Packers: 9 reasons why Green Bay will bounce back in 2018

Nine reasons why the Green Bay Packers will bounce back in 2018.

Coming off a disappointing 2017 season — and the Green Bay Packers’ first losing record since 2008 — it’s important for the team to quickly get back on track. While Aaron Rodgers’ injury led to the Packers’ decline and failure to reach the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade, there’s a lot more work to do this offseason.

Changes were quickly made across the board. President Mark Murphy decided to make a switch at general manager, replacing longtime decision-maker Ted Thompson with Brian Gutekunst. He also altered the front office setup.

Head coach Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, focused on starting afresh with his coaching staff. He moved on from longtime defensive coordinator Dom Capers, hiring former Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine to replace him.

McCarthy also brought back Joe Philbin as the team’s offensive coordinator. Philbin was there during the team’s last Super Bowl run, and also played a part in Green Bay’s 15-1 campaign the following season.

With the reshuffling complete and a number of new faces settling into their roles, the Packers have plenty of work to do this offseason to regain their status as one of the NFC’s heavyweights. From free agency to the draft, Gutekunst needs to hit the ground running his first spring as GM.

The 2017 season was one to forget. Not only was it the Packers’ first losing record and playoff-less year since 2008, but also their lowest NFC North finish in that span.

But there are a number of reasons to be optimistic this offseason. Here’s nine reasons why the Packers will bounce back in 2018.