Packers Collapse Down the Stretch Raises Big Questions About the Future
It wasn’t that long ago-just over a month, in fact-when the Green Bay Packers looked like a team on the rise. After a 28-21 win over the rival Bears at Lambeau Field, they were sitting at 9-3-1, riding high with momentum and confidence. They’d swept the Detroit Lions, a team that had given them fits in recent years, and looked poised to make a serious push for the NFC North crown.
Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to believe how dramatically things have unraveled.
Four straight losses to close the season. Injuries piling up.
Offensive line breakdowns. Special teams miscues.
A defense that couldn’t get off the field when it mattered most. The Packers didn’t just stumble-they collapsed.
And now, instead of playoff game plans, the conversation has turned to free agency departures and whether head coach Matt LaFleur’s time in Green Bay might be winding down.
Yes, that’s where we are. From playoff contender to offseason uncertainty in less than six weeks.
LaFleur’s Future Now in the Spotlight
Despite being under contract, LaFleur’s status is suddenly a hot topic. Whispers around the league suggest that Green Bay’s front office is dragging its feet on an extension, and that’s not sitting well with some in NFL circles. According to reports, a couple of agents have taken shots at the organization, calling it a “mom-and-pop operation” and urging them to either commit to LaFleur or move on.
It’s a fair question: if the Packers believe LaFleur is their guy, why play hardball? He’s led this team to multiple playoff appearances, even if the deep postseason runs haven’t materialized.
And after a bold offseason trade for Micah Parsons, the message seemed clear-this team was going for it. Now, the vibe is anything but confident.
Special Teams Woes Continue
One area that’s become a consistent sore spot is special teams. And it’s fair to ask: how does Rich Bisaccia still have his job?
This unit has been a liability for years, and 2025 was no different. Game after game, the Packers were losing the hidden yardage battle, giving up big returns, and failing to flip the field.
Whether it’s poor coverage, inconsistent kicking, or just plain sloppy execution, the issues remain. If LaFleur is staying, addressing this phase of the game should be priority No.
- If he’s not, the next head coach will have to clean up a mess that’s been festering far too long.
Cornerback Play Leaves Much to Be Desired
The secondary didn’t do the Packers any favors down the stretch either. Tackling, or the lack thereof, became a glaring issue.
Carrington Valentine had multiple missed opportunities, looking hesitant at times to engage physically. Keisean Nixon struggled with assignments and effort, including a particularly ugly moment where he appeared to avoid contact altogether as a Bears running back barreled into the end zone during the playoff loss.
And remember the big free-agent splash at cornerback? The high-priced addition of Hobbs was supposed to stabilize the position. Instead, the unit looked disjointed and unreliable when it mattered most.
Offensive Line Breakdown
The offensive line, once a hallmark of this team’s identity, became a revolving door of injuries and inconsistency. Zach Tom’s lingering injury was a major blow, and the line never quite recovered. There’s talk that Elgton Jenkins could be on his way out this offseason, which would be another hit to a group already in flux.
Rasheed Wallace, in particular, had a rough stretch to end the year. His protection breakdowns left Jordan Love exposed far too often, especially in that playoff meltdown against Chicago. The run game, meanwhile, never found its footing-Packers backs were getting hit behind the line far too frequently, a far cry from the efficient ground attack we saw back in 2024.
There are some glimmers of hope, though. Rookie Jordan Morgan started to show signs that he belongs in the starting five.
If Tom returns healthy and Anthony Belton takes a step forward in his development, the line could stabilize. But that’s a lot of “ifs” for a team that needs answers, not questions.
Looking Ahead
So where does this leave the Packers?
The roster has talent, no doubt. But holes remain-at cornerback, along the offensive line, and especially on special teams.
The front office has decisions to make, not just about personnel, but about leadership. Is LaFleur still the guy to guide this team forward?
If so, give him the support and resources he needs. If not, it’s time to find someone who can.
The 2025 season started with promise and ended with frustration. Now comes the hard part: figuring out how to fix what went wrong.
The draft is four months away. The Packers don’t currently have a first-round pick. But before they even get there, they’ll need to decide what kind of team they want to be-and who’s going to lead them into the next chapter.