Cory's Corner: Get Back To The Details
The Packers can be a top tier team. First order of business is to take care of the little stuff.
The NFL season is now a wrap.
The regular season and playoffs were very entertaining. Matthew Stafford won the MVP after passing for 46 touchdowns and eight picks and four of the top five NFL receivers were also in the NFC.
So where do the Packers go from here?
According to DraftKings Sportsbook the Packers are tied for seventh to get to Super Bowl LXI. That means they are behind the Seahawks, Rams and Eagles in the NFC.
That should give you a clue as to how many games the Packers threw away last year. They had a 9-7-1 record and barely snuck into the back door of the playoffs by losing the last four games of the regular season.
Also, let’s not forget about the 13-10 loss to Cleveland, 40-40 tie to Dallas, 16-13 loss to Carolina and 10-7 loss to Philly.
The microcosm of a lack of detail is the 2025 Packers. Presnap penalties, poor clock management, bad quarterback decision making and a lack of defensive communication. It came in waves for the Packers this year.
And yet, the Packers still succeeded. Seventy-seven percent of Josh Jacobs’ yards came after contact. He averaged three yards after contact and had 13 rushing touchdowns. Tucker Kraft was arguably the best tight end for half the season until he tore his ACL.
There is also Micah Parsons, probably the No. 2 defensive game wrecker in the NFL behind Myles Garrett. He was getting doubled, chipped and held on many occasions. Yet, he still led the team with 12.5 sacks. Rashan Gary took second with 7.5 sacks, but this team is desperate to find another guy to pressure the quarterback and it also needs more depth on the defensive line.
But most of all, this team just needs to focus on the details. The small stuff. The Patriots made it to the Super Bowl because coach Mike Vrabel turned around a team that went 4-13 the year before. Did they have a soft schedule? Sure. But they went 14-3 in 2025 because they didn’t make a habit of giving away games.
It’s that simple. The Packers are close. Granted, the secondary needs some tender loving care, but they could compete with any NFC team right now besides Seattle. The Seahawks are solid in all three phases.
But again, it comes back to the details.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (32)
GreenandBold
February 10, 2026 at 07:13 am
Nothing about this Packers team needs “ tender loving care “ especially the secondary . More like it needs Red Foreman to kick them in the butt .
T7Steve
February 10, 2026 at 07:45 am
77% of yards for Jacobs were after contact and I bet he had fewer than ½ the yards from the season before or at least it seemed like that (I'm sure someone here has that info). Season for the O in a microcosm.
12.5 sacks in a partial season with snap counts to start out to 7.5 sacks in a full season for second place on the team. Season for the D in a microcosm.
Leatherhead
February 10, 2026 at 09:25 am
I think you're misinterpreting that stat. Most runs in the NFL are for 3 or fewer yards. Jacobs not only breaks tackles, but then turns them into long runs.
Watch the film, and then tell me that we're not getting guys blocked in the run game.
T7Steve
February 10, 2026 at 09:32 am
Run blocking sucked last season. There's no way to sugar coat it. I was feeling bad for all the running backs, not just Jacobs. Only chance they had was receiving a pass.
Since'61
February 10, 2026 at 07:54 am
No mention of the OL!!! If the Packers are going to
contend for a Super Bowl it all starts there and the Packers OL is all question marks at this point.
The Packers are close, but close to what is the question?
Thanks, Since ‘61
dobber
February 10, 2026 at 09:29 am
"No mention of the OL!!!...it all starts there"
Bingo. The Packers' defense will hopefully be in that top 12 or so range, and they aren't going to morph into a Seattle or Denver type defense over these next six months, so they damn well better be able to score points. I'm expecting that there will be 2-3 starter caliber players signed this off-season--not high-end FAs, but credible starters--and one will be on the OL (it might be Rhyan, which I don't think is very exciting).
I expect that a full off-season and camp at the C position would raise Rhyan's play some...but they might do something unexpected, like slide Tom inside, bump Belton back out to RT, and bring in a high pick/FA to play RG. It all starts at C. If your C is crap, your line calls are crap, and your line plays like--you guessed it--crap.
Coldworld
February 10, 2026 at 09:39 am
While we are at it, the idea of a 300 pound starting IDL is just as ridiculous as the failure to produce even barely average run blocking and other OL issues. This team doesn’t just have weaknesses in terms of personnel, it seems to have come adrift at the conceptual level in some areas. The IDL, the handling of the OL musical chairs are salient examples. It’s really hard to give credit to a leadership that appears oblivious to this type of thing.
dobber
February 10, 2026 at 10:25 am
It's been said several times: on Aug 15, the top two IDL were Wyatt and Clark. On Nov. 1, they were both gone or hurt, and the Packers were leaning into Wooden and Brooks to soak up a lot of snaps. It doesn't absolve Gute for not locating an NFL-level run-down DT in September (even though they were playing pretty well) to replace Clark and rebuild line depth.
Coldworld
February 10, 2026 at 10:34 am
Clark was probably gone this year anyway, for cap reasons. Even with him it’s thin and we knew it. The belief that there was enough behind them was dubious, but, critically, the belief that an IDL is even conceptually viable over a season with that lack of mass was horribly flawed.
Losing Clark only amplified matters. That’s without considering the concept of any reinforcement that could have been made. We were lucky the Lions did t just pound us with Montgomery and it took teams a while to figure it out. You can just move the Packers middle back and teams did, unraveling the D in the process.
Since'61
February 10, 2026 at 11:24 am
Good discussion Coldworld and Dobber. There have been so many obvious holes and weaknesses on the Packers that have gone unaddressed by Gute. Since they were all exposed during the 5 game losing streak the Packers are at a critical turning point.
Given their draft status and lack of cap room there is no way the Packers can fill all the holes on their roster to make a legitimate SB run in 2026. In addition to the OL and DL the CB room needs a serious upgrade. To expect Nixon, Valentine and Hobbs to play at a championship level is equally ridiculous to expecting the OL and DL to reach that level of play with the current players.
If I'm Gute I focus on building the OL first and foremost. If the OL can be improved they can keep the offense on the field and the Packers defense off the field. Plus the offense can build leads which will enable the defense to focus on defending the pass as the opponent becomes one dimensional.
Having said all of the above we have seen teams turn things around from one season to the next. However in the Packers case I don't think they possess the leadership, especially at HC, to accomplish that. MLF needs to inspire as well as he schemes. Thanks, Since '61
GreenandBold
February 10, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Well said 61
blacke00
February 11, 2026 at 07:20 am
You are absolutely right. You couldn't be more right!
When you build a team, it's starts at the OL (not the QB), The Center is running the "OL show". Get a good C and they anchor the team for 10+ years.
Don't overpay Rhyan, he not that good. He's a backup.
Now, will Gute listen to me?....I doubt it. Remember the "4 center squares"
Since'75
February 11, 2026 at 05:34 am
'61.....The voice of reason.
jvole
February 10, 2026 at 08:03 am
IMO
Here's the details the Packers are currently very good at:
1) Developing quarterbacks
2) Signing other people's good players (Mckinney, Jacobs, Parsons, Smith Bros). Ok, Banks and Hobbs were whiffs but the others make up for it.
Here's what they are slightly above average at:
1) Drafting (Jordan Love makes up for a lot of 1st and 2nd round 'mehs')
2) Pregame planning (1st half offense and defense)
Here's what they stink at:
1) "Details" related to special teams
2) Adjusting after halftime both offensive and to some degree defensive schemes
3) Offense line talent development
Without more excellence or above average categories, I don't see how they get over the hump. Love and Parson's talent can only get them so far.
One thing I wish I knew is if the Packers rate of injury was above the league. It seems like it is but without data, its hard to know.
Coldworld
February 10, 2026 at 10:44 am
There is no perfect measure of most injured. It’s not just numbers but who and how concentrated by position etc. However, most measures have the Packers in the middle.
The Cardinals, Commanders and 49ers are often cited as having the worst in terms of average per player and total games lost. The Lions are credited with suffering more in our division. Here is one review: https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/most-injured-nfl-teams-of-2025...
Since'75
February 11, 2026 at 05:39 am
2) "Signing other people's good players....."
I'm not sure that's a highly technical skill.
Free agency isn't the draft...these are already proven players.
You just need a big enough check.
Hit on more 1st round picks and 2nd round picks, that would be impressive.,
stockholder
February 10, 2026 at 08:08 am
The packers have never been dominant up front.
You see a defense with ball security.
A qb with weapons.
But a qb with weapons didn't win the Super Bowl.
A dominant front did.
And thats why the packers need more.
Gute doesn't get that!
And when he traded away Clark.
He never knew the obvious.
“IT's forcing their will upon the offense on nearly every play”
His square peg in a round hole.
Is a fundamental mismatch.
Gute’s neglect "Forced the defense to play longer”.
And that has been MLFs problem in the playoffs.
Guam
February 10, 2026 at 08:15 am
The Packers under LaFleur have always seemed to lack a "killer instinct"; they just can't seem to put teams away. The fiasco against the Bears in the playoffs was the latest and perhaps worst example of it although the giveaway against the Browns is close. Is it due to coaching, play calling, temperament, player leadership? I'm not sure but until that gets fixed, the Packers won't be winning any championships. Great teams find a way to win. The Packers under LaFleur seem to find ways to lose.
T7Steve
February 10, 2026 at 08:57 am
They always seem to play to their competition. Weather good teams or bad teams. I know the NFL is about parity, but it would sure be nice to get a blowout once in a while.
lou
February 10, 2026 at 10:04 am
The biggest example was when they completely dominated the Cowboys in their "most recent" playoff win and MLF started pulling the starters in the middle of the 3rd quarter already and Dak damn near got them back in the game in no time at all. Then to make maters even worse if you remember in his press conference after he actually admitted it.
GaryC
February 10, 2026 at 08:29 am
“The microcosm of a lack of detail is the 2025 Packers. Presnap penalties, poor clock management, bad quarterback decision making and a lack of defensive communication. It came in waves for the Packers this year.”
The problem is it’s not just this year. All this and much more holding the Packers back has been consistent during Lafleur's tenure. However if you dare point this out cue the vitriol.
T7Steve
February 10, 2026 at 09:00 am
"cue the vitriol" Oh great! Now I have to learn a new language just to be on Cheesehead TV?
TKWorldWide
February 10, 2026 at 08:45 am
I’d like to hear more about “bad quarterback decision making.” IF GB can improve the o-line, the offense should be very productive: Watson on one side, Golden on the other, Reed and Kraft working the middle, Jacobs running. Not bad.
HUGE offseason for Gute. Limited picks, limited cap space, definite holes to fill.
Leatherhead
February 10, 2026 at 09:27 am
If we can just keep 5 good OL together and healthy, it's going to help the offense quite a bit. Last year, when you add up Banks, Tom, and Jenkins, we had quite a few missed starts. Then you throw in Kraft, who is our 6th offensive lineman on runs, and you can see we had our second unit out there quite a bit of the time.
TKWorldWide
February 10, 2026 at 11:02 am
Yes, and please, no more platooning on the o-line!
TarynsEyes
February 10, 2026 at 10:12 am
"There is also Micah Parsons, probably the No. 2 defensive game wrecker in the NFL behind Myles Garrett. He was getting doubled, chipped, and held on many occasions. Yet, he still led the team with 12.5 sacks."
As should be expected, like Garrett, and $47 million says he needs to overcome those annoying things, like Garrett.
If you need to make excuses for guys getting paid that much, you shouldn't be paying them. Trade him to the Raiders for Crosby, and give Crosby a pay raise. He doesn't look for excuses; he adapts, overcomes, and performs weekly.
As for the team as a whole, the more finesse guys you have, the more you finesse yourself out of the SB contention.
The Packers are the epitome of Mike Tyson's quote, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." The problem with finesse teams is they never do the punching but always get punched. Landing a jab never wins the fight. The Packers are jabbers.
Joster11
February 10, 2026 at 11:43 am
Are you saying excuses are being made about Parsons' performance? Are you then saying he should be traded to the Raiders because Crosby doesn't make excuses? Please clarify what you mean.
I believe Cory is saying that DESPITE getting doubled, chipped, and held, Parsons still got after the QB quite successfully. Parsons did his job. Where were the others? (Rashan Gary!!)
TarynsEyes
February 10, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Let me put it like this: I do not see Parsons as the DE many others do, and using the word 'despite' to suggest he'd have better numbers/play is bs. I don't believe Parsons can be a Garrett, or a Crosby, or a Watt because all of those guys can do other things that Parsons proves weekly unable to do.
Parsons is a really good player, but he is limited in achieving the desired/needed play for the Packers. Perhaps it's because GB doesn't have the other horses, and that becomes an issue with the FO making the trade knowing the stable had no other worthy studs.
I do not expect Parsons to be the game changer the Packers need next year; in fact, he'll more likely begin to be a hindrance.
I'll just agree to disagree and wait for the results.
I have no problem accepting being wrong, but until that time, I have no pedestal for Parsons.
TheBigCat
February 10, 2026 at 10:31 am
We used to have a saying at work: "We'll make new mistakes; we can't afford to make old ones." Repeating old mistakes cost us business, and some people their jobs. These "small mistakes" have plagued the Packers all year. Are the coaches incapable of teaching, are the players incapable of/unwilling to learn, is there a general lack of accountability, does the organization simply lack championship material (players and coaches)? We have about 7 months until the season starts up again.
marpag1
February 10, 2026 at 12:35 pm
Wow. This is hard-hitting, incisive and in-depth coverage of....... um... uh, coverage of ...
... uh... coverage of "details" I guess...
... where "details" = "absolutely nothing of substance."
A deep-dive into trite clichés, meaningless coach-speak and head-scratching non-sequiturs.
Bravo.
LeotisHarris
February 10, 2026 at 04:26 pm
My neighbor had to call 911 last week. His wife is undergoing cancer treatment and she took a sharp turn into sepsis. BP dropped to a dangerous level. Temp over 103 degrees. He woke because she was trembling, and also blurting out random, unrelated words and short phrases.
I don't know what made me think of that.
canadapacker
February 10, 2026 at 05:26 pm
This year needs to be the make it or break it year for Lafleur offensively. We need to be and should be a scoring machine this year. With a lot of motion and an improved Oline play ( off season focus). I am sure that even if we cant afford Doubs - that Golden and Williams will be integrated in along with Watson and Kraft. Not to mention Musgrave and Wicks. I would like to see Melton back even if only as a special teamer and he intergrates will during injuries. Finally dont know if Wilson is an adequate back up - would really like to see a scat back type to offset Jacobs. I think that the offense is ready to rumble. Add improvement to McManus and we should have little trouble scoring. Lafleur also needs to focus this year on those dumb parts of games where we dont help the defense by committing too many penalties leading to badly time 3 and outs. When the other teams have a sustained drive we simply cannot afford 3 and outs on offense. They need a breather. The defense needs to really focus on pressure. Wyatt Brooks R Walker need to hold the line and once we decide on Quay Walker and Enegabare - hopefully we can Gary and Van Ness working to help Parsons . But I like the types of confusion that the other D co-ordinators use on their packages such as what MacDonald does and what Sags etc does - not a fan of the rope a dope or bend but dont break. Fully believe that we should be loaded for bear this season . We play NFC south and have Miami and Jets. Think that we have a good chance to get to the playoffs and even win our division.