After examining the biggest causes for in the 2026 season, let’s spin positive and discuss the reasons to be optimistic about the Jordan LoveMatt LaFleur said it best when asked for the umpteenth time this year what Love can do to take ‘the next step’ in 2026.
He replied with more than a hint of frustration: “I get so confused by that question every time because I think he’s an elite player, so I don’t know. I’ll let you guys figure out what the next step is. "
Green Bay’s head coach said he knew Love was in that top tier of quarterbacks in the second half of 2023, which is certainly when it all seemed to click for him. After an injury-riddled 2024, Love set the benchmark for which his future seasons will be measured by in 2025.
Love ranked second in expected points added (EPA) per play among quarterbacks with at least 100 plays in 2025, behind only MVP runner-up Drake Maye.
If not for once again missing a couple of games with minor injuries and a run-heavy offense which limited his box score production, Love would have been more prominent in the MVP discussion. There is no real ‘next step’ for him to take, it is simply about continuing that success.
In Love, the Packers have a quarterback capable of taking them deep into the playoffs.
Matt LaFleur
Along with a high-level quarterback, the Packers have what every team in the NFL has sought out in the last decade: an offensive play caller from the Shanahan/McVay tree who gives them an advantage every week with his ability to draw up a game plan that gives opposing defenses fits.The combination of Love and LaFleur alone gives Green Bay’s offense an extremely high floor and ceiling, and when QB1 has been out of the lineup, LaFleur has arguably been at his most creative, showing his ability to craft an effective offense regardless.
For all the conversation around his flaws – whether real or perceived – LaFleur and his offensive structure are crucial elements of what give the Packers a chance to beat any team in any given week.
Pass-catching weapons
Christian Watson was electric after missing the first half of last season, while Tucker Kraft was unstoppable before his season-ending ACL tear. Jayden Reed, who led the team in receiving in 2023 and 2024, missed over half of the 2025 campaign as well.They did not play a single snap as a trio last year, and are all healthy entering week one. Matthew Golden also looks primed for a breakout if training camp is anything to go by.
The Packers may lack the depth they had in previous years after Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks found new homes, and none of their ‘big four’ pass catchers have put together a full season of elite production, but the sky is the limit for the group if they stay healthy.
Micah Parsons
Despite how Parsons’ situation is being treated in some corners of the national media, where his injury is being used as a reason to doubt the Packers’ bona fides as a real contender, he will actually play for Green Bay this year.The vibes seem increasingly positive that he could return as early as Week 5 or 6, and while it is fair to question the viability of the Packers pass rush and the defense as a whole until Parsons is back… he will be back.
As long as Parsons is healthy come playoff time, Green Bay’s defense will boast a game-changing player and will be capable of overcoming the deficiencies they undoubtedly have.
The safety room
Elsewhere on defense, the Packers have question marks at corner but an impressive group of safeties headlined by Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams and Javon Bullard, who mostly plies his trade in the slot.Due to the strength of the position, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is expected to deploy three-safety looks to get his best players on the field in creative ways beyond what Jeff Hafley did last season.
The Packers will be relying on McKinney, Williams and Bullard to prop up the back end, and the talent they have at safety somewhat mitigates the concerns regarding an unproven cornerback position.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: