The Green Bay Packers hit their stride on offense in the second half of the 2023 season. Jordan Love stood out as the highest-graded quarterback on PFF, while Jayden Reed broke the team's records for receptions by a rookie. The Packers were the only team to score more than 26 points against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2024, we can expect a more mature, confident, and comfortable Packers offense within Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Love's evolution as the franchise quarterback should suggest a more cohesive and experienced team. Their maturity should open doors for LaFleur and his coaching staff to explore more advanced concepts and diverse formations. Among the possible scenarios, it’s intriguing whether the Packers will incorporate more pro set formations.
What is a Pro Set formation?
The pro set is especially popular in high school. Teams can run and pass the ball with equal success out of the formation, creating uncertainty for the defense. Since the backs are opposite each other, it takes longer for the defense to identify the gap through which the offense will execute the running play.
How can the Packers take advantage of this formation?
Tucker Kraft is a versatile weapon who can play fullback in this formation. His ability to block in the running game and his skills as a receiver coming out of the backfield make him a key piece in the scheme. Josh Jacobs has the tools to lead Green Bay to a top-five rushing attack in 2024. If the offense can establish a solid threat on the ground, it will open up opportunities for Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Christian Watson to shine in the passing game.
Once they've established the run, the formation can become dangerous. Due to the real threat of a team running from the pro set, defenses become less inclined to defend against play action. It's worth noting that last year Love excelled as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when using play-action, recording 12 touchdowns and nine big-time throws.
Green Bay’s offensive line was a top-10 unit in pass blocking in 2023. However, they ranked 22nd in run blocking. The Packers need to develop a more balanced blocking game to be effective within pro set formations. Improving their run-blocking capabilities will be crucial in establishing a consistent ground attack, making their play action even more potent.
Green Bay should avoid making the pro set formation the blueprint of their playbook. The offense could become predictable if they rely primarily on a single concept. However, while these formations are more commonly seen in high school football and less utilized in the NFL, the Packers can leverage them effectively by playing to their strengths. If Green Bay practices enough to eliminate unfamiliar details within the formation and execute effectively, they could leverage the pro set to introduce unpredictability and generate explosive plays from unfamiliar looks
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