What Does Success Look Like for the 2023 Packers?

There is no denying the talent on the roster for the 2023 roster. As Kenny Clark alluded to last week on “The Zach Helb Show” (on the lack of faith in the Green Bay this season by the public as a sign of disrespect):

“One hundred percent, but that’s cool. I like it that way. This has been one of the first offseasons where we ain't really been getting the credit, getting the love. Everybody says Aaron (Rodgers) determines whether we win or lose, so we love it. We’re going to embrace it. When it comes to Week 1, when the season gets here, we’ll see how everything stacks up. We’re excited about it”

Obviously there is no denying the loss of playmakers this offseason, Rodgers being the biggest. But the combination of young athletes and solid veterans sprinkled throughout the lineup - gives Packers fans hope. But quarterback is king - and a lot of our attention will be focused on Jordan Love. Considering first year quarterbacks tend to struggle (Aaron Rodgers was 6-10 in his first season at the helm).

So what does success look like for the 2023 Green Bay Packers?

Jordan Love:

The rest of this will be about the TEAM results - but there is no denying that eyes will be all over #10. So what would make you look at 2023 and say “that was a good first year for Jordan”?

My answer would be 2-fold:

1.) Take care of the football (stay below the league average in interceptions - which was around 12 last season)

2.) High completion percentage (take what the defense gives you - run the ball to set up the pass and receivers will be open)

3.) Something that we missed in recent years…Scrambling (Cannot wait for a 3rd and 7, Jordan getting flushed from the pocket and scampering away from a linebacker for 15 yards - something we haven't gotten in the last 5 years or so from Rodgers)

Win totals:

Vegas has the O/U win total at 7.5 for the Packers. I think a successful season starts with surpassing that number. The Packers need to get to 9 wins in my opinion, to call it successful.

Probably losses: At Detroit, Chiefs, Chargers, at Giants, at Vikings, Rams

Toss ups: Detroit, Vikings, at Steelers, at Bears, at Raiders

Should Win: Bears, Saints, at Falcons, Bucs, at Panthers, at Broncos

Division:

The Lions seem to be the team to beat after how they finished 2022. Minnesota may have weaknesses but having a competent quarterback and Justin Jefferson will always be a problem. The Bears will be better, but still lot of holes to fill.

The Packers have the talent to compete with these teams. The Packers will look a lot more like the 49ers offensively with a great running game and movement in the backfield. Jordan Love doesn't have to be Aaron Rodgers, but can he be Jimmy G or Brock Purdy? I think he could be better than those guys.

Could the Lions be a flop this year? Maybe. Vikings? Maybe. But not both. One of those teams will be pretty good. I think the Packers fans would be pleasantly surprised if we can at least get 2nd place in the division. Whether it is beating out the Lions or Vikings.

Playoffs:

Using my “2nd place” scenario in the NFC North, That would put the Packers in the wild card race. The good news is there are 3 wild card spots now.

Making the playoffs would be MY ultimate successful 2023 Packers marker. My expectations are tempered from the usually Super Bowl hopes - but I think the Packers have the personnel to control the clock, run the ball, and create turnovers on defense.

Let’s look at the other NFC division for our competition:

NFC East:

Cowboys/Eagles/Giants (potentially 2 wild cards)

NFC South:

N/A - division winner only

NFC West:

Seahawks/49ers

NFC North:

Vikings/Lions

Packer fans should keep their eye on the NFC east and west. Root against all of those teams.

I have a hunch the Packers could be right in the thick of the Wild Card conversation at the end of the season - and if we are in the same position as last year - I would be thrilled considering all of the changes.

Packer fans: training camp is here. Now starts the true build to the 2023 season. There is an excitement and optimism about this Packers’ team that I haven't felt in a long time. Sort of like, for the first time in a long time, we have nothing to lose - and I “Love” that feeling. Let’s prove to the League what this organization is all about: Winning.