and they capitalized on it by marching down the field for the game-winning score. Jordan Love’s ill-advised throw over the middle of the field resulted in his second interception of the game on Green Bay’s final drive.
While the loss was difficult to digest, the Packers can take pride in their season’s overall performance. Against low expectations, they secured a Wild Card spot and even won a playoff game.
As they enter the offseason, the Packers’ front office has an opportunity to bolster the roster. Their salary cap situation has improved compared to recent years, allowing them room to make moves in free agency.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, a priority should be strengthening the depth in their front seven on defense. Knox suggests that linebacker Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens would be an ideal target for the Packers.
“[GM Brian] Gutekunst hasn’t made a habit of chasing big-name players in free agency, so we can expect the Packers to be more active in the second and third waves. Continuing to build depth in the defensive front seven should be a priority, as Green Bay’s run defense remains a weakness. The Packers finished the regular season ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed and 23rd in yards per carry allowed. Were the Packers to get aggressive, players like defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and linebacker Patrick Queen would become ideal free-agent targets.”
While the Packers’ offense, led by Love, performed well for most of the season, the defense struggled to find consistency. Injuries and the trade of veteran Rasul Douglas before the deadline played a significant role in their defensive woes.
One glaring issue was their inability to stop the run, a recurring weakness in recent seasons. Addressing this weakness is crucial for the Packers to elevate themselves as true contenders in the NFC.
Adding Patrick Queen to their defense, particularly in the second level, would be a significant improvement. With De’Vondre Campbell’s injury concerns, Queen could form a long-term partnership with Quay Walker at linebacker. After having his fifth-year option declined, Queen is set to capitalize on his impressive 2023 season in free agency.
