The Green Bay Packers Haven’t Found Their Identity

Quarterback Jordan Love likes to push the ball down the field. Getting wide receiver Christian Watson back from injury has helped with explosive plays. Opposing teams know he wants to throw it deep, emphasizing taking away the deep ball.

The Carolina Panthers game plan was to limit chunk plays, forcing Green Bay to march down the field. The Packers have struggled with this all season, shooting themselves in the foot with penalties or negative plays.

Finding a solution in the run game to stay ahead of the chains and attacking the intermediate area of the field will be paramount for the Packers offense to find some consistency. LaFleur’s game plan and play calling must adapt for the offense to excel in the second half of the season, especially after losing Kraft.

Defensive Identity

The Green Bay Packers defense has more of an identity than the offense. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s philosophy is to limit explosive plays.

Last season the Packers defense lacked a consistent pass rush. Hafley got creative with different blitz packages to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

After trading for Micah Parsons before the start of this season, there has been less of a need to blitz. Rushing four and playing zone coverage behind it has been the defensive game plan this season. They force opposing teams to make long drives, banking on them making a mistake with a negative play or penalty. Then the pass rush gets to go to work.

This strategy has been effective, the defense ranks 5th in the NFL in opponents yards per game.

The area the defense needs to improve is forcing turnovers. They rank 31st in the NFL with only 5 takeaways through eight games.

As the 2025 NFL season hits its midpoint, the Green Bay Packers sit atop the NFC North standings, but the lack of clear offensive identity remains an issue. Building the offense around intermediate throws and finding ways to replace Kraft’s production is a must. Defensively, ramping up the aggression and hunting turnovers can make the defense elite. In a crowded NFC playoff picture, it is time to adapt or get left behind.