As the Green Bay Packers embark on the 2023 NFL season, one thing has become abundantly clear: the momentum they carried into last year’s playoffs seems to be a distant memory. This shift has raised eyebrows, as the Packers’ late-season surge in 2022 appeared to solidify their position as legitimate playoff contenders. But fast forward to 2023, and the team has struggled to replicate that same energy and consistency, raising questions about where the Packers’ once-strong drive has gone and what it means for their future.
### A Look Back at 2022: The Playoff Push
To understand the contrast between last season’s momentum and the struggles of 2023, it’s essential to first revisit how the Packers finished the 2022 season. At one point in mid-November, it seemed like the Packers’ playoff hopes were all but dashed. With a 4-8 record and key losses to divisional rivals like the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, Green Bay was on the verge of a rebuilding year. Many analysts and fans started to focus on the team’s future, speculating about Aaron Rodgers’ potential departure or the front office’s direction.
However, the Packers mounted a remarkable turnaround, winning four straight games in December to finish the regular season at 8-8. Their late-season surge, sparked by a rejuvenated offense and a defense that found its rhythm, gave Green Bay a legitimate shot at the playoffs. They needed help from other teams, but heading into the final week, the Packers were still in contention. While their playoff hopes ultimately fell short due to a heartbreaking loss to the Detroit Lions, the way the Packers fought to the end provided hope for the future.
The storylines heading into the 2023 season seemed optimistic: Aaron Rodgers, despite being a shadow of his former MVP self, still had flashes of brilliance, and his leadership appeared to be an invaluable asset for a team that had largely relied on his playmaking ability over the years. Moreover, the defense, which had shown promise during the late-season run, looked poised to take a step forward. With a solid mix of veterans and young talent, Green Bay had reason to believe that it could carry its strong finish from 2022 into 2023.
### The Transition to 2023: A Different Team, Different Vibe
Fast forward to the current season, and the Packers are experiencing something very different. The once-energized team that ended 2022 with so much promise appears to be stuck in neutral. Early in the 2023 season, it’s evident that Green Bay is struggling to capture the same sense of urgency and chemistry that defined its late-season rally. While there have been glimpses of the old Packers—flashes of explosiveness on offense, a few standouts on defense—the consistency and belief that drove them into the postseason last year are noticeably absent.
### Aaron Rodgers’ Absence: The Elephant in the Room
Perhaps the most glaring change from last season to this one is the absence of Aaron Rodgers, who was traded to the New York Jets in the offseason. While it’s undeniable that Rodgers’ best days may have been behind him, his leadership and presence in the locker room were an integral part of the Packers’ late-season run in 2022. Rodgers has been the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, and despite his struggles, the team still leaned on him to pull them out of tight spots, whether it was with his clutch throws or his on-field composure.
This season, the Packers are in a transition period with second-year quarterback Jordan Love at the helm. The Packers’ front office took a bold step when they traded Rodgers, believing that Love had developed enough during his time as a backup to step into the starting role. However, the young quarterback has struggled with inconsistency, especially in high-pressure moments. Love has shown flashes of his potential, but his inexperience has been evident, and he’s been prone to mistakes in crucial situations.
Unlike Rodgers, who had a unique ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, Love has not yet demonstrated that same level of clutch play. The lack of confidence in Love’s ability to lead the team during pivotal moments has caused the Packers to fall short in games they might have previously won. This inexperience has left the team looking somewhat disjointed, as both the offense and defense are still searching for their identity.
### The Offense: Stagnation and Inconsistency
The Packers’ offense in 2023 has not been the explosive unit it once was. Much of that is a direct result of the growing pains that come with starting a new quarterback, but it also speaks to the larger issue of stagnation. The team’s running game, led by Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, has been solid but not dominant. While Jones remains one of the league’s most dynamic running backs, the offense has struggled to generate consistent rhythm. The passing game, which relies heavily on Love’s connection with a young group of receivers, has also been inconsistent.
Wide receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have shown flashes of potential, but they’ve yet to form a consistent rapport with Love. These growing pains have affected the passing game, preventing the Packers from being able to strike quickly or capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Packers’ offense has often appeared stagnant, unable to generate the momentum that would allow them to put games away or mount significant comebacks.
Moreover, head coach Matt LaFleur has found himself in a bit of a bind. While LaFleur is known for his offensive mind and innovative play calling, the Packers’ attack has lacked the spark that it displayed under Rodgers. There has been a sense of confusion at times—whether that’s from LaFleur’s play designs, Love’s decision-making, or the inability to execute plays effectively. Unlike last season, when the team found ways to grind out victories, 2023 has been filled with missed opportunities and games where the offense simply can’t get going.
### The Defense: Flashing Potential but Lacking Consistency
Green Bay’s defense was a significant part of their late-season run in 2022, but in 2023, it hasn’t yet been able to carry the team in the same way. While defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s unit is filled with talent—most notably rising stars like linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Kenny Clark—the defense has lacked the consistency and aggressiveness that made them such a formidable force last season.
One area of concern has been their ability to create turnovers and get off the field in critical situations. In 2022, the defense seemed to come alive when needed most, forcing key turnovers and preventing opposing offenses from gaining momentum. In 2023, however, the defense has often found itself on the back foot, unable to make the key stops that would allow the offense to find its rhythm.
### The Outlook: Is There Time for the Packers to Find Momentum Again?
At this point in the season, it’s fair to wonder whether the Packers will be able to rediscover the momentum that made them such a dangerous team in the latter stages of 2022. While it’s still early, the team’s inability to capture the same level of play—especially on offense—has cast doubt on their ability to contend for a playoff spot in 2023. The combination of Jordan Love’s growing pains, inconsistent play from key offensive players, and a defense that has yet to hit its stride suggests that Green Bay might be in for a season of transition.
However, the NFL is a league where momentum can shift quickly, and the Packers have enough talent to make a late-season run if they can find their rhythm. For now, though, it’s clear that the energy they carried into the playoffs last season is nowhere to be found, and Green Bay’s future in 2023 remains uncertain.