The Green Bay Packers have had a much better season than many were expecting them to. After missing the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, the Packers went into the offseason and made some huge changes.
Mike McCarthy was fired during the season last year and Matt LaFleur was brought in to replace him. Changing head coaches doesn't normally fix everything, but LaFleur has brought a breath of fresh air to the franchise. Along with some new additions to the roster, the change of schemes has been a huge step in the right direction.
Speaking of additions to the roster, general manager Brian Gutekunst went out and spent big money to bring in Preston and Za'Darius Smith, while also signing safety Adrian Amos. In the draft, Green Bay added Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage Jr. Both of those players have big potential for the future as well.
At 9-3 heading into Week 14, the Packers are receiving a lot of hype as a Super Bowl contender. Green Bay has shown some major strengths that will carry them into the postseason, but they also have some weaknesses that need to be addressed if they want to make it to the big game.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at four keys to a potential Super Bowl run for the Packers.
4. The Secondary Must Stop Giving Up Chunk Plays
One of the big issues for the Packers' defense so far has been their secondary giving up big plays. If the Packers want to compete for a title this season, they have to figure out how to stop allowing that to happen.
If the Packers can limit the big plays through the air, their defense should be able to come through with more stops. On the other hand, if they can't, they are going to be in for a long postseason.
3. Aaron Jones Must Get Involved, And Stay Involved
Another big issue for the Packers this season has been finding ways to get running back Aaron Jones involved on a consistent basis. Some weeks he will put up a massive performance, while others he will be almost non-existent. The Packers have to find ways to get him going.
Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL, but he needs support. Jones is the exact kind of support that he needs. If they can get him involved and keep him involved, the offense is going to be tough to stop.
2. The Packers Must Keep Aaron Rodgers Upright
There will be no one that argues that Rodgers is not one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He is one of the best that we have ever seen under center in a football game. However, he can't put up the big numbers we have come to know and love if he can't stay on his feet.
Green Bay's offensive line has been pretty good this season, but there have been a few games where they were unable to help Rodgers. One of those games was against the San Francisco 49ers, who will be a threat come postseason time as well. If the Packers can keep Rodgers off the ground, they will always have a chance.
1. Offense Must Stay Consistent
Finally, and much more broadly, the Packers need their offense to remain consistent. There have been too many games where they have put up big numbers and come back the next week with a poor performance. In the playoffs, that will not work.
The Packers have the weapons, there is no doubt about that. Rodgers, Jones, Davante Adams, and even Jimmy Graham at times this season are all big names. If they can play to their potential consistently, they will have a chance to bring the Lombardi Trophy back home where it belongs.
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