One factor that could assist determine if the Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl-worthy in 2024? Getting bounce-back seasons from several elite talents on the roster.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander, running back Josh Jacobs, left guard Elgton Jenkins, edge rusher Rashan Gary and receiver Christian Watson were all at varying levels of “good” in 2023. All are established players. At their best, they are elite players and clear difference-makers.
In 2024, the Packers are looking for greater skill from several of their top players.
Alexander missed 10 games due to injury and a strange suspension in 2023. Can he regain his All-Pro status against the best quarterbacks?
Jacobs averaged just 3.5 yards per attempt in 2023. Can he recapture the form that made him the NFL rushing yards champion a year ago?
Jenkins has performed well in pass protection, but he has also committed six penalties and posted the lowest run-blocking grade of his career in 2023. Can he reclaim his place as one of the most versatile and dominant interior blockers in the NFL?
Gary started out forceful and was very disruptive in the first three months of last season, but hit a wall in December and wasn’t as effective to end 2023. Can he be a game-breaker every week now that he’s had another year off from his ACL injury?
Watson is a game-changer in the passing game, creating massive plays and scoring touchdowns nearly every week when he’s 100 percent robust, but he’s yet to miss eight games in 2023. Can he finally put his lower-body injuries behind him and establish himself as Jordan Love’s legitimate No. 1 quarterback for the entire season?
The Packers have no shortage of talent, especially at the higher end of the spectrum. In ESPN’s top 10 rankings, five Packers players made the cut. On both ends of the court, Matt LaFleur’s team has players who can make massive plays to win games.
At his best, Alexander is a defensive back who can take the ball away from the best playmakers and playmakers who dare to test him.
At his best, Jacobs is a defense-breaking machine, capable of running up and down both sides of the pitch and creating passing plays while handling at least 20 touches per game.
At his best, Jenkins is a near-perfect pass protector who can create paths in the running game whether he’s throwing the ball or moving left or right in LaFleur’s running attack.
At his best, Gary is a quick, forceful and dominant attacker who can get to the quarterback or assist disrupt others.
At his best, Watson is a nightmare for defenders, as he is incredibly quick to attack all areas of the pitch and also incredibly versatile to be able to carry the ball in a variety of ways.
Can the Packers get more out of their top talent in 2024?
