The Packers find themselves right where they left off last season, in yet another collapse. The stakes are a little different this time, but the outcome is the exact same.
Up 22-10 at one point, the game ends 22-38 and in a Vikings victory. Now, the team is faced with many of the same questions.
On paper, there is a ton of talent on the roster. However, the gaps end up being glaring. Most notably on the offensive line, where Jordan Love found himself running for his life.
The Packers can be great but will continue to be at square one if they can’t finish a game. What stops this team from being great is simply themselves. This could not have been more obvious on Sunday afternoon.
Packers Coaching Under Fire
The Vikings are a division opponent, and Brian Flores’ defensive identity is clear. He will blitz and send pressure like none other. Jordan Love was pressured at a record high, 40 out of 46 of his drop backs.
Flores’ defense is well known, and the Packers still looked completely lost. It is understandable that the offensive line is shaky. However, what is not acceptable is Sunday’s performance. This is a reflection of the coaching staff and not having their players prepared.
Jonathan Gannon’s defense for the most part, was playing with a lot of aggression. This ended up costing the team, led by questionable at best calls from the referring crew.
The Packers ended a drive three times, all wiped away by penalties. I can’t blame the defense for feeling defeat. Nonetheless, how the team responds to adversity is led by coaching, and it has not been good enough.
Since Micah Parsons has been out, the Packers are 0-9. There are little to no answers and this is a major problem that Matt LaFleur has to find the solution to. The patience continues to wear thin, and the grace is running out for LaFleur.
This team isn’t sustainable. Jordan Love will end up injured behind the offensive line as it is now. Love has another performance overshadowed by sloppy protection and consistent errors.
The next two games bring the Jets and the Falcons, which are absolutely must wins. How LaFleur responds to the issues brought forward by this game will determine the rest of the season. The Packers must overcome themselves, or they will continue to lose the same way over again.
