With four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers being sent to the Jets last year, the Packers' 2023 season was expected to be a year of transition. A largely rejuvenated squad and a rookie quarterback at the helm, the ambitions were modest. But thanks to an impactful class of rookies and a growing Jordan Love, the mayonnaise ended up taking hold.
In distress a few weeks ago, the Packers raised their heads in an unexpected and unexpected way to snatch their qualification during the last week of the regular season.
How did they get there?
April 2020, the general manager bet to draft Jordan Love to everyone's surprise. The start of a period of turbulence between the franchise and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After three years of “I love you, me neither”, the story ended and the Packers definitely turned the page on Rodgers. Thus marking the start of the Jordan Love era.
And getting started was not the easiest. After an average month of September, Green Bay got completely bogged down in October with a series of defeats and worrying performances. An attack without ideas, a defense at bay, a lost staff, the Packers already seem to be looking towards the draft. If the beginning of November marked the start of improvement, the turning point really came for Thanksgiving and the trip to Detroit. The attack is transformed by decisive rookies like Jayden Reed, author of 10 touchdowns during the season. And a Jordan Love who is starting to find rhythm and confidence.
The following week marked confirmation that the Packers had potential with a signature victory on the home field of the defending champion, the Chiefs. If the defense is still fragile and causes unfortunate defeats, the playoffs are still in sight thanks to a favorable end to the calendar. Buoyed by the return of Aaron Jones, the Packers finished flawlessly while giving the impression of having revved up throughout the season, particularly offensively.
The key player: Aaron Jones (RB)
Symbol of the excellent end of the season, Aaron Jones will be the determining factor in his team's hopes. The performance and usage of the versatile running back is often the barometer of Green Bay's offense. Masterful in the last three matches, he returned to form at the best time after having experienced a complicated season. His ability to squeeze into small spaces and string together gains allows him to control the clock and takes a lot of pressure off Jordan Love. The latter can take advantage of the spaces offered by the Jones threat to punish the opposing defense.
The only experienced player on this side of the ball, Jones has playoff experience including two conference finals.
Why are they going to go through with it?
The Packers offense has gained momentum throughout the season. Led by an improving Jordan Love and a bottle class of receivers full of talent and without complexes, their ability to make big plays can thwart any defense. The offensive variety can make the offense difficult to read and unpredictable.
Winner of three playoff teams during the season and perfectly focused when their season was at stake, they showed that the pressure did not make them falter and that they did not fear big matches. A lack of complexes which will be a major asset in the playoffs where they will be, whatever happens, outsiders.
If the defense cannot legitimately be considered a strength, it is made up of talented individuals capable of making the play that will make the difference. The defensive line, led by a rediscovered Kenny Clark, has gained strength in recent weeks. Danger can come from anywhere and the rotation is strong. Behind, Jaire Alexander at his best can muzzle any receiver and create a turnover which will give his team the advantage.
Why won't they go?
Criticized, mocked, booed, defensive coordinator Joe Barry does not enjoy a great reputation. Unable to advance his team against the race, he also showed his tendency to create dubious schemes from which the opponent almost systematically takes advantage. It is difficult to imagine that the team can win 4 games in a row with such deficiencies on this side of the ball.
The youngest team in the league with an average age of 25.13 years, the Green Bay squad is the youngest to reach the playoffs since 1978. A youth which promises a bright future but which could be a handicap in decisive matches. Success is often built on experience and builds on past campaigns.
If the Packers pass the first hurdle, they will necessarily cross paths with the 49ers in the divisional round. A clash which, beyond the level and supposed strengths of the two teams at the start of the playoffs, will be a very particular challenge. Californians have gained significant psychological ascendancy in recent years. Remaining on 4 victories in the playoffs, they notably traumatized Matt LaFleur's men in the conference final in 2020 and in the divisional in 2022.
Injured players
Almost absent for 3 years, David Bakhtiari will not be back for the playoffs, the left tackle only played one game this season and his team had to cope without him for better and for worse.
Another long-term injured player, former first rounder Eric Stokes, had an almost blank season. Injured in 2022, he only returned 2 games this season before being put on the injured list again.
Prognosis
It is not for nothing that Green Bay qualified in 7th place in its conference. Young, inexperienced and suffering from several shortcomings, the Packers squad does not seem cut out to play spoilsport. However, the recklessness of youth and the undeniable talent of a burgeoning attack could well cause damage and surprises. Assets which have everything to be the perfect trap for the Cowboys who, for their part, have the pressure of results. But if Matt LaFleur showed that he was a man in the regular season, he always struggled to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games. If he didn't succeed with Rodgers and Adams, it's hard to imagine he will in 2023.
Victory in Wild Cards, defeat in Divisional Round.
