The NFL offseason can be a lonely, dismal time. But on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST, life becomes bright again for Green Bay Packers fans.
Packers fans have navigated quite a wavy sea since Jan. 12 and that ugly 22-10 playoff ouster at the hands of eventual Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles. Following Jordan Love’s three-interception performance while trying to run the offense minus some key weapons, there was the high of the first-ever draft in Green Bay, the first wide receiver taken in the first round since 2002 and the heartwarming story of Barryn Sorrell’s long wait to be drafted.
Then there was the rollercoaster of fan favorite cornerback Jaire Alexander’s injury and eventual exit from Green Bay. Of course, just last week, as training camp was drawing to a close, the bombshell trade for Micah Parsons blew away the NFL landscape.
Talking heads and fans alike have pontificated on what lies ahead, which is part of what the off-season is about. We endure it the best we can and keep one eye closed when looking at Twitter or X or whatever it's called these days. But starting Sunday, we can sit back and enjoy the spectacle that is professional football. And cheer. Only starting then will questions begin to be answered.
Will Jordan Love take another step in proving he’s the long-term answer under center? Not everyone is convinced of it.
Will his receivers catch the ball?
Will Marshawn Lloyd ever get on the field?
Do Kesiean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs (when healthy, ahem) have what it takes to lead the cornerbacks room?
Will Edgerrin Cooper emerge into a Pro Bowler (or even All-Pro) as most believe he will?
Collectively, can the Packers take back the NFC North?
Will Jeff Hafley’s pass rush be more consistent with the addition of Parson? (OK, we probably can feel pretty good about that one.)
Finding out the answers to all these what-ifs is part of the fun, and part of the satisfaction week after week is that Sundays again have meaning for hardcore Packers fans. Sundays aren’t just about washing your car or mowing the lawn anymore, starting this weekend. It’s time to don your favorite Packers gear, pour your favorite beverage into your green and gold pint glass (or rocks glass) and bust out the brats.
And this Sunday, we’re going to start seeing the answers to all the above questions, and more, emerge. How the Packers fare at home against the Detroit Lions is going to be the beginning of the litmus test for how much ground the team has gained on its division rival (if any). And while the Lions have lost some key coaches and have new faces on the interior offensive line, dominating linebacker Aidan Hutchinson is back on the field following a broken leg last season in Week 6. The Packers are going to have a fight on their hands -- the Lions have won six of the last seven meetings, after all.
Last season, the Packers finished on a sour note, losing an ugly game to the Bears in Week 18 followed by the quick playoff exit. Hopes are now reborn. Let’s enjoy the ride, because it’s going to be over much sooner than we want it to be. And let’s hope the upcoming season ultimately ends the way we believe it can.