GREEN BAY, Wis. — We’ve had it pretty good around here since 1992. Green Bay Packers quarterbacks headed for the Hall of Fame. Division titles. Consistent contenders to be at the top of the NFC.
That was then. This is now. The 2023 Packers are 2-4. They are no longer among the elite. It’s highly unlikely they will win their division and the playoffs seem like a long shot. They’re not quite sure yet what they have at quarterback.
Sunday’s 19-17 loss at Denver removed any doubt that the Packers are in a “transition year.” Most of us saw it coming and many said they were ready for it. Now, we’re just going through the actual experience. It can be painful and ugly.
It’s not fun to watch the Packers lose games to opponents who aren’t very good. The Atlanta, Las Vegas and Denver games all were winnable.
Of course, you could argue that the Packers’ comeback win over the New Orleans Saints was a stroke of good fortune enabled by the Saints losing their starting quarterback (Derek Carr) when they had the lead. Otherwise, the Packers would have just one win.
I’m anxious to see how the Packers are treated the next two Sundays at home when they play the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams. Will the fans at Lambeau Field be patient and understanding? Or is this season not looking like they thought it would?
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said after Sunday’s loss that this adversity is “a true test for all of us.” I couldn’t agree more.