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Gute Loot
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- Jan 21, 2017
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The season has sadly come to a close, but it was a huge success. The Packers proved to have what everyone in the sport covets: a HC/QB partnership that can serve as a foundation for the team's success.
So where do they go from here and how do they take the next step? These, in my opinion, are the five biggest needs and thus the five biggest opportunities to take the next step and become true contenders again in 2024.
1) Defensive Backs: Here is the list of defensive backs who played 40% or more of the snaps on defense this season and are back next season: Carrington Valentine and Jaire Alexander. They have about 3700 snaps to replace in the defensive backfield. They're going to have to throw a lot of bodies at the corner and safety positions. I would guess that this is where we see the team spend the most resources.
2) Defensive Coordinator: After LaFleur got more involved in the defense late in the season, there was an improvement. However, Barry's track record tells us who he is (and a head coach needing to do that is a red flag). He isn't a totally incompetent moron as some would argue, but he doesn't add value to the defense. At best, he gets you out what you put into the unit. If GB is serious about contending, they need to do better.
3) Running Backs: The offense was on a different level when Aaron Jones was healthy. He will likely be back, and should be, but it will probably be a contract year and his health is not reliable at this point in his career. Beyond Jones, the Packers do not have a back who is really worthy of an NFL roster. If they can re-stock the position with viable talent, it will enable them to control football games with sustained offensive drives.
4) An H-Back: This offense wants to use an H-Back. Deguara saw the field post-injury despite being terrible. They really need to find someone who can actually execute the role.
5) Offensive Line: Bakhtiari needs to retire, but the starters should be set with Walker and Tom. Depth at tackle is a question that depends on how they like the development of Jones and Tenuta. Jenkins is holding one guard spot down and Rhyan is a question mark at the other. Runyan also improved a lot down the stretch and has voiced a heartfelt desire to come back. Myers ought to be replaced, but he won't be. On the whole, I think most (maybe even all) of the starters are in-house already, but depth is needed across the board and a new interior starter could be helpful.
So where do they go from here and how do they take the next step? These, in my opinion, are the five biggest needs and thus the five biggest opportunities to take the next step and become true contenders again in 2024.
1) Defensive Backs: Here is the list of defensive backs who played 40% or more of the snaps on defense this season and are back next season: Carrington Valentine and Jaire Alexander. They have about 3700 snaps to replace in the defensive backfield. They're going to have to throw a lot of bodies at the corner and safety positions. I would guess that this is where we see the team spend the most resources.
2) Defensive Coordinator: After LaFleur got more involved in the defense late in the season, there was an improvement. However, Barry's track record tells us who he is (and a head coach needing to do that is a red flag). He isn't a totally incompetent moron as some would argue, but he doesn't add value to the defense. At best, he gets you out what you put into the unit. If GB is serious about contending, they need to do better.
3) Running Backs: The offense was on a different level when Aaron Jones was healthy. He will likely be back, and should be, but it will probably be a contract year and his health is not reliable at this point in his career. Beyond Jones, the Packers do not have a back who is really worthy of an NFL roster. If they can re-stock the position with viable talent, it will enable them to control football games with sustained offensive drives.
4) An H-Back: This offense wants to use an H-Back. Deguara saw the field post-injury despite being terrible. They really need to find someone who can actually execute the role.
5) Offensive Line: Bakhtiari needs to retire, but the starters should be set with Walker and Tom. Depth at tackle is a question that depends on how they like the development of Jones and Tenuta. Jenkins is holding one guard spot down and Rhyan is a question mark at the other. Runyan also improved a lot down the stretch and has voiced a heartfelt desire to come back. Myers ought to be replaced, but he won't be. On the whole, I think most (maybe even all) of the starters are in-house already, but depth is needed across the board and a new interior starter could be helpful.