Pros and cons of Packers bringing back Nathaniel Hackett

Cons of Packers reuniting with Nathaniel Hackett

Well, it’s hard to look at how ineffective the Broncos offense was with Hackett at the helm. Hackett notably said during an appearance at a Denver Nuggets game that the team is going to “score a lot of points.” As mentioned, the Broncos put up the fewest points per game among all NFL teams. This is with an offense that contained wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Again, Wilson hasn’t played up to par, but it’s up to the coach to get the most out of the team, especially a coach with offensive experience like Hackett.

Let’s look at the offensive statistics for the Broncos after Week 16 (via ESPN). Spoiler alert, they aren’t pretty.

• Total Offensive Yards Per Game: 316.6 (25th in NFL)
• Passing Yards Per Game: 209.1 (20th)
• Rushing Yards Per Game: 107.5 (23rd)
• Points Per Game: 15.5 (32nd)
• Third Down Percentage: 28.6 (32nd)
• Total First Downs: 257 (27th)

Not to mention, looking at the Packers offense during his time, how much credit does he deserve? Let’s not forget that head coach Matt LaFleur was an offensive coordinator or quarterbacks coach on various teams. That, and Rodgers does carry the leeway to make call audibles.

There is also the Davante Adams effect. You see how much of a drop-off in production the offense had since his departure. That, and Rodgers had to build chemistry with rookie wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Could Hackett help turn things around, especially if they were to add to the wide receiver room, via the NFL Draft, free agency or the trade block? The issue is, none can replace what Adams brought to the team on a weekly basis.

This is a tricky situation for the Packers. While Hackett does have supporters in the organization, it may not be a well-received by the fanbase. Especially with how ugly his tenure with the Broncos turned out to be.