After enjoying a weekend break, the Green Bay Packers return to the practice field on Monday, resuming their preparations for the 2023 NFL season.
The Packers had a productive preseason, providing ample opportunities for their starters to refine their skills, establish positive routines, and set the stage for what promises to be a promising 2023 season. However, the true outcomes of this preparation are yet to unfold.
Predicting the course of a season is always a challenging endeavor, particularly for a young team filled with uncertainties like the Packers. Nevertheless, I’m daring to make three bold predictions about what lies ahead in the upcoming Packers’ season. (I was four-for-five on my 53-man roster bold predictions, so hopefully, the success carries over).
With the Green Bay Packers preparing to kick off the 2023 NFL season, here are three bold predictions about what lies ahead.
Packers’ Defense Struggles
Packers’ defensive coordinator Joe Barry finds himself on the hot seat as the season approaches. Since his arrival, his defensive units have consistently fallen short of expectations, prompting calls from fans for head coach Matt LaFleur to fire him. This year offers Barry another opportunity to rise to the challenge.
On paper, the Packers’ defense boasts talent across the board, except at safety. They’ve even drafted a first-round pick to bolster their pass rush. With Jordan Love now at the helm, leading a young and relatively inexperienced offense, the defense’s support becomes increasingly critical.
Unfortunately, I have doubts about Barry’s ability to rise to this challenge. His conservative play-calling style has often negated the aggressiveness of some of his top players. As a result, I anticipate that Green Bay’s defense will once again fall short of expectations, leading to Barry’s firing at the end of the season.
Jordan Love Becomes A Star
Speaking of Love, Green Bay’s decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers was partly fueled by their confidence in Love’s ability to take the reins as the starting quarterback. This preseason, Love has demonstrated significant progress by efficiently working through his progressions, identifying open receivers, and delivering pinpoint passes.
To be clear, there will be some hiccups along the way, as is typical with young quarterbacks. Nevertheless, Love is poised to thrive in the spotlight, adding another star to the Packers’ quarterback lineage. He possesses all the essential physical attributes for success, from athleticism to a strong arm and precision in his throws. Coach LaFleur’s offensive schemes will facilitate Love’s quick decision-making and enable playmakers to exploit open spaces. This upcoming season promises excitement for Love and the entire offense.
Packers’ Record Is 9-8
The Packers might not be as good as their record by the end of the season, but a cupcake schedule should allow them to rack up wins early and often. They don’t play a 2022 playoff team until Week 8 against the Minneosta Vikings. That should allow them to build confidence early and carry that into the entire season.
Their most challenging stretch of games will come Week 10 through Week 14 with games against the Steelers, Chargers, Lions, Chiefs and Giants. I think they’ll go 1-4 during this stretch, souring their fast start.
Thankfully, they’ll end the season on the right path going 3-1 down the stretch with victories against the Bucs, Panthers and Bears. Overall, they’ll end with a winning season at 9-8.