Heading into his fifth season as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur feels like he’s starting from scratch. The departure of Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP quarterback, has reset the team dynamics. “It feels like Year 1,” LaFleur remarked, as the team begins their first training camp post-Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets. This season’s camp is particularly intriguing due to the significant roster changes.
New starting quarterback Jordan Love, who has only one career start since being drafted in 2020, is stepping up amid a young and relatively inexperienced group of receivers. The departure of veteran players like Rodgers and others has left a vacuum that the new recruits need to fill. LaFleur acknowledges the biggest challenge is the uncertainty that comes with these changes. The team’s top returning wide receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, were rookies last season. The Packers also drafted new talent, including tight end Luke Musgrave and wide receiver Jayden Reed, to support Love.
Green Bay’s general manager Brian Gutekunst noted the need for the young players to gain experience, hinting at potential adjustments in preseason game strategies. Unlike the past two years, where starters saw little preseason action, LaFleur is considering giving the new starters more playtime to better prepare them for the regular season. Gutekunst expressed mixed feelings about playing Love extensively in the preseason, balancing the need for experience against the risk of injury.
The Packers will have joint practices with the Bengals and the Patriots, providing additional opportunities to evaluate their young offense. LaFleur remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of developing their talent quickly and effectively. The team’s first real test will be the season opener against Chicago on September 10, where the results of their preseason preparation will be put to the test.
