In a blink of an eye, the Packers’ season ends in brutal fashion. A season that started against the Eagles in Brazil ends against the Eagles in Philadelphia. However, the team that started this Packers season looks eerily similar to the team whose season ended on Sunday night. It seems there was little progress on what looked to be a promising year.
Matt LaFleur has reached the playoffs in five out of six seasons as head coach and has proven his ability as a dynamic play caller. However, this season was a disaster from a coaching standpoint, especially in the final games.
It feels like the Packers took one step forward, yet two steps back. The success of last season brought massive expectations for this year. Most of these expectations may have been a little unrealistic, but the pieces are there.
The 2025-2026 season begins right now. While I believe this team is still set up for future success, there are two glaring issues that are rearing their ugly head. To be able to compete at the highest level in a loaded division, these issues must be addressed.
Game Management
The last three games of the Packers season were a disaster. Managing the end of games is so important. You can have all the talent, the best play calling and it can mean nothing if you can’t manage the clock.
Matt LaFleur’s choices, especially managing end of half situations have been puzzling. During the end of the first half in the Seahawks game, there was ample time to drive down the field. Instead, LaFleur played it extremely conservative, draining the clock and opting for a field goal.
It is understandable that you don’t want to put the game in jeopardy. However, sometimes LaFleur does it to the detriment of the team. I would rather my coach give the team every opportunity to win the game, even if they might fail. Playing scared and tight is hurting this team, and I believe it is a reflection of the coaching staff.
In the final seconds of the Bears game, LaFleur seemed to not know what Brandon McManus’s field goal range was. On top of that, he didn’t do anything with the clock, and instead McManus kicks with an entire fifty-five seconds left. Giving the Bears plenty of time to drive down the field to win the game.
In the playoff game against the Eagles, there were plenty of times when the play calling didn’t match the reality of how the game was playing out. There was no sense of urgency on offense when the Packers were significantly behind. This off season, LaFleur is going to need to do some soul searching on how he wants to manage games going forward.
Where is the Passing Game?
Jordan Love absolutely shined in the playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. All of a sudden, every single playmaker was especially highlighted. On the biggest stage, the Packers were able to showcase the depth of this receiver room.
A major issue this season is none of the pass catchers truly stepped up. Christian Watson stayed healthy most of the season. However, it seemed like LaFleur was unable to truly get him involved to the best of his abilities. A non-contact injury versus the Bears now has Watson’s 2025 status in limbo.
Jayden Reed took a massive step back, very noticeably with dropping issues. Dontayvion Wicks is the best route runner on the team but also couldn’t catch everything thrown his way. Romeo Doubs was fairly reliable. However, earlier in the season he was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
Doubs also suffered another concussion Sunday night. Two concussions within a couple of weeks is serious. This leaves Bo Melton and Malik Heath who saw limited action all season. The pass catcher to take the biggest step was Tucker Kraft, a yards after catch machine.
For the Packers to seriously contend in 2025, the passing game has to be unlocked. Receiver will undoubtedly be a need in either free agency or through the draft. With an explosive run game led by Josh Jacobs, there has to be answers and they need to be found quickly.
The 2025 Season Kicks off in Green Bay
Sure, there is the combine in Indianapolis that will gather excitement. However, the 2025 draft is set to be host in Green Bay. The draft is when all the major anticipation starts for the next year, and Green Bay has a chance to start everything out on the right foot.
With the Minnesota Vikings falling to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, the Green Bay Packers will have the 23rd pick in the draft. Though this season did not end how any of us wanted, there is a bright future ahead for this young team.
The Packers are the second youngest team in NFL history to make the playoffs, behind only the 2023 Green Bay Packers. There is time to recoup and reflect, but the Super Bowl window is open. Nevertheless, the Packers must act with urgency as nothing is guaranteed and these windows can close unexpectedly. Onward to 2025. The off season is now.
