Packers: Emphasis on offense can help Green Bay reach next level
The Green Bay Packers’ defense needs work. There’s no denying that. But it’s the offense that will determine how far they can go in 2020.
The Packers have spent first-round pick after first-round pick in an attempt to fix issues on defense.
Once again, there are positions of need on the defensive side of the football, most notably at inside linebacker and defensive tackle, although cornerback is also a need.
But to take the next step, they will also need significant improvements from the offense. If they can achieve this, they’ll put themselves in position to make a serious run in 2020.
The Packers haven’t done nearly enough to invest in more talent on offense in recent years. They haven’t used a first-round pick on this side of the ball in nine years and haven’t spent a pick in the opening two rounds on a wide receiver, running back or tight end since 2014.
It’s about time that changed.
The Packers have a strong core on offense to build around.
Aaron Rodgers is still one of the best passers in the league. Davante Adams is an elite wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowler. Aaron Jones had a breakout 2019 season with 23 total touchdowns. Along the offensive line, David Bakhtiari is the league’s premier left tackle with four straight All-Pro selections, while guard Elgton Jenkins made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019.
But by placing an emphasis on offense in the draft, they can take the unit to the next level.
There’s a need for speed at wide receiver. Brian Gutekunst spoke about the need of adding an “explosive offensive player”. And that’s absolutely right.
They need to add more difference-makers wherever possible. Wide receiver is an obvious need, but they should also consider adding talent at tight end and running back if an opportunity presents itself in the draft. That won’t be easy at tight end given the lack of depth in the class, which means they’ll need second-year Jace Sternberger to take on a bigger role next season.
The Packers defense is good, not great. It’s unlikely to be great next season but the offense can be.
And the Kansas City Chiefs showed how that can be a winning formula.
In 2019, the Chiefs defense was nothing to write home about. They ranked 17th in total defense, just one position ahead of the Packers. Against the pass they were eighth but their run defense was even worse than the Packers’, ranking 26th in the NFL. Kansas City allowed 19.3 points per game compared to Green Bay’s 19.6. The Packers defense forced more turnovers.
The Chiefs won with their offense.
Along with all-world quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City boasted a group of pass-catchers including tight end Travis Kelce, a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro.
Receiver Tyreek Hill, who is one of the league’s best deep threats. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. Sammy Watkins, the fourth-overall pick back in 2014 and one of the best number two receivers in the league. In his rookie season, receiver Mecole Hardman was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro while also making the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Not only did Hardman contribute as a returner, but he also put up 538 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
The Packers won’t be able to find a tight end on Kelce’s level any time soon, but they can build strong depth at receiver. Adams is already one of the league’s best at his position.
Where the Packers have the advantage over the Chiefs is at running back. Jones is in the top-tier at the position in the NFL.
Yes, the Packers will need to add talent on defense in the draft and that could include early picks at positions of need such as defensive tackle. But they must also place an emphasis on offense throughout the draft, something we’ve rarely seen in recent years.
The defense will need to improve from 2019, but with the right attention this offseason, the Packers offense can become an NFC powerhouse. And that will give them their best chance for success next season.