Packers' New Look: Why Getsy's Return and Gannon's Scheme Won't Be a Quick Fix
Green Bay’s front office made some noise this offseason, bringing back Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator and hiring Jonathan Gannon to run the defense. Fans are buzzing, hoping these moves mean a quick return to contention after a disappointing 8-9 finish in 2023. But let’s pump the brakes a bit.
Getsy’s return is interesting. He was the passing game coordinator under Matt LaFleur from 2020-2021, a period where Aaron Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs. In 2020, the Packers led the league in scoring with 31.8 points per game. That’s a good resume, right? Thing is, Rodgers was also at the peak of his powers then, throwing 48 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions in 2020. Jordan Love isn’t Aaron Rodgers, at least not yet. Love showed flashes last year, especially late in the season, throwing 18 touchdowns to just 1 interception over his final eight games. But the offense still ranked 11th in overall scoring. Getsy’s challenge will be to build on that without the safety net of a future Hall of Famer.
The Getsy Offensive Scheme: More Than Just Familiarity
Getsy’s last gig as offensive coordinator in Chicago wasn’t exactly a highlight reel. The Bears finished 27th in points per game in 2023, averaging a paltry 18.2. Justin Fields, while a dynamic runner, never fully developed as a passer under Getsy. This isn’t to say Getsy can’t succeed in Green Bay. He knows LaFleur's system inside and out. The Packers' offensive line, which allowed 30 sacks last year – tied for 10th fewest in the league – is solid. Running back Josh Jacobs, signed to a four-year, $48 million deal, brings a different dimension than Aaron Jones did. Jacobs led the NFL in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards. That kind of ground attack could open up play-action for Love.
But the real question is how Getsy adapts. Will he force Love into a system that might not perfectly fit his strengths, or will he tailor the offense to maximize Love's decision-making and accuracy, which were evident in that late-season surge? Love completed 64.2% of his passes last year, a respectable number for a first-year starter. If Getsy can unlock more big plays downfield while maintaining that efficiency, Green Bay’s offense could take a step forward. My hot take? Getsy's impact will be less about revolutionary changes and more about subtle refinements, leading to a slight bump in red-zone efficiency but not a top-five offense in 2024.
Gannon's Defensive Shift: A 3-4 Base in Green Bay
On the defensive side, Jonathan Gannon arrives with a reputation for aggressive playcalling. The move to a 3-4 base defense signals a philosophical shift from the previous regime. Gannon’s Cardinals defense in 2023 was, to be kind, not great. They finished 31st in points allowed, giving up 26.8 points per game. However, Gannon was working with significantly less talent in Arizona. The Packers, on the other hand, have some pieces. Kenny Clark remains one of the best interior linemen in the league, recording 7.5 sacks last season. Rashan Gary, despite battling injuries, still managed 9 sacks in 17 games.
The 3-4 scheme often relies on strong edge rushers and versatile linebackers. Green Bay has Gary and Preston Smith, who had 8 sacks last year. The bigger question mark is at inside linebacker and in the secondary. Quay Walker has shown flashes but needs more consistency. The cornerback room, led by Jaire Alexander, who played in just 10 games last season, is talented but has been plagued by injuries. Gannon's success will hinge on his ability to maximize the talent he has and, crucially, to get his players to buy into a new system quickly. His track record in Philadelphia, where the Eagles defense ranked 8th in points allowed in 2022, is more indicative of his potential.
The Road Ahead for Green Bay
The changes are significant. Getsy knows the building, and Gannon brings a clear defensive identity. But expecting an immediate jump to Super Bowl contention after an 8-9 season is wishful thinking. The NFC North is getting tougher; the Lions won the division with a 12-5 record last year. The Packers' schedule includes matchups against the Vikings, Bears, and Lions twice, plus road games against the Eagles and Seahawks.
This isn’t a complete overhaul, but it’s a retooling. The pieces are there for Love to continue his development, and for the defense to be more aggressive. But it won't be seamless. I predict the Packers will finish 10-7, good enough for a Wild Card spot, but they won't win the NFC North.