The 2024 season has come to an end for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers finished the season on a three game losing streak and a first round playoff exit. The general feel around Green Bay this week is a mix between disappointment and frustration. There is a valid reason for this feeling but there is enough evidence for the Packers to be optimistic as well. The balance of reality and reflection will important for the Packers this upcoming offseason.
The 2024 season made it clear what issues the Green Bay Packers must address this offseason. The team struggled against the top three teams in the NFC. The Packers went 0-6 against the Lions, the Vikings, and the Eagles. All six games had the same script, harmful mistakes that accumulated to the point that there was no coming back. These mistakes were all across the board from penalties, to questionable coaching decisions, to inconsistent QB play, to turnovers, and even to the preparation for these six games.
It is evident that the Packers and Matt LaFleur need to reevaluate how the team prepared for big games. It is hard to pinpoint the exact flaw in the machine but the attention to detail needs to be a high priority for Green Bay. The biggest difference between the Eagles and the Packers in that playoff game was turnovers and untimely mistakes. Philadelphia did not have a dominate offensive performance but they had 0 turnovers and made all 3 field goals. The question for LaFleur and his team is how do the Packers manage to minimize these mistakes and find a way to execute at a level that is enough to win these type of games?
After Reflection, Comes Reality
The reality of the current Green Bay Packers is this team has a young QB, a highly regarded head coach, 86% of the snaps played is under contract in 2025, ranked 3rd in team DVOA, and was the youngest team in the NFL. The following players will be entering into their 3rd and 4th season of playing time – Jordan Love, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Carrington Valentine, Lukas Van Ness, Quay Walker, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Devonte Wyatt, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Brenton Cox Jr., Emanuel Wilson, and Kingsley Enagbare. The majority of key players will be right in the sweet spot of their careers.
In addition to the number of returning players, the Packers have seven draft picks and $38.03 million in cap space which could increase to $55.55 million with a couple contract restructures. The Packers nailed their two 2024 big free agents acquisitions, Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney, so hopefully they can keep the free agency momentum rolling this offseason. The team has a lot of assets at their disposal to improve this roster.
The Packers young core has experienced a lot of adversity and has played in several critical moments over the past two years. This core has already played in three playoff games, all on the road, all in hostile environments. On top of that, all three games have been different experiences. The 2023 Dallas Cowboy Wild Card was perfectly executed which shows this group how it is done. The 49er game was a learning experience on how important it is to capitalize on opportunities. The Eagle playoff game showed this group that a mistake filled game will be incredibly difficult to overcome.
All in all, the Packers have concerns that are clear and obvious. If these concerns are made a priority and fixed, the reality of the team can take over. Meaning their younger but now experienced core with key rookie and free agents additions and a second year jump from the likes of Evan Williams, Edgerrin Cooper, Jordan Morgan, Javon Bullard, and Marshawn Lloyd can create a dangerous 2025 team. Green Bay will benefit from the power of reflection this offseason but needs to remember that reality of their situation is awfully optimistic as well.
