Even before the news of Josh Jacobs arrest, the Packers are already facing battles. With injuries looming and lack of roster depth at key positions, there is a lot to handle.
How the team approaches this offseason is critical, yet it couldn’t have started shakier. Major players are coming off of injury including Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft. Parsons will not be ready by week one but should be available within the first several weeks.
The running back room is already very thin, and the team finds themselves in a spot where decisions need to be made. The best-case scenario for the team is Jacobs to be cleared on all charges. However, the league will do their own investigation outside of the police department.
In recent years, the league has suspended players at a minimum of six weeks for a domestic violence offense. No matter what happens, the Packers are certainly preparing to not have Jacobs, in the short term, or inevitably.
Nevertheless, this all depends on the outcome of the investigation. Matt LaFleur has made clear that they are letting the process play out.
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The health of Marshawn Lloyd will be massive as he potentially will be the starting running back. Despite a ton of talent, Lloyd has been unable to stay healthy. This leaves the depth of the running back room in question.
Competing for a Super Bowl is always the goal, and the running game is key to Matt LaFleur’s offense. However, last season had many believing that LaFleur was relying on the run game too much.
The Packers offense at times became incredibly predictable. The running back questions will leave LaFleur having to open up the playbook. In recent years, LaFleur has done his best work when he is down key players as it forces him to reinvent the offensive strategy.
I believe Jordan Love would thrive with a short, intermediate passing game to complement the run game and to open up explosive plays. We already have seen Love’s ability as a quarterback, now it is time to see if LaFleur will continue to give Love more flexibility within the offense.
In the tight end room, we all know Tucker Kraft thrives. However, who is behind Kraft that can be trusted? This could potentially be a position to watch at the trade deadline, with Luke Musgrave as a trade target.
Kraft’s leadership is stellar. Returning from injury will have him revitalized, as LaFleur confirmed he is expected to be ready by start of the season. This is a huge boost to the offense, and very needed at this point.
For the pass rush, who will step up behind Parsons? The lack of a true number two pass rusher plagued the Packers postseason hopes. Lukas Van Ness should be doing everything in his power to take this number two spot. This will be a fun group to watch in training camp, and will give us a glimpse into some answers at this position.
Overall, the Packers have plenty to work on this offseason. How the team handles being in the headlines matters. Josh Jacobs arrest will loom over the team’s entire season. Now, it is up to LaFleur to put everyone in the right position to succeed.
