The Future is now... I guess I'm as guilty as anyone, getting myself all hyped up for the 2024 season and the SB possibilities. But Al brought up an excellent point, this team has holes...Quite a few of them. The Safety position is a mess and I'm not so sure CB is that much better. Alexanders tweet (or whatever it was) thanking Packers fans for the last 6 years was strange. Maybe they trade him, maybe he stays. Add in what might Stokes be or not be and CB becomes a HUGE need. The same can be said about ILB.

On offense they have to take at least two RBs. I'd use one of those two 3rd round selections for sure if Brooks the RB from Texas was still there. I also like Davis out of Kentucky but I want to watch the Senior Bowl and Combine before really picking "My Guys".

Football Players...I've been saying this for years. Give me a "Football Player" over a guy who's great in spandex everytime. What good is a guy who runs 4.28 if he can't catch, tackle, or do any of that other Football Stuff. One thing is certain, he won't be in spandex on Sundays. 4.48 would be fine with me if he's a "Player".

Tackling... YES PLEASE...I would like the Packers to have some of THAT!

New DC... Since the search began I keep Googling Packers DC Search to see who LaFleur is looking at and may have hired. I'm glad he's looking, really looking at different guys and a few of them are Ravens. BUT, I'd still like to see him make a decision fairly soon so the new DC and LaFleur can fill out the staff. Personally I think you have to replace just about everyone from Barry's staff. Let's not get left with the leftovers. We've had enough of them of previous staffs.

My feeling on the next DC is simple Hire the coach, not the scheme.

Great article Al and very consistent with my own thoughts on where the Packer are and with 2025 being the season when the Packers make their Super Bowl run.

I've been posting for years, probably a decade now, that the Packers need better tacklers on defense. The OL needs reinforcements as you correctly point out.
Even if the Packers are able to retain Aaron Jones, which they should< they need reinforcements behind him at RB.

As for the defense the focus needs to be on the Safety position and then on OLB with the potential loss of P. Smith and Engabare's recovery from a late season torn ACL. Another 1 or 2 solid tackling CBs would help as well.

Bottom line is that there is plenty of work for the Packers to do before their roster reaches a Championship caliber status. IMO they FA money to achieve that and that won't happen until 2025. Then sign the missing pieces and go for it in 2025. The new Dc will be a crucial part of making it happen in 2025. GPG!
Thanks, Since '61

My thoughts on Bissacia are somewhat different than most. While I’d hoped for statistically better, if one removes the Carlson factor, I do think we have come a long way. I no longer have that instinctive fear every time we set out to kick off or punt or on returns and we’ve actually managed to disrupt others with blocks as well as returns.

If I am being honest I’d have taken what we had on STs this season in a heartbeat if offered that in 2021. Now I want to see further growth, but I’m thankful for what we have received.

As to 2024, major success requires no sophomore slumps from O skill players, a perceptive hire at DC, and Gute to draft as well on D this year as he did offensively last year (which to some extent requires the DC hire to be acute). I realize that that’s a tall order, but not impossible.

We should contend this year, but I accept that 2025 gives us some real opportunities to add FA talent to polish as well as coming into the peak for those currently on the roster.

To thrive then we need to have an alternative to Jones ready and get LaFleur confident he can protect. A sneaky requirement this year, if indeed Jones can be retained. To really contend thid year, Jones’ return seems essential.

Hi Al,

I`m with you on most points.
To realy contend next season, a lot of things need to go the right way.
The schedule will be much tougher and the team had plenty of lucky moments ths year (e.g. recovered fumbles).
In my view, also Jordan, as great as his development was, needs to take the next step to be great. Red zone, late game decissions, running himself in the required situations all can still improve.
Regarding safties I`m less critical of Savage. The defense was much betterwith him giving orders. With the right DC he might still be able to help.
Big need is CB, especially slot and ILB.

GPG and I hope, they play a game in London...

Great minds, Al!

I’d put Quay Walker into the “football player” category. He’s shown meanness on plenty of occasions and this year he showed more discipline as well. (No more bs after the play.)

Tackling! You can’t practice it PLUS it’s much harder at the NFL level. Those sloppy “throw a shoulder” attempts probably worked most of the time in college due to its practitioners being men among boys. But in the NFL, there ain’t no “boys”.

I get the need for speed. If a linebacker runs a 4.8, I don’t care how much he loves the game or how instinctive he is. He will be victimized mercilessly in coverage. On the other hand, a high RAS guy with no skills will be exposed as well. All of which adds up to the challenge of drafting and developing.

Maybe another problem with a high RAS is…coaches! Maybe there’s a mindset of “gimme a freak athlete and I’ll mold him/coach him into an All-Pro”. And maybe that works some of the time! But in the 4th qtr of a playoff game…

I think we’re in for another VERY INTERESTING off-season. Buckle up!

Are there stats on missed tackles? I did a search and couldn't find anything. I wonder if the Packers miss more tackles than most teams or if it just seems that way because we're fans.

I complain about these missed tackles all the time. When I think about how they have to tackle now, it's already set up to be a half miss. I was a great tackler while in school and taught to drive face first through the ball carrier. Now they have 30 things to worry about while they get in position and try to hit with their shoulder. No wonder they get hurt all the time. The NFL is so worried about the stars on offense that they're sacrificing the safety and quality of play by the defenders.

The Packers 2023 season was a gift.
And the surprise play-off appearance.
Has me wondering if the future isn’t short lived.

The cap is the crystal ball.
While you brought up the safeties, injuries, and
A new coach.
The limbo of several players is still important!
It's a measurement of how we got there.
And Gute only needs to add to the depth!
More than decide who goes.

Nixon said it best. After a clutch win.
"This team can beat anybody.”
They showed their heart. --
Only wanting a Home and to be remembered.

" it’s more about the reinforcements now.”
And let’s just be honest about Love.
His 1st year might be a phenomenon.
Unless he gets that wall in front of him.

And before we look at Joe Barry’s failures
In the secondary.
That DL; still is at the bottom of NFL stats.

Polluted. 😋

I'm not really good with people saying we have a 2024 SB window, either. I also think a 2025 window is much more reasonable and allows more time for our team to grow. Let's take care of business, in our division, next season and move on from there. GO PACK, GO!!!

I would like an older face, Zimmerman or Martendale, but otherwise I’m on board with you Al. Poor tackling has been one of my major pet peeves, throwing shoulders ends up with DBs having shoulder injuries and the carrier bounces off for more yards in most cases. How about drafting guys who have shown they can and do tackle. And as for coaching decisions, Campbell and MLF share a penchant for eschewing FG attempts when situationally appropriate, ie, in the first half, and going up by multiple scores. The hell with identity, give me wins.

…my emotions are somewhere between what might have been and excitement for the future. Experience tells me you must seize the moment when it’s presented.
It bugged me watching John Lynch along the sideline following the Lions game and in the press box at the end of the Packer’s game. His smart alec smile, projecting, I knew it all the time. Every self respecting 9’r fan knows Purdy’s five dropped INTs are the reason they’re still standing…I hope the Chiefs kick their overrated tails.
As for the offseason— let’s make a move for Budda Baker.
Keeping Bahk seems like an act of futility. I perceive most of us want AJones to return—I do.
Go Packers!!!

Al's theme about "finding football players" is so on point for this team going forward. This is a front office issue that Gutekunst needs to adjust and it starts with him. The Packers have been so enamored with this RAS metric over the last number of years and it is showing up big-time on defense and special teams. Our special teams should be better because of more athletic players but suffers from poor football physicality aka tackling.

The talent gaps on defense need to be addressed or our next DC will be a placeholder for the next DC. Gutekunst needs to get this next draft right on defense or we don't move ahead. The same is true for the Detroit Lions. Both these teams couldn't rely on their defenses to seal the deal.

As for our next DC, I am not looking for a fire and brimstone kind of guy. I think we need a teacher and a coach manager who can get the guys playing a system well. I think we saw that happen on offense and it needs to happen on defense. Enough of 11 guys trying to figure out their assignments in real-time. I am hoping for a true "coordinator" in this hire.

Thanks Al for capturing the essence and the vibe of this time.

I like your take on drafting football players as opposed to raw athletes. I hope I never hear RAS score ever again

The Future is now -
The Super Bowl window is open. The Packers already beat one of the teams in the Super Bowl and they should have beat the other one. Yes there is work to do on the roster. But it doesn't change the fact that with the current roster, with a first year starting QB, a lot of rookies and 2nd year offensive weapons, we were able to get into the playoffs, beat one of the best teams in the playoffs and nearly beat one that is in the Super Bowl.
Every team has work to do, but our future is extremely bright.
As for needs. Some positions we need to add starters and some we need to add depth. Some of it will be determined with free agency and who they decide to part with and retain. But either way 24 roster construction hasn't begun yet. So we will have to add to the team regardless. Just like every other team in the league.

Football players -
Warner is a great example as a great athlete and great football player. He has range with his speed, but just is great at tackling. But he has such great instincts that gets him into the right position most plays. Packers definitely could use some of these players.

Tackling -
I feel like a new voice in the defensive coaches room could definitely help with tackling. Some just approach it differently.

New Defensive Coordinator -
I am perfectly fine with hiring a guy that hasn't done it before. As long as its the right guy lol. I just want the next DC to be able to lead this defense into the future. I want him to be able to bring multiple looks. Someone that is willing to play forward not backwards. I want an aggressive more attacking mentality on defense. Coaches instill mentality into players. I want the DC to bring that mentality.
I can't wait to see who they bring in.

I agree: this offseason is all about maintaining trajectory and capitalizing on potential.

A year ago, the GIants were up and coming, they rewarded Danny Jones with a big contract, and people were expecting them to continue to ascend. Turned out they were a paper tiger (?). They couldn't handle adversity and they didn't have any depth to handle loss of players to injury. Jones regressed in the games he played. They ended up fire-saling a couple guys that looked like key pieces to grow around and Daboll is lucky he still has a job.

Don't be like the Giants.

Here's a link to what the Packers can accomplish via free agency this year. It's not as dim or scary as some seem to think.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/dougherty/2024/01/31/g...

Yes, there are plenty of worse tackling teams. Go to pro-football-reference and check it out for yourself. We are AVERAGE in that regard. But we love to obsess on special teams and defense while our seasons end with offensive failures over and over. 2021? A historically low offensive output. 2022? 16 points on our homefield against the worst defense in the league. 2023? 21 points and a failed final drive when all we needed was a FG.

Fix the offense so that it can go out and score some points and our seasons will last longer.

I think dipping into free agency is the pursuit of fools gold. I've gone full Ted Thompson and this year's Packers performance is a good reason why. In the past free agents were expensive but fit a need. They might still fit a need, but they're only an injury away from wrecking your salary cap as their prices have gone out of sight.(See David Bakhtiari). Thompson shrewdly found a couple of free agents(Charles Woodson) who were affordable and good, but the majority of his efforts were in finding and developing young talent. That is what is needed.

I know the fantasy folks love free agency but the Packers should steer clear unless they can find a cheaper veteran. Owens might be worth another contract at safety. Savage, too, but he's likely to get more money elsewhere. The Packers must draft a starting safety, maybe two but drafting is far superior to a higher-priced vet who is an injury away from retirement.

I am also not impressed with Bissaccia, esp. for 2 M/Yr. MLF will likely keep him this year but I think he should be replaced next year.Special Teams is mediocre @ best. Bissaccia seems to fixate on under-performing players; Carlson, Leavitt, Nixon.
Dennard looks impressive but he has multiple interviews; Rams, Giants, & may become Seahawks DC if McDonald gets the job.
I hope LF makes a decision this week, though I appreciate he aggressively went after 6 guys.

I agree with a lot of what u say Al. Strategically, I believe that 2024 will be a season of further cleaning of salary cap issues. This team must be in a position again to pick up key free agent pieces when needed to make a championship run.

Players - Sure, we have positional gaps and depth gaps. In a relative sense, every team does. But we have a GM that has a good eye for finding players. I do hope that we find some true footballers over freak athletes- especially on the O and D lines. Lastly, we need to find a reliable kicker. A good kicker can win close games for us.

DC - This is a tough one. Some people want a veteran DC versus a positional coach, some want youth. It's probably the most important move of the off season. Does he have to be a 4-3 or a 3-4 guy? For me, I want a smart, aggressive guy. No more passive defense. On the other hand, I don't want to see a D that takes a lot of stupid, roughing calls. An aggressive coaches' style trickles down to players.

Exciting times indeed. GPG

Very solid commentary. Getting as far as the Packers did, and having SF on the ropes early before letting them off, was painful. Shortly after the loss, a lot of people were pointing fingers at Carlson, as if he alone lost them the game. But, as noted, score TD's instead of FG's; make those interceptions that were right in the hands of the DB's, and the game could be much different. Also, the defensive schemes at the end were terrible. You win as a team, you lose as a team. And speaking of teams, let's not forget that there has to be a natural rhythm between the long snapper, holder and kicker to create the conditions for a successful attempt. Everyone has to be in sync, as three men move in coordination.
Add Quay Walker to a guy who really loves to play football. What he needs is someone who can take him under their wing, gain his trust and help him reach the next level. As far as the Super Bowl prediction goes, and cap space, Love is going to be up for a new contract very quickly. And that is going to be a big investment. And, yes, cut Bakhtiari and pay Jones. But keep in mind, Jones is getting older and more injury prone. The team needs to have someone reliable to share the carries, who can also be effective in the backfield. And there is still the question of who is going to handle the OL, since it seems every year there is always at least one "weak link" that is allowed to play, when it is obvious he is not capable of handling the load.

The future looks good but it isn't necessarily "now"...still building...many teams could say the future is now, Lions, Ravens, Bills, Dallas, etc...as for drafting football players, yes...look at Van Ness...is he a football player, being drafted up that high?? I dont think a player like that should be a multi year project...he is "starting " to flash some football skill but it better show a whole lot more next year...a really good draft should help, hope they are doing their homework...

I agree with everything here because it's a realistic assessment of where we stand now and what we need to be looking for in order to turn this defense around. It's probably not going to happen overnight with a rebuilt secondary and a change in schemes. Some of these players also have to be taught not only to tackle, but to be more aggressive and technically sound in coverage and run containment.

It also doesn't seem likely that we'll be hiring any distinguished old gents for the DC position, which may or may not be a good thing, I don't know. I'm really not a fan of frequent blitzing, though it seems to work rather well for a couple of teams. So I'm also willing to roll the dice on the most qualified and hard-working up-and-comer; I think it will make a big difference as far as communication and buying into a new approach with a young team.

The back seven is the only real concern to me. Reinforcements are going to be required there, and not just from the draft. I really do think every team in the league has one spot at least, and usually more, that are weak going into any particular season. We absolutely are a Super Bowl contender. Why not? We have the QB, the offense, and the front 7 of the defense, along with one all pro CB. If things break right, why not?

I REALLY want to pursue Jeremy Chinn from CAR at FS in free agency and don't want Bakh back unless it's super cheap, and he won't take that deal. Thanks for the memories, David.

Oddly enough the Jets, with their fierce tackling elite defense, ranked No. 1 in 2023 by PFF— are 18-33 in Robert Saleh's three years as head coach. Offense wins football games.

Upon reaching the SB... I am reminded that the most technically difficult part of climbing Mt. Everest is the Hillary Step - a nearly vertical rock face of around 40 ft - located near the summit. So close, yet so hard.

Another nice article Al...

Regarding this, just passed season I believe we can say that was more intriguing and succesful that any of us were predict. We saw growth of the young players (rookies, 2nd year players and offense, defense as the unit).

Last game was lost (49ers) because tanks, especially on D were running out heavily in the last 10 minutes of the game. But, I believe offense was also not that fresh, too. That was the last nail that take out last argument MLF was able to find to keep Joe Barry. He had 6 D lineman to rotate and he rarely used Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden, with Clarck playing 88% of snaps. Karl Brooks, by my opinion deserved much more playing time than 25% (16 snaps only) and Wooden played pnly 12% snaps (8 snaps). Both of them played addtional 9 snaps on ST (one blocked FG try by Wooden).

After all, Packers fired Strenght & Conditioning guy.

It was not so excellent game from Jordan Love. But I do not put that on them. We learned that he is calm, pose and in control of the line of schrimage. But from the moment he went out on the field, he looked somewhat distracted. I believe it was his mind that influenced on his calmness. I believe he was to excited with the possibility to lead the Packers to the NFCCG as first "rookie" Packers QB in the last 30 and more years. He looked me little bit nervous. But It might be me...

Unconfirmed.......... Our new D Coordinator is Jeff Hafley the former HC at Boston College?????? 4 year HC record at BC is meh.

From ESPN

"The future of the Packers proved a significant allure to Hafley, as they have a strong young core and bright future. He's a longtime friend of Packers coach Matt LaFleur and long-timer admirer of the Packers franchise."

Hi Al,

Love your column. Now that we know who our new DC is, is that melancholy feeling beginning to fade? It has for me. I love that he is a coach who teaches proper tackling. And it gives me hope that he was integral in Ohio State fielding the best defense in college in
2018. Likewise, Boston College's defense make huge strides after he went there. It's clear he can teach. Contact: Q. Walker has the 'tude and seems unafraid. At Safety, we need to draft "Tiger Green, 2.0". That would make me a happy camper.

~ Greg