Green Bay’s Defense Is Elite. The Offense Is the Reason They’re Stuck in Neutral.
A Defense Carrying More Than Its Share
The Green Bay Packers have built a defense that is undoubtedly ready for postseason football. Micah Parsons has changed the entire edge of the defense, and Jeff Hafley has built a fast, physical group that rarely allows opponents to dictate the game.
The Packers defense is currently one of the best in the league, ranking fifth in total defense and second in yards per play. This is the definition of an elite defense. It’s the kind that teams build around when chasing championships. The problem, however, is that an elite defense doesn’t matter when the other side of the ball can’t hold its own.
An Offense That Can’t Get Out of Its Own Way
The Packers offense has talent, but talent alone is not enough. The most obvious problem is the lack of rhythm. Every time the Packers start to build momentum, something disrupts the drive. It could be a missed block, a penalty, a dropped ball, or a sack at the worst possible time. These are mistakes that add up quickly and create a pattern that is now impossible to ignore.
Jordan Love tries to settle the offense, but the protection in front of him is inconsistent. The receivers are also young and still developing. The rhythm has been off right from the opening kickoff, and each week, the same story repeats. One good play will be followed by something that wipes away the progress. It’s tough for a team to win when every possession feels like a battle against its own mistakes.
A Run Game With Nowhere to Run
Green Bay’s Run game has been a weekly uphill battle. Josh Jacobs is running into walls at or behind the line of scrimmage, and it’s clear that the interior blocking isn’t holding up. The lack of early-down success forces the offense into predictable situations, which only increases the pressure on Love. A team cannot control games when a run game consistently produces negative outcomes.
The Pressure Around Matt LaFleur is Only Growing
Matt LaFleur was hired for one specific reason. He was viewed as a creative offensive coach who could design spacing, motion, timing, and balance that elevated quarterbacks and made the offense organized and efficient. This is the reason for the growing frustration.
The structure that once defined his approach is now difficult to find. The timing is inconsistent, the spacing is uneven, and the Packers do not look like the group playing with the clear plan he was known for. When the offense struggles this much under a coach with an offensive reputation, the questions are impossible to ignore.
A Crucial Week for the Packers
On Sunday, the Packers will head to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants, providing a key opportunity to regain some momentum. Now, the Giants are currently adjusting to an interim head coach and missing their starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, after suffering a head injury during their Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Interim head coach Mike Kafka announced earlier in the week, explaining that Dart will remain in concussion protocol and has been officially ruled out for Week 11.
Green Bay has the talent and firepower to take control if the offense finds a spark. This is a winnable game if they play to their potential, and it can send them back home with new momentum.