Packers Can't Use Youth as an Excuse as They Aim for Longer Postseason Run
They believe they're now experienced enough to take the next step as they chase the franchise's first Super Bowl berth since the 2010 championship season.
"We're not a young team no more," three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark said Thursday after the Packers' second training camp workout. "We can't use that excuse. We've got to get after it."
Clark's point is debatable, because Green Bay still has plenty of youth. The only Packers in their 30s are 33-year-old kicker Brandon McManus and 30-year-old long snapper Matt Orzech, though Clark and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins will both reach that milestone this season.
But it's a more tested group than the Packers had the last couple of years.
The Packers went 11-7 and lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild-card round last season with a roster that had a weighted age of 25.72, according to Elias Sports Bureau, making it the second-youngest team to reach the postseason in the last 45 years. The only younger team to do it was the 2023 Packers squad that went 10-9 and reached the NFC divisional round with a weighted age of 25.58.
Weighted age is a statistic Elias uses that takes into consideration how much playing time each player receives.
When the Packers' playoff run last season ended one round earlier than it had the previous year, general manager Brian Gutekunst discussed the need to "ramp up our sense of urgency," a remark that garnered plenty of attention.
There's a clear sense that the Packers are in the midst of a championship-contending window and need to capitalize.
"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 said. "But us old guys that have been in this league for a long time understand the opportunities that you have in this league … you don't have a lot of them. So the understanding of that, I think, takes a little time, and there's where I think the urgency for me is.
"You've got to understand what's in front of us. We've got a really good football team, the capability of being there, and you've got to take advantage of that."
The Packers have reason to feel good about their chances as they enter their seventh season under Matt LaFleur, whose 67-33 record gives him a winning percentage that ranks him behind only Philadelphia's Nick Sirianni and the Los Angeles Chargers' Jim Harbaugh among active coaches with at least 50 games.
Quarterback Jordan Love is a third-year starter entering his prime at 26. Josh Jacobs is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he rushed for 1,329 yards. The Packers return six players who caught at least 29 passes, though Christian Watson figures to miss much of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2023 regular-season finale.
On defense, the Packers return their six leading tacklers from last season as well as Rashan Gary, who had a team-high 7.5 sacks, as they enter their second year under coordinator Jeff Hafley.
The key is playing better within the division.
Green Bay's 1-5 record against NFC North opponents last year gave them their worst divisional record since 2005, when they also were 1-5 in those games. The Packers had gone 22-8 in NFC North games under LaFleur before last season.
"I feel like if we uphold the standard and play to how we know we should play, I feel like we've got a Super Bowl team," offensive tackle Rasheed Walker said. "I know we've got a playoff team, but I feel like we've got the potential to go all the way to the Super Bowl."
Reporting by The Associated Press.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League Green Bay Packers
recommended
Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bryan Cook reflects on the unprecedented success he and the rest of the Chiefs' 2022 draft class has had
Bryan Cook reflects on the unprecedented success he and the rest of the Chiefs' 2022 draft class has had originally appeared on A to Z Sports. A good portion of the Chiefs' recent success can be attributed to their 2022 draft class. Kansas City hit an absolute home run, drafting six players who are currently starters as they enter their fourth NFL season. Nine of the 10 selected are still on the roster, and eight of them have made notable contributions. The lone pick that didn't pan was offensive tackle Darian Kinnard. Safety Bryan Cook (second round, 62nd overall pick) is a member of that prestigious draft class. While speaking to the media after training camp practice on Tuesday, Cook was asked how he and the other members of the Chiefs' 2022 draft picks have responded to losing Super Bowl LIX. "We took a heartbreaking loss, but at the same time, we looked up and we realized that we accomplished history, too, for most franchise wins," Cook said. "We understand what the ultimate goal is, why we do this, why we come to training camp, why we wake up at certain times of the day. Always putting things into our body, as far as replenishing. It's all for that bigger goal. For us to come short, it's unfortunate, but you look at the bright side. I went to three straight [Super Bowls] in my first three years. My first postseason was a loss was in the Super Bowl. I'll take that any day of the week." Members of the Chiefs' roster who were drafted in 2022 boast an unreal 9-1 career postseason record. That is more playoff wins than most players in NFL history have ever had, and they'll have a great shot to add more in 2025. Let's take a look at what K.C.'s 2022 draftees have brought to the table throughout their first three seasons. CB Trent McDuffie: 43 career starts, two-time All-Pro. DE George Karlaftis: 44 career starts, 24.5 sacks. WR Skyy Moore: 43 receptions, touchdown catch in Super Bowl LVII. S Bryan Cook: 30 career starts, three interceptions. LB Leo Chenal: 32 career starts, 160 total tackles. CB Joshua Williams: 12 career starts, 18 passes defensed. CB Jaylen Watson: 38 games played, six passes defensed. RB Isiah Pacheco: 2,075 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns. CB Nazeeh Johnson: 27 games played, three passes the to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Black America Web
2 hours ago
- Black America Web
Black Head Coaches In The NFL & Division 1 College Football
Coalition Day Highlights Progress, Challenges for Black Football Coaches Coalition Day, celebrated annually on Aug. 6, honors the efforts of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) to improve diversity in football leadership. It highlights the progress of Black coaches in the NFL and NCAA Division I football while focusing on the challenges that remain and the path forward. RELATED: Here Are All The Black Executives And General Managers In The NFL RELATED: A List Of The Biggest Moves Of 2025 NFL Free Agency Prominent figures in football leadership today include Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, whose historic tenure demonstrates the impact of consistency and success at the highest level, and DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans, a rising leader known for his player-first approach. These individuals signify progress in representation across the NFL, though Black coaches account for just a fraction of head coaching positions league-wide. The college football landscape mirrors similar strides. Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, broke barriers as the first Black coach to reach a national championship game. At Penn State, James Franklin continues to lead a powerhouse program, emphasizing not only competitive success but also the advancement of minority representation in collegiate leadership. Despite these achievements, Black coaches often face systemic barriers in securing and maintaining top roles. The NCMFC addresses these challenges through key initiatives like the Coalition Academy, which pairs minority coaches with athletic directors to expand opportunities. Their '5 Years 1 Mission' campaign aims to increase minority hires across FBS programs. Coalition Day also emphasizes community outreach, including equipment donations and scholarships to benefit underserved areas. By celebrating achievements and addressing inequities, Coalition Day serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity in football leadership. The work of the NCMFC underscores the necessity for inclusive hiring practices and sustained support for minority coaches to ensure equitable opportunities in the sport. Black Head Coaches In The NFL & Division 1 College Football Black Head Coaches In The NFL & Division 1 College Football | #CoalitionDay was originally published on 1. Mike Tomlin – Pittsburgh Steelers Source:Getty Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured African American head coach in NFL history, has led the Steelers since 2007. Known for his defensive expertise and leadership, Tomlin has never had a losing season and won a Super Bowl in 2009. His consistency and ability to foster team unity make him a respected figure in the league. 2. Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Todd Bowles became the Buccaneers' head coach in 2022 after serving as their defensive coordinator. Renowned for his defensive strategies, Bowles emphasizes discipline and stopping the run. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers remain competitive in the NFC South. 3. DeMeco Ryans – Houston Texans A former NFL linebacker, DeMeco Ryans transitioned to coaching and became the Texans' head coach in 2023. His player-first approach and defensive acumen have earned him respect, as he works to rebuild the Texans into a competitive team. 4. Raheem Morris – Atlanta Falcons Raheem Morris, appointed Falcons head coach in 2024, brings a wealth of experience in both offensive and defensive roles. His comprehensive understanding of the game aims to revitalize the Falcons in the NFC South. 5. James Franklin – Penn State (Big Ten) James Franklin, Penn State's head coach since 2014, is the longest-tenured Black coach in FBS. Known for his recruiting prowess and leadership, Franklin has consistently kept Penn State competitive in the Big Ten. 6. Mike Locksley – Maryland (Big Ten) Mike Locksley has led Maryland since 2019, focusing on offensive innovation and player development. His tenure has seen Maryland improve its competitiveness in the Big Ten. 7. Thomas Hammock – Northern Illinois (MAC) Thomas Hammock has been the head coach of Northern Illinois University since 2019. A former NIU running back, Hammock returned to his alma mater with a deep understanding of the program's culture and values. Known for his balanced offensive strategies and emphasis on player development, Hammock has worked to restore NIU's competitiveness in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) 8. Jay Norvell – Colorado State (Mountain West) Jay Norvell, Colorado State's head coach since 2022, is known for his offensive expertise. He aims to elevate the program in the Mountain West Conference. 9. Charles Huff – Southern Mississippi (Sun Belt) Charles Huff, appointed in 2025, brings a strong background in player development. His leadership focuses on building a competitive team in the Sun Belt. 10. Tony Elliott – Virginia (ACC) Tony Elliott, Virginia's head coach since 2022, brings a strong offensive background. His leadership focuses on building a competitive program in the ACC. 11. Marcus Freeman – Notre Dame (Independent) Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame's head coach since 2021, made history as the first Black coach to lead a team to a national title game. His leadership emphasizes representation and team unity. 12. Deion Sanders – Colorado (Big 12) Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame player, became Colorado's head coach in 2023. Known for his charisma and recruiting skills, Sanders is revitalizing the program with a focus on discipline and player development. 13. Lance Taylor – Western Michigan (MAC) Lance Taylor, Western Michigan's head coach since 2023, focuses on offensive balance. His leadership aims to make Western Michigan a contender in the MAC. 14. Fran Brown – Syracuse (ACC) Fran Brown, Syracuse's head coach since 2024, focuses on defensive strength and team culture. His leadership aims to elevate Syracuse in the ACC. 15. Derek Mason – Middle Tennessee State (C-USA) Derek Mason, Middle Tennessee State's head coach since 2024, brings a defensive mindset. His leadership focuses on building a strong team in C-USA. 16. Sherrone Moore – Michigan (Big Ten) Sherrone Moore, Michigan's head coach since 2024, emphasizes offensive innovation. His leadership aims to maintain Michigan's dominance in the Big Ten. 17. Deshaun Foster – UCLA (Big Ten) Deshaun Foster, UCLA's head coach since 2024, brings a player-first approach. His leadership focuses on building a competitive program in the Big Ten. 18. Willie Simmons – Florida International (C-USA) Willie Simmons, appointed in 2025, brings a strong background in offensive strategy. His leadership focuses on rebuilding FIU into a competitive program. 19. Jerry Mack – Kennesaw State (C-USA) Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State's head coach since 2025, emphasizes discipline and player development. His leadership aims to establish Kennesaw State as a competitive program in C-USA.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Welcome to the WNBA in 2025: Most talked-about narrative isn't A'ja Wilson or Caitlin Clark, it's sex toys
Welcome to the WNBA in 2025: Most talked-about narrative isn't A'ja Wilson or Caitlin Clark, it's sex toys originally appeared on The Sporting News We're three incidents in now, so it's officially a trend. The most talked about moments in the WNBA for a little over a week now aren't buzzer-beaters or triple-doubles. They're fans throwing dildos onto the court. Yes, again. This time, it happened during Tuesday night's game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Indiana Fever at Arena. A green sex toy was thrown from the crowd and appeared to hit Fever guard Sophie Cunningham on the leg, per Ben Church of CNN. That would be wild enough on its own, but it gets more unhinged. Earlier this week, Cunningham posted on social media asking fans to stop throwing these things. So naturally, after getting hit, she quote-tweeted herself with: 'this did NOT age well.' She also posted to Instagram: 'No way that thing actually hit me. I knew I shouldn't have tweeted that.' Welcome to the WNBA, where the most consistent talk isn't Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark drama, it's copycat sex toy tossers. The timeline of rubber-fueled chaos is as follows: Tuesday in Los Angeles: Dildo hits Sophie Cunningham. Last Friday in Chicago: One lands near the basket during Sky vs. Valkyries. Three days before that in Atlanta: A toy thrown courtside leads to a fan's arrest and charges for public indecency, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespass, according to Reuters. Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts summed it up best after Tuesday's 100–91 win: 'I think it's ridiculous, it's dumb, it's stupid… It's also dangerous, and players' safety is No. 1.' After the Atlanta incident, the WNBA issued a statement warning fans that anyone who throws an object onto the court will be ejected, face a minimum one-year ban, and may also be prosecuted. 'The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority,' the league told CNN Sports. 'Objects of any kind thrown onto the court… can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.' And while safety is absolutely a concern, the league has to grapple with an uncomfortable truth. More people are talking about flying sex toys than anything happening in the actual games. In a summer where the WNBA should be capitalizing on stars like Clark, A'ja Wilson, and whatever Shaq can make out of Angel Reese, the headlines are rubber rockets interrupting play. Again. We'd say this is rock bottom, but let's be honest, there's probably another one headed for half court next week.
