It's Time To Look Forward

It is said that the origins of the quote, “All good things must come to an end,” originated from a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer dating back to the 1300’s. Whomever started it, it still rings true for Packer fans now more than ever in 2023-2024. Packer fans have tasted a lot of success in the Favre/Rodgers era and perhaps could have enjoyed even more had it not been for missteps versus Denver in Favre's second Super Bowl or the Giants championship game in 2007. Success continued under Rodgers but still we suffered frustration in games like the Seattle playoff fiasco and 49ers special teams meltdown. No matter how many misses or successes we have enjoyed or suffered through in those years, it is time to look forward to what is next for Packer fandom. Even as a fan in his 50’s, hope springs eternal for me and these are the 6 things I am looking forward to in 2023-2024:

1. The Draft.

It is oddly fun, at least for now, to savor a draft that feels like it has no pressure. Yes, we have a lot of needs at DL, OL, TE, S and WR but no one expects the Packers to be a super bowl contender for the first time in a very long time. It is refreshing to think about the possibilities for the upcoming draft with very little pressure. Will Gutey surprise us again by drafting a first round receiver now that Rodgers is exiting or perhaps pull the trigger on another Gary unexpected pick? Will we get a draft day surprise filled with trades or extra picks for Rodgers or have to wait another year? Do the Packers draft for needs looking for immediate help at 15 and feel the pressure to fill their many holes? Or do they stay true to the philosophy of drafting the best available? Perhaps, we just hope for our own personal favorite pick from a college team we love. Whatever the case, I for one am excited to enjoy the chess match.

2. Year 2 for Last Year's Rookie Class.

Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Touri, Zach Tom, and Kinglsley Enagbare all gave Packer fans hope that this draft class has a lot of potential and may even be special. Watson and Doubs are expected to take huge jumps and be the future of the Packers receiving corps but what if all these rookies take a jump? What many fans may not realize is that there are other developmental players that were drafted last year and may contribute this year. Tariq Carpenter has the physical skills to contribute, Sean Rhyan underperformed and perpetuated the 3rd round disaster for the Pack but has potential, and let’s not forget the preseason development of tackle Caleb Jones. Can Rasheed Walker, Jonathan Ford, and RB Tyler Goodson from Iowa, who has a lot of skills and the wow factor if he can pass protect, surprise fans?

3. The Defense (I think???).

All Packer fans had high hopes last season for Barry’s defense only to be disappointed watching a passive unit give up first downs on 3rd and short and get run over by Philly and Detroit. But there were signs of improvement in the second half of the season. With Wyatt and Walker improving in year two, and De’Vondre Campbell being injury free as well as the eventual return of Gary and Stokes we should be excited for this defense. Adding a safety in the draft and the continual development of young players the Packers should be improved.

4. Special Teams.

Yes, I am saying it aloud. I am looking forward to the Packers special teams. The only offseason acquisitions the Packers have made have been the special teams. The return of Rich Bisaccia for year two and the off season re-signings of Dallin Leavitt, Rudy Ford, Tyler Davis and the electric Keisean Nixon returning kicks for a full season is almost exciting watching Desmond Howard in the 1996 Super Bowl.

5. Love and LaFluer.

We all might regret it but going into the season I believe many Packers are excited to see the kid that we drafted in the first round. A mobile quarterback with a strong arm is what the Packers have had over the past 30 years but at the end of both Favre and Rodgers careers we saw less running. The “new” era quarterbacks are very mobile which puts more pressure on the defense and I am looking forward to seeing Love in that role as well as a more up-tempo offense. Speaking of offense, I cannot wait to see what the LaFluer system really looks like under Jordan Love. Will the Packer offense resemble more of the system we saw in year one of LaFluer or more like the traditional system we saw last year?

6. Packer fans and my Family Reactions.

Probably the most entertaining aspect coming up this season is how Packer fans, including my own family, will react to this year's team led by Jordan Love. How will they handle a fast or slow start? What are their expectations? What will gameday feel and sound like in Lambeau? How will the prognosticators treat the Packers and Jordan Love? I also cannot wait to see how my own family will handle the possible rollercoaster of this next season. Will they grow to embrace Love just as they did for Rodgers? Will they all want the #10 jersey right away like they did last season with the #9 jersey? Whatever happens, I am excited to enjoy the ride at least for the time being.

As the nostalgia of the previous legendary quarterback begins to fade away and we all eventually accept that those days are ending, we have to turn the page. Like moving into a new house or relocating to a new town, it truly is time to look forward and embrace the change that is coming. And, if Packer fans are lucky enough to have back-to-back-to-back elite QB play, how awesome would that be? Maybe the football gods have really blessed this franchise and turning the page is going to be fun. At least for now, I am ready to start the next journey- It is time to look forward. Is Packer nation ready?