The JJ Watt teams have officially started. The Green Bay packages, like many other teams interested in adding the future defensive line of the Hall of Fame, will have to sell Watt why it makes sense to join their team over all the others already lining up to add him.
The ground could be easier for the Packers, who have some incredible built-in advantages. But without significant financial resources available, the Packers may have to rely on other relevant factors to win the opportunity to acquire former Houston defender Houston.
Here’s how the Packers might try to sell Watt on the idea of playing in Green Bay in 2021:
– Almost guaranteed opportunity to play post-season football. The Packers have been in the postseason 10 times in the last 12 years, including seven times as division champions. They won a Super Bowl in 2010 and played in five NFC title games during this period. Don’t stay home during January.
– The team is ready to win right now. The Packers have been 26-6 in the last two seasons, with NFC North titles back-to-back and back-to-back trips to the NFC title game. Watt has never been to a conference title game. This is a team able to fight for the Super Bowl this season. No reconstruction is required.
– Hall of Fame defender. The game with Deshaun Watson was not enough in Houston, but in Green Bay, Watt would receive Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 NFL MVP and the future Hall of Famer. In Year 2 with Matt LaFleur, Rodgers created 51 touchdowns and led defense no. Who knows what he will do for an encore in 2021.
– The chance to add to the legacy. Watt did everything individually. Coming home and helping Rodgers and the Packers return to the Super Bowl would add an impressive chapter to his Hall of Fame career. He would forever be one of the most adored and decorated players in the history of the state.
– Opportunities for fast transit. All great defenders love to disturb the defender. Well, the Packers often play to their advantage and offer opportunities to go and catch the passer. Watt only had five sacks last season, but he was still disruptive. Better game scripts in Green Bay could unlock faster production from Watt.
– Stable management structure. The Packers operate at the opposite end of the spectrum like the Texans, who quickly became the league’s laughing franchise. The Packers have four strong leaders – Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball and Mark Murphy – who lead a stable franchise that knows how to win. Consistently.
– Help the front. So many double and constant teams. The Packers have Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary already in their place on defense four. Add Watt to the mix and everyone’s life gets easier, including Watt’s. Offenses cannot double everyone’s team.
– The chance to fill the leadership gap. The Packers already have Rodgers to lead on offense. The defense could use a leader with the same level of influence. Think about when the Packers added Charles Woodson or Julius Peppers. Watt could be the respected universal leader this talented group needs. And he would embrace the opportunity.
– Scheme. We don’t know much about new defensive coordinator Joe Barry yet, but he’s been in Los Angeles with Aaron Donald for four years, so he should have a pretty good idea about getting inside defenders the right opportunities to create disruption. Watt and Donald are not synonymous players, but Barry will likely bring a gap plan to Green Bay that could suit Watt’s abilities.
– Nr. 99 is (almost) available. Watt wore the number 99, going back to his days in Madison. Willington Previlon, the coach’s defensive back, has the number now, but the assumption is that Watt could get it without much trouble. Just think how many t-shirts no. 99 watts would sell the team.
– Close to home. Last but not least, playing in Green Bay means returning to Wisconsin. Watt is already a beloved figure in the state and still lives there out of season. He grew up as a fan of the team and will almost certainly appreciate the chance to come home and fulfill a small child’s dream of wearing green and gold and playing at Lambeau Field.