Grading the Packers' starting skill players at halfway stage of 2024 season

As the Green Bay Packers enter Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, there are still unanswered questions about the offense. The powerhouse scoring at will at the end of 2023 is not yet back in form and is still working off some of the rust from the offseason.

From costly penalties to crucial drops, the offense is putting pressure on the defense to help the Packers win football games.

There have still been many impressive performances from the Packers' offensive skill groups, which gives hope that the offense is close to turning a corner, similar to last season. With depth at receiver and elite talents at quarterback and running back, a dominant offense is certainly not out of the question.

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When evaluating the Packers' offense, grading individual skill players can help show who needs to step up in the second half of the season and who to expect even more from.

Packers' offensive skill-position grades following the bye week

QB Jordan Love: B

It has been an up-and-down campaign for quarterback Jordan Love. We have seen jaw-dropping throws that we know Love can make, and we have also seen rather unorthodox errors that have him leading the league in interceptions (10).

After playing like the best quarterback in the league in the back half of 2023, it is clear Love can clean up these mistakes and work towards a strong finish. Love looks poised in the pocket and comfortable giving his receivers opportunities to make plays. However, dialing back the interceptions will be key to the Packers winning games down the stretch.

After battling through injuries, Love appears to be fully healthy ahead of a divisional matchup with the rival Chicago Bears on Sunday.

RB Josh Jacobs: A+

In the first half of his first season as a Packer, Josh Jacobs has been the backbone of the offense, showing that the workload is never too much for him. Through nine games, Jacobs has 762 yards on the ground, good for fourth in the NFL.

He can carry an extensive workload, seemingly never getting worn down. Particularly while Love was sidelined, Jacobs carried the ball 32 times against the Indianapolis Colts and 25 times against the Jacksonville Jaguars. When this offense has needed him the most, he has been able to stay on the field and help drive them to some gutsy victories.

WR Jayden Reed: A

All offseason, fans wondered which receiver would step up to become the main target in this offense. In Week 1 in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jayden Reed exploded for 171 total yards and two touchdowns. Since then, he has made some spectacular catches in key situations.

Reed is 10th in the NFL in receiving yards with 620, and his speed and contributions in the run game make him a threat for any defense. While becoming a reliable target on key downs, Reed has taken a second-year jump that sets him apart from the Packers' other receivers. He will look to add to his yardage total against the Bears on Sunday after catching four passes for 112 yards in the season finale against Chicago in 2023.

WR Romeo Doubs: B+

Romeo Doubs' stats will not astound you, but he has done an excellent job as a reliable target for Love throughout the season. In his eight games (he missed one due to suspension), Doubs has secured 30 catches for 412 yards and just two touchdowns. However, Doubs has shown up when the Packers have needed him.

A particular game that stands out is the victory over the Houston Texans when Doubs caught eight passes for 94 yards. Especially on the final drive, he made some strong contested catches in clutch moments to help the Packers drive down for the eventual game-winning field goal. In a tough matchup with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., Doubs rose to the occasion and made some big plays, like he often does.

WR Christian Watson: C

While trying to right the ship from last year's disappointing season, Christian Watson has shown some flashes but has not been a consistent weapon for the Packers. His biggest redeeming quality is health, with Watson suiting up in eight of nine contests in the first half of the season.

He has 16 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns, which is a rather low number. Despite the subpar stat sheet, Watson still remains a deep threat with his combination of size and speed that teams always have to account for. His main skill set was best displayed when he hauled in a 44-yard touchdown to break things open against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Watson needs to continue staying on the field, as his statistics do not always do justice to his importance on this team.

WR Dontayvion Wicks: C-

Dontayvion Wicks seemed destined for a breakout year, given his success at the end of his rookie season. Despite his incredible route-running abilities, which create a ton of separation, Wicks has struggled with drops this season. It goes without saying that it is hard to have a lot of success in the NFL when you have a drop problem, which Wicks is going through.

Pro Football Focus has credited Wicks with a drop percentage of 27.3 percent, which leads all players with at least 20 targets in 2024. With 43 targets through the first nine games, there has been no shortage of opportunity for Wicks, who has just 16 receptions for 192 yards. Wicks has caught four touchdowns but will need to contribute further to return to being a focal point of the offense.

TE Tucker Kraft: A

Through nine games of his sophomore season, Tucker Kraft has shown that he is an animal in the receiving and blocking games. On 28 receptions, Kraft has 376 yards and five touchdowns and never seems to be brought down by the first tackler. His toughness on every down does not go unnoticed, and he has been an important contributor in the first half of the season.

With an injury to fellow tight end Luke Musgrave earlier this year, Kraft was asked to take on an even bigger role and has not disappointed. Kraft is quickly becoming one of the NFL's elite talents at the tight end position, where he is a threat both as a pass-catcher and a blocker. If Kraft continues on his current trajectory, he could be one of the best tight ends Green Bay has had for a long time.

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