So much for being 13-point favorites. The Green Bay Packers proved the odds makers in the NFL don’t know squat. While the Pack may have been favored on paper, the team that showed up played like they did back in 1923.
If anything good comes out of their loss to the Carolina Panthers, it’s that all this talk about Jordan Love moving into the “elite” category as a QB will quiet down.
And as for Matt LaFleur’s play-calling? This loss is pinned on him. Their longest run of game was eight yards by Josh Jacobs. EIGHT YARDS! The Panthers didn’t win this game as much as the Packers lost it. Two turnovers, another missed field goal, penalties, “We got our ass beat” was the key comment from the coach, if not, “We’ve got to do a better job coaching.” Ya think? The offense was in the red zone five times and converted only once. Not going for a field goal on fourth down for the points. “It was a bad call,” was the post game comment. Football is about execution. Football is about consistency. Both weren’t seen by the fans in Lambeau yesterday and LaFleur made that abundantly clear.
Losing Tucker Kraft to an ACL tear is big. How bad first rounder Matthew Golden’s shoulder injury is remains to be seen. “Guys have to step up” in those instances but especially with the now slow starting Packers, the starters should try it.
It’s easy for me to Monday morning quarterback this game. To be honest, I turned it off with about nine minutes left because, in my defense, I was could see what was happening. A walk-off field goal is a lousy way to lose a game after three hours of effort. Green Bay has an extra day to think about this one now as they take on the defending Super Bowl champ Philadelphia Eagles Monday night. Playing in the seemingly comfy confines of Lambeau Field is beginning to lose its luster. Better decisions need to be made by the coach and his quarterback on the field. This wasn’t the birthday present Jordan Love wanted. And all this talk about, “27”? After playing like this, it’s just talk.
MM