10 bold predictions for Green Bay Packers 2022 season
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers 2022 season begins next Sunday in Minnesota.
In what has now become an annual tradition, I’ve made my 10 predictions for the upcoming season. A season ago, I went 4-6 on my predictions; let’s see if we can improve in 2022.
Green Bay Packers Prediction: 3,000 combined all-purpose yards for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon
At first glance, this may seem like quite the lofty prediction, but I do believe it is within reach–it will, of course, require two very good seasons from Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Last season, the duo would account for 2,306 total yards, with Jones accumulating 799 rushing yards and 391 as a receiver. Dillon would rush for 803 yards and total 313 through the air.
Between the two, they need roughly 700 more yards — or 350 yards each — this season to hit that 3,000-yard mark. Without Davante Adams, there are going to be more opportunities for both in the passing game. In each of the last three years, Jones has finished second on the team in targets. Dillon would finish sixth this past year.
Meanwhile, a hopefully healthy offensive line will lead to an improved run game. Jones and Dillon were among the best in creating yards after contact, but in 2021, the Packers ranked 21st in team yards per carry.
Green Bay Packers Prediction: Rashan Gary hits the 15-sack mark
Rashan Gary is coming off a 2021 breakout season in which he finished with 10 sacks, according to PFF ($$), while finishing second among all edge rushers in total pressures with 81.
As productive as he was last season, based on what we’ve heard out of training camp this summer, Gary is a budding star who is poised to make another leap after he spent the last month blowing up plays in the backfield.
With 81 pressures a season ago, the opportunity to hit the 15-sack mark is certainly there with a similar performance. Gary will also benefit from the interior defensive line being the deepest it has been in a while, which may make double-teaming him more challenging.
Also, with a potentially elite secondary, that will likely lead to instances where the quarterback ends up holding on to the ball for a second or two longer–giving Gary, and others, additional time to get home.