2023-24 NFL Playoffs: The Green Bay Packers finally realize their full potential.
The first weekend of the 2023-24 NFL Playoffs is in the books, and one team’s victory stands out above the others. In a Super Wild Card Weekend that saw five of the six home teams win by big margins, the Green Bay Packers became the first 7-seed in NFL history to advance with an astounding 48-32 victory against the 2-seed Dallas Cowboys. Some teams play their greatest football during the playoffs, as Green Bay is doing right now.
2023-24 NFL Playoffs: Total Domination
Jordan Love is receiving extensive and well-deserved plaudits for his effort against Dallas this past Sunday. But, in all honesty, the entire squad delivered a clinic in every aspect of the game. The defense intercepted Dak Prescott twice, one for a pick-six touchdown. They also forced him to attempt 60 passes, demonstrating their effectiveness in shutting down Tony Pollard and Dallas’ rushing game.
The aforementioned Love led a powerful offense against what was regarded as a top-tier Dallas defense. Love completed 16 of 21 throws for 272 yards and three touchdowns, contributing to the team’s seven-touchdown day. Aside from a failed extra point in the second quarter, the NFL’s youngest squad played near-perfect football.
Green Bay Packers: Finally Putting the Pieces Together.
This is where I have to eat a lot of crow, because if you’ve read any of my previous columns, you’ll know that no one was more of a “Debbie Downer” on the Packers than I. During the season, I wrote about how both Love and LaFleur had to worry about their job security, and I even questioned if obtaining a wild card bid was worth it over pursuing a great draft selection. Part of these assumptions stemmed from the team’s instability during the season, but I also didn’t like Green Bay’s chances of making the playoffs, let alone advancing past the first round.
However, this does not ensure that the Packers are on the cusp of being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. It is still feasible that they will be handily beaten by the NFC’s best club in the divisional round, the San Francisco 49ers. It is also possible that after raising expectations for 2024, they may have a letdown following season. The NFL is recognized for its volatility and parity.
Nonetheless, it is widely believed among league observers that both the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers are on the rise, and both teams’ playoff triumphs this past weekend further reinforced that perception. Both are likely to be tough opponents for the foreseeable future.
Green Bay Packers: Maintaining the momentum
The Packers must maintain their momentum not just in this year’s playoffs, but also the next year. Many young, promising teams in the past have failed to sustain their excellent postseason success into the next season. That doesn’t mean Jordan Love and the rest of his squad are expected to light up the San Francisco 49ers like they did Dallas, but a competitive performance against the NFC’s top seed would boost their confidence moving into the 2024 season.
Green Bay should also continue to work on improving in certain spots. Their surprising run should not lead them to believe they have no flaws. Although the injury bug impacted the club this year and continues to do so, the Packers would be wise to search for more weapons for Jordan Love to pass to, as well as strengthen the offensive line and defense.
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