Do the Green Bay Packers have a passing game problem?
On the surface, this seems like a preposterous question. The Packers have one of the better quarterbacks in the league and a pass-catching group with proven production. It suggests that a problem does not exist, and there should be no reason for concern.
However, when looking beyond basic numbers, issues begin to surface.
As Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz noted, the Packers use a variety of receiving options, but the way the ball is distributed to Green Bay's pass-catchers could be the problem.
"As you would expect from a team with a lot of wide receiver depth and no real WR1, the Packers led the league by throwing to 'other receivers' (i.e. not WR1 or WR2) on 36% of targets," writes Schatz.
"That's the highest figure of any team since at least 1999, when I start tracking 'receiver types.'"
Schatz designated Jayden Reed and Christian Watson as Green Bay's No. 1 and 2 receivers when both were healthy and available.
Do the Packers need to prioritize finding a 'WR1' this offseason?
Now, there is nothing wrong with involving non-No. 1 or 2 wide receivers. In fact, progressing through reads to find those options should be applauded. The issue here is that the Packers do not have a genuine WR1, and finding consistent success is incredibly difficult with this setup when lacking elite quarterback play.
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In his first two seasons as the starter, Packers signal-caller Jordan Love has proven to be a good-but-not-great quarterback. This can provide a usual level of stability when it comes to year-over-year offensive output, but there is a distinct difference in the play of a quarterback fitting Love's description and one who can elevate the play of everyone around them.
The unfortunate part for Green Bay is that there is no easy solution. Ideally, Love will take that next step forward in his development and become one of the few elite NFL quarterbacks. One of their pass-catchers becoming the true No. 1 receiver would help.
For now, the best path forward for the Packers is to run their current group back for one more season to see if they can produce the desired outcomes. If by the end of next season they prove incapable of doing so, then, and only then, should an overhaul of their passing game be entertained.