2023 NFL Power Rankings: Green Bay Packers

Player: RB AJ Dillon
Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season

Dillon is in the final season of his rookie contract and is playing for his future this season -- whether it's in Green Bay or elsewhere -- but it's not off to the greatest start. He had a chance to make a statement last Sunday with Aaron Jones out, and Dillon managed just 3.7 yards per carry. He could have changed the game with 1 yard, but he was stuffed on a third-and-1 run in the fourth quarter. -- Rob Demovsky

It didn't exactly feel like the Packers blew Sunday's game against the Falcons, but they led by 12 points with 12 minutes left. And though it felt like Jordan Love getting the ball back with 57 seconds remaining and a chance to win it would be the real start of his legend in Green Bay, that wasn't meant to be. There were plenty of Packers deficiencies in the game (ahem, run defense), but for as well as Love played, he and the offense stalled late with a reasonable chance to win. After a slow start, Love led the Packers on four straight scoring drives (not counting the end-of-half kneel-down) in the second and third quarters. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay's offense totaled 7 net yards on 10 plays.

They blew a game against the Falcons after leading in the fourth quarter. The defense let them down late, which was somewhat surprising.

They were two points away from the franchise's first ever 2-0 start on the road. And considering the absences of WR Christian Watson, RB Aaron Jones, LT David Bakhtiari and (mostly) G Elgton Jenkins on Sunday, plenty of reasons for optimism — especially if QB Jordan Love can execute a sneak properly moving forward.

Jordan Love is second in the NFL in EPA per attempt (.40) and tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with six. The sting of blowing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter should be offset by the fact the Packers have another answer at quarterback.

Even with the loss, Jordan Love's first two games have been a total success. Still — ouch. The Packers had total control over Atlanta until they completely fell apart. The defense gave up 211 rushing yards, and the offense gained seven yards over its final three possessions. There were bound to be growing pains, but that was rough.

Jordan Love has played well and made some nice throws Sunday. But part of his development will be making winning plays in the fourth quarter, whether that's with the Packers trailing or leading. On Sunday, Green Bay led 24-12. It wouldn't have taken much to get over the finish line, but Love and the offense didn't put the game away. It's not the end of the world, especially without Aaron Jones, Christian Watson or David Bakhtiari, but Love has to be better in that spot next time.

They're going to regret blowing a game they should have won.

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