When an offense falls apart without one non-quarterback player, you have a serious problem.
That's where the Green Bay Packers found themselves, and it ended their season. The warning signs were there. There has been a night-and-day difference for Green Bay's offense with and without Christian Watson, and we saw it again in the NFC Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
They lacked rhythm. They lacked timing. Jeff Hafley's defense did everything possible to keep the Packers in the game, but the offense looked nowhere near a Super Bowl contender.
Even before the Packers lost Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed in the second half, they couldn't get anything going in the passing game. In Week 17, the Minnesota Vikings shut down the passing game without Watson. Unfortunately, it was a sign of what was to come.
It's not just what Watson can do with the ball in his hands, but how he impacts the game without it. Teams game-plan differently when he is in the game. He is an elite deep threat, allowing Matt LaFleur to find creative ways to drag defenders out of position and create space underneath. Take Watson out, and defenses no longer have a reason to respect the deep pass. They invite it.
The Packers looked lost without Watson versus Philadelphia. His absence played a significant part in derailing their season, but it goes well beyond that.
Wide receiver has suddenly become an urgent need for the Packers
Last week, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Watson suffered a torn ACL and "additional damage." That last part is particularly concerning, as it could impact the 2025 season. It's far from guaranteed that Watson will be ready by Week 1.
The Packers lacked a deep threat against the Eagles. Love attempted to take a shot to Dontayvion Wicks in the first half, but Darius Slay mirrored his route and picked it off. It was one of two picks from Love as the Packers were shut out in the first half, and he had three in total.
General manager Brian Gutekunst must now consider prioritizing the wide receiver position in the offseason. They have young talent and shouldn't give up on this group, but they desperately need a go-to target who Love can lean on in the biggest situations.
Watson and Doubs will enter contract seasons in 2025, and the Packers need to assess how this offense can take the next step.
Maybe that means making a strong offer for Tee Higgins in free agency. Perhaps they consider trading for a star like Garrett Wilson if he becomes available. Maybe a reunion of Davante Adams makes sense? He opened that door earlier this week.
Perhaps the Packers' solution comes via the draft. Whatever it takes.
This year's team had talent, but it was nowhere near good enough to compete with the NFC's best teams. The good news? For the first time since the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Packers have a boatload of cap space to use in free agency.
This offseason is about adding the necessary pieces to turn a young and talented team into a great one. Strengthening the pass rush and secondary is important, but adding a wide receiver should be near the top of the list.