The Green Bay Packers enter the 2026 season with several question marks. There isn't a clear date for Micah Parsons' return to action following his torn ACL, and running back Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner exempt list.
One constant is quarterback Jordan Love, but the Packers will need to put more on his plate in 2026 for Green Bay to have a successful year.
In the past, head coach Matt LaFleur has leaned on the ground game more often than not, but he'll need to lean on Love's arm a bit more.
Jordan Love could be carrying more of the Packers' burden this year
During the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, Green Bay's offense was among the league leaders in rushing attempts per game. In 2024, they ranked fifth (30.6), and in 2025, they were seventh (28.6).
Meanwhile, during Love's three years as a starter, the Packers haven't finished better than 20th in passing attempts per game. It shows how much LaFleur leans on the run game. And while they've had success doing so, that can't be the case again in 2026.
With it looking like MarShawn Lloyd will be the top guy in the running back room, leaning on him comes with some risk. Over his first two years in Titletown, Lloyd has only played in one game, as he's dealt with hamstring, hip, ankle, groin, and calf injuries.
The USC product has looked good this summer, but at the end of the day, the Packers will go as far as No. 10 takes them. The Packers gave him a $220 million extension for a reason. They believe he's their franchise guy, but considering all the moving parts on the team, he can be a stabilizing force.
The Packers have a talented collection of pass catchers. Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Tucker Kraft will lead the way for Green Bay. Despite that, LaFleur will need to open up the offense for Love.
Not only does he need to free things up, but he must also allow Love to take more deep shots and give him freedom. Being a run-first offense has worked out in their favor for the past couple of years, but that same level of success may not be the case in 2026.
Love and the Packers' aerial attack will need to be the best they've ever been. That doesn't mean completely moving off the run game, but the Packers will need to become more pass-happy this fall.
Opening up the offense and banking on your star quarterback is the best path forward for the Packers in 2026.
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