The Green Bay Packers are at a crossroads. After decades of dominance, including a Super Bowl win in 2010 and consistent playoff appearances, the Packers are now in a phase of transition. With Aaron Rodgers’ departure to the New York Jets in 2023, a new era has officially begun, and the team finds itself in uncharted waters, searching for its new identity.
So, what exactly does it mean for the Packers to “find themselves,” and why is this such a critical moment in their season?
### The Challenge of Transition
The Packers’ longstanding success has been largely tied to one man: Aaron Rodgers. From his MVP seasons to his incredible ability to win games in clutch moments, Rodgers’ presence in Green Bay made it easy to assume the team was always a contender. But in 2023, with Rodgers in New York and the team turning to 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, a sense of uncertainty looms over the franchise.
Jordan Love’s performance has been a mixed bag. There are flashes of potential, with his strong arm and ability to make difficult throws, but there are also growing pains, as expected from any quarterback thrust into the starting role for the first time. As Love continues to develop, the Packers need to figure out not just who their quarterback is, but who they are as a team moving forward.
This isn’t just about Love’s growth; it’s about a larger philosophical shift. The Packers’ identity was so tied to Rodgers’ ability to be a game-changing presence on every snap. Now, they need to discover a new way to win—one that doesn’t rely on transcendent quarterback play but rather on a collective effort where every unit on the field, from the defense to the offensive line to the special teams, plays a critical role.
### The Growing Pains of Jordan Love
Jordan Love’s journey to becoming the Packers’ starting quarterback was always going to be a rocky one. As a former first-round pick, he was expected to be the heir apparent to Rodgers, but that doesn’t mean the transition would be easy. Packers fans have watched Love’s development with bated breath, hoping for flashes of greatness but understanding that consistency will take time.
Love’s early season has shown a player still trying to adjust. There have been moments where his poise in the pocket and ability to drive the ball downfield were on full display, but there have also been moments where his inexperience led to untimely mistakes. Whether it’s an interception in a critical spot or missing a wide-open receiver, Love has had to endure the kind of growing pains that are typical of a young quarterback.
However, these challenges are part of the process. The Packers didn’t draft Love to be a backup for another decade; they took him to eventually replace Rodgers, and now that moment has arrived. The team must be patient with Love’s development, while also recognizing that they can’t afford to wait too long to find their rhythm. Love needs to grow and show progress each week, and it’s on head coach Matt LaFleur and the entire offensive coaching staff to support him in that journey.
The Packers’ identity for the 2023 season and beyond hinges on Love’s ability to get better week in and week out. If Love can settle in and improve, it’ll go a long way toward establishing a more stable offensive foundation moving forward.
### Defining the Team Beyond the Quarterback
While Jordan Love’s development is undoubtedly the most pressing storyline for the Packers, the team’s overall identity will have to be built around more than just their quarterback. Green Bay cannot afford to be solely reliant on Love’s progress in order to succeed. The Packers need to establish a team-wide identity, one that doesn’t rest on the shoulders of any one individual.
The offense, for instance, has shown flashes of promise, particularly in the run game. With the emergence of rookie running back AJ Dillon and the reliable Aaron Jones (when healthy), Green Bay has the tools to build a strong running game. The Packers need to lean into that strength and make it the cornerstone of their offense, particularly while Love is still learning the nuances of starting in the NFL. A strong ground attack could take pressure off Love and help balance the offense.
Additionally, the Packers’ defense must step up in a major way. Historically, Green Bay has been known for its offensive prowess, but the team has rarely been seen as a dominant defensive force. That needs to change. With players like Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, and Jaire Alexander, the Packers have the potential to be a force defensively, but they need to develop the consistency and mental toughness to win games when the offense struggles. In the modern NFL, a good defense is essential to balancing out any offensive deficiencies.
As Green Bay enters the second half of the season, this dual focus on defense and the run game will be vital. The Packers don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but they do need to get back to basics—solid defense, a ball-control offense, and a supporting cast around Love that can make plays when called upon.
### The Importance of Coaching
In a season of transition, coaching becomes even more crucial. Matt LaFleur, now entering his fourth season as head coach, finds himself in a difficult but exciting position. The Packers need a head coach who can mold their new identity and be patient while the young talent comes together. LaFleur has shown that he is capable of winning games and managing quarterbacks—his work with Rodgers was well-documented—but he now faces the task of creating a system that works for Love and the rest of the team, one that embraces a more balanced approach.
LaFleur’s play calling must also evolve. With a new quarterback at the helm, LaFleur must be creative in how he designs the offense, particularly when it comes to reducing Love’s learning curve. Utilizing the run game effectively, incorporating short, quick passes, and being efficient on third down will be critical to ensuring the offense remains competitive while Love develops. At the same time, LaFleur must allow for Love to take shots downfield when the opportunity presents itself, providing the kind of unpredictability that can make the Packers’ offense dangerous.
Defensively, LaFleur’s coaching staff has to ensure that the team plays complementary football. If the offense is struggling, it’s up to the defense to keep games close and give Love time to find a rhythm. The team’s defense, which includes a mix of established stars and rising young players, must deliver in crucial moments.
### The Road Ahead: A Season of Discovery
Ultimately, the Packers’ 2023 season will be defined by their ability to discover who they are. This means finding an offensive identity that works with Love at quarterback, relying on a strong running game, and leaning into the defense’s strengths. For fans, it may be difficult to accept that this year might not be one for championship contention, but the path forward for Green Bay is about development and evolution.
If the Packers can find themselves—identify their strengths, build consistency, and allow Love to grow—they can position themselves for success in the coming seasons. Green Bay’s future still looks promising, but 2023 is about laying the foundation. And in the end, it’s that foundation that will determine how quickly the team can get back to competing for championships.