GREEN BAY (WLUK) –It’s hard for the Packers to be mad about making the playoffs the last two seasons when a lot of teams would love to be in such position.
The team has reiterated how proud it is of that accomplishment, but what usually follows is the acknowledgement that there is more that can be achieved.
In a place that’s nicknamed ‘Titletown’, just making the playoffs doesn’t cut it. Winning titles is the expectation.
On day two of this year’s organized team activities, or OTAs, Packers quarterback Jordan Love acknowledged it’s time to bring another title to Titletown.
“Going on year six. Going on my third year playing. Everything is right there in front of us and for this team. It’s just about going out there and executing,” Love said. “But the goal is definitely Super Bowl. That’s the mindset we have.”
Increased urgency. That’s what Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he needed to see more of from the Packers at the end of the 2024 season.
“You always have some disappointments in the year,” Gutekunst said. “I think for me, the thing that’s been on my mind as we’ve concluded this season is we need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency.”
Initially, the thought was that meant the team would add some big names in free agency at positions of need.
However, Gutekunst later clarified at this year’s NFL owners meetings his message was for the players and coaches currently on the team.
While speaking at Wednesday’s OTAs, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed agreed with Gutekunst.
“I’ve made the playoffs but I’m not satisfied. Every year is to elevate and be better,” Reed said. “My goal is to be even more hungry than I was last year.”
Matt LaFleur acknowledged that despite there being a lot of continuity from last year’s team to this years, they still have to begin building for the 2025 season from the ground up.
Despite starting from scratch, LaFleur still expects guys to be locked in and focused on the details.
“I got after the guys pretty good today because yesterday wasn’t great. It wasn’t clean. I thought today was much more productive,” LaFleur said. “Fundamentally in theory, you should be flawless in regards to taking the right footwork and just playing with good pad level and fundamentals.”
Safety Xavier McKinney, who is entering his sixth season in the league and second with the Packers, emphasized what the team does during OTAs and June’s mandatory minicamp will pay dividends once the season comes.
“By building the future we’ve got to work on the present. The present is now and what we do at OTAs,” McKinney said. “Just continuing to build, continuing to sharpen up our tools and getting sharper on our calls.”
Along with an increased sense of urgency, Gutekunst emphasized at the end of the 2024 season needing to see more consistency from players.
“The only one that can really stop us is us,” Packers running back Josh Jacobs said. “If we lock in on the things we need to do and put in the work, then we’ll reap the benefits.”