State of the Packers Address
The NFL’s 100th season has come to an end. Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on winning the Super Bowl over the San Francisco 49ers. As thrilling as the Super Bowl was, it isn’t quite the same without our beloved Green Bay Packers playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. I am here to recap the season and give my take on what direction the Packers should go to give them a chance to play in the Super Bowl next season and bring home the title.
Before the beginning of the 2019 season, the Packers were coming off two losing seasons and made a coaching change, bringing in Matt LaFleur. They also brought in some free agents, including linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith as well as safety Adrian Amos. There were a lot of questions going into the season. How would the pairing of LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers work out? Can Mike Pettine get the defense to improve in his second year with the team? What could we expect out of the receiving corps? Do the Packers have enough talent to challenge the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North Crown? The Packers got a huge test early as the NFL scheduled the Packers and the Bears on the opening Thursday night game of the season as part of the 100th season of NFL football.
The Packers came out and played well defensively, winning 10-3 at Soldier Field. They would go on to sweep their division, go 7-1 at home and 13-3 overall to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs. They hardly looked dominant at times but they knew how to win close games. They hosted the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and got off to a 21-3 lead before holding off the Seahawks 28-23. They would then travel to Santa Clara to take on the 49ers in the same venue where they lost 37-8 in the regular season. This one was no better as it was basically over by halftime. Some score cosmetics made the final margin look better than it actually was, but the Packers had a dismal ending to a great comeback season.
The Packers ended up finishing 14-4 with a rookie head coach. That is nothing to sneeze at, but when you play for the Green Bay Packers, a truly successful season is one that ends in a championship. I think it can be done next year but there is a lot of work to do.
Aaron Rodgers has carried the team for many years but he has reached the point in his career where he needs help around him. Jimmy Graham has been a disappointment in his two years with the team and he is likely on the way out of Green Bay. They need to find a tight end who can stretch the field. Arguably the best two tight ends in the league played in Super Bowl LIV. Davante Adams is a great receiver but they need another proven receiver to line up and draw attention away from Adams. The offense needs playmakers. Will Bryan Bulaga be back? If not, who will take his place? Will they move on from Blake Martinez? Is Rashan Gary the answer? Gary had a very quiet rookie season. Can he make a huge leap in 2020?
After a 13-3 regular season, the Packers aren’t going to sneak up on anyone. The defense could use some improvement but the offense really needs to make a huge leap in 2020. Rodgers hasn’t looked like an MVP too often these last few seasons but I don’t think he is finished quite yet. The roster is a work in progress and I think they can find the right pieces to make it work and make a serious run at it next season. I know the Chiefs didn’t have Patrick Mahomes available at the time but the Packers did win at Kansas City in the regular season last year. It’s going to take a collective effort from everyone on the roster but it can be done next year.
It is likely going to be a tougher road next season but we should not give up hope. It’s a new season next year. There will be some surprise teams and some disappointments. The team needs to stay focused and if they get the right personnel like they did with the Smith brothers last year, we may be in for a great year and a great finish to the season. Take care Packer fans. The 2020 season will be here before you know it.
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
