What a difference a year makes. Coming up on the one-year anniversary of Jordy Nelson‘s preseason ACL tear, the mood around the Green Bay Packers offense has changed for the better. Losing an All-Pro caliber wideout for an entire season is a tough blow for any franchise, but the results of 2015 showed that the problems with the Packer offense ran deeper than Nelson’s injury. While last season proved to be a rough year in Titletown, with 2016 on the horizon a new sense of optimism surrounds this organization.
Optimism is Renewed For the Green Bay Packers Offense
By now, the downfall of the 2015 Packers offense has been constantly repeated. Pundits would tell you that in addition to Nelson’s injury, Eddie Lacy was out of shape, Aaron Rodgers was inconsistent, and the Packers’ other receivers couldn’t get open. Whether any of this was true or not, criticism surrounded this club all season. At the end of the day, the Green Bay offense finished 23rd in total yards and 15th in total points. These aren’t horrendous totals by any means, but they are certainly not up to the standard that fans have become accustomed to.
So what’s different this time around?
A lot, but let’s start with what remains the same. For starters, that Aaron Rodgers fellow is still pretty good, wouldn’t you say? When an NFL quarterback produces a season with 31 touchdown passes and eight interceptions and is still criticized for his play, it’s safe to say he’s accomplished a lot in his career.
A Plethora of Talented Players
What has changed is that Nelson has recently been activated of the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and is expected to be all systems go for Week One action. Having him back in the lineup not only reunites Rodgers with his top target, but allows Randall Cobb to return to his more natural role as Nelson’s complement.
With young players like Davante Adams, Jeff Janis (currently injured), and Ty Montgomery in the mix, it is likely that the third receiver role will be capably filled as well. Additionally, the Packers’ signed tight end Jared Cook in free agency. Cook has always oozed with upside and now has the opportunity to fulfill his potential in one of the league’s best offenses.
The running game will likely be vastly improved as well. Much has been made of Lacy’s down year in 2015, but let’s look at his off-season. He has seemingly gotten himself into terrific shape and his preseason play has been spectacular. Now entering a contract year, the former Alabama standout is poised to rediscover his former Pro Bowl form. James Starks was re-signed in the off-season as well, and figures to return in a meaningful role, solidifying the Packers’ backfield as one of the NFL’s best.
The Immediate Future is Bright
It would be irresponsible to blame the Packers’ 2015 struggles entirely on Nelson’s injury, but his absence had an irrefutable domino effect on the team’s passing game. With a full arsenal of weapons available to Rodgers this time around, look for him to return to his MVP caliber level of play in 2016. Supported by a talented duo of runners, and a perennially underrated offensive line that added Jason Spriggs in the 2016 NFL Draft, this group is poised to succeed at all levels this season. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, look for the Green Bay Packers to field a top-flight offense once again.
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