National Football League: Packers Cannot Use Youth as an Excuse as They Aim for Longer Postseason Run
Published Jul. 24, 2025, 5:15 p.m jili777. ET
In recent seasons, the Green Bay Packers have fielded the two youngest playoff teams in the last 45 years. As they strive for their first Super Bowl appearance since their championship run in 2010, they believe they have gained enough experience to take the next step.
“We’re not a young team no more,” three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark stated on Thursday following the Packers’ second training camp session. “We can’t use that excuse. We’ve got to get after it.”
While Clark’s assertion is up for debate given that the Packers still have a considerable number of younger players, the only members of the team in their 30s are 33-year-old kicker Brandon McManus and 30-year-old long snapper Matt Orzech. Both Clark and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins will reach that milestone this season as well.
Nevertheless, this year’s squad demonstrates more experience compared to past seasons. Last year, the Packers finished the season with an 11-7 record before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild-card round. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the team’s weighted age was 25.72, making them the second-youngest team to reach the postseason in the past 45 years. The only younger contender was the 2023 Packers, who had a weighted age of 25.58 and finished 10-9, advancing to the NFC divisional round.
Weighted age is a statistic that takes into account the amount of playing time each player receives. After last season’s playoff exit, general manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the need to “ramp up our sense of urgency,” a comment that captured considerable attention. okebet coupon code philippines
There’s a palpable feeling that the Packers are at a crucial moment in their championship window and need to seize this opportunity. “I know you guys made a lot about that comment, and really what that was about was I think, we had a lot of young players that have played a lot of football and they’re very experienced,” Gutekunst reflected ph 365 online casino. “But us older guys in this league understand that opportunities are scarce … you don’t have a lot of them. So understanding that takes some time, and that’s where I think the urgency comes from for me.” He added, “You have to recognize what lies ahead. We have a really good football team that has the capability to excel, and we need to take full advantage of that.”
Entering their seventh season under head coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers can feel optimistic about their chances. LaFleur boasts a record of 67-33, placing him among the top winning percentages for active coaches with at least 50 games, second only to Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh.
Quarterback Jordan Love, now in his third year as a starter, is entering his prime at the age of 26. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs comes off a Pro Bowl season with 1,329 rushing yards. The Packers also return six players who recorded at least 29 receptions last season, though Christian Watson is expected to miss much of the upcoming season following a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the 2023 regular-season finale.
On defense, the Packers retain their six leading tacklers from last year, along with Rashan Gary, who led the team with 7.5 sacks. This season marks their second year under coordinator Jeff Hafley. bmw gs1250 price philippines
A critical focus will be improving their performance within the division. swerte99.com registered Last year, the Packers posted a dismal 1-5 record against NFC North rivals, their worst divisional performance since 2005. Prior to last season, they held an impressive 22-8 record in NFC North games under LaFleur.
“I feel like if we uphold the standard and play how we know we should, I truly believe we have a Super Bowl team,” stated offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. “We already know we have a playoff team, but I feel like we have the potential to go all the way to the Super Bowl.”
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