The last few weeks have been tough sledding for Packers faithful. Between the injury implosion to the Broncos, the collapse against the Bears, and the defense reverting to 2011 against the Ravens, there hasn’t been a lot to cheer about. While normally I would use this space to preview the weeks next matchup, the combo of injuries and players potentially sitting make that a tricky endeavor.
So instead lets look back at the Packers season in it’s entirety. The good, the bad and which might carry over into the playoffs and beyond.
The Packers Did It Again
Jordan Love took the step in 2025 that people thought he would in 2024 before injuries derailed his season. Going into the Broncos game he was third in MVP odds, and if not for injuries and a cheap shot to the head he would likely still be in that conversation. Love has consistently been among the top performers amongst advanced metrics as we can see below
The chart in question is being used to discuss Drake Maye and Matt Stafford, but nestled right between them is Jordan Love. Better than Dak, better than Allen, and better than pretty much everybody else.
If those numbers aren’t enough go ahead and take a look at QBR. Love is second in the league behind only likely MVP winner Drake Maye. Love has used his legs better this season than years past and has cut back on turnovers in a big way as well.
The chances that this season ends with a Lombardi trophy seem fairly bleak right now, but one thing is certain, Green Bay has a guy that can absolutely take them to the promised land.
Parsons Has Been Worth Every Cent
Watching Micah Parsons go out for the season felt like the season ending for Green Bay. That’s how good Parsons was this season for Green Bay. The before and after performances of the Packers defense illustrate just how good he’s been.
Pre injury the Packers defense was a top ten unit. They allowed only one opponent to score more than 25 points. They held seven teams under 20 points. In the last three weeks however they’ve given up 30 plus points to two of their last three opponents. Parsons was directly responsible for a few wins – most notably the Cardinals game where his three sack performance shut down multiple Cards drives.
While it’s not ideal, an ACL injury simply isn’t the doom it used to be. Look no further than Christian Watson this year, also coming off an ACL from last season having the best season of his career.
I expect Parsons to be ready for the start of the 2026 season and there’s every reason to believe that the Packers made the right call giving up the assets they did for a future HOF player at one of the most important positions in the sport.
Special Teams Needs A Change
This is going to be a short section because you can only yell into the void so much. Special teams this year has been a problem. A season altering problem. With the exception of the Denver and Baltimore games, the special teams directly contributed to each of the teams other losses and the tie to Dallas. With even a mediocre unit the Packers are likely a twelve win team and NFC North Champs.
Instead, for the third season in a row the Packers face an uphill battle as the 7th seed with no chance for a home playoff game.
This isn’t a new issue. And it highlights the biggest problem of the Matt LaFleur era. An unwillingness to move on when something clearly isn’t working. All of the pieces are there for this team to make a run over the next few years. But if a change isn’t made then it’s hard to argue that this organization is giving their all to winning a Super Bowl.
Packers Offseason Priorities
Whether Green Bay is one and done in the playoffs or makes a miracle run to the championship, the teams needs will likely be the same. I expect the team to move on from Elgton Jenkins, and while the Parsons injury muddies the waters, it wouldn’t surprise me if Rashan Gary was gone next year as well. Those moves should free up some cap space for Green Bay to pick up a free agent or two if they desire.
Whether it’s in free agency or the draft however, expect defensive tackle and cornerback to be the priority. With a healthy Parsons and Devonte Wyatt the pass rush was able to mitigate the weakness of the cornerback group. Without those two it’s evident just how weak that group is.
The need for defensive tackle was on full display against the Ravens, but has shown up consistently in the back half of the season. The Packers rank in the bottom third of possessions in the league in large part due to the defense not being able to stop the run effectively. If Green Bay can shore up the middle of it’s defense and give Jordan Love more opportunities, a run at MVP should be in the cards next year.
