The Green Bay Packers were just 2-5 in their first seven games this season and appeared to be heading nowhere. Many fans and experts were talking about tanking for a high draft pick and the need to replace quarterback Jordan Love. Since then, the Packers are 4-1 in they enter their Monday Night Football appearance against the New York Giants in the thick of the fight for a playoff berth. Here is a look at why the Packers turnaround has been so incredible this season:
First Reason the Packers Turnaround Has Been So Incredible: Injuries on Offense
The Packers have been hit hard by injuries on offense. In fact, they have lost many of the players that were described as the ones they could least afford to lose before the season started.
Former All Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari played well in the season opener but was shut down after that due to the lingering effects of his 2020 knee injury. Bakhtiari decided to undergo season-ending surgery in an attempt to play in 2024. Rasheed Walker and Yosh Nijman have taken over in Bakhtiari’s absence.
Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones also suffered an injury in the season opener. He injured his hamstring in that game and has been in and out of the lineup since. Jones has missed five full games and was limited in about five more. Thus far, Jones has carried the ball just 66 times for 245 yards and caught 19 passes. A.J. Dillon has stepped in to replace Jones and has improved after a slow start.
The Packers top wide receiver, Christian Watson, has also missed considerable time. He sat out the first three games of the season and was limited in several more. Last week against the Chiefs, he re-injured his hamstring and will miss more games. Starting tight end Luke Musgrave is also on IR and will miss more games this season. Tucker Kraft replaced Musgrave and is growing into the job.
Second Reason: Injuries On Defense
The Packers have also been handicapped by injuries to key players on defense. Two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander has played in only five games this season due to back and shoulder injuries. When he has played, the injuries have limited Alexander’s effectiveness.
Former number one pick Eric Stokes has only played in one game this season after starting on the year on the PUP list and then suffering an injury in the game against Denver. Corey Ballentine and Carrington Valentine have stepped up in the absence of the two former first round picks.
Both inside linebackers have also missed time. Veteran De’Vondre Campbell missed four full games and was limited in others. Quay Walker will miss his third game against the Giants and has played through nagging injuries. Isaiah McDuffie has done a solid job filling in for both players and is currently second on the team in tackles.
Most experts considered safety as a big question mark heading into the season. Both Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford have missed time with Ford missing three games and Savage five thus far. Jonathan Owens and Anthony Johnson filled in and played well in place of the starters.
Third Reason the Packers Turnaround Has Been So Incredible: A Very Young Roster
The Packers entered the season with a very young roster. These inexperienced players needed to learn the playbook and adjust to playing in the NFL before they could be effective.
Early in the season, we saw too many occasions where the young receivers and tight ends ran the wrong pattern. Too often, two or more receivers would end up in the same spot on the field. When plays broke down, Love and the inexperienced tight ends and wideouts were not on the same page when they had to adjust on the fly. The result was incomplete passes or worse yet, even turnovers.
Recently, the young players have improved their play and their knowledge of the playbook. As a result, the Packers are more consistent and productive.
Fourth Reason: The Development of Jordan Love
The Packers started the season with a quarterback who had one career NFL start. He looked tentative at times with his decision making and had issues throwing accurately downfield.
In the last five games, Love looks cool, confident and in control of the offense. His accuracy downfield has improved. Love has also been able to find second and third options on many plays where previously, he struggled in this area.
It is clear now that the team believes in Love and the quarterback believes in himself.
With all of these changes mid-season, the Packers have surprised a lot of people and are now battling for a playoff spot as we head into the final five games of the season.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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