2023 NFL Power Rankings: Green Bay Packers

Lesson learned: Jordan Love needs more time.

Love threw seven touchdowns and just one interception in his first three games, and with a 2-1 record, it looked like the transition period from Aaron Rodgers would be minimal. Then reality hit in Games 4 and 5 -- the reality that Love is still inexperienced and is surrounded by even less experience -- as he threw five interceptions to one touchdown combined in those two games. His most veteran playmaker, running back Aaron Jones, has missed more snaps than he has taken so far, and Love doesn't have anyone else he can consistently rely on yet. -- Rob Demovsky

The Packers have dug their own holes during their 2-3 start, with two road losses coming by a combined five points, and they can't afford to dig another one at Denver in Week 7 coming out of their bye. They must find ways to get going offensively earlier in games. In their three defeats, they've logged 16 first-half points -- and only six in the past two losses. Green Bay's last first-half TD in any game came in Week 2 at Atlanta, and the team has been outscored 69-26 in first halves this season. Jordan Love isn't alone in terms of sharing blame. But in Weeks 1 and 2, the quarterback committed zero turnovers, and he posted just one in Week 3. Over the past two games, he's thrown five picks. Without the defense playing lights out, that won't cut it.

They come off their bye with a lot of guys getting healthy. That's important. Jordan Love needs to be better.

Assuming they're revitalized coming out of their bye, could be time to go on a run given they're not scheduled to see an opponent currently sporting a winning record until Week 10.

The Packers haven't scored more than 24 points since Week 1, and they only beat the Saints by one point thanks to an improbable fourth-quarter comeback. Green Bay, which desperately misses running back Aaron Jones, is averaging 3.6 yards per play and 5.2 points in the first half of games. Both rank next to last in the league. Jordan Love is last in the league in completion percentage (55.6). The good news is the Broncos are up next.

Green Bay is in the unenviable position of not having a strength to lean on. The defense carried the day against Las Vegas last week, but they aren't a picture of reliability just yet. And obviously, the offense is going through some expected growing pains. Sounds like a team that's going to trade wins and losses often.

The Packers' next four games are winnable: at Broncos, vs. Vikings, vs. Rams, at Steelers. If the Packers are going to be any good this season, we'll find out over the next four games. Based on how they've looked the past couple weeks, maybe none of those games is winnable. (OK, anyone playing the 2023 Broncos should win.)

They need to start faster, or they'll be done by Thanksgiving.

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