If a football fan is forced to wait until after sunset to watch their team play, the most frustrating possible outcome is a tie. This frustration compounds if your team was a heavy favorite coming off of a defeating loss. These exact factors combined for fans of the Green Bay Packers as they watched their team tie the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night football. Going into the bye, there is growing frustration with the Packers inside and outside the building.
High expectations – disappointing performance
The Packers were strong favorites to win against the Browns and Cowboys consecutively. Despite this, for the second week in a row, the Packers have failed to win against either opponent. These demoralizing results following an electric first 5 days of Packers football is the immediate source of frustration with the Packers.
The Packers immediately became Division if not Superbowl favorites the second that they traded for Micah Parsons. Dominant wins against the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, both playoff teams from a year ago, helped solidify that belief. Entering into their Bye week, the Packers’ expectations of success have melted into doubt.
Inside the locker room
“I won’t even lie, I’m pissed off. I’m very disappointed, just overall how we performed” was what Micah Parsons said after his first game as an away player in AT&T Stadium. The sentiment of frustration with the Packers was common in the postgame interviews, which sounded closer in tone to a loss rather than a tie.
Jordan Love echoed similar thoughts in his postgame press conference. “I think we left a lot out there” he said as he emphasized his focus for this year which is “consistency.” Matt Lafleur was primarily critical of himself but also emphasizing that it was the responsibility of the whole team. “We have a lot to clean up,” were the among the Packers’ head coach’s closing words as the team moved into the Bye week.
Achilles’ reinjured heel
The Browns’ game winning field goal came as a result of a blocked field goal attempt by the Packers. After losing a game due to a special teams error, fans should expect an extra focus on that aspect for the Packers. On the contrary, the Cowboys managed to block the Packers second extra point and return it for 2 points. This three point swing was not only a massive momentum swing in favor of the Cowboys, but also could have been the difference between a win and a tie.
The Packers have struggled as a franchise to achieve competent special teams play for over a decade. The failures of the unit have led to some of the most painful losses in Packers’ history. The 2022 season ended due to a 49ers blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown. Similarly Brandon Bostick ended the Packers 2013 season by failing to recover a Seahawks onside kick. Special teams have been a historic contributor of pain and frustration with the Packers.
Odious officiating
Although no game has been won or lost due solely to poor officiating, the referees can play a major role through their calls (or no calls). In fairness, the officials did penalize the Cowboys more than the Packers, but there were some headscratching decisions made by the referees. Aside from Micah Parsons being held all night without penalty, there were three plays in particular that were frustrating to watch.
On a goal line play, Elgton Jenkins advanced the ball slightly when getting into his stance earning a false start penalty. While this is technically a correct call, this movement is made by centers frequently without penalty.
In another example, Dak Prescott facing quick pressure launched the ball towards the sideline. Although it initially looked like a possible fumble or else a knocked ball, it turned out that he threw it completely untouched. In a suspicious no-call, the referees said there was a receiver in the area despite the nearest receiver being at least 10 yards downfield from Prescott’s lateral.
Finally, on the Packers final drive, Love attempted a downfield throw to Dontayvion Wicks. While it was desperation heave, it was on target and Wicks had a chance to catch it if he had stayed on his feet. This was impossible, however, as Daron Bland pulled him to the ground as he turned to catch the ball. Even though Bland’s arm was across Wick’s arms and pulling him to the ground, the referees did not call it pass interference.
A lot of factors have gone into the current frustration with the Packers. A turn from wild success to bewildering failure will do that for any team. The question for the team is can they get their season back on track, or will they continue to frustrate themselves and their fans.
