With the Green Bay Packers entering their bye week at 2-1-1, the team has shown flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency. After two underwhelming performances, the Packers could just as easily be 4-0 as they could be 2-2. Fortunately, with plenty of season left, head coach Matt LaFleur has time to fine-tune the roster and get the team back to looking like a true NFC contender. Now, with nearly a quarter of the 2025 season in the books, we have enough data to highlight three players who have exceeded expectations and three who have fallen short.
Three Surprises
WR Romeo Doubs
Coming off a turbulent 2024 season that included a team suspension and two concussions, Romeo Doubs faced uncertainty about his future with the Packers. However, the wide receiver silenced doubters with a stellar offseason and has emerged as Green Bay’s clear No. 1 wideout through the first four weeks. Doubs has recorded 11 first downs on 13 receptions for 179 yards and is tied for third in the NFL with four touchdown receptions. His 137.9 NFL passer rating when targeted ranks third among wide receivers with at least 10 targets, showcasing his efficiency and reliability. The chemistry between Doubs and quarterback Jordan Love is undeniable, quashing any trade speculation for the season. Doubs’ performance has solidified him as a cornerstone of Green Bay’s title-contending offense.
DE Lukas Van Ness
The former top-15 pick entered 2025 with buzz about a potential breakout season, and he’s delivering on that promise. Lukas Van Ness has shown significant improvement as a pass rusher in his third year, ranking second on the team with 13 pressures and boasting a 16.7% pass-rush win percentage—a massive leap from 6.1% in 2023 and 9.8% in 2024. While he’s only recorded 0.5 sacks so far, his ability to consistently win matchups suggests more are on the way. Van Ness’ development is a promising sign for a Packers defense looking to dominate.
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks early in 2025. Despite playing behind an injury-riddled offensive line, Love ranks fifth in passing yards, eighth in completion percentage, tied for second in passer rating, and tied for third in touchdown passes. His timing and rhythm within Matt LaFleur’s offense have noticeably improved from last season, demonstrating his growth as a healthy starter. While a couple of turnovers in the past two weeks have been costly, Love’s overall performance has been exceptional, making him a driving force behind Green Bay’s early success.
Three Disappointments
LB Edgerrin Cooper
Expectations were sky-high for linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who was pegged as a potential All-Pro in 2025 after a standout rookie campaign. However, Cooper’s play has been underwhelming so far. His tackling has regressed significantly, with 10 missed tackles in just four games—compared to 14 missed tackles over 14 games last season. Additionally, Cooper has yet to record a tackle for loss this year, a stark contrast to his 13 tackles for loss in 2024. While his talent remains undeniable, Cooper’s inability to make impactful plays has been a letdown for a defense that relies on his playmaking ability.
LT Rasheed Walker
The offensive line has been a weak spot for the Packers this season, and left tackle Rasheed Walker has been a primary culprit. A dependable starter over the past two years, the 2022 seventh-round pick has struggled mightily in 2025. Walker leads the team with 13 allowed pressures and has a 10.3% pressure rate on pass plays, ranking 11th-worst among 58 qualifying offensive tackles, per PFF. He’s also surrendered two sacks in the past two games. With a potential big contract on the horizon, Walker’s poor performance could cost him if he doesn’t turn things around soon.
C Elgton Jenkins
Elgton Jenkins, a Pro-Bowl guard in 2020 and 2022, has struggled in his transition to full-time center in 2025. Once considered a top center prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, Jenkins has failed to live up to expectations at his new position. Among 35 centers with at least 100 offensive snaps this season, he ranks 23rd, per PFF. While switching positions after seven years in the NFL is no small feat, Jenkins’ versatility has long been a strength, and center isn’t entirely new to him. His slow start has been a disappointment for an offensive line that desperately needs stability.
Looking Ahead
As the Packers head into their bye week, the performances of Doubs, Van Ness, and Love provide optimism for a team with championship aspirations. However, the struggles of Cooper, Walker, and Jenkins highlight areas where improvement is critical. With Matt LaFleur’s track record of maximizing his roster’s potential, there’s every reason to believe Green Bay can address these issues and come out stronger in the weeks ahead. The bye week offers a chance to reset, refine, and prepare for a deep playoff run.