When reviewing the Packers’ roster and game tape, it is easy to see why observers are fawning over the rising team’s potential. General manager Brian Gutekunst and LaFleur have assembled a collection of young studs with enticing potential at the marquee positions, while perfectly matching the scheme to accentuate the talents of a quarterback who looks like the long-term answer in Titletown.

LaFleur’s offensive acumen was previously overshadowed by Rodgers’ excellence as a perennial MVP candidate, but the head coach’s best work has been transforming Love from a wild-card draft prospect in 2020 to a top-10 quarterback as a first-year starter in 2023. Love posted a 4,000-yard passing season with the second-most touchdown passes in the league (32). The two second-half interceptions in the Divisional Round loss at San Francisco left a bad taste, sure, but make no mistake about it: Love checks off all of the boxes as a high-end franchise quarterback.

In addition to the signal-caller’s remarkable transformation, the impressive performance of the Packers’ young group of wide receivers (Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton) and tight ends (Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft) suggests the team’s development process is one of the best in the league. The versatile offensive line’s ability to perform at a high level — while plugging young players into the rotation in various roles — further speaks to the exceptional work of the coaching staff under the offensive-minded LaFleur.

Defensively, the Packers hope new coordinator Jeff Hafley can make an immediate impact by implementing a “see ball, get ball” scheme that should benefit Green Bay’s young, athletic defenders. The former Boston College head coach’s experience with collegians could help him craft a plan that enables the defense to play faster on the perimeter. And seeing how this franchise adheres to a “size, speed and length” draft philosophy, unlocking all of these physically gifted defenders should bear plenty of fruit for a defense that has underperformed in recent years.

If Green Bay’s defense improves and the offense carries over its success from the back half of last season, watch out! The Packers could emerge as a true powerhouse, making a playoff run that results in LaFleur getting his flowers as one of the best coaches in the game.