Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers are focused on one thing heading into the 2019 NFL season. That goal would be making the playoffs. After back-to-back seasons of not making the postseason, the Packers made big changes this offseason and made it clear that they are willing to spend to win.
Most of the moves that were made were focused on the defensive side of the football. Brian Gutekunst spent big in free agency, signing safety Adrian Amos away from the Chicago Bears and adding pass rushers Preston and Za'Darius Smith as well. He also signed offensive lineman Billy Turner.
In the NFL Draft, the Packers again focused on defense twice in the first round. They drafted Michigan pass rusher Rashan Gary and Maryland safety Darnell Savage.
Green Bay has the pieces in place to make a run at the NFC North division. Aaron Rodgers and the offense have some question marks surrounding them at wide receiver, but LaFleur and company are confident in the players they have on the roster. Mike Pettine and the defense have not had this much excitement surrounding them in a long time.
All of that being said, what three things must happen for the Packers to make the playoffs in 2019?
3. Aaron Rodgers Must Remain Healthy
Over the past two years, one thing has remained consistent. Rodgers has been unable to stay healthy. Two years ago he went down with a broken collarbone that sidelined him for the majority of the season and last year he suffered a fairly serious knee injury in Week 1 against the Bears.
If the Packers want to make the jump back into the playoffs, Rodgers has to remain upright and healthy.
2. The Defense Has to Get to the QB and Force Turnovers
The offseason showed that the Packers know their defense was not up to par when it came to forcing turnovers. While the pass rush was able to get to the quarterback, Green Bay's secondary did not make plays off of that rush. Green Bay feels that they improved the pass rush even more and the secondary should be much improved as well.
From the Smith's, Gary, and Kyler Fackrell getting to the quarterback to Amos, Savage, Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, and Josh Jackson capitalizing on mistakes, the Packers have to feel good. If the defense plays up to its full potential, Green Bay is going to have one of the top playmaking defenses in the entire league.
1. Young Receivers Have to Prove the Packers Right for Having Faith
Finally, the Packers decided not to address the wide receiver position at all this offseason. Even with veteran receiver Randall Cobb leaving in free agency to sign with the Dallas Cowboys, the Packers decided to bet on their young talent.
Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, Jake Kumerow, and J'Mon Moore are going to get opportunities to prove themselves. They have to step up and prove that the Packers' faith in them was not misplaced. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play, but he needs his receivers to make plays and find separation from opposing defenses.
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