With only four games left in the regular season and eight teams in the National Football Conference with at least six wins, it’s time for the 5-8 Packers to wave the white flag. Starting now, the entire organization needs to pivot to 2023 quickly.
The only positive to be gained from losing seven out of nine games is the opportunity to look at inexperienced young players. The following seven Packers deserve a chance to show what they can or can’t do heading into the very long offseason:
PK RAMIZ AHMED
Mason Crosby has been fine on extra points and short field goals, but at 38, he no longer possesses the leg strength needed to consistently drive kickoffs into the end zone, especially in cold weather. His contract is up, and it would be foolish to re-sign him. The Packers will need a replacement for next season, and it makes sense to see if Ahmed might be that guy. The 27-year-old was impressive late in camp, so why not see what he can do in real games? The pressure wouldn’t be quite as intense because of the situation, but it would still be an excellent test for a young kicker. And while nothing he did would guarantee a roster spot in 2023, a strong finish would undoubtedly give him a leg up. Pardon the pun.
DB INNIS GAINES
With Darnell Savage Jr. now trying to salvage his career as a slot corner and Adrian Amos a possible cap casualty, the Packers might need two new safeties in 2023. While journeyman Rudy Ford had a very good game against the Cowboys a few weeks ago, he should never go into training camp as a team’s preferred starter. That’s probably also the case with the 24-year-old Gaines, but he should at least be given a legitimate look in the waning days of the season. In between injuries, he’s flashed enough during the past two summers to be kept around. The former TCU standout has the skill set needed to play either safety position, and in very limited snaps in 2022, showed impressive toughness and decent instincts.
QB JORDAN LOVE
The Packers traded up in the first round of the 2020 draft to select the former Utah State star, and he’s thrown only 80 passes in his NFL career. It’s time to see what Love can do over an extended period of time. If he doesn’t start multiple games between now and the end of the season, it’s either because struggling four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, who pretty much runs the organization, refused to take a seat, or far less likely, the people in charge already know Love can’t play. With only a 6% chance to qualify for the postseason, the logical thing to do is shut Rodgers down and hand the ball to the kid after the bye. Then again, the Packers haven’t made a logical decision regarding this position in about two years.
DLÂ T.J. SLATON
After a slow start, the second-year nose tackle has really come on in recent weeks. Slaton is keeping a low center of gravity and using leverage and power to be disruptive in the run game. It’s time to see if the 335-pounder has what it takes to be a starter next season. One of the knocks on Slaton in college was his stamina; he tended to get worse the more he played. While he appears to be in much better shape these days, he’s still averaging fewer than 20 snaps per game. It’s possible the 25-year-old is best suited to be what he is now – a rotational backup – but why not give him a chance to exceed expectations? Even now, he’s the most productive defensive lineman drafted by the Packers since 2016.
OL ZACH TOM
The fourth-round pick from Wake Forest has held his own at four positions on the offensive line. Tom’s skill set is best suited for left tackle, and with David Bakhtiari’s return in 2023 looking less likely with each passing day, the final month of the season would be the ideal time to see if his heir apparent is on the roster. Tom needs to get bigger and stronger to move defenders at the point of attack and hold off bull rushes more effectively, but his feet are extremely quick, and he understands leverage. He’s a natural pass protector, and those players don’t grow on trees. As for Bakhtiari, playing in meaningless games makes no sense for a player coming off an appendectomy and whose left knee continues to be a problem.
WR SAMORI TOURE
The rookie from Nebraska is already playing ahead of veteran Sammy Watkins, who has contributed next to nothing since returning from injured reserve seven weeks ago. And once the Packers are officially eliminated from postseason contention, Toure should also leapfrog Randall Cobb on the depth chart. While the 12-year veteran has been one of the team’s best receivers through 13 games, he’s not going to be part of the future. Toure, on the other hand, just might be. He’s not blessed with ideal size or blazing speed, but he’s a smooth route runner who seems to have a knack for getting open. Watching him, along with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, would make the month of December a lot more interesting.
DE DEVONTE WYATT
Only one other No. 1 pick from last April’s draft (Cincinnati safety Daxton Hill) has played fewer snaps than the former Georgia star through 13 weeks. That needs to change once the Packers are mathematically eliminated from postseason contention. With veterans Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry unlikely to return in 2023, it’s time to find out whether Wyatt at least has a chance of helping in the future. He’s shown little so far, but to be fair, it’s hard to make an impact playing so infrequently. Give him 30 or 40 snaps per game and see if he can find a rhythm, especially as a pass rusher. Providing pressure on the quarterback was supposed to be his strength, but he’s actually been slightly more effective against the run.
Do I honestly expect coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst to give all of these young players an extended look down the stretch? No, because I don’t think either has the balls to do what’s difficult. While Bakhtiari might eventually be placed on injured reserve at some point due to his multiple ailments, I expect Rodgers, Lowry, Reed, Cobb, etc., to continue to see plenty of action. But if the leaders of the Pack suddenly grow spines in the next couple of weeks, they’ll do what’s right for the franchise’s long-term interests and not what’s easiest for them at the moment.
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The Wyatt thing continues to baffle me. I could be wrong but it seems he’s flashed 1-2 times a game on defense. Not too shabby considering he plays 8-9 snaps each week. He’s also not exactly a young rookie. Not sure what they’re waiting for.
agree 100%.
one more thing.. assuming the Packers miss the playoffs this year while the Seahawks get in, wouldn’t it be worth it to study what the Seahawks have done to finish so much higher than expected this year? it seems like this is the year to really learn from the successes of others.
The Seahawks fleeced another team by trading them an aging QB for a ton of picks and players. That’s helped them turn things around in a hurry. The Packers had the same chance, but their GM decided to hold onto an aging QB and pay him $150M.
zing.. and true.
in the recent past, what has been true for GMs is that there have been only about a half-dozen or so QBs who have the ability to consistently lift an organization toward championship-level play. unquestionably, Rodgers has been one of those players; however, now, it feels like the times may be a changin’. i don’t believe age to be the only factor.
in 2022, a number of non-traditionally labelled championship-level QBs have apparently, at least, lifted their teams into the playoffs.. Tua, Hurts, GENO, Captain Kirk.. maybe even Daniel Jones and Brock Purdy. this.. while Rodgers, Brady, and Russ are likely going to be watching video screens in January.
i imagine more GMs than just Gutekunst will be scratching their heads this offseason wondering if there is a new formula for a modern franchise quarterback.