Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Deflated in Denver
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Sunday afternoon, the Packers game was like a tragic hot air balloon ride. The hot air balloon was flying high over Denver, enjoying the view behind them, while looking forward to reaching new heights in front of them. They turned up the heat and went for it, but a mishap occurred (Watson's injury) that took some air out of their balloon. Despite losing altitude, it was still airborne, albeit the ride was no longer a smooth one. Then disaster struck - out of the blue, the balloon popped (Micah) and quickly started deflating. There were two last ditch attempts to save the day but both came up empty. In the end, the balloon came crashing down to earth and the balloon (and the game) was lost.
I concocted this simile because it reflects the way I felt watching this game. I was feeling SO good with the Packers up by nine points and possessing the ball when everything started to change.The Packers went for a kill shot, which I don't have a problem with, as it wasn't on a third and short (those are the bane of my existence). That's not to say that would have been my approach. My tact would have been to try to engineer a time eating scoring drive, which is easier said than done, but I would have tried. Regardless, once Parsons also went down, it would have been easy to expect to apply the "took the wind out of their sails" metaphor to the defense, but that's not exactly what happened. Yes, Denver scored three plays later to take the lead, but the defense did stop the two point conversion.
After that, the Packers added a field goal and while Denver did then march down the field, the defense stopped them on third down on the eight yard line, which was negated by the keystone cops late substitutions routine. Denver went on to score the touchdown, of course. That was followed by a Love interception off of Wicks hands, giving Denver the ball on their own 48 yard line. The Micah-less Packers defense responded by stopping Denver on fourth down handing the ball back to the offense, which could only muster a single first down and then failed over the next four downs. But once again, the Micah-less defense came up BIG, stopping the Broncos on fourth and one and giving the Packers offense the ball back on their own 38 yard line. The offense failed once again to move the ball and were stopped on fourth down with 50 seconds still left on the clock.
As much as you can criticize the defense overall in this game, especially the secondary play, in the end, they held Denver at bay and gave the offense two chances to tie the game in the last five minutes. They didn't come close to accomplishing anything. So could it be possible the loss of Christian Watson affected the offense more this game than losing Parsons affected the defense?
From my perspective if you asked me to select only one thing that was the reason for the Packers losing this game, it was turnovers - both those made by the Broncos and the multiple missed opportunities the Packers had to change the game. The Broncos got two chances at interceptions and made them both. There were a minimum of three, more likely four interceptions for the taking by the Packers but none were claimed. The worst one was the miss by McKinney on the deep throw. If he holds on to that ball, it saves an eventual touchdown which vaulted the Broncos to a four point lead and just as importantly, the play that Parsons gets hurt on a few plays later never happens.That's as impactful as you can get.
Anyway, what's done is done and now the Packers have to play another game for first place in the NFC North against the Bears, this time at their field and missing four key starters (add Evan Williams to those mentioned above). My main concern going into their first meeting was the legs of Caleb Williams. As it turned out, he made multiple big plays after escaping the pocket or on designed rollouts, until finally, he didn't. Now that there won't be a Micah Parsons to chase him when he takes off, I'm triply concerned. The only solution I see is a concerted effort to keep him in the pocket, which will require a lot of discipline from the front seven, but especially the edge players, Gary, Enagbare and Van Ness. Make Williams throw passes with players in his face and the Packers will fare much better. This approach won't lead to sacks, but you may need to sacrifice potential sacks for control in this case. Another possibility could be employing Edgerrin Cooper as a spy, but I personally don't like taking away one person in pass coverage, especially now that they'll be without Evan Williams.
Beating the Bears will be a tough task for the depleted Packers, but it's certainly doable. Their best chance could be to find a way to score a lot of points. Sounds easy, right?
Go Pack Go
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (116)
PearlyBakerBest
December 17, 2025 at 06:31 am
Leatherhead states it all the time. The defense, in multiple games, have held the opponents under 20 points while the offense sputters. It's time for the offense to help carry the D. Can they do it?
Al, 5th paragraph. Broncos, not Bears
dobber
December 17, 2025 at 07:39 am
He was on a roll.
Razer
December 17, 2025 at 07:43 am
If our offense hits on all cylinders we can beat anyone. And while I like the big play capability, it will be the methodical, high percentage offense that needs to show up. Keeping the Bears defense on the field should be the name of this game.
JerseyAl
December 17, 2025 at 08:23 am
Fixed. I redid that paragraph so may times I lost my way. lol.
BradHTX
December 17, 2025 at 10:06 am
I think we’re all feeling like we’ve lost our way after Sunday, Al. No judgment.
Leatherhead
December 17, 2025 at 11:27 am
Thanks for the attribution. Appreciated.
This was our worst defensive game since Dallas, and maybe worse than that. Still and all, if the offense scores some points, the defense will keep you in it until the end. Against Denver, we had some chances in the 4th quarter and we didn't do squat.
Turnovers are part of the Iron Wall Of Truth. These possessions are like water for a man dying of thirst, and when you only get 10, and you give away 2 or more, it's bad. Only the Colts are scoring on 50% of their possessions, so if you're scoring on 45% of 8 possessions, they'd better be mostly TDs.
Handsback
December 17, 2025 at 06:31 am
I think that the mindset has to change on offense. I'm not sure the WRs will be a problem as much as the game plan with a very porous OL. You can't ride our RBs in time consuming drives...it won't work. I think a 60/40 pass to run ratio will win even with a banged up team.
To me the strength of the team is now in the passing game not running the ball to setup the pass.
Injuries are piling up but they still have some magic left in this team
JMHO
murf7777
December 17, 2025 at 07:00 am
While I’d love to see the passing game as it’s more fun to watch and gains yards quicker, IMO, our strategy for Saturday night is to pound the ball down their throats which will open up some easy layup passing opportunities.
With right tackle Zach Tom likely out and cold weather forecasted, a physical, run-heavy game plan is our best path to victory. With Kinnard we have a big physical OL to make this happen.
This approach directly attacks the Bears' poor run defense (ranked 23rd) and controls the clock.
Focusing on the run limits passing attempts, minimizing the risk of costly turnovers against Chicago's ball-hawking secondary.
T7Steve
December 17, 2025 at 07:19 am
Yes. Get the lead and run the ball.
Leatherhead
December 17, 2025 at 11:41 am
I think that getting the ball to Jacobs /Wilson is a safe and effective way to get some first downs. That keeps an injured defense off the field and doesn't give the Bears more possessions or short fields.
I'm sorry, but I'm Old School on this. We need to shorten this game and protect the ball on offense.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 02:58 pm
We need to protect our D and remember that the Bears need time to run and run. Yes, we should pound and use that to set up the pass (and our OL and play action). Tire them not us.
We also need to go bigger on the IDL and have a different plan to stop Williams running and cover that pass up the sideline on his right. Hafley had to adapt from the last meeting.
murf7777
December 17, 2025 at 06:39 am
I agree, our defensive game plan against the Chicago Bears is clear: we must contain Caleb Williams in the pocket and force him to win with his arm.
Sans our last game against him, history shows that Williams' completion percentage drops significantly when he scrambles, a vulnerability we must exploit with an INT. We need to limit his movement to his right side.
I have full confidence that Hafley will have an effective scheme in place, building on our success last year in managing mobile quarterbacks without Parsons. With fast LB’s & edge, the defense is built to handle this challenge.
This is a pivotal, must-win game. A victory here is essential to clinching the NFC North title. The stakes are incredibly high, and unlike our previous loss to Denver, we absolutely cannot afford to drop this one to our division rivals. The path to the division title runs through Soldier Field.
Packerpasty
December 17, 2025 at 10:09 am
wasn't that supposed to be the game plan the first Bears game?? Pretty sure it was...
PeteK
December 17, 2025 at 10:39 am
We need Peter Potamus's hippo hurricane to get this offense balloon going.
T7Steve
December 17, 2025 at 06:47 am
You had the Bears on your mind while writing the whole article Al. HA! They both start with a B anyway.
"possible the loss of Christian Watson affected the offense more this game"
I'm sorry but I think it was the loss of Tom that had the most effect. More effect than losing Jenkins in the playoff game against the Eagles.
I think with the loss of Watson and maybe more so Parsons, the Packers just need to get a first down on 3rd and 1. Try the chunk plays after you have the 1st and can use play action and if that doesn't work, live to see another play.
Al showed the defensive screw up that gave the "Bears" a TD, but the game changers were really during the first 5 scoring drives that the Packers were on. Penalties (mostly pre-snap and by the O-line) caused too many 3 point tries that thankfully were made.
GregC
December 17, 2025 at 06:59 am
"I'm sorry but I think it was the loss of Tom that had the most effect. More effect than losing Jenkins in the playoff game against the Eagles."
Yep, and it was obvious.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 09:19 am
Tom’s loss eventually came back to bite us, but not really until we lost Watson and the lead. Then they teed off. Then it compounded because we had no back up 6th OL to help protect or in the run game. As with so much in recent years, the OL personnel choices were flawed, this time with no back up plan should Kinnard be needed on the OL due to injury.
To me, and I’ve been a fan of Hafley for the most part, that was his worst game and followed a pretty baffling failure to adjust against the Bears. We just did nothing to disrupt Nix at any point before or after Parsons exited other than hope Parsons could get home. That remains baffling.
To go anywhere now we need to be more innovative in our use of remaining personnel and more willing to back young talent over dependability on both sides of the ball. Will we choose to be respectable or willing to risk letting younger, better athletes in the hole that one or two make a difference in the kind of way that Cooper did as a rookie?
Hopper is one example, Oladapo another on D. Both could help against Williams. On O, it may mean elevating a big, fast but raw PS WR to stretch the field or (if healthy) Williams being given that role. LaFleur has proved season after season that he can’t get much out of small, fast WRs away from the slot consistently. We have to get more from Musgrave as well in the old Lazard type role. I don’t care about YAC as much as having a big target.
It’s time to show coaching mettle. The ability to lift the team and the courage and imagination to adapt and overcome not simply try the same things with less talent. Surprise opponents, not get cautious. Take it to them not go into our shell.
Guam
December 17, 2025 at 07:00 am
I agree with you about the loss of Tom. To me the right side of the line was not nearly as effective when Kinnard entered the game. Oddly though, PFF had Kinnard as the Packers' highest rated O-linemen.
LambeauPlain
December 17, 2025 at 08:22 am
PFF only grades players on their island. The OL is a unit and know each others' assignments and communicate pre snap. I don't think it coincidence that after Tom went out, Belton fell apart. Cascade of lost cohesiveness.
The INT that got Waston hurt was as much due to Belton completely missing his block as it was Love and Watson. The pass was open initially, with Watson having good leverage on Surtain...and even under duress with a hit while throwing, Love put the pass on the money. Unfortunately Belton's free rusher delayed the throw and gave Surtain time to close on the ball and make an athletic leap and pick.
Even then, Christian got his hands on the ball but his earlier leverage was lost. INT...then more disaster.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 09:25 am
Kinnard was rated highly in the composite because his run blocking was good and very much better than anyone else’s in their view. They blamed Belton and Banks for most things in protection too, not the tackles or C. In the case of the guards I think overmuch.
Leatherhead
December 17, 2025 at 11:50 am
You and I see that alike. Losing Tom had a Jenga-like effect: Kinnard hasn't taken many first team reps, and was clearly a drop-off from somebody as good as Tom. Suddenly, Belton doesn't have Tom next to him, and so he was more easily exploited. Meanwhile, you're surrounded by backups at Center and TE, so no real help is available.
I hate to have to say it, but it looks to me like the Oline has to be a priority in the offseason, again. You really need a deeper unit than we've had the last two seasons.
T7Steve
December 17, 2025 at 12:06 pm
I think the O-line needs to be THE priority EVERY offseason. Unfortunately, I don't think that's been the case for a while. They were spoiled for a time and lost their priorities.
Leatherhead
December 17, 2025 at 01:43 pm
We've been fortunate with some Day 3 treasures, like Tom and Walker. And we've taken guys like Jenkins and Rhyan and Belton on Day 2. Our only Day 1 guy hasn't really contributed very much yet.
You suit up 9. You lose 2 guys every year because their contract expires, so you either need to sign them to a second deal, which is expensive,or replace them in the draft, which means 2 picks every year, and that's hoping nobody gets hurt or just was a mistake.
Razer
December 17, 2025 at 07:26 am
I agree that losing Zach Tom made a bigger difference in the late game. Our O-line has been the fundamental problem with this offense and just when it is coming together we lose our best guy. It didn't help that Rasheed Walker didn't hold up the left side. The O-line will be featured this weekend - let us pray.
dobber
December 17, 2025 at 07:41 am
" Penalties (mostly pre-snap and by the O-line) caused too many 3 point tries that thankfully were made."
THIS
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 09:26 am
Indiscipline has been a constant theme, on the OL and STs in particular.
Straya
December 17, 2025 at 09:38 pm
Penalties on ST are like clockwork. Almost every kickoff and most of the punts
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 06:47 am
Al it looks like you are checking to see if we had enough coffee this morning. In paragraph 5 you mention the Bears when it should have been the Broncos. I guess you have Da Bears on your mind which all Packer fans should.
JerseyAl
December 17, 2025 at 08:24 am
It was late. lol.
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 06:54 am
I look forward to this game. With Parsons being hurt we will be able to see the true effectiveness of the Parsons' Project. If the defense plays as well or better than the first matchup then maybe we did not need Parsons and maybe the media will stop making this the Parsons defense. If they play significantly worse I will eat crow and say maybe we did need to make the trade.
Beat Dah Bears.
murf7777
December 17, 2025 at 07:12 am
I agree, the defense isn't solely dependent on Micah Parsons. While we are better with him, we can still win without him. I’m really hoping Evan Williams plays because we need his physical run defense. If not, next man ups must provide that.
Saturday night is DC Hafley's chance to prove his value by coaching the other talented players to a win against the Bears.
GPG!
dobber
December 17, 2025 at 07:44 am
They've got no Parsons in reserve to just plug in. They have three weeks to reinvent themselves for the stretch run and post-season, and it starts now. You're right: this is where Hafley shows his mettle as a strategist and a leader.
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 08:00 am
Reinvent is the wrong term. They had a plan for the defense without Parsons at the beginning of the season. Yes we had Clark but they do have a starting point.
Its very possible not having Parsons for the Bears game might help as the front 4 to 7 might keep him in the pocket.
LLCHESTY
December 17, 2025 at 08:14 am
Time to unleash the Kraken named Cooper! Adding Parsons changed his role and didn't bring him the national recognition most of us thought he'd be receiving at the end of last year(though those that know, know). Hafley needs to move him around and force OCs to account for him.
murf7777
December 17, 2025 at 08:46 am
That's a great take, also cat and mouse with Quay who is also a very good blitzer.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 10:35 am
Agreed!
Cooper has mainly been a coverage guy. Start having him attacking the QB a bit more.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 11:09 am
If we play Hopper as our 3rd ILB then he’s more natural as a coverage option. The downside of playing the 3 we have is that Cooper is the best of that bunch in coverage by some way.
This is a good example of a change that has to be made now. Yes, it’s got some risk due to inexperience, but without it we lose coverage ability and rush threat, both of which are now more critical.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 01:12 pm
I would love to see Hopper play more. I think he is a guy that could be a good playmaker. He has been very good in coverage. I think he could be a pretty good as a blitzer as well. He is a heavy hitter who brings some serious pop.
I definitely think Hafley needs to get into his bag of tricks a lot more now.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 09:34 am
In this game I’m hoping that we return Cox and give him a decent chance to contribute. Last year he was the only depth DE who seemed to have the ability to significantly disrupt.
The loss of Parsons makes me consider activating Oliver this year after all too, perhaps not so much for this week, but as a designated rush option who plays a lot of STs going forward.
I’m also hoping that we have at least one of Bohanna or Stackhouse active, perhaps both. We are getting no penetration from our IDL at all and no resilience either. I’d take just clogging and keeping ILBs clean to rush and not simply being pushed back.
Wooden has been awful the last few weeks. Perhaps that’s fatigue, perhaps the lack of attention demanded by the 3ts who have been as bad in the run game as they have been impotent rushing.
Let’s drop the fantasy of pressure from the IDL and learn to anchor and unleash the ILBs. Right now, Cooper and Walker might be our best rushers on the team. Hopper too based on preseason.
Do we learn or not? I feel that our tendency under LaFleur has been to know we are right well beyond the point where it’s obvious we are not. We will find out on Sunday through how they approach the Bears.
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 11:37 am
If the DTs lack movement skills, the OC will scheme against them. Hafley can get more playmakers on the defense with a 3-4 look, putting Hopper in position to plug and chase.
LambeauPlain
December 17, 2025 at 08:39 am
Still invested in your "Parson's was a mistake" narrative, I see.
Either you will crow...or you have agreed to eat it. Carry on.
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 08:49 am
Yes I am still on that narrative. I have not hid the fact that I was and still believe that the trade was not the best move. And I will continue to evaluate it as years go because time will tell how the team looks 2 or 3 seasons from now.
LambeauPlain
December 17, 2025 at 09:35 am
Wait...for another 2 or 3 years? No budging on your grudging...
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 09:43 am
No I look at each season. I look at each game. My point is that fans should be interested in the big picture too. How the team will be in 2 to 3 years. At the end of the season I will admit if it appears I was right or wrong for this season.
BuckyBadger
December 17, 2025 at 09:24 am
If you don't think the Parson trade wasn't already justified through his play you are blind. Our pass rush last year was weak and this year it was winning games.
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 09:44 am
Not against the Broncos, Browns, Cowboys, and Panthers. You have to look at everything.
BuckyBadger
December 17, 2025 at 10:28 am
Yes you have to look at everything. Have to look at how much attention he was getting and how much the defense improved. It is easy to criticize when things are down. Are you saying that no trade is worth it if the team loses a game? The team was a top 3 contender until the injury, that alone proves his worth.
Straya
December 17, 2025 at 09:43 pm
It's not like we're doing much with our first round picks anyway. Why not give away a couple for a generational player at their position? If the Packers get another season or two from Parsons that compare to this season it's absolutely worthwhile.
dobber
December 18, 2025 at 08:50 am
Denver and the Doughboys were low-water marks for the defense, yes, but if you're going to hang games where the defense surrendered 16 and 13 points on the defense, you're reaching hard.
GregC
December 17, 2025 at 07:06 am
I think this loss was equally on the offense and defense. The offense collapsed in the second half (specifically, it was the offensive line that collapsed), but the defense struggled all day, even when Parsons was on the field. When they got some pressure, Bo Nix was able to roll away from it and make accurate throws, and the secondary had a dreadful day.
T7Steve
December 17, 2025 at 07:23 am
Notic how the team we're playing always makes those difficult and 50-50 catches? Why can't they take their turn at drops and tipping the ball to a defender?
There's my "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me" for the day.
LambeauPlain
December 17, 2025 at 08:46 am
Yeah Greg, but the defense still got critical stops the offense squandered until the mid 3rd, 4th quarter.
Both units played that complementary game we want to see and got the 9 point lead. Life was good and going according to plan. Then the wheels popped off.
In the 2nd half as the clock was draining...the Broncos ground out 3 long, clock chewing TD possessions while the Packers offense could only muster a FG with their possessions... their last drive a MINUS 4 yards. Game over.
One of the greatest 180 degree collapses of the season.
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 11:52 am
The Offense gave away the third quarter, again.
Starrbrite
December 17, 2025 at 10:27 am
“Dreadful day” for the DBs—exactly. What might have been had they held on to the INTs??
PeteK
December 17, 2025 at 11:10 am
I agree, one or two out of the 4 and we probably win that game.
Razer
December 17, 2025 at 07:12 am
The injuries have been this week's story but that needs to shift. We have a lot of guys who can step up and need to step up. Aside from our current starters, we have some young guys like Cox, Sorrell, Oliver and the new DTs who have a chance to step up on the stage. There are multiple healthy scratches like Jennings, Oladapo and Savon Williams who need to show that they belong.
The Bears game will be the tell on what kind of culture and grit exists in the Packer locker room. We will also see what this coaching staff is really capable of when a 100% is needed. In the ultimate team sport the sum is greater than the parts. Saturday will show us what's under the hood. Go Packers
mrtundra
December 17, 2025 at 07:51 am
Olidapo played against Williams, in college, and has sacked him. I would not mind if MLF elevated Olidapo, from STs, to DB, and had him spy Williams along the right side of the Bears' LOS. Have Van Ness work the left side of the LOS, to help contain Williams. GO PACK , GO!!!
Starrbrite
December 18, 2025 at 12:00 am
I like it tundra—really good idea(s).
dobber
December 17, 2025 at 07:52 am
I think LaF said "no one is feeling sorry for us." Which is true. The Bears and their fans mostly did jumps for joy when Parsons got hurt. So did anyone else in the league who were nervous about this Packers team building momentum at the end of the season and for the postseason.
The team needs to evolve. It needs to become more aggressive on both sides of the ball to compensate for its losses. It might show up this week...it might not. People are pretty negative, but I'm not going to shovel dirt on this team until it all shakes out at the end.
Razer
December 17, 2025 at 08:13 am
I thought the "no one is feeling sorry for us" statement was perfect framing of the Denver injuries, particularly for the team. There are guys on our team that can play better and need to focus on exactly that. Dropping interceptions, missing assignments or making mental mistakes is more about focus than talent. If your mental game eludes you at this stage of the season then you shouldn't be on this team.
MainePackFan
December 17, 2025 at 09:45 am
I agree Dobber. I believe with all the injuries to the Packers, the pressure is on the Bears. The Packers need to be aggressive on both sides of the ball. I think the Bears will be focused on stopping the run. Lafleur needs to turn Jordan Love loose. In my humble opinion, it's time for Jordan to show the league he is capable of putting this team on his shoulders for a playoff run. Time for him to prove he is the elite QB that we all think he can be.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 10:08 am
Defense definitely needs to evolve. But I think its going to go back to what they planned to do all offseason and all camp before they got Parsons. They basically have everyone that they had then, minus a couple of players.
Just remember Goonies never say die!
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 11:57 am
No Kenny Clark and no Wyatt change the equation.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 01:10 pm
Clark last year was not the guy we have known. He played hurt all year and his production wasn't anything better then what we have on the field currently. And Wyatt last year was not the guy he has been this year.
Wooden and Brooks have been better this year then last. To me its a wash.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 04:38 pm
Clark may not have got sacks, but he was not going backwards 5 yards regularly.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 10:29 am
Of course no one feels sorry for us. That’s an old sports truism. What matters is not how others feel, but how we feel. Do we believe, do we dare to shake things up and to confound or settle for doing our best with the same essential approach with less ?
SwedeBayPacker
December 18, 2025 at 10:31 am
Who in their right mind would be happy when a player, any player, gets hurt on the field? In the end it's just a game, and the moment people start celebrating opposing players getting hurt they've lost a part of their humanity.
egbertsouse
December 17, 2025 at 07:54 am
The 49ers have had multiple injuries to major players and have plugged in new guys and are on a tear right now. It can be done. However, it seems like the Packers deflate and sputter whenever there is an injury to a starter. I don’t know if Gute has failed to get quality backups or LaFleur’s worried look doesn’t inspire confidence, but they just don’t rise to the occasion. That better change.
Razer
December 17, 2025 at 08:26 am
I am not sure that there is a talent difference in this comparison but rather a coaching difference. Teaching, practices and self study will determine whether an athlete is ready for a role. Watching Emmanuel Wilson miss handle the kickoff in the end zone then bring it out points to a guy who hasn't been taught properly. Hafley's unit has far fewer of these mental mistakes than ST or the offense.
Packerpasty
December 17, 2025 at 10:13 am
haha...LaFleur's worried look...aint that something!!! Look like your going to cry then stare at the play sheet again...not too inspiring....a Vrabel he's not...
EricTorkelson
December 17, 2025 at 08:43 am
Yes Jersey Al , the Watson affect hurt than Packers more than the Parsons loss
It looked like Love lost his go too, and started to play poorly ( interception pass was way behind Wicks )
The Tom loss also hurt, but the last couple of Packer possessions the blocking on the Walker/Banks side broke down
Also Love made some poor decisions on whether to throw or run on those aforementioned drives
Looking Ahead to the Bears, Im glad Van Ness is back, his lateral speed and pursuit might help contain Williams
Z Anderson from what I have seen appears to be a capable back up at safety
Rookies Barryn Sorrell and Warren Brinson also can continue to ascend
Once again the Packers will have to run the ball to keep the Bears running game off the field
Bo Nix outplayed Love in my opinion how Love plays without his favorite Watson against the Bears will probably be the difference in the game
murf7777
December 17, 2025 at 08:52 am
Yes, Bo Nix played better than Love statistically. But if Nix’s four or so risky passes had actually turned into interceptions, the story might be different. In my opinion, Love had just one really bad play, which was the throw to Wicks. Plus, he was pressured over 50% of the time, making it an unfair comparison. Let’s face it, Denver’s pass rush and overall defense is simply better, with or without Parsons.
Starrbrite
December 17, 2025 at 10:29 am
Yep—exactly what I believe Murf.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 10:34 am
Even on that bad throw to Wicks, that ball is in Wicks hands. I know it was a difficult behind him catch, but its in his hands. WR's have the ball in their hands, they have to pull that ball in.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 11:03 am
Wicks has to catch that. Sure, it probably kills the YAC opportunity hoped for, but that should have been a catch.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 11:10 am
Exactly.
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 12:06 pm
No doubt about it. He's a 50/50 guy when it comes to concentrating on the catch. Do your job.
murf7777
December 17, 2025 at 03:46 pm
Ok Vince.....LOL
EricTorkelson
December 17, 2025 at 04:07 pm
Sorry RCP the ball to Wicks was not in his hands ... check the video slow it down the ball was behind Wicks running in one direction he reached back and got one hand on it. It was a bad throw at a crucial moment.
JerseyAl
December 17, 2025 at 06:01 pm
this is correct. He barely got one hand on it.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 08:55 am
I think I'm finally coming out of my funk from Sunday.
Offensively everything changed when Watson and Tom went down. It felt like the Broncos changed its approach after Watson went out. They weren't threatened by anything deep. And with Tom out they were able to attack especially once the Broncos had the lead.
Defensively, before Parsons injury he was being held just about every play. The refs clearly threw 1 flag just to not upset Packers fans. The one drive before Parsons got hurt still pisses me off honestly. There was a clear and obvious hold on Parsons that would have completely changed the drive. Instead Nix scrambles throws a deep pass and 2 plays later they have a TD.
Its crazy to think that we have now lost Parsons, Kraft, Jenkins, Wyatt for the year. They lost 2 of their best lineman on both sides of the ball. They lost their best offensive weapon and best defensive player for the year. Both of which are tone setters and bring energy. They are going to have to find someone to replace that.
Moving forward the question will be how do we replace Parsons. Well the kick to the balls is you can't. He is 1 of 1. You can't replace him with a player. What they have to replace him with is scheme. Haffley will have to change his approach defensively. Most likely they will need to start blitzing a lot more. The hard part this week is Williams is a hard QB to bring down. While blitzing will be huge they need to contain him, and have someone almost mirroring him. Williams is more dangerous when he scrambles. Containing him will be a key. I would expect them to bring Cox back. I would be intrigued if they elevated Oliver too though. He has the speed off the edge that could be a change of pace.
I think the key defensively is Walker and Cooper. I think they need to be blitzing a lot more.
Offensively we will see what happens with the injured players. But 1 guy to really watch that I think is about to explode is Golden. He looked great against the Broncos. His hands are amazing. He has that late hands skills that is really tough on the db's to defend.
I'm going to predict he goes over 100 yards and has at least 1 TD against the Bears.
Starrbrite
December 17, 2025 at 10:34 am
Right RC—a token holding call vs Parsons so they could check that box and not call it again. Absolutely infuriating. He’s been held continuously all season and they choose to ignore it.
RCPackerFan
December 17, 2025 at 10:53 am
The frustrating part is especially on that one play, if they call it holding like they should have it potentially changes the entire outcome of the game. They were still up by 9 at that point.
Tundraboy
December 17, 2025 at 10:47 pm
Here's to Golden ,this week and beyond!
NFLfan
December 17, 2025 at 08:58 am
Though I do think Nixon and especially Valentine could focus more and hold on to easy interceptions, I don't think these two are talented enough overall in their positions. The Pass Rush (with Parsons) was designed to cover up their deficiencies. No contending team would start either of them. Nixon has heart, though.
I agree with several other posters that losing Tom was just as pivotal. There are foundational cracks, fissures and thereby weakness in the backbone of the team-- the OL. GB has to get honest about that.
Rory P Scrotem
December 17, 2025 at 09:02 am
At this stage of the season, you really have to wonder what Ed Policy is thinking? Is Matt LaFleur coaching for his job?
A number of years ago Ron Wolfe was brought in and replaced Linde Infante. Wolfe of extremely sound football mind made the decision pretty quickly that Infante just wasn't cutting it.
The overall philosophy of the current Packer franchise of draft & develop did a complete 180 (if not 360) when the Packers went after
Micah Parsons.
Are we going to see a change in the draft and develop process with the Packers not having # 1 draft choices the next 2 years?
Are we going to see a massive coaching change by the man in charge going after a hand-picked coaching candidate?
I'd like to think "not" however, stranger things have happened.
Just ask Ray Rhodes...
NFLfan
December 17, 2025 at 09:08 am
MLF holds some responsibility but he's also dealing with a majority of average to below-average players on the OL, CB room and D-line. He didn't choose those players.
NFLfan
December 17, 2025 at 09:43 am
I think you are placing too much confidence in what Ed Policy will do.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 11:18 am
None of us know anything about Policy in a football context. So I don’t know how anyone can predict what he is likely to do or not do. We can opine on what we hope he will do, but not claim to know what he is likely to.
All we know is that he chose not to extend LaFleur, Gutekunst or Russ Ball last year when he could have, that he doesn’t like lame duck coaches and and wouldn’t commit to the current “Murphy” structure or to changing it.
Leatherhead
December 17, 2025 at 10:27 am
Seriously? One of the winningest coaches in the league is winning without their starting Center, TE, WRs, DL. A win in Detroit on Thanksgiving. A win over the Bears to take over firsts place.
Letting LaFleur leave would be the biggest mistake this organization has made since we passed on Joe Montana.
We do draft and develop, but we use FA to improve the team. Parsons became available, we pursued it, we got him. Now we don't have him anymore.
Rhodes was fired after one mediocre season where multiple insiders commented on his ineffectiveness. He was never offered another HC job and spent the last several years of his career as a DC.
stockholder
December 17, 2025 at 09:27 am
Injuries are disruptive and will
compromise a competitive objective.
To improve the team's motivation and
performance, for the remaining schedule.
The packers must focus on fundamentals
and show mental toughness.
Why - Stronger motivation!
Commitment "whatever it takes"
Execution is the “how”.
Because “should have, would have, could have”
Must NOT turn into," what now?"
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Players, not Plays. When your Blue Chips get taken away, you are susceptible to exploitation. It would be another story if the defense was a ballhawking crew, but even McKinney is dropping gifts. We knew the issue going into the season was the CBs.
stockholder
December 17, 2025 at 12:20 pm
Cbs and Gute's new hole @ DT
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 12:29 pm
I'll still take Golden over Tyliek Williams, but he was definitely on the radar. Round two, I would have grabbed Tate Ratledge over Belton. Savion Williams over Xavier Watts is beyond comprehension.
stockholder
December 17, 2025 at 01:00 pm
True - A WR was obvious= this time.
But I would have liked Jihaad Campbell first.
And you know my reasons.
Most had CB rd 2.
Wouldn’t have Eric Stokes still worked?
DT- instead of drafting and Free Agents-
Signing TJ Slaton would have been insurance.
Can’t blame MLF for cap problems.
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 05:16 pm
Stokes was washed up. Slaton seemed a safe signing, but he isn't doing much more than CoryWooden, actually Wooden is very much out-performing Slaton. So, no loss there.
Starrbrite
December 18, 2025 at 12:08 am
Absolutely jannes—it’s players—having the horses is crucial.
There is one example working against our thoughts. The Eagles have all the talent…but something is missing?
NFLfan
December 17, 2025 at 09:41 am
@ some point the team needs to choose better back-ups and invest in them so that when the 'stars' go down, ie., Kraft, Tom, Parsons, etc. they are better prepared. Malik Willis is an example.
Tight end room has no one who can reliably block and catch after Kraft went down. Someone else needs to do both. Not expecting YAC.
CB room is depleted
OL has 1 above average player
DL is average @ best (after Parsons went down), though heavily invested in-
Cheezehead72
December 17, 2025 at 09:47 am
Fitzpatrick and Whyle are good blockers. What we lost with Kraft was the YAC.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 10:37 am
No, they really aren’t.
NFLfan
December 17, 2025 at 10:40 am
None of them are complete TE's. They have to both block and catch. GB needs more than 1 who can do that and he's gone. Not asking for YAC.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 09:55 am
Investing in backups means not investing as much on starters. This is the post cap era. This isn’t a sand box. One of our problems has been the low rate of player improvement once on our roster in recent years, generally and particularly on the OL.
stockholder
December 17, 2025 at 10:01 am
Gute blew that when he forced Jenkins to move.
Myers got an extension.
Face it-
Gute blew the roster up.
And caused the problem.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 11:25 am
Myers played better (not great) on a worse team. That should give some pause for thought. Jenkins was bad by his standards at things he’f be doing at G. Perhaps that’s decline post injuries, perhaps that’s the move, or a combination thereof. Jenkins hadn’t been as good under Butkus as he was before. Is that coaching. Injury toll or a mix? We simply haven’t been good on the IOL since Stenavich was promoted. Is that coincidence?
I go back to Mark Wahle and other ex players continually pointing out technical issues that are shared not individual and persist and questioning whether players are being used to their strengths. I look too at how we handle players in terms of position and positional preparation. Consistently that is baffling and consistently that bites us.
That’s not Gute. Nor is the lack of improvement. Even a bad player should get less bad with the right coaching. When players leave and improve, one should hear alarm bells. It’s not just Myers, Runyon has been better, again on a worse team. Hell, Yosh Nijman has started 3 games at RT and has a 67 grade for goodness sake — player we insisted couldn’t play RT and was not worth preparing.
stockholder
December 17, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Seriously? Mike Wahle?
You need to grip the obvious.
Players are drafted for team scheme.
It's their choice to go elsewhere, after that
rookie contract.
Show me the money, comes first.
Not Loyalty, scheme, or improvement.
The ring is no longer their goal.
Money and career goals replace issues.
Injuries change a player as they get used up.
Stars are needed for a defense.
Over-paying OL was never a good investment.
(Exception LT)
And look how many failed in Green Bay
with other coaches!
Leatherhead
December 17, 2025 at 01:48 pm
So your new narrative is that the coaches who turned Day 3 guys like Tom and Walker into starters were actually holding back Myers and Runyan...and even Nijman.??
I admire your ability to say stuff like this.
Coldworld
December 17, 2025 at 03:08 pm
Tom came in and was good from the get go, though we’d play him everywhere but RT (Newman) as a rookie. Walker had also been pretty good. He’s not really improved as much as once hoped, but he was a Gute wild card on a guy thought to be a first or second rounder a year before that worked out. Yes, I can say that, because nothing said is not true even if it’s not what you want to hear.
Starrbrite
December 18, 2025 at 12:09 am
CW—I believe it can be said for nearly every team.
Razer
December 17, 2025 at 10:06 am
Your assessment of those position groups is spot on and it points back to Gutekunst. Either he doesn't value the trenchmen or they they don't know how to evaluate the big guys. As for the secondary, we have poured more 1st round picks into that group with almost no return. Coaching changes aren't going to fix poor drafting.
jannesbjornson
December 17, 2025 at 12:21 pm
He should be replaced. The Eight Year Plan is deficient.
Packerpasty
December 17, 2025 at 10:16 am
Can't have the "Red Zone Woe's" come back at this stage of the season....score 7's instead of a bunch of 3's makes every game easier...
Dragon5
December 17, 2025 at 10:52 am
Micah Parsons, born 05-26-1999, a 5 life path warrior mindset. As a 5 life path Virgo, I know full too well I can be critical in my posts; I, however, offer no apologies. 5s share the "no-quit whatever it takes" mentality. There is no second place, only Super Bowl or bust. We hold decisions and actions (data) accountable, adjust as needed, never relenting in pursuit of conquest.
After viewing Parsons 15 games, I can't say I've ever witnessed an EDGE / DL player so relentless in intensity. Ray Lewis could probably carry that label as a LB. Respect is earned through effort, but like the submerged iceberg, we only see the small part visible above the surface--the results. I can't vouch for Micah Parson off the field as he trashed the GB condo rental he was living in and was evicted...what sensible, respectful adult does that? Perhaps him being born on an 8 day--highly karmic is biting him in the ass. I do, however, have mad respect for the warrior he is on the field.
So we're shellshocked. Two 1st round picks gone, Parsons likely lost for at least half of the '26 season receiving no production in a salary-strapped contract. I'm just curious if any others share the "what if" scenario I posted drafting James Pearce Jr @23, leading candidate for ROY and having our 1st round picks still in tow? Why bring this up? Because if you're not confident in the QB that can deliver a Super Bowl, which I, and many others are still not, why would you mortgage the future with such a reckless move? Gute, boxed in by drafting Love, has acquired a player capital debt burden so large having busted so often, and not fulfilling depth. He went all in. Now that he lost by gambling everything away, hopefully Policy can clean up this mess prudently in an efficient manner.
Next year will be HORSE year, 🤞 Love exceeds expectations given HORSE energy is friendly in its trine to TIGER year born peeps. For those saying "Oh my" to Mahomes ACL, I'll reiterate yet again, he, Mayfield, and Rodgers are in their enemy year. Ditto for the KC franchise having failed to make the playoffs having already lost the Super Bowl when the SNAKE year began. DEN, BAL, BUF, KC, LAC, NYJ, NE, TEN also founded in PIG years--enemy of the current SNAKE year, so very high odds no Lombardi for any of them. If I had to place a bet on a SB winner, not this year, but next, DET sits atop the list. Vikings, Rams, Cowboys, Raiders cooked next year.
NFLfan
December 17, 2025 at 11:42 am
I find your posts interesting as I participate in a lesser known field,--handwriting analysis. It's used widely in Europe to assess job suitability.
Not certain Love will 'exceed expectations' next year unless the OL is fixed and I don't think there is an easy solution
there. No $$$.
How do you know about Parsons trashing his condo?
Re: Gutekunst going all in-I think he is very attached to his early-round picks as their success reflects on him. He tends to double down on disappointing/failed picks and cannot/will not admit to some bad choices. This trait keeps players in positions they are not succeeding in. There is long list.
He may have felt signing Micah would make him look bold. However, Micah, IMO, was brought in not to augment an already good D-Line/CB room but to cover up. And, now, we are back to the original personnel problems.
Dragon5
December 17, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Bart Baggett protege?
Re: Parsons the tenant...insider info
Yup, Parsons gone brings the focus back to lack of talent / lack of depth-->poor GM moves & poor coaching. Love is now forced to be the difference maker...if he can't live up to 1st round status as a difference maker with Watson & Golden field stretching threats to open up underneath versus two-high looks...gulp.
HarryHodag
December 17, 2025 at 12:08 pm
The Packers this season remind me a bit of last year's Detroit Lions. Loaded with talent but injuries slowly ground them to a halt.
The Packers had a puncher's chance with Micah Parsons. Now the best they can hope for is the Bears looking like the Bears of year's past, and for that I wouldn't hold my breath.
We can hope that Golden steps forward and others. Josh Jacobs knee has to hold up. The defensive line has to play lights out. The blitz has to get there. The secondary must step up even though there are injuries there too.
I wish the Packers were full strength to take on the orange and blue but that isn't going to happen....heavy sigh.
Tundraboy
December 17, 2025 at 10:17 pm
Great article. Gave me some comfort. All the lost opportunities, and shifting fortunes of this game are tough to accept but will harden this team for a stretch run. Hope we take it all out on the Bears this week!