3 Packers Set for Breakout Season in 2020
The Green Bay Packers need a lot of internal improvement to take the next leap in 2020 and these three players are poised to do so.
The Green Bay Packers didn’t have nearly the offseason fans were hoping for, potentially failing to approve their team–at least on paper. That leaves them needing internal improvements from individual players to advance past the NFC Championship game next season.
The Packers season ended on a sour note, as they were whooped twice by the 49ers–this time just one game away from the Super Bowl. The contest showed a huge gap between the two teams and the talent they possessed at skill positions. The 49ers had playmakers all over the field, especially in the running game, while Green Bay had very few.
While many thought this would lead to the Packers loading up on wide receiver in either free agency or the draft, the opposite was true. Their lone addition in free agency was Devin Funchess and they failed to select one in a wide receiver heavy draft.
That puts a lot of pressure on the up and coming young players to step up and get the job done. And these three players are poised to handle more responsibilities in 2020.
Jace Sternberger
Despite the Packers using a third round pick on tight end Josiah Deguara, 2019 third round pick Jace Sternberge appears poised to at least begin the season as the starter. Sternberger missed most of 2019 due to an injury, but bounced back to be ready to play in the final six games. Unfortunately, he only played 60 total snaps in those games, failing to make a reception. However, he did catch three passes for 15 yards and a touchdown in the postseason. That’s not exactly inspiring, but the coaching staff must’ve seen something they like from Sternberger to hand over the position in Year 2.
Allen Lazard
Allen Lazard had an impressive second season, posting 35 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns. Fortunately for the Packers, he did most of his damage later in the season. ALL of his production came from Week 6 on. If he keeps the same energy from Weeks 12-17, he’ll put up 51 receptions for 800 yards next year. Not bad.
Ranking the Packers' Key Free Agents in 2021. dark. Next
Rashan Gary
The Packers’ 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft had a slow start to his NFL career. Fortunately, it appears it’s exactly what the coaches were expecting from their top draft pick. Even better–he got visibly better and better as the season went on.
Gary is an athletic freak who needs to refine his technique on the field. If he can continue his momentum, there’s enough room on the field for him to share full-time snaps alongside the versatile Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. That sounds like a dream scenario for this defense.