The Green Bay Packers faced a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, leaving fans feeling underwhelmed. However, despite this setback, the team has clinched a playoff spot with an impressive 11-5 record. There’s still plenty to be optimistic about as they head into Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, and more importantly, as they prepare for the postseason. There’s much to like, and much to improve.

Let’s dive into our Packers Mailbag as we look ahead.

The Packers have undeniably been impacted by key players this season, and their absence has had a significant effect on the offense and defense alike. Christian Watson, while not the most dynamic player on the roster, adds a unique dimension to the offense. His exceptional speed, both vertically and horizontally, makes it far more difficult for opposing defenses to cover the Packers’ receivers. Without Watson, the offense lacks explosiveness and efficiency. His presence on the field draws significant attention from opposing defenses, which opens up opportunities for his teammates. When he’s absent, the offense simply isn’t the same.

On the defensive side, Jaire Alexander’s absence has been felt as well. Alexander is an All-Pro caliber player, and when he’s not on the field, the Packers’ secondary has to rely on Eric Stokes, who is a replacement-level player at best. Javon Bullard, though solid in the slot, has struggled in coverage, particularly as a rookie. While the Packers can still compete without these two key players, their return would undoubtedly improve the team’s chances of success, both offensively and defensively. Though they’re not quite a powerhouse without them, having Watson and Alexander back in the lineup would certainly put the Packers in a much more favorable position.

Looking ahead to the draft, the Packers are often faced with the challenge of selecting players from the late first round. When drafting late, they have to take risks and look for high-ceiling players who could develop into stars. It’s a tough task, especially when considering a player like Lukas Van Ness, who, despite being the 13th overall pick, has yet to show the potential to become a blue-chip player. On the other hand, players like Jordan Morgan, who have immediate star potential, don’t typically fall to the end of the first round. Sometimes, like with Jordan Love, the Packers’ gamble pays off. Other times, it doesn’t. When they’ve tried to fill immediate needs, such as with Eric Stokes and Quay Walker, the results have been hit or miss.

The Packers’ offensive line has generally been one of the best in the league when it comes to pass protection, but their performance against the Vikings was less than stellar. However, it’s important to note that no team has had much success against the Vikings’ defense this year. Brian Flores’ pressure packages are difficult to contain, and Minnesota’s defense is much improved compared to previous seasons. Even though the Packers struggled, their offensive line still has the potential to perform well if the wide receivers can get open more quickly against man coverage.

Looking at the season as a whole, the Packers have faced some tough competition, including the Lions and Vikings. Despite their losses, they’ve also had some impressive performances. For example, they led most of the game against the Eagles in Brazil and went wire-to-wire against the Dallas Cowboys in last season’s playoffs.

One thing the Packers might want to reconsider moving forward is their approach to receiving the ball first. While this strategy works well in blowouts against weaker teams, it hasn’t proven effective against stronger opponents. Starting the second half with the ball can be crucial in close games, and it might give the Packers a better chance of success. Matt LaFleur’s recent insistence on getting the ball first, which worked in the past, may no longer be necessary every week, especially given the team’s current strength and identity.

When it comes to playcalling, there was some controversy surrounding Jordan Love’s deep throw to Bo Melton, who was double-covered. It’s important to distinguish between the call and the execution. Love made a read and went with what he felt was his best option. When the protection breaks down, he has to make quick decisions—either taking a shot downfield or checking it down for a short gain. While the execution may not always be perfect, the process is often what matters most. In the passing game, the Packers have struggled with creating opportunities underneath the defense. Most of the passing attempts have been quick checkdowns with little opportunity for deeper routes. This is partly due to Love’s style of play, Josh Jacobs’ tendencies, and a lack of elite pass-catchers.

In summary, while the Packers have had their struggles, they are still very much in the playoff hunt. With a few adjustments, and the return of key players, they could make a significant impact in the postseason. There is plenty of potential for growth, and the team’s future looks bright as they continue to evolve under Matt LaFleur’s leadership.