We’ve reached the bye week in the 2024 season.
There are a lot of thoughts heading into the halfway mark of the season.
While the Packers head into the bye week on a sour note, there are some positives we can look at.
One thing is for sure, based on where the team was a year ago, the Packers are in a good spot.
It could be a lot worse heading into the Bye week
The season got off to a weird start.
Having to start the season in a totally different country was one thing.
Having your starting quarterback injured and out for a few weeks, that was another.
After Jordan Love sprained his MCL in the week one loss to the Eagles, the outlook for the team was not good.
Many predicted the Packers to maybe start off the season 0-3.
Instead Malik Willis lead the Packers to their first 2 victories against the Colts and Titans.
So, instead the Packers started 2-1 and Love came back after 2 weeks off.
The running game
9 games into the season and Josh Jacobs has proven that he can be a running back the Packers can rely on.
Furthermore, Jacobs has become the workhorse back for the Packers.
So far Jacobs has gained 792 yards on the ground, which is 4th best in the league.
Emanuel Wilson has become a good change of pace back for the Packers and has 2 touchdowns on the season.
The Packers havent strayed away from the run game and it had helped the team in their victories.
Look for the Packers to continue using the running game especially as the cold weather moves in later in the season.
The Defense
Who would’ve though the Packers defense 9 games in would be this exciting?
Through 9 games, they have forced more turnovers than last year.
The defensive backfield has been transformed to a ballhawking secondary.
Mainly because of free agent pick-up Xavier McKinney, who has 6 interceptions.
McKinney has been everything the Packers wished up when they signed him.
Meanwhile upfront the line has been able to create plays in the running game and get to the QB.
Look for the Packers defense to continue to rely on creating turnovers and reduce the big plays from the opposing offense.
What needs to be worked on
While the Packers are in a good spot heading into the bye week, there is a lot to work on.
Mainly the performance of Love and the Packers offense.
9 games in and Love leads the league in interceptions with 10.
Love had just 11 interceptions last year.
While head coach Matt LeFleur says this is fixable, it must be fixed fast.
The turnovers at times are costly.
While it is understandable Love is trying to do his best, the turnovers simply cannot happen in big games.
Meanwhile on defense, while the turnovers have gone the Packers way, preventing the big plays haven’t gone their way.
The defense needs to reduce the big plays from happening and stop the run when needed.
They also need to get off the field on third down, something the defense has struggled with.
Concluson
While the Packers have a lot to work on during the bye week, there a positives strides the team has made.
The Packers are in a good spot to rattle off a couple of wins and perhaps finish this season strong than they started the year.
The 2023 Packers finished the season on a strong note.
The 2024 Packers can also do the same.
