By 2nd Ezra | Sweet Science Sports (S³) | November 9, 2026
The Green Bay Packers have the talent to compete with the NFC's best teams, but one glaring weakness continues to raise questions about their championship potential: the running game.
Jordan Love gives Green Bay a legitimate passing threat. The defense has the personnel to compete. Yet the Packers remain an unbalanced offensive team, and that imbalance could become their downfall in the postseason.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Green Bay should seriously consider acquiring Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
A Running Game Holding Green Bay Back
Josh Jacobs has not provided the explosive rushing attack the Packers need. His performances have raised questions about his conditioning, burst, and overall effectiveness.
But Jacobs isn't solely responsible for Green Bay's struggles. The offensive line must also shoulder responsibility for failing to consistently create running lanes.
The problem extends beyond rushing statistics.
Without an effective ground game, opposing defenses can devote additional attention to Love and Green Bay's passing attack. That makes the offense more predictable, particularly in critical situations.
A championship contender needs multiple ways to beat an opponent.
Right now, Green Bay's rushing attack isn't providing that flexibility.
Jonathan Taylor Could Change the Equation
Taylor represents an opportunity to address that weakness with an established NFL running back.
His combination of vision, acceleration, and big-play ability could provide the explosive element Green Bay has been missing.
A productive Taylor would also benefit Love by strengthening the play-action passing game and giving the Packers a more dependable way to control possession.
The question isn't whether Taylor is talented enough.
It's whether Green Bay can create the blocking necessary to maximize his production.
Indianapolis Has a Difficult Decision
The Colts entered the season with competitive aspirations, including a major investment in cornerback Sauce Gardner that cost two first-round draft picks.
Now, Indianapolis faces questions about its direction following injuries, inconsistent execution, and disappointing performances.
The Cowboys game exposed some of those concerns. The Colts struggled with penalties, defensive breakdowns, and offensive mistakes.
Even the visible frustration of established players such as Taylor and Josh Downs has raised questions about the team's morale.
Those observations don't establish that players have stopped competing, but they illustrate the difficult atmosphere surrounding a struggling franchise.
If Indianapolis is transitioning into a rebuild, retaining an expensive veteran running back deserves reconsideration.
Trading Taylor could help the Colts recover valuable draft capital.
The Risk Is Worth Considering
Green Bay shouldn't surrender its future recklessly.
Taylor would come with a significant financial commitment, and the Packers would still need to improve their run blocking.
But championship opportunities aren't guaranteed to last.
The Packers have an established quarterback, a competitive roster, and a realistic opportunity to challenge the NFC's strongest teams.
Adding Taylor wouldn't guarantee a Super Bowl appearance.
It would give Green Bay another offensive dimension, one that could become especially valuable in January.
S³ Final Analysis
The Packers are a legitimate playoff contender, but their running game leaves questions about their Super Bowl potential.
Jonathan Taylor is the type of player who could help change that conversation.
Indianapolis may be entering a period of rebuilding, while Green Bay is trying to maximize its current championship opportunity.
That creates a potential trade partnership worth exploring.
The Packers don't need to rebuild their offense. They need to make it more complete.
S³ Verdict: Green Bay should pursue Jonathan Taylor before the trade deadline, provided the acquisition cost is reasonable.
S³ | Where Intelligence Meets Impact.
