Packers will have tough time improving in this 1 area
There have been plenty of changes on the offensive side of the ball for the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
The Packers have seen what have become very familiar faces depart in one way or another, with the trio of Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb all going to New York. Even veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis is gone after his initial one-year deal turned into a five-year stint with the Packers.
Taking the volume of players and the roles they played into account, it will make it difficult to improve in one particular area next season.
That area? Offensive plays of 30 yards or more.
offensive plays that gained 30+ yards last yr:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 11, 2023
33 - SF
32 - KC
31
30 - PHI
29 - SEA, DEN
28 - LV, CAR
27 - CHI
26 - BUF, DET, MIN, NE
25 - MIA, NO, NYJ
24 - TEN
23 - HOU, CIN
22
21 - BAL, JAX, GB, CLE
20 - DAL, LAC
19 - WAS
18 - IND
17 - PIT, ATL
16
15 - NYG
14 - TB
13
12 - LAR,…
The Packers found themselves in the middle of the pack last year with 21 plays that fell into this category. However, they were closer to the bottom (12) than they were the top (33). With the widespread changes offensively, it would be quite an accomplishment to end up with the same number as last year.
New-look Packers may struggle to improve on last year's number of explosive plays
Going from a future Hall-of-Famer in Rodgers to an unproven commodity in Jordan Love is going to have some growing pains.
The changes to Green Bay's pass catchers will also play a factor. With Lazard and Cobb out of the equation, it will be up to Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson to take on a heavier load in the passing game. While both youngsters showed promise last season, the added responsibilities and snap volume could weigh heavy on the young receiving duo.
Worth mentioning is where the other teams in the division stand in this area. Chicago led the division in 30+ yard plays with 27, while Minnesota and Detroit were only one behind with 26. Even though it is not the largest gap between inter-division teams, five to six big plays like this can ultimately make a difference in the success or failure in a season.
The reality of the situation here is that it is going to be extremely tough to match or exceed their 21 plays of 30 yards or more last season. But after taking all things into consideration, getting in the neighborhood of where they ended up last season would still be a success for this year's Packers team.
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