Packers’ Red Zone Woes Loom Large Ahead of Crucial Matchup with Baltimore
As the Green Bay Packers prepare for their final home game of the regular season, the focus isn’t just on snapping a two-game losing streak-it’s squarely on the red zone. That 20-yard stretch of turf has become a pressure cooker for this team, and right now, it’s where the Packers are struggling the most.
Let’s be clear: Green Bay's offense has moved the ball well between the 20s. But once they get into scoring range, things start to unravel.
Missed opportunities, stalled drives, and an overall lack of execution have turned potential touchdowns into field goals-or worse, empty possessions. Against a team like Baltimore, that margin for error could be the difference between a win and a third straight loss.
Red Zone Execution: A Lingering Concern
The Packers’ red zone inefficiency isn’t just a recent development-it’s been a season-long issue that’s become more glaring down the stretch. The team has shown flashes of creativity and rhythm, but consistency has been elusive. Whether it’s penalties, protection breakdowns, or missed throws, the execution just hasn’t been there when it matters most.
Head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t mince words when asked about the red zone struggles. “You’ve got to find a way to score touchdowns,” he said.
“It’s something we’ve emphasized, but we’ve got to be better. There’s no sugarcoating it.”
And he’s right. In the NFL, red zone efficiency is often the separator between playoff contenders and pretenders. The Packers are already playoff-bound thanks to some help around the league, but if they want to make noise in January, they can’t keep leaving points on the field.
LaFleur: “We’ve Got to Be Better”
LaFleur has made it clear the team is focusing heavily on red zone work in practice. That includes situational drills, play design tweaks, and heightened attention to detail. But at this point in the season, it’s not about installing new concepts-it’s about executing the ones already in place.
“We’ve got to coach it better, and we’ve got to play better,” LaFleur said. “It’s not on one person. It’s all of us.”
That accountability is important, but it also underscores the urgency. The Ravens defense is no joke-they bring pressure, they’re disciplined in coverage, and they thrive on forcing mistakes. If the Packers can’t clean things up in the red zone, Baltimore could feast.
The Micah Abernathy Factor
One player who could help inject some energy into the lineup is rookie safety Micah Abernathy, who’s been activated from the PUP list and is pushing for playing time. While his impact will be felt more on defense and special teams, his emergence is another sign that the Packers are looking for any edge they can get-especially with injuries mounting in the secondary.
Abernathy has drawn praise from teammates and coaches for his preparation and versatility. While it's unclear how much he’ll play against Baltimore, his presence adds depth to a unit that’s been tested all season.
Special Teams Still a Wild Card
Another area that could swing Saturday’s game? Special teams.
The Packers have been inconsistent in that phase all year, and it’s cost them. Missed field goals, poor coverage, and penalties have all contributed to momentum shifts in key moments.
LaFleur didn’t hide his frustration after recent miscues, calling the unit’s performance “a black cloud” over otherwise competitive games. If the Packers are going to beat a playoff-caliber team like Baltimore, they’ll need a clean game in all three phases.
Quarterback Situation: Still Murky
Injuries have added another layer of uncertainty to the Packers’ quarterback room. While the team hasn’t disclosed specifics, there’s concern about the health of key players under center. That’s a storyline worth monitoring as kickoff approaches, especially considering how vital quarterback efficiency is in the red zone.
What’s at Stake
Saturday night at Lambeau isn’t just another game. It’s a measuring stick. The Packers are already in the postseason, but this is about building momentum, proving they can execute in high-leverage situations, and showing they belong in the playoff conversation.
Baltimore brings a physical, playoff-tested roster to town. If the Packers want to send a message, it starts with fixing what’s broken inside the 20.
Because in December-and especially January-field goals don’t win games. Touchdowns do.
And right now, that’s where the Packers still have something to prove.