The Green Bay Packers have just passed the halfway mark of the 2024 season. Through nine games, the team is 6-3 with the toughest part of their schedule approaching. Matt LaFleur’s team entered this season with Super Bowl aspirations. To realize those hopes, they still have work to do although they are in a position to make the playoffs and contend. Here is a look at the Packers midseason awards for 2024:
Packers 2024 Midseason Awards, Offensive MVP: Josh Jacobs
Running back Josh Jacobs signed with the Packers this offseason as a free agent. He had the difficult task of replacing Aaron Jones. Thus far, Jacobs has lived up his advanced billing.
The former Raiders star has gained 762 yards and 158 carries and run for three touchdowns. He also made 19 catches for 128 yards and one touchdown pass.
As of now, Jacobs is on pace to gain 1,439 yards rushing and to catch 36 passes for 242 yards. The rushing total would be the third-highest single season total in franchise history behind only Ahman Green’s 2003 total of 1,883 and Jim Taylor’s 1,474 yards in 1962.
He is also the catalyst for the Packers offense. When Jacobs gets the ball frequently, the team wins games.
Offensive Disappointment: Dontayvion Wicks
There are several contenders for the biggest disappointment on offense, but nobody has fallen short of expectations more than wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks.
The second-year man out of Virginia showed great promise as a rookie, catching 39 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns while playing 15 games. Down the stretch, Wicks showed the ability to get deep. When Christian Watson was out of the lineup, Wicks became the team’s primary deep threat and Jordan Love found him for some big plays.
But this season, Wicks struggled with inconsistency and far too many dropped passes. He has only 16 catches for 192 yards on 43 targets. His catch percentage is just 37.2 this season after having a 67.2 percent catch rate a year ago. He has also dropped 11.6 percent of his targets this season including two bad drops last week against the Lions.
Wicks has talent but he needs to have a strong second half to get back on track and earn more playing time. This season, he has been the least consistent wide receiver on the team thus far.
Packers 2024 Midseason Awards, Defensive MVP: Xavier McKinney
There is no doubt Xavier McKinney has been the team’s defensive MVP so far this season. The Packers signed him as a free agent this offseason to upgrade the safety position. McKinney has six interceptions already this season including one in each of the team’s first five games this season. The six interceptions currently leads the league. McKinney also recovered a fumble, has one quarterback sack, and broke up seven passes.
Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 50 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by McKinney and they have a quarterback rating of just 42.4.
If the season ended now, McKinney would be All Pro and possibly the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has been a great addition to the Packers secondary.
Defensive Disappointment: Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary signed a big contract extension last season. This year, a lot was expected of the former Michigan star with the addition of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the switch to a four-man front.
Unfortunately, Gary has not met expectations this season. Through nine games, Gary has just 2.5 sacks which puts him on pace for five for the season. That would be his lowest total since 2020. He also has just eight quarterback hits and 16 pressures.
The Packers need more from their pass rush in the second half. A strong finish by Gary would have a big impact on the defense. Thus far, Gary’s lack of consistent pressure and productivity has been a big disappointment in 2024.
Packers 2024 Midseason Awards, Rookie of the Year: Edgerrin Cooper
Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has started only one game and played just 42 percent of the team’s defensive snaps this season. But when he’s been on the field, Cooper has made an impact.
Cooper has good speed which can be used to rush the passer, chase down runners, and cover backs out of the backfield.
Thus far, the Texas A&M alum has made 44 total tackles including five tackles for loss. Cooper forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and broke up two passes. He also recorded 2.5 sacks. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 8.
Cooper still has a lot to learn, but he has already made an impact on the defense. He has immense potential and could take his game to another level in the second half of the season.
Surprise Hero: Malik Willis
Backup quarterback Malik Willis was acquired after the preseason ended when the Packers weren’t comfortable with their options behind Love.
Willis had to start a game for the team less than three weeks after he joined the Packers. Thus far, he’s 3-0 in games he either started or determined the outcome.
Willis has yet to throw an interception while completing 74.4 percent of his passes and has a quarterback rating of 130.3. He also has outstanding mobility and is a threat to run with the football whenever he’s on the field.
Thus far, Willis has done everything you could ask of a backup quarterback. He plays well enough to lead the team to victory and doesn’t make big mistakes. He’s showed intelligence, athleticism, and the ability to learn quickly. He’s been a great pickup by GM Brian Gutekunst.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
