Currently sitting at 6-3, in third place in the NFC North, and coming off their Week 10 bye, the Green Bay Packers have had quite the roller coaster 2024 season. Dealing with injuries to key players and playing in the NFL’s toughest division this season, six wins does seem like an accomplishment.
Looking up at the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay has had to fight and claw for everything they have earned this year, and the rest of the year won’t be easy either. Currently winless in the division, the Packers face the Lions and Vikings one more time each this year, while playing the Chicago Bears twice.
Offense
The efficient offensive attack of last season has taken on a new look this year, as Love and Malik Willlis have spearheaded the QB position. Love has been active for seven games (missing two games), while Willis has stepped in and led Green Bay to three wins in two starts.
The interceptions for Love have been piling up, as he was tied with Seattle’s Geno Smith at 10 heading into Week 10 play. The turnover numbers have been an unsettling development for Love, as he currently sits one INT behind his season total from last year.
But outside of his health and the turnovers, Love’s play has been strong, as he has looked in command of the offense and produced solid performances. Love has thrown for 250+ yards in four games this year, although he hasn’t thrown for a touchdown in each of his past two games.
Josh Jacobs has made an early return on his free-agent contract, sitting third in carries and rushing yards in the league. His 762 yards put him well on his way to a 1,000-yard rushing season, which would be the fourth in his seven-year career.
There have been weeks where the Packers have heavily leaned on Jacobs, as Jacobs has 12+ carries in all but one week. Only rushing for 100+ yards in two games, expect to see a lot more of Jacobs down the stretch.
Concerning pass catchers, the Packers continue to spread the ball around. With Jayden Reed leading the team in receptions (36) and receiving yards (620), he leads a well-balanced group. Tucker Kraft leads pass catchers in touchdowns with five, while six different players have at least 16 receptions this year.
Defense
In Jeff Hafley’s first season leading the defense, this unit has actually looked fairly solid as it adjusts to a 4-3 base. Offseason addition Xavier McKinney has been a bright spot on this defense, as he is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (six).
McKinney has paired well with the rookie safety group, as Evan Williams and Javon Bullard have had massive roles in their first seasons. While injuries to Jaire Alexander and inconsistent play from Eric Stokes has turned this cornerback group into an area of concern, the secondary has mostly held its own.
Edgerrin Cooper looks to be the future at linebacker, as his coverage abilities and overall athleticism jump off the charts compared to everyone else at LB. On the flip side, Quay Walker continues to look like a failed investment, as he should be passed up by Eric Wilson on the depth chart.
Even with trading away Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Green Bay pass rush has been below average this season. Rashan Gary has struggled this year, only racking up two-and-a-half sacks, while Devonte Wyatt leads the team with three.
If this team wants to remain in playoff contention moving forward, the pass rush needs to figure things out. Their maligned CB group has too many injuries to be counted on this much, so getting after the quarterback is the easiest way to solve that issue.
Rest of Season
Looking ahead, Green Bay faces the Bears, San Francisco 49ers, hosts the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving, then rounds out their schedule with road matchups against the Lions and Seattle Seahawks, then home against the New Orleans Saints, at the Vikings, and the season finale against the Bears at home.
With how tough the NFC looks so far, earning at least 10 wins is necessary to factor into the playoffs. While the divisional race is far from over, the end of season schedule for Green Bay is a tough one that may make it an uphill battle to factor into it.
Overall, this team has earned a B+ grade through its first nine games, with plenty of time to improve upon that as the season moves on.
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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23
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The post A Bye Week Assessment of the 2024 Green Bay Packers first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.