Injuries Mount in 16-13 Loss to Panthers

Awful red zone offense and run defense allow for upset.

The Green Bay Packers entered Sunday as two-touchdown home favorites over the Carolina Panthers, yet their 16-13, last-second loss may not be the worst outcome on a grey Green Bay day. Star tight end Tucker Kraft’s season is in jeopardy after a third quarter knee injury.

“I know how much ‘Tuck’ puts into this,” coach Matt LaFleur said via packers.com. “He’s a big leader, and it’s hard to replace that. Unfortunately we had a lot of guys going in and out of the lineup today. It’s one of those things you’ve got to be able to overcome and we didn’t.” 

Kraft limped off the field with help before being carted to the locker room. A small pile rolled up on his planted right knee as he pulled around for a run block. LaFleur didn’t seem optimistic after the game, and only said he didn’t know in regards to any hope for a late-season return. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the “fear” ahead of the MRI test is a torn ACL. 

The carnage didn’t stop with Kraft, though his injury appears to be the most serious. Colby Wooden (shoulder), Aaron Banks (stinger), and Matthew Golden (shoulder) each left the game and didn’t return. Josh Jacobs battled through his pains and was shown keeled over on the sideline at one point. Christian Watson missed some time due to the concussion spotter removing him before being cleared to return. 

While Kraft’s injury looms largest for the season, Wooden’s loomed largest for the game. The run-stuffing defensive tackle’s presence was sorely missed as the Panthers clawed their way to 163 rushing yards. Rico Dowdle accounted for 130 on 25 carries and two touchdowns.

The Panthers were able to remain balanced and committed to the run because the Packer offense consistently failed to convert in the red zone. Five red zone trips resulted in an abysmal 13 points. Two turnovers – a fumble and downs – caused empty possessions, and the Packers found the end zone just once out of the other three. Add in a missed Brandon McManus 43-yard field goal from just outside the red zone and the Packers created a recipe for disaster. 

“You can’t have holding penalties, you can’t fumble the football, you’ve got to be able to tackle, you’ve got to be able to stop the run,” LaFleur said. “Just basic football principles and if you don’t do them well, you’re susceptible to getting beat.” 

The first nine minutes started about as well as anyone expected for Green Bay. The defense forced a three-and-out, and Jordan Love had engineered a balanced nine-play drive inside the Panther 20. A wide receiver screen to Savion Williams ended in a fumble recovered by the defense. The rookie was fighting for extra yardage with just one hand on the ball when it was punched out by the pursuit in traffic. 

On the next Panther possession, Xavier McKinney kept the game scoreless with his second interception of the season. He snagged an errant Bryce Young pass in the back of the end zone after the Panthers mounted a 15-play drive that took 8:39 off the clock. Green Bay then turned the turnover into points on a 49-yard field goal from McManus for the lead, 3-0. The kick was hardly worth celebrating. The Packers had the ball on the Carolina 14 with a second-and-6 before the attempt. They followed with a false start, sack, false start, and drop. 

“We deservedly got our ass beat,” LaFleur said.  

The Panthers answered with another long driver – 10 plays for 76 yards – and a touchdown, 7-3. Green Bay’s third and final possession of the first half resulted in a 27-yard McManus field goal after the offense again failed to find paydirt from in close, 7-6. 

Special teams contributed its blunder to start the second half when McManus hooked a 43-yard field. The next Green Bay drive ended with a Jordan Love interception as he inexplicably threw deep into triple coverage. A long return set up another Panther touchdown, 13-6 after a missed PAT. 

The offense’s biggest red zone botch occurred on the next drive. Facing a third-and-3 at the Carolina eight, LaFleur called for a left swing screen to Emmanuel Wilsont. The offense had blocking numbers, but Panther safety Tre’von Moehrig blew right through a Malik Heath block attempt to tackle Wilson for a five-yard loss. LaFleur bypassed a short field goal, and despite a timeout, the play call resulted in a dropped interception after Love scrambled around backyard style. Kraft, Golden, and Christian Watson were not available for the critical play. LaFleur acknowledged it was a “bad decision” to go for it. 

“You can’t chase the big play,” LaFleur said in reference to himself, but undoubtedly also Love’s ill-advised interception. “They were playing soft zone the majority of the game and making us consistently move the ball. On every drive almost, we made a mistake. We’ve got to be more consistent.” 

The defense forced a three-and-out and the offense finally broke through in the red zone to tie the game at 13 thanks to a Jacobs lunge to the goal line. However, the defense failed to muster one more stop as Young made a couple of critical conversions ahead of the Dowdle gash to set up the field goal. 

Young finished 11-of-20 for 102 yards, a pick and a 48.3 quarterback rating. Love countered with 26-of-37, 273, and 80.1. Jacobs found moderate success on the ground for 87 yards on 17 carries and the score. Romeo Doubs caught seven passes for 91 yards. 

McKinney led the team in tackles with nine, indicative of Carolina’s rushing attack. His running mate at safety, Evan Williams, had eight. The ground game also negated Micah Parsons as the FOX broadcast didn’t have him registered for a pressure, much less a sack. If the stat held, it would be Parson’s first career game without a pressure. 

Other Notes

  • The Packers committed seven penalties for 42 yards. Six penalties occurred in the first half. 
  • The Packer offense did execute its own ball-control style – six of its seven drives went for nine plays and 43 yards as they never punted in the game. 
  • The 163 rushing yards were the most allowed by Green Bay all season, and just the second time a team eclipsed the 100-yard mark.
  • The Lions lost to the Vikings, keeping Green Bay in first place in the NFC North
  • The Packers will play host to the Philadelphia Eagles next week on Monday Night Football

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Jocelyn Hopkinson is a contributor for CheeseheadTV and can be found on Twitter at Packer_FIB

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Comments (62)

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SinceLombardi's picture

November 02, 2025 at 05:54 pm

Injuries, penalties, missed kicks, dropped balls , poor play calling, lack of execution, whatever. WHATEVER.
We have seen this dozens of times during the past 6 1/2 seasons. The common denominator is Matt LaFleur. I don’t care if the win the next five straight. I will never have confidence in this team with LaFleur on the sidelines.

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bleedgreen's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:01 pm

Agree no improvement in 7 years. Its getting worse. Change needed at the top.

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PackerHotDish's picture

November 03, 2025 at 01:10 am

We need a play caller! This was an embarrassment to the highest degree. Change is overdue!

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KurtMc's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:14 pm

With this offense core and D we should be better. The same mistakes from predictable play calling, clock management, inconsistencies in team play. No excuses. His job is to manage this team & have them ready.

Nice guy,I’m sure but not a HC in this NFL.

A change is needed. He has had his chance.

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dblbogey's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:26 pm

If Packers manage to make the playoffs and lose their first game, I'd say Policy might move on from MLF. If they miss the playoffs, MLF has to go. I have no idea if Jeff Hafley would be the answer, but I suspect someone will give him a HC job before long.

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PackerHotDish's picture

November 03, 2025 at 01:12 am

The defense was no shinning star.

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bjkdad44's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:56 pm

INDEED!!!!

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bjkdad44's picture

November 02, 2025 at 09:05 pm

INDEEDY!!!

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dblbogey's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:20 pm

Their very average offensive line was better than our defensive line. Their defensive line was better than our offensive line. Lost fumble, one of the uglier and dumber interceptions of the last decade, missed FG. Panthers looked like the better team the whole game. They were 4-4 and needed a win badly. Packers didn't match their desire and intensity.

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LuvPack's picture

November 03, 2025 at 09:36 am

Not in Packer TV network, so did not see the game; so my question is where was Wyatt, Brooks, Gary, Parsons, Quay & Coop? No adjustments at halftime? Where were the coaches?The Oline has been an in&out burger mix-up since training camp that not only needs to practice a lot more together, but needs some focus issues addressed pretty quick!

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Koostyroosty's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:08 pm

From week to week, this is the most wildly inconsistent Packers team I can remember. Coaching , motivation, or play execution. At this point , this year's team is not a serious championship contender. And the latest injuries only diminish the possibility even more.

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SinceLombardi's picture

November 03, 2025 at 06:31 am

They are consistent at one thing:
Top 10 most penalized teams in:
2023
2024
2025 ( currently #10 )
I just can’t listen to a HC in YEAR SEVEN say I have to be better. When ? Year 8? 9?? 10???
This organization now has new leadership ( Ed Policy ) I fully expect that if the Packers continue to flatline against physical teams and or inferior teams , we have a chance to expect changes in 2026.
We spent all our savings (1st round picks) and our lives haven’t changed.

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Idaho Cheese's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:13 pm

Gotta love how he quickly points out how the players lost the game, assuming zero responsibility for himself and other coaches. One question I would like answered: MLF said heading into halftime that Carolina was playing "exactly how he thought they would". So if that is true, why didn't MLF's game plan reflect this perfect understanding? Was he just trying to give lessons to his young team? MLF needs to stop being a cheerleader and focus on being a leader of men.

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Lphill's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:21 pm

This was unacceptable all around today.

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davekenya's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:24 pm

...and remember...whatever you do...do NOT block a defender shooting straight up the A gap at your completely vulnerable QB...instead, have your center slide out of his way and help double-team some other random guy...

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stockholder's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:27 pm

First the Browns now the Panthers.

The packers lost this in the trench.
Both sides.
Anyone know the
Key responsibilities of a good center?
Or how much Kenny Clark is missed?
MLF didn't make these changes.
And Mlf surely didn't order a Long Bomb
on a first and ten.
Speed in and out of breaks. ?
Does Doubs have that?
In fact I expect Doubs to drop a punt return very soon.
Jordan Loves Horror moments returned.
And the result is injuries.
Not to mention another loss.

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SinceLombardi's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:50 pm

Didn’t Dowdle tear up Kenny Clark and the Cowboys for about 185 yards rushing and another 50 receiving?

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stockholder's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:57 pm

Last I heard was He's hurt-
or playing hurt.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline is
Tuesday, November 4, at 4 p.m. ET.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:46 pm

and you will hear crickets from the Brain Trust...

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Oppy's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:37 pm

"Jordan Loves Horror moments returned."

Yes, his third INT on the year, what a pick machine.
73.5 QBR / 107.9 passer rating.

The horror...

...THE HORROR

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stockholder's picture

November 02, 2025 at 08:50 pm

Oppy- it's OK if you Love Love.
That streak has ended.

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Oppy's picture

November 02, 2025 at 09:09 pm

What streak are you referring to?

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stockholder's picture

November 02, 2025 at 09:27 pm

Not "consistently" accurate

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 04, 2025 at 12:34 pm

21 in a row completed...

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:24 pm

He threw a dumb pass

Our receiver don’t get yac

Other than Kraft

When has a recicver ran with the ball after catch. They are all sit down routes

Reed and wicks can’t get back soon enough

And Lloyd for a running game..

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:20 pm

Kenny wasn’t playing as good as he could have

Others have steeped up

Gary needs to play better.

Move tom to center.

Jenkins to guard. Morgan or Kinnard tackle

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Celise...'s picture

November 05, 2025 at 06:53 pm

i think Mlf absolutely ordered the bomb! I believe Mlf has been calling all the plays since Aaron Rodgers left, he wanted to have it his way for a change and i think that is why he is so quick to take the blame after these games and why Jordan has no expressions after the good plays or bad plays, because he's just doing what he's told. until he is running for his life and then he makes those wtf throws to who knows who.

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ricky's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:34 pm

This is an undisciplined team that keeps on shooting itself in the foot when faced with a chance to change the game. There was also the McKinney interception in the end zone that was nullified by a penalty away from the action. The OL is still making mistakes that push the team five yards further back. Then there are the ST's, which continue to underwhelm. Add in that the defense couldn't stop the Carolina running game, constantly getting gashed and making life a lot easier for Young,
Then there was the play calling, which can't seem to find a rhythm, which ties in with the penalties and the lack of the OL opening holes for the RB's. These are ongoing problems, not something that has just plagued the team this season. When you have a "players only" meeting in an attempt to get the younger guys to take their responsibilities more seriously, there is a problem. This is something that should be handled by the coaches on a daily basis. And if this means cutting a player for not being fully focused on football rather than video games, so be it. This is again the youngest team in the league, and it's time for someone to knock some sense into these guys.

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SinceLombardi's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:59 pm

It’s also one of the most experienced. They were also the “ youngest team in the league “ when they beat the Cowboys in the wildcard.
NOW , they have the Cowboys best player, and couldn’t beat Dallas in 2025 even with Cee Dee Lamb not playing.
It’s the seventh year of this act. I see nothing different on a season to season basis. LaFleur just isn’t the guy. It’s just the way it is. Seven years, same old , same old.
The window closes quickly in the NFL. I hope Ed Policy can find a detail oriented, experienced coach for the 2026 season.

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NFLfan's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:48 pm

They have 17 games. The season starts in mid August and is over by early January. It is 4.5 months and 17 games.
Why would a highly-paid coach and his fairly well-compensated players not be prepared so often? I would say they came to play for 4 games. The other 5 were losses or near losses against inferior teams. Why can't this man hold his team accountable for 17 games? Why aren't some of these guys benched if they're not blocking or missing tackles or playing w/o energy? And, If he was having issues with game planning, why didn't he search for help? He had all off-season to locate an offensive mind to collaborate with. I guess it's OK w/him to be unprepared for 60% of games.

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SinceLombardi's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:51 pm

Not much longer. Powder puff Mark Murphy is gone.

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NFLfan's picture

November 02, 2025 at 06:57 pm

The OL is leaky. I think there is poor depth but my guess is the coaching isn't what it could be either.

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Coldworld's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:49 pm

Butkus is this year’s Rebrovich. A holdover that should have never happened after we changed to a run first mentality.

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:07 pm

Kinnard played well

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:08 pm

Banks is hurt every 5 plays

Nice guy I think hurt to often.

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harleycops's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:13 pm

This game was atrocious, putrid, crappy. We got pushed & shoved all over the field. I can't believe Love can throw 20 completions in a row last week, and this week, he plays that nickel & dime crap. Injuries, penalties, no WRs getting open - this is embarrassing. “We deservedly got our ass beat,” You wonder why? LaFleuzy is responsible for this fiasco. He can charm us with all his burning angry look, but there are no changes in game plan or adjustments. And we haven't even got to the tough part of our schedule. Tough news about Kraft & Golden. Suddenly, it appears LaFleuzy is getting outcoached more than we've seen before. Losing to the Panthers? to the Browns? What a joke! Championship teams don't do that.

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Major Snafu's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:25 pm

I think Hafwit is using Barry's bible.
The D sure as hell can't get off the field three and out.
The Vikes d today forced 6 three and outs against a potent lions offence. They would have eaten this packer offence alive today.

Records mean nothing now. I can see it being Vikes, Bears, Lions and Packers at the end of the year.. Vikes have the best D best receivers and are healthy. The Lions aren't anywhere near last year.
Pack fans won't be happy. i would not want to be a stray animal in their neighborhoods. LoL ouch!

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NorthernFinn's picture

November 02, 2025 at 08:15 pm

You got that right. Took my dog for a walk here in GB right after the game and I was packing heat just for my dogs safety.

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Since'61's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:46 pm

Terrible loss no matter how you look at it. The defense deserved to win. Too many mistakes and poor decisions by MLF. 7 seasons in and MLF is still making the same mistakes. Hard to expect it will get better at this point. Thanks, Since '61

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Since'75's picture

November 02, 2025 at 08:49 pm

I don't know what you think '61, but i'd like to see a reset on the O line.
Put Jenkins back to LG (don't try to fix what wasn't broke), and put someone else in at center, whoever they choose that to be.

I thought moving Jenkins was a mistake, before the season, and i still do.

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Celise...'s picture

November 05, 2025 at 07:03 pm

i don't think moving them around will change anything. the panthers had a bunch of backups doing their blocking and look how they did! we need a different line COACH who can teach basic blocking skills and sets. current coaches are either not doing any teaching or teaching things that are to difficult for these guys to coordinate to when ever someone on the line goes out with an injury.

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bjkdad44's picture

November 02, 2025 at 09:14 pm

100% correct!!!

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Racingdad's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:53 pm

The blocking on this team is bad also run blocking on D is bad - I propose trading with titans for the DT they are willing to move de’andre sweat ? Pick no 39 in 24 draft . Also trade with raiders for Jackson powers Johnson pk 44 in 24 draft that has fallen out of favor with Pete Carroll that helps both lines and gives us a center for 26. Both of these guys on rookie contracts thru 27 !!’ What more would we want ??

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stockholder's picture

November 02, 2025 at 07:56 pm

Excellent I agree.

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jannes bjornson's picture

November 03, 2025 at 10:44 am

Morgan vs Barton; Van Ness vs Broderick Jones and why Bullard vs Bullock, Kinches, or Mustapha ?? It is all on the Film. Players not Plays...

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Packerpasty's picture

November 02, 2025 at 08:48 pm

Seattle and Darnold ripping it up tonight..a team with good coaching and chemistry among the players…Love is somewhere in the middle of the league as far as QBs go..he certainly isn’t top five as some say..

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:36 pm

Love could be top 3 if he should some emotion and roll out and hit someone in stride.

Watson. Golden Doubs Need to get those guys open. Not long drag routes. Crap. Catch and run

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LuvPack's picture

November 03, 2025 at 10:04 am

Is it ever happening that a Packer WR is truly open and able to catch and run? Only get to see the primetime games, and would love to see it!

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exbody's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:30 pm

Putrid, pathetic and unfortunately....predictable. We've seen this type of performance under the MLF tenure way too often.
Another game where the Packer offense is non existent in the first half. Poor execution, penalties, and J. Love looking unsure and , uncomfortable. Add poor run blocking and questionable play calling / game management decisions all against clearly inferior teams ( Clev now Car ). Season after season we've seen this trend again and again and again. And yet we see no adjustments or solutions to these horrendous first halves from MLF.and it will most likely end in another one and done postseason again. That's even if they make the playoffs, which right now looks more and more less likely. Ed Policy may have to make some decisions this off-season.

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NFLfan's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:46 pm

if Ed extends Matt's contract, mediocrity will continue through 2030. Matt has clearly shown he either will not or cannot fix glaring problems.

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:58 pm

The next head coach for the Packers is Carolina D coordinator. Watch

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:00 pm

Ed likes to win like his Dad

And barely beating the Bengals at home and losing today

Time to sharpen the pencil

Next 4 games at home Eagles. Vikings bears Ravens

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 10:57 pm

The holding calls in the first half. The ref wanted tv time omg doing the holding signal.

We barely beat bengals. Bears put up 50 on them basically

Good defense limit big plays for us and stop the run

I do want to mention some bs holding calls.

Most of them are old refs and can’t run or see plays

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:01 pm

Other teams play with passion. We don’t.

At home. Should have won 28-10

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Coldworld's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:00 pm

This offense is stale and unimaginative. Teams know our traits and often anticipate them. Our only recourse is to run, though we can’t block for it. We can’t string a good series of calls together. Yet again we play down to opponents, lose the tactical battle, are out fought and indisciplined. There are enough good players out there.

We are better than LaFleur delivers. As had been the case in at least 4 of our 6 years, and those 2 were when he was nee and the offense was too and when Love was new and suddenly we took off the training wheels briefly out of desperation. LaFleur has not lifted this team he’s anchored it. His window has closed. The league has him figured out. It’s time to move on. Murphy’s little Emperor always was naked.

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:04 pm

Hey the great news is The panthers come back to Lambeau next year … from now to next year for the panthers I bet they don’t win 8 games if we play them in November next year..

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:06 pm

After the kick was made. They came running over to our sidelines. Dancing like they won the Super Bowl. Because it was their Super Bowl

Qb rating 48 percent. And we lose

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:11 pm

If MLf could put up 50 points on these guys he wouldn’t

He would back off

No instinct to beat some one bad

And the coaches in the NFC know this

Great and Nice Guy

But beat someone by 20 for once and feel good about it

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:15 pm

Can we get a wide out that can get some yac for once

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Snap the ball's picture

November 02, 2025 at 11:28 pm

A run up the middle. Needed one stop. Come on…..

1 series in the 1st qtr. was the game and Mcmiss kicker

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Nobuttkiss's picture

November 03, 2025 at 06:18 am

Bag MLF.

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packer132's picture

November 03, 2025 at 06:39 am

Points scored by winning teams : Bears 47; Seattle 38; Rams 34; SF 34; Jags 30.
Packers managed to put up 13 against the Carolina Panthers at HOME.
Outcoached - Again. Matt is going to look at the film

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