2023 vs. 2008 Green Bay Packers – How Are They Similar?

The Packers closed the 2008 season at a disappointing 6-10 record. Despite the poor record and missing the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers’s first year as a starter re-energized the fan base and left Packers fans with high hopes. Will the 2023 Version of the Green Bay Packers leave fans feeling the same optimism?

Looking at the current pre-draft roster, there is a good mix of veteran players and young talent. On the offensive side of the ball, The 08’ Packers were able to lean on the experience of Donald Driver, Chad Clifton, and Mark Tauscher. The 23’ Packers will be looking to rely on Veterans Aaron Jones and David Bahktiari. While the Packers current roster lacks experience at the WR position compared to the 2008 version led by Hall of Famer Donald Driver, the expectations for Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs remain high. In 2008 the Packers leaned on Ryan Grant on the ground amassing 1,200+ yards. However, much of the scoring was achieved through the pass-heavy Mike McCarthy/ Joe Philbin Offense. The LeFleur offense, stemming from the Shanahan system, will have a different look. The Packers will rely on Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon while they look to get the ball in the hands of the young pass catchers. The early Aaron Rodgers could not have walked into a better situation regarding offensive line play. He was anchored by Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher at Tackle, along with the interior play of Darryn Colledge and Scott Wells. They all went on to join Rodgers in their future Super Bowl Win.

Jordan Love may not have the same luxury with the big boys, but the Packers seem to have solid depth to protect him. They will look to bolster this through the draft, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Packers go all-in on an early-round lineman, depending on how the cards fall. However, there has been recent speculation surrounding David Bakhtiari and whether he will remain a Packer. Overall, it seems the Packers players and the fan base have faith in Jordan Love. I would expect some big moments as well as some growing pains. It will be interesting to see if the Packers will come out hot early in 2023 or if they will struggle to gel as a cohesive unit.

On the Defensive side of the ball, the 08’ Packers were led by Veterans Charles Woodson and Al Harris in the Defensive Backfield. While they were tied for third in interceptions and top five in turnover differential, the Packers often could not keep the opposing team off the board when it mattered most.

The 2023 Packer’s defense is also a big question mark. Much like the 08’ Packers, the 23’ Packers will rely on their Veteran Defensive Backs, Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglass. They will look for Rashan Gary to recover after a week 9 ACL injury last season. Meanwhile, it will be up to Veterans Preston Smith and the 2022 addition of Justin Hollins to lead the pass rush. The linebacker core is as solid as it has been in years, so long as De’Vondre Campbell remains healthy. Quay Walker had a rookie season of ups and downs, but he has all the physical tools to excel at the position. It will be a matter of continuing to grow mentally and learn from his mistakes. Meanwhile, veteran Kenny Clark will look to lead a young defensive line unit. It would seem likely that the Packers will add some names to that group through the upcoming draft.

Let's not forget special teams. The 23’ Packers seemingly will have one of the best returners in the game in Keisean Nixon after returning to the Packers on a new deal. Nixon was the spark that the Packers needed late last year. Some might say the Packers haven’t seen that type of spark in the return game since the days of Will Blackmon, who returned two punts for touchdowns in 2008. Aside from the return game, the Packers are expected to move on from Mason Crosby, who would be the only player remaining from the 2008 roster, except for Aaron Rodgers.

In looking back at the 6-10 Packers from 2008, with all the Favre-Rodgers Drama leading into the season. The 2023 Packers find themselves in an eerily similar situation with a 1st round QB looking for his opportunity as a starter on a team with a good mix of veteran players and young talent. The question remains, will Jordan Love be able to get the job done? Only time will tell.

The sky's the limit. Their outcome will depend significantly on the team's overall health and if some young talent can reach that next level. They can certainly finish above .500. I expect the NFC North to be a tough division this year, and success will likely depend on the Packer's ability to close tight games.

2008 Starters QB1 – Aaron Rodgers (3) RB – Ryan Grant (1), Brandon Jackson (1) WRS – Donald Driver (9), Greg Jennings (2), James Jones (R), Jordy Nelson (R)

OL – Chad Clifton (8), Darryn Colledge(2), Scott Wells (4), Jason Spitz, Mark Tauscher (8) TE – Donald Lee (5), Jermichael Finley (R) DL – Aaron Kampman (6), Ryan Pickett (7), Johnny Jolly (2), Mike Montgomery (3) LB- Brady Popinga (3), Nick Barnett (5), AJ Hawk (2), Desmond Bishop (1) CB- Charles Woodson (10), Al Harris (10), Tramon Williams (R), Will Blackmon (2), Jarret Bush (2) S – Nick Collins (3), Atari Bigby (3), Aaron Rouse (1)

2023 Pre-Draft - Likely Starters QB1 – Jordan Love (2) RB – Aaron Jones (6), AJ Dillon (3) WRS – Christian Watson (1), Romeo Doubs (1), Samori Toure (1)

OL – David Bahktiari (10), Yosuah Nijman (3), Elgton Jennings (4), Josh Meyer (2), Royce Newman (2), Jake Hanson (2), Jon Runyan Jr (3), TE – Josiah Deguara (3), Tyler Davis (3)

DL– Kenny Clary (7), Devonte Wyatt (2), T. Slayton (1)

LB/ EDGE – Preston Smith (8), Rashan Gary (4), Quay Walker (1), Justin Hollins (4), De’Vondre Campbell (7), Kingsley Enagbare (1)

CB – Jaire Alexander(5), Rasul Douglas (6), Eric Stokes (2), Keisan Nixon (4)