To me, this season is the one where the offense has to lead the way. That’s not a criticism of the defense, it’s simply that, after several years of spluttering, it is time for LaFleur to show he’s real. The pieces are in place at the skill positions. They aren’t rookies, they know the offense.

If LaFleur can’t deliver a scarily dangerous offense with this group now, then I do not think he ever will. If he can’t do that, then it is time for him to be gone whether it’s the parts not clicking consistently or the repeat of failings along the OL.

So is a Championship game the tipping point? Perhaps. That’s an easy flag to plant. However, luck and injuries are a factor. Not making the playoffs should be the death knell for this regime, but after that, are we honestly a credible threat to go all the way not make weights and, if we do go down, do we go down fighting or tripping over our own feet through indiscipline, poor tactics or inferior preparation and to whom?

If the O isn’t materially better than it has been since 2022 with the exception of those few weeks at the end of Love’s first season as a starter then the LaFleur era will be bankrupt and need to be over.

Thumbs up CW! I agree that this season is a referendum on LaFleur more than any specific player. It. Is. Time.

Both coach and QB1 need to prove to themselves they can rise to the pressure of the moment when it's highest.

They will have to find a level of calm and resolve which has heretofore eluded them for the team to overcome early playoff exits.

There's obviously a component of good fortune which attends any team that finds success, but both of them need to find their special purpose during those few critical moments in games where outcomes are determined.

Wins have been there for the taking. Being able to seize them by being mentally composed when they present themselves is the next step in both of their evolution. The space between their ears will define their, and the team's, success or failure.

I think they had a realistic--even very good--chance of making the NFC Championship game last year; then, the roof caved in with injuries to key players.

If that happens again, I won't blame Gute or LaFleur, it is the vagaries of luck in the NFL.

Predictions:
With a 7-10 record the playoffs are unattainable much less a Conference Championship slot.
LaFleur is gone after this season.
Parsons and Kraft dont fully recover from their ACLs and are unavailable for much of the season and in any event only produce at a fraction of their former selves.
OL never comes together destroying any hope of sustained offensive success.
D: No one again steps up and getting off the field much less getting turnovers is problematic yet again.
This team is a bunch over-hyped under achievers.
Hope these predictions are dead wrong and the exact reverse happens.
Just not holding my breath.

This team lost 5 games in a row last season. Yes they had injuries, LOTS & lots of injuries but to not win a single game after Parsons went down says something. Even if it's what Packers fans don't want to hear it. it speaks volumes about the rest of the roster and especially this coaching staff.

Before last season I thought this team could win a SB, had lots of heart, and had a SB window of at least 3 seasons. The last 5 games of the season showed me none of that, especially losing twice to Chicago, losing to Cleveland and Carolina, those losses (Carolina and Cleveland) before all the injuries. Superbowl teams DON'T lose to teams like that. ESPECIALLY when leading in the 4th quarter with just minutes to go

Everybody for years has been clamoring what a great team this is. What a great job Gute has done, and what a great HC MLF is. After 7 years, 3 straight 7th seeds, and very FEW Pro Bowl players I no longer have the faith I once did in this staff and team. They no longer get the benefit of doubt.

This is the season things MUST change. I don't give a damn about the extensions of Gute and MLF. If things aren't MUCH different after this year, they need to go. Personally I think they've both been here too long but I still have a sliver of hope. I'm just not holding my breath anymore.

The NFCCG or bust was the mantra last September after #1 came to town (another article that we read several times over at that time).

While the perspectives are more scattered post injury(-ies), the expectation hasn't gone away--whether it's legit or people weaponizing the argument out of frustration against LaF, Gute, and Policy.

Writing entire articles in single, bullet-point statements creates anticipation.

Maybe it creates drama.

Maybe it's just hideously tiresome and reeks of amateurism.

Especially in an article comprised almost entirely of AI-smoothed, recycled-narrative comments.

I'm no fan of MLF but there is a contingent on this site who blame him for the majority of the issues.
Gutekunst needs to assume 50% of the blame as he is the roster architect and his influence is all over the O-Line, for example. The current O-Line has not inspired confidence and they are pivotal to any Offensive success. I think, as fans, we should look at this team with more objectivity. Zach Tom is the only sure OL player and he is returning from a partial patellar tendon tear.
We can talk about championships but we need to take a thoughtful look at our competitor's current strengths as well, compare each position group, coach and be as honest as possible. We can't rely on 'hating' another team in lieu of objective analysis. Why set oneself up for disappointment as one may not have honestly evaluated current deficiencies. I see quite a bit of glossing over some serious concerns and how those may impact the team's success.

I'm concerned about the RB room, TE depth, OL & DL and don't see real solutions. MLF is not to blame for those player choices

I've been reading this type of article every year under MLF. It spouts the same thinking, which gets one thought correct, that making the playoff is the goal.

Unless MLF has learned anything over the recent seasons concerning his HC responsibilities, this team, like the previous, are not true contenders for an SBOB declaration but merely a showpiece for how not to be an SBOB.

Making the playoffs near yearly shouldn't be greeted with aplomb. When it becomes more of a reprehensible crime, too many fans fail to accept it as being such.

It's become more like rehab; no matter how many times you say they're better, they end up failing to achieve the goal, and writers and fans find themselves 'using' again and denying the reasons they have to.

Can this season be the success needed to kick the bad habit? I certainly want it to be, but I fear there's still a bit too much 'deserve' in the mindset and not enough 'earn it,' which we've seen dissipate as previous seasons went on. The fight and will to win don't grow louder and stronger with the Packers but quieter and dimmer when clutch thinking and playing come to the forefront.

Luckily, we always have the excuse list, you know, the same list/cards that others overcome, but Packer fans pull it out of their pockets as fast as some other cards in society.

GOPACKGO...Let's kick the bad habit!!!

No one wants to talk about the 'elephant in the room' which was the power grab by Murphy and his installation of average men who would not have been hired, certainly not retained for 7 years, by contending teams-- 'Somehow' after 7 years of mediocrity, they miraculously received underserved extensions for God knows how long and for how much. Policy is Murphy's mouthpiece and has demonstrated his collusion. Can't believe no one writes about this.

Thank you. MLF needs to stop choking.

Blind Faith Cory-

The talent doesn't match a super =Bowl caliber team.
It matches Dan Devine. and even Shermans.

From 1971 -1974 you saw what teams won the SB-
Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins.

And remember how great Fran Tarkenton's Vikings were?
Even with Bud Grant?

The dolphins compiled a 17-0 and
their chemistry is still talked about today.

So just stop with it's all Mlf.
We see the problems.
Why can't Gute?

I have deleted my comments (which were lengthy), because Dobbers comments (see earlier posts here) have said what I want to say, but shorter and better. His comment, at least, deserves a like.

The only thing worth adding to his comments is that Cory has got 'expectation' wrong. What he is actually taling about, is hope. Why do some people only think about the cherry on top of the cake (the Superbowl) and ignore the cake itself (the season) ? Learn to enjoy the journey, week on week.