The Green Bay Packers’ once-promising season came to a devastating end on Sunday, as they fell 22-10 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round at Lincoln Financial Field. In a game where injuries piled up as quickly as the team’s mistakes, the Packers simply could not overcome the adversity against a formidable Eagles squad.
Injury Bug Bites Packers Hard
Green Bay entered Philadelphia already shorthanded, missing star receiver Christian Watson who tore his ACL in the regular season finale. But the injury woes were only beginning. The Packers lost receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, offensive linemen Josh Myers and Elgton Jenkins, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt over the course of the deflating defeat.
It’s such a long year, there’s so much that goes into it that it’s just incredibly disappointing.
– Josh Myers, Packers center
Love’s Lackluster Performance
Quarterback Jordan Love, in his second season as the starter after inking a mammoth extension, tied a career-high with three interceptions. Love became the first Packers quarterback to throw three picks without a touchdown in a playoff game. When asked if he improved this year, the signal caller was uncertain:
That’s a good question. I think there’s obviously areas that I improved on, that the team improved on. And there’s some stuff I want to clean up, be better at, for sure.
– Jordan Love, Packers quarterback
Offensive Ineptitude Ends Season
The Packers’ struggles on offense ultimately sealed their fate against an Eagles team firing on all cylinders. Green Bay failed to find any rhythm, committing five holding penalties, tying a Matt LaFleur-era high. Despite a valiant effort from the defense, the Packers could not generate any turnovers to swing the momentum.
- 0-6 vs. top NFC teams (Eagles, Lions, Vikings)
- 4 turnovers, including 3 Jordan Love interceptions
- 5 holding penalties, tying Matt LaFleur-era high
Uncertain Offseason Ahead
After another demoralizing playoff exit, the Packers head into an offseason filled with question marks. Can Jordan Love take the next step as a quarterback? How will the team address glaring holes, especially with several starters hitting free agency? The front office has their work cut out for them to get this talented but flawed roster back to Super Bowl contention.
All those games, we were right there. My biggest message this offseason — from the coaches to the players — is how do we take that step? We figure out how to take that step, ain’t nobody gonna be able to f— with us in this league.
– Josh Jacobs, Packers running back
The Green Bay Packers entered Lincoln Financial Field with high hopes of pulling off an upset and continuing their quest for a Super Bowl. They limped out battered, bruised, and searching for answers after a nightmarish ending to a season that once held so much promise. As the offseason of uncertainty begins, the Packers must quickly pick up the pieces to avoid wasting the prime years of a talented core.
