ClutchPoints
The Green Bay Packers are among the most consistent teams in the NFC, having made the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. That is no guarantee of anything for the upcoming season, especially because the Packers play in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The archrival Chicago Bears woke from years of hibernation to win the NFC North title a year ago and they are likely to pick up where they left off.
The Detroit Lions were favored to win the division a year ago, but a poor second half derailed them. Head coach Dan Campbell is likely to have the Lions back on track. If Kevin O’Connell has the right quarterback in Kyler Murray, the Vikings could become a playoff threat this year.
As a result, head coach Matt LaFleur has much to be concerned about this year. The Packers have to be worried about the first half of the season because they are unlikely to have Micah Parsons back in the lineup until late October or early November. If they can survive the first two months of the season — and that is the easier half of their schedule — the Packers should be a playoff contender and perhaps the division champions.
Here’s how their positions grade out heading into training camp:
There is little doubt that Jordan Love has moved into the top 10 of quarterbacks in the NFL. He is coming off his best season as a starter, and there’s every reason to believe that his climb will continue in his age 27 season.
Love is a physically gifted athlete who has a strong arm, a quick release and an accurate delivery. He completed 291 of 439 passes last season for 3,381 yards with a 23-6 touchdown to interception ratio. LaFleur has to be most impressed with the way Love avoided interceptions. His play inspires confidence and he has a full understanding of what it takes to lead the team
He may never be in the class of predecessors Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, but he can be an elite quarterback who leads his team to another winning season.
The one area that could be an issue is at the backup QB position. Malik Willis is gone as he has moved on to the Miami Dolphins, and the Packers have signed Tyrod Taylor to take over as the No. 2 signal caller. This appears to be something of a downturn for Green Bay.
Josh Jacobs is a dangerous running back who can take some of the heat off of Love. He was limited last year by a knee injury in the second half of the season and he failed to gain 1,000 yards. He was close to that total with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He is also powerful in short-yardage situations.
While the Packers are counting on Jacobs to be healthy this season, he may not be able to concentrate on...
