After five months of playing, the 2023-24 season of the National Football League (NFL) is now over. And what a season it was for the Green Bay Packers! Here are some highlights from the season and anticipations for next season.
#1: Jordan Love Takes The Reins
Sports analysts a year ago were skeptical about what would happen when the Packers put Jordan Love, their long-time backup quarterback, on the field as the season’s starter. Love spent three years as the backup, watching the skilled Aaron Rodgers play; but when Rodgers left for the New York Jets, it was Love’s time to shine.
And he exceeded all expectations. According to ESPN, Love threw for 32 touchdown passes during the regular season, second to only Dak Prescott, who threw for 36. Love led the Packers to a 9-8 season, fighting hard in November and December games to clinch the 7th NFC seed and venture to the playoffs. In a stunning Wild Card game, he used his abilities to beat the 2nd seed Dallas Cowboys 48-32, the first time a 7th seed has ever won a playoff game, according to Packers Wire. Though the Packers fell to the 49ers in the Divisional Round, it was truly an extraordinary season for Jordan Love.
So, what’s next in store for him? The Packers have had stellar franchise quarterbacks for the past two generations with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, and Love certainly seems like the next one in line. His future is something to look forward to.
According to Fox Sports, in Love’s own words, “There’s so many areas, and so many lessons I’ve learned throughout this season and the team’s learned throughout this season, that I think it’s going to make us better in the future.”
#2: Rookies Take Action
Per USA Today, the average age of this Packers squad was 25.58 years old, making them the youngest team in the league. Some notable new players controlled the game, such as rookies Lukas Van Ness, Jayden Reed, Carrington Valentine and Luke Musgrave.
Van Ness, a linebacker from Iowa, improved greatly in the second half of the season with tackles. According to Packer Central, Musgrave fought through a lacerated kidney in December, but he regained health in order to score a touchdown in the first playoff game a month later.
Statmuse states that Reed, a wide receiver, led the Packers in receiving yards this season, and according to the Packers club, Valentine stepped into place as starter right cornerback in the middle of the season after Rasul Douglas, the previous starter, was traded to the Buffalo Bills. These are just a few of the unstoppable rookies on the team, with many of them gaining valuable experience to improve their skills in the years to come.
#3: Major Coaching Changes
Though Packers head coach Matt LaFleur did a solid job this season, there’s no doubt that coaching played a big part of the Packers drama in recent months. After controversy over the defense’s plays, LaFleur ended up firing defensive coordinator Joe Barry after the playoff loss to the 49ers, according to Packers Wire. He was quickly replaced by former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. Above all, fans are hoping that Hafley will bring a valuable new perspective to the team and improve their defensive strategy.
Hafley is enthusiastic. “I’m excited to be here, I’m excited to be around all you guys, I’m [excited] to be a part of the staff, some of the new guys that we brought in, and I really can’t wait to get going,” Hafley said, per Packer Central.
2024-25 is sure to be action-packed, and all eyes are on Jordan Love, the rookies and Hafley. It’s going to be a great season, as it always is in Green Bay.
