The Green Bay Packers went quietly into the night Sunday, losing 37-20 to the San Francisco 49ers. Still, it was an amazing season for the Packers, as they were expected to win seven games as coach and quarterback argued their way through the season. Instead, they won 13 games, were the two seed in the NFC, and reached the NFC Championship game. Let’s look at what the Packers need to fix for 2020.
1. The Rush defense – What doomed the Packers all season and sunk them in the NFC Championship game was the rush defense. The pass rush was greatly improved by the Smith boys, and the pass defense was well improved also. But their rush defense needs work. Re-signing Blake Martinez will help, but they need to add an inside linebacker next to him, as well as a big body up front to help Kenny Clark stop the run.
2. Rebuild the wide receiver unit behind Davante Adams- Yes, Davante Adams is about as good as it gets in the NFL right now. But, the depth behind him is not good at the moment. Marques Valdez-Scantling has really regressed in year two. It may be time to get rid of them all and start from zero. Possibly add two receivers in the draft early, and another one in free agency.
3. Add another young tight end- The Packers have been kicking the can down the road at the tight end position ever since the spinal injury that ended the career of JerMichael Finley. That needs to end. Marcedes Lewis may have played his last NFL game Sunday night, and Jimmy Graham may have as well. If not, it release Graham and do not re-sign Lewis. Robert Tonyan is a decent player and rookie Jace Sternberger’s first season was stunted by injuries. He could become something more. Add two tight ends in the draft, one early, and one late.
4. Backup quarterback position – The Packers are trusting Rodgers to stick with the team for the forseeable future, but might do well to pick up a veteran quarterback as backup. When the time comes for Rodgers to fade out, that’s when the team should draft a future starter. For now, pick up a trusted vet.
5. Safety depth- The Packers starting safeties are good, and Raven Greene could still be a solid player for them who covers tight ends and running backs, but the Packers need to add more safety depth, possibly two in the draft. One in the mid-rounds, and one in the later rounds.
