“I can’t believe it, I don’t get it.” That was NBC Sports’ Chris Simms‘ response to learning the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears had the same odds to win the NFC. “Either it’s just totally [the] Aaron Rodgers Jordan Love thing” Simms continued “and we don’t know what it’s going to look like? And then it’s a totally over the top love fest of Justin Fields and the jump he will make?”
As the NFL world watches, comments on, and doubts Jordan Love’s every step, the Green Bay Packers are busy trying to put together a winning football team. Make no mistake, for Green Bay to be successful in its 2023 campaign Love will most certainly have to be a factor. But what Simms and others are able to see amidst the hot takes is that there are other spots on Green Bay’s roster that could potentially jump up and make a season changing impact.
Simms believes second year defensive tackle Davonte Wyatt is a top candidate on that list. When asked who his potential difference maker on the Packers was, the respected analyst responded:
“A guy that kind of really went through a lot of crap last year, he was a rookie last year, you know I like him…Devonte Wyatt. To me the two Georgia boys in the middle are the big ones I want to watch. Even Quay Walker the linebacker but Devonte Wyatt, they got a steal at the end of the first round because of off the field issues that had scared some teams. I think he was widely viewed as a top 15 top 16 top half of the first round pick. So yes he dealt with some injuries in training camp or whatever else, I don’t think he ever got to get to a point in the season where he was hitting on all cylinders. If he can that takes this defense over the top. Because you have him and Kenny Clark and you Rashaun Gary and Preston Smith on the outside then you start to go “whoa there’s some problems here.” We know those corners are on the outside here too. He’s the guy I’m going to have my eye on big number 95 Davante Wyatt.”
Music to Cheeseheads ears. Last year was a disappointment for Wyatt and those that cheered for him, but all involved believe he has an extremely high ceiling. HIs growth could be a crucial cog in the Packers upsetting the odds makers.
Sims wasn’t completely dismissing the Jordan Love factor, in fact, he went on to detail what he believes to be Love’s challenges and what he’s looking for from the first time starter and offense in the preseason.
“I mean like even in preseason the processing element you get into training camp…and you start to call plays and you get into a comfort zone…that’s the thing that I want to see ‘wait the first guy’s not open” how quickly are you going to get through? That’s something that’s been a little bit of the issue when you dive back into his old film of like the first guy’s not open, he can hang on that guy too long or want to fit it into a tight window. Will he move on and get to the second and the third guy and not hold the ball too long or get the ball to a check down or run or whatever.
…But when I talk about the offense in general, if they’re calling the most basic plays in the world I go ooh they’re really still kind of keeping the training wheels on. If I see a little more than that I think they’re comfortable and they’ve moved to the next phase of the Playbook with him and that’s what I’ll be looking for.”
All the attention will remain on Love through training camp, preseason and the regular season. but what Sims and Packers fans know is that if you are doubting them because of their quarterback and not focusing on the rest of the roster you are likely short-changing a very good football team.
