The Packers took the driver’s seat on Thursday, maintaining control of the Panthers. Ultimately, the Packers needed this win to remain competitive in their division. Each NFC North team continues to find success, leaving virtually no room for errors.
Behind the leadership of Jordan Love, the team always has a chance. Love is playing behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines and running game. However, he doesn’t let it rattle him nor does he make excuses.
There are several areas where improvement is needed quickly. Trey Smack missed another extra point but went on to redeem himself by making every other after the miss. The receivers continue to drop the ball in critical moments. They are at the top of the league in both penalties and dropped passes.
Meanwhile, the off-field mess with Josh Jacobs is nowhere near over. Over the weekend, more accusers came to light. These incidents had already been reported but are now known to the public. The Packers cannot ignore this report and will need to make a stance clear.
All of this leads into a game with the New England Patriots on Sunday. Another opportunity to continue to stack wins and ramp up for the second stretch of the season.
Packers Face New England in Foxborough
The 2026 season is already halfway through, and the groundwork will now be built for a postseason run.
There are glaring questions looming over the team. The offensive line is still not established, and the staff remains vague on Kevin Zeitler not seeing the field. The running game still struggles to get going and it starts with poor blocking.
According to several reports, Micah Parsons will begin his practice window. Eyeing a return on Thanksgiving Eve versus the Rams. Jonathan Gannon continues to coordinate a defense capable of winning despite missing Parsons.
Special teams’ woes still haunt every game, leaving little confidence in Trey Smack. If Smack struggles again on Sunday, Green Bay will have to find an answer if they want to make the playoffs.
The Patriots have also faced several ups and downs. While Drake Maye started the season on a rough note, he has bounced back and is playing clean football. When Maye is at his highest level, he can be a top quarterback in the league. The matchup between Love and Maye will be very entertaining.
There will be no reunion with Romeo Doubs, after suffering a shoulder injury, he moves to injured reserve. AJ Brown is also out with a knee injury, leaving Maye without his top two targets. Despite this, the Packers still open as 2.5-point underdogs.
Overall, the team will need to start this second half of the year on a positive note. Jordan Love cannot continue to carry the majority of the burden. There will need to be a solid plan in place if the Packers want to remain competitive, and Sunday is the perfect test.
