Packers Snap Counts vs. Chicago: Wild Card, 2025 Season
The Packers got a lot a good bounces but made even more mistakes.
The Packers signed QB Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster. They released QB Clayton Tune and signed TE Messiah Swinson, WR Julian Hicks and WR Kisean Johnson to the practice squad. The Packers activated LB Niemann to the 53-man roster and placed WR Bo Melton on the injured reserve list. The Packers signed DL Anthony Campbell to the practice squad and placed WR Will Shephard on the injured reserve list that is associated with the practice squad. The Packers elevated WR Isaiah Neylor from the practice squad to the game day roster.
The players who were inactive due to injury were RT Zach Tom (knee) and WR Dontayvion Wicks (concussion). The healthy scratches were QB Desmond Ridder, DE Collin Oliver, WR Jacobie Keeney-James, and CB Jaylin Simpson. With the loss, the Packers season has ended. All members of the practice squad become unrestricted free agents automatically. The Packers will likely re-sign most of their healthy practice squad members to a reserve/futures contact over the next few weeks.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Belton | 71 | 100 | 6/22% |
| Morgan | 71 | 100 | 6/22% |
| Banks | 71 | 100 | 6/22% |
| Walker | 71 | 87 | 6/22% |
| Rhyan | 68 | 97 | 6/22% |
| Smith | 3 | 4 | |
| Kinnard | 2 | 3 | 6/22% |
| Monk | 2/7% |
The run blocking was not very good. Yes, the Packers gained 99 yards on 23 carries (4.30 average) but the running backs average just 3.52 yards per carry. The Packers cannot consistently gain a yard on third or fourth and short. The combination of Jordan Morgan and Rasheed Walker might be the worst run blocking starting tackle duo in the NFL. Running up the middle is no picnic either. I wonder how many run snaps Jordan Morgan play during which he made no physical contact with a defensive player? I think there were 6 running plays by Jacobs off left guard that gained 1 yard or less. The Packers gained 93 yards on 16 carries in the first half and 6 yards on 7 carries in the second half.
The pass blocking was not particularly good, either, though the statistics show just 8 quarterback hits and 1 sack allowed on 47 drop backs. Love was called for intentional grounding twice and he had a number of throw-aways. The offensive line pass blocks much better than it run blocks, but this group makes mental mistakes. Rasheed Walker has at least 1 or 2 whiffs each game, sometimes mental and sometimes he gets barely gets out of his stance as he seems to not know the snap count. He often is pretty solid in pass protection otherwise, unlike his run blocking which is usually not very good. Walker also has a problem with penalties. In this game, he had a holding penalty and a false start.
The Bears sent some blitzes and mixed up their attack in the second half which led to Love feeling pressure. I think without Tom this offensive line is in solid contention for being the worst line in the NFL.
The bottom line is there is no way the Packers should pony up $80M over 4 years to retain Rasheed Walker. Jordan Morgan might be a bit of a downgrade as a pass protector and possibly even as a run blocker, but he is a much cheaper player. On the merits, I think 3 years/$22.5M would be fine for Sean Rhyan. From a cap space perspective, things are a little murky. The Packers do not seem to me to like Rhyan particularly. Jacob Monk only played 57 snaps or so this year. I, for one, was not impressed, but the sample size is too small to judge. Lecitis Smith filled in at guard instead of Monk. At least as a guard the Packers preferred Smith, who quite probably will not be on the 53-man roster in 2026, to Monk.
Aaron Banks gets another year because he cannot possibly be this bad unless injury explains it. The Packers could release him and get $4.6M in cap space savings, but they can't find a good or even decent guard for less than $10M and likely more. Darian Kinnard is a restricted free agent, so his tenders are $3.3M, and $5.6M, respectively for the right of first refusal/second round pick. The Packers might tender Kinnard but I think they will try to sign him for $2M or so. Kinnard did catch the pass from Love and it was fun watching him level defenders, but he also fumbled. I am not exactly sold on him as a tight end.
RUNNING BACKS:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Jacobs | 45 | 63 | 3/11% |
| Brooks | 19 | 2755 | 16/65% |
| Wilson | 13 | 18 | 5/19% |
Josh Jacobs gained 55 yards on 19 carries with a long of 13. On the first possession he carried 3 times for 19 yards. On his first two carries on the next possession he gained 20 more yards. And that was all she wrote. His next 14 carries gained 16 yards. He caught 1 of his 3 targets fo 3 yards. Jacobs also fumbled. Jacobs did pick up blitzes a couple of times. Chris Brooks gained 16 yards on his only carry and he caught a pass for 11 yards. Wilson gained 3 yards on his only carry.
Both Wilson and Brooks are restricted free agents next year. I expect the Packers to make a better effort to sign Brooks than Wilson since finding blocking running backs is harder than runners. I think the Packers would sign either of them for around $1.5M area with a bit of guaranteed money tossed in via a good-sized workout bonus and/or a roster/signing bonus, and might welcome both back in 2026.
QUARTERBACKS:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Love | 71 | 100 |
Love completed 24 of 46 passes (52.17%) for 323 yards (7.02 yards per attempt) and 4 touchdowns. He was sacked once and drew 2 penalties for intentional grounding. He had a passer rating of 103.8. Love was 9 of 15 for 139 yards and 3 TDs in the first half, so he was 15 of 31 in the second half for 184 yards in the second half. Love does most things pretty well. The Packers for years have had a problem with clock management and getting plays in on time across different coaches and quarterbacks.
The Packers will receive a compensatory pick in 2027 for the loss of Malik Willis in the upcoming free agency period. It will probably be a 4th or a 5th rounder. I imagine the Packers will add a quarterback to their roster either via the draft or in free agency.
TIGHT ENDS:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Musgrave | 57 | 80 | |
| Whyle | 24 | 34 | 7/26% |
Whyle caught 1 pass for 4 yards and Musgrave caught 1 of 2 for 9 yards. The Packers got away with only having 2 TEs (and Kinnard) available on the active roster. Kinnard caught 1 pass but fumbled. The Packers recovered. PFF will no doubt credit Kinnard with a couple of broken tackles.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Watson | 57 | 80 | |
| Doubs | 52 | 73 | |
| Reed | 48 | 68 | |
| Golden | 35 | 49 | |
| Neyor | 3 | 4 |
Doubs caught 8 of 11 passes for 124 yards and 1 touchdown with a long of 34. Doubs does a lot of the dirty work and also plays the "X" position. Although double-clutch Doubs has not been my favorite player, the Packers will miss him. He was a very good fourth round pick. When he leaves in free agency, Watson will be stuck playing X most of the time. I suppose they might try Wicks there more and the scouting report suggested Golden could play all three wide receiver positions. Watson caught 3 of 7 targets for 36 yards and 1 touchdown. The Packers took their deep shots to him. It is true that usually the deep safety was somewhere near Watson. Golden caught 4 of 5 targets for 84 yards and a touchdown. He showed some want it and run after the catch ability. Reed caught 4 of 7 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.
The offense was on fire in the first half. I had hoped for more than 21 points. It seems like there were a lot of easy throws available, at least when the play caught Chicago in the right defense. The Packers scored 27 points and got out to a 2 touchdown lead in the half, but it was all for nought. This tweet is going around, noting the lack of offensive plays from under center.
Word is that LaFleur was looking for more than the $13M that Ben Johnson got. There has been speculation that LaFleur would not accept a short extension. LaFleur is under contract for 2026. Well, after yet another collapse, I do not see how the Packers could announce a 4 year, $60M fully guaranteed extension for LaFleur.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Brooks | 46 | 59 | 11/41% |
| Wooden | 35 | 45 | 5/19% |
| Brinson | 25 | 32 | 5/19% |
| Ford | 18 | 23 | 4/15% |
| Stackhouse | 14 | 18 |
The Vikings gained 93 yards on 28 carries (3.32 yards per carry). Their running backs gained 3.86 yards per carry. Ford had 3 tackles (1 solo) and Wooden had 2 (1 solo) and a quarterback hit. Brinson had 1 tackle and 1 QB hit. Brooks did not have any tackles but he had 2 QB hits, which is what keeps him in the league. Caleb Williams did drop back over 50 times, so these numbers, while perhaps not terrible, are far from robust. There is a dearth of talent in the defensive tackle room. No one deserves a second contract based upon their play in 2025. Some of them will have a chance to show more in 2026. The Packers will be looking for a run stuffer and a 3 technique (despite the return of Wyatt) during the offseason.
DEFENSIVE ENDS:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| Enagbare | 53 | 68 | 8/30% |
| Van Ness | 47 | 60 | 5/19% |
| Gary | 44 | 56 | |
| Sorrell | 28 | 36 | 7/26% |
| Cox | 4 | 5 | |
| Mosby | 21/78% |
Enagbare had 4 tackles (3 solo) and a tackle for loss. Van Ness had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 QB hits. He rushed inside despite the Bears showing a triplet against 2 Packers defenders. That led to an easy completion of a wide receiver screen. That said, LVN looks useful. Gary had 1 solo tackle, 1 QB hit and 1 pass defensed. He looked like he was playing very hard though without significant results. The effort was there. Cox had 1 assisted tackle and 1 QB hit in just 5 snaps.
Gary is going to take a big pay cut, get traded for whatever the Packers can get, or he will be released (almost $11M on a straight release, about $19M with a June designation). Spotrac has Enagbare's value at $5.9M. That is tempting on the merits, but looking at it through the Packers salary cap lense, I think they let him walk.
LINEBACKERS:
| Players | Snaps | % | STs |
| Walker | 78 | 100 | 10/37% |
| McDuffie | 46 | 59 | 21/78% |
| Cooper | 43 | 55 | 6/22% |
| Hopper | 7 | 9 | 16/59% |
| Nieman | 1* | 1 | 16/59% |
Cooper had 8 tackles (6 solo) with a pass defensed. He was injured and did not return. He had been playing well and his absence was noticeable. Walker had a nice game for the most part. He had 6 tackles (3 solo) 1 TFL, and 2 passes defensed. McDuffie had 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 QB hit and a pass defensed. Hopper had an Interception and a forced fumble. The Packers seem to want Quay Walker. I think he will get in excess $12M. I think the Packers should just insert Hopper while drafting a replacement.
Niemann played a snap on the two point conversion the Bears converted. Niemann was actually had the coverage.
DEFENSIVE BACKS:
| Player | Snaps | % | STs |
| McKinney | 78 | 100 | 10/37% |
| Nixon | 77 | 99 | 11/41% |
| Valentine | 77 | 99 | 1/4% |
| Williams | 76 | 97 | 12/44% |
| Bullard | 59 | 76 | 6/22% |
| Olapado | 1 | 31 | 16/59% |
| Diggs | 1 | 1 | |
| Baldwin | 10/37% |
Nixon has talent, though he does some dumb things. He is due $5M in 2026, which is cheap for him. He returns in 2026. He had 6 tackles (4 solo). McKinney played close to the line of scrimmage most of the game with Evan Williams back deep. McKinney had 5 tackles (3 solo) and 2 passes defensed. Valentine had 3 solo tackles, a pass defensed and an Interception that he should have just batted down since it was on fourth down. Olapado had a tackle and a fumble recovery. Diggs had an assisted tackle.
The safety room is in good shape. Everyone returns. The Packers will lose Diggs most likely. Nixon, Valentine and Hobbs is not a bad trio but they need at least another NFL starting caliber cornerback.
.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Whelan punted 4 times for a net average of 32.75. He placed 1 punt inside the 20. He failed to flip the field. The long snapper had yet another bad snap. McManus missed a point after and 2 field goals, one from 55 and another from 44.
OL: 5.03
RB: 1.08
TE: 1.14
WR: 2.75
DT: 1.77
DE: 2.26
LB: 2.24
DB: 4.73
All statistics nflgsis.
Photo courtesy of Dan Powers, USA Today Network.
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Comments (52)
MooPack
January 11, 2026 at 05:47 am
LeFleur
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lPJ9J-6vDw
jvole
January 11, 2026 at 05:49 am
I think Kinnard has a future as TE!
Silverstein just called for LaFleur to be fired. Pretty surprising since he needs future access to the locker room..
1) MLF cannot call plays and be head coach. He loses the plot when the pressure is on and the other team adjusts. Lafleur's strength is that he develops Q-backs really well, and he can plan before the first kickoff, but he is a crap in-game manager.
2) Our O-line is not good. That's on Gute and Butkus. Other than players who have come in good (Tom), I don't think a single O-line player has improved while a packer. Coaching matters. The justis mosqueda article from last week on why the Packers retain bad assistants was disturbing (we do not have enough money to pay both the past fired coach's contract and new contracts of good assistant coaches ).
3) Speaking of coaching, special teams. Dear lord, an endless chronic problem in Green Bay. That's on Lafleur as much as Bissacia. You see the problem, demand it be fixed, or move on.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 11, 2026 at 06:22 am
The thing is that the Packers make mistakes and they are largely the same mistakes by the same players. I advocated for Valentine to start at outside CB with Hobbs and Bullard competing for snaps at slot CB. That finally happened. But, Valentine having that huge smile and his stupid pose after he caught the interception he should have just batted down annoyed me. It annoyed me that no veteran went over and "explained" the matter to him. If not a player, then a coach, but a defensive team captain would suggest that padding your stats at the team's expense is a no-no.
It bothered me when Monk and Love could not set the protections in the second half last week but I figured Monk was coming back from injury. This week Rhyan and Love could not set the protection schemes and the OL had a hell of a time with stunts, twists and blitzes.
I do think the new rule that makes it easier for teams to sell minority stakes could be an issue for GB, at least in the short term. I think Justis made a lot of good points. It is a problem that other owners are not trying to make a dividend each year but are relying on the eventual sale of the team in the future to get a return on investment, given that GB can't sell a minority stake or any other stake.
That said, I think it might be a problem in the short term but less so in the long term. the notion is that McCaskey will sell 15% of the Bears for 15% of 9 billion ($1.35B) is alarming if one supposes that McCaskey is going to invest that money in scouts and coaches. He might do it to finance a new stadium (that will inflate the value of the franchise when it comes online) but most of the owners are greedy mofos and a lot of that money will stick to the fingers of the owners. [That is, I think the seller is more likely to buy a yacht or an island with te $1.35B than he is to drive up the cost of HC, GMs and coordinators. But, there could be some inflation.]
The Packers have $597M in the reserve fund and they invested over $300M in titletown. So, w/o titletown they would be significantly over $900M. I will assume Titletown is generating at least $15M and really it ought to be over $21M every year to be getting a decent return. It is very hard to come by dollar amounts for titletown income. Still, Lambeau should be a good stadium for another 15 years. Assuming that they get $40M return on the $597M and add $40M from operating profit, the Packers should be increasing the reserve fund by something like $80M (and more in the future with dividend reinvestment/compounding) each year for 15 years. that should add up to enough to build a bitching new stadium. GMs go for $5M to $10M. For Coaches, reports are that Reid makes $20M, Payton $18M, Harbaugh $17M, Tomlin and the other Harbaugh $16M, Carroll and McVay at $15M, Johnson $13M, Liam Coen $12M, and some guys like Kellen Moore get $3.9M. The reserve fund increased by $64M in 2025. Operating profits were 480M. Coordinators are $2M to $5M and position coaches can hit 7 figures. Assistants are in the 6 digit territory and sometime low 6 digits.
I think the packers will survive. It is a complicated and interesting. I think some reader out there in finance will do better than I can. I know how to take other people's money, not how to earn it or invest it.
jvole
January 11, 2026 at 06:33 am
Good points. The Lafleur teams do seem to lack fire and accountability.
Surprised you didn't mention Valentine following Bullard, who is standing right in front of him, into the flat to "help" cover a receiver while the guy he should be covering runs wide-open behind him---inexcusable. Valentine seems like a "see guy, cover guy" player with little between the ears.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 11, 2026 at 06:57 am
I turned my mind off at some point. That p-ay put Valentine in a bind and it opened up space for a hole shot from Caleb, and he laid it in there nicely. Part good/confusing play and part mistake. GB got the safety to go help on Watson, which put Doubs one on one with a CB. Not as bad since there was someone covering both Doubs and Watson but it did lead to a TD to Doubs.
I wonder if taking a flyer on someone like OC Ryan Kelly might be an idea, at least if he comes cheap enough. MN paid him $9M only to watch him play in just 6 games. He played really well though. If due to injury he signed for $4M, well, I think he can set the protections correctly. I think he is 33 tho. A 1 or 2 year flyer. What do they have in Monk physically? Mentally? If the HC, OC, OL line position coach can't teach someone on the offense to set protections, it is going to be a problem.
Coldworld
January 11, 2026 at 07:43 am
Butkus and Stenavich need to be out of the door with LaFleur. These problems aren’t new, span multiple individuals and seem to be overcome by new teams when players leave. Part of the reason LaFleur needs to go, but only part. Nevertheless, moves that need to be made by the team before we have a new HC as a further step to re-establishing credibility.
Policy, are you real or just another adept kisser of Murphy’s behind? It’s time to act and, if you don’t, don’t plan on a long or pretty tenure. You should probably wipe the slate entirely clean, but you must start with a clear statement action on LaFleur.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 07:57 am
I don't think they trust Monk (to state the obvious). He's struggled with injuries, yes, but given the opportunity at C, he wasn't in the equation. There are a couple established C scheduled to be on the FA this year, but I don't think they'll get to market. There are some younger guys who have been log-jammed behind good C, too, but they're likely to be a crap shoot. They'll have to sign someone.
I don't think the current staff thinks a lot of Rhyan, either (as you said above). There are usually C who can play right away available in round 2 but you've got to hit the right guy. As it stands, I think the Packers take at least 2 OL in the upcoming draft and I wouldn't be surprised if one is a dedicated C prospect to compete right away.
"I turned my mind off at some point."
Yeah, "easy-peasy' kinda went out the window.
jannesbjornson
January 11, 2026 at 11:33 am
Logan Jones, Iowa.
HawkPacker
January 11, 2026 at 10:08 pm
Yes, I agree but not sure he is heavy enough. Iowa runs the GB offense and I think the packers should consult with Ferentz to get an idea how good he is and to compare him to Tyler Linderbaum who was also at Iowa and is a pro bowler at Baltimore.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 11, 2026 at 02:58 pm
I think Monk and Rhyan should be our C next season. Which pretty much guarantees GB will not do that.
blacke00
January 11, 2026 at 08:03 am
IMHO, the first draft pick for the Packers in 2026 should be the best Center available. I don't for one minute expect Gute to do that. They need to turn the OL around....it stinks.
Oh...and put me down as not a fan of Valentine....he stinks. That another position the Pack needs to address ASAP.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 10:06 am
I think that first pick will be dictated by the possibility of a coaching change, and which of their own FA they keep and which FA and vets they let walk. If they ink Rhyan to an extension or sign a FA, I think CB or DL might be that first pick.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 11, 2026 at 03:00 pm
I'd be ok with drafting 3 CBs and 3 DTs.
DoubleJ
January 12, 2026 at 11:10 am
I think Ford did a decent job being a space eater for the interior run game. Could they do better, sure, but he wasn't a failure at it. The major problems are at CB and OL. I wouldn't be surprised if GB tries to rework Digg's contract for a 1 year tryout, draft at least 2 CBs with one in R2, and then spend a lot on IOL and maybe another R5 or R6 at DT.
advdj76
January 12, 2026 at 05:30 am
I think the primary problem is that MLF and his assistants are slow to put new players in game. We saw that when Tom was drafted and was behind Royce Newman for no reason. Golden was not utilised enough.
Regarding offensive line, I was watching Mike Wahle podcast and his opinion on Monk is quite different than Yours. He said that in Vikings game he played very good, that he is a mover in the run game, but is a little underside. Jordan Morgan is a good tackle, but was bad as a guard. Run blocking was ok in the first half but really bad in the second. And I noticed that Ford was good against run. Run cannot be stoped without one real NT on the line, that is evident.
Ryan Kelly had 3 concussions this year, probably will retire.
Also, I agree with You, because of the cap, I would let go Walker and insert Hopper in his place. But I would also cut Mc Duffie, he is ok against the run, but just ok, in coverage he is terrible.
Guam
January 11, 2026 at 08:37 am
Long time sportswriter for the Wisconsin State Journal (Polzin) has also called for LaFluer's termination. Hopefully Policy finds this as obvious as many others do.
Snap the ball
January 11, 2026 at 06:33 am
I don’t need starters…..I need finishers on this team.
MLf. Did not finish……
Same old crap. Basically a 500 record after Rodger’s left.
.cute Gute needs some help.
MCMISS. BACK TO HIS OLD TRICKS …..HORRIBLE KICKING. HORRIBLE
GBPfaninMO
January 11, 2026 at 06:39 am
It's simple GB could f**k up a county fair with this brain trust? The Rams fired their SP coach & repl. the kicker mid season BUT the really smart folks running the packers NAH just keep running the same sh*t back!What an embarrassing SH*T SHOW I turned the game off in the 4th qtr cause I've seen this movie before & it SUCKS!
jlc1
January 11, 2026 at 07:39 am
Rams had a punt blocked yesterday so little changed for them. I have absolutely no idea what a team with reliably good ST would be like.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 11, 2026 at 03:02 pm
The person who blocked that punt wore green and gold this past TC.
Doofapotamus
January 11, 2026 at 06:45 am
Man, gotta love the Diggs pickup. Played one snap in the first quarter. Thanks for another crushing, guy wrenching, absolutely disappointing loss with the game in hand.
Coldworld
January 11, 2026 at 07:33 am
Hafley had another really bad game. Unable to adjust. He left acres of space in front of the safeties all night for Loveland without even trying to change. He left Cox idle, he played Diggs once. He’s becoming more like LaFleur: stuck in his pregame conception and too afraid of the big play conceded to make them.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 07:42 am
I think Loveland just caught another 20 yard out.
advdj76
January 12, 2026 at 05:47 am
That, I cannot understand why Cox was on the field for only 5 snaps. And how the corners were playing Diggs was needed on the field. He played really good game against Vikings. Valentine and Nixon are nothing more than 3/4 corner on the team, reserves.
I think that fear of the big play is MLF style. It was like that with Barry and now with Hafley.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 10:08 am
They did something to try to perk up the CB room. They must not have liked what they saw...at least, not against a QB who tends to struggle more against zone.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 11, 2026 at 03:03 pm
I call that a bad decision.
stockholder
January 11, 2026 at 10:23 am
They can't afford Diggs.
That is why they didn't play him.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 10:29 am
This might be the dumbest take I've seen on this.
Coldworld
January 11, 2026 at 07:17 am
LaFleur should be gone by Monday. A bad hire who wasted the end of Rodgers in a melange of mistakes and bad hires and is now doing the same with Love.
There’s a good argument Gute should go too, but LaFleur, his culture and his coaches must go as soon as possible if this team is to reassert its pride and prospects.
Mark Murphy sold himself and then us on a guy who can’t lead or stand up to pressure and we’ve been so busy making excuses he lasted 7 years without improving. Shame on Murphy, shame on the Packers as a whole and shame on the blind deference of the media and fan base.
tobinrote
January 11, 2026 at 07:20 am
please give harbaugh a call and see if he is interested, but first fire gutekunst for giving us such great first and second round picks. want to get sick: i made a point of watching Jordan Morgan during the game. The Bears made adjustments, we did not respond as usual. MLF is okay for his first scripted plays and from then on he is clueless. If heads do not roll, well, get ready for another decade of mediocrity. Love played well in the first half and then he too regressed but given the O line in front of him it is hard to blame him completely. Bring Schneider or Wolfe back from the Seahawks and Pats, and send them Gutey. we have such a knack for letting the good ones go and keeping the mediocrities.
jannesbjornson
January 11, 2026 at 11:44 am
He was a Nepo hire to begin and showed his mettle getting one guy out of his first draft who could make a difference. The other guys from the Ted Club are not going anywhere. Schneider got Seattle to Two SBs and he's there for life. Wolf, Jr. inherited some good draft position and he made the picks. The Pack has settled into
Stasis. The next phase is Titletown Properties, LLC. to rent out condos for the players and wives. CAP hell to synch up with reality come February. The Fifteen Year Plan is finished.
NFLfan
January 11, 2026 at 07:25 am
Who is supervising Murphy and Policy?
What are their salaries? What is Gute's salary?
Is the team financing 'Titletown'?
Who's idea is it to have a 'Titletown?" in the first place?
After visiting Green Bay several years ago, there was a noticeable downtown decline-our hotel was 4 star but very dated and tired and the rest of downtown seemed tired as well.I wondered why the Packers couldn't work with the Chamber of Commerce to plant a few trees, flowers, re-burbish some of the hotels, etc. w/o building an entire new 'town' which has to be expensive.
There has been no Senior Management new blood in 8 years. Why extend an average GM for 4 more years-one who has whiffed on trench/CB roster construction?
And, there is no owner to put a stop to it.
Coldworld
January 11, 2026 at 07:29 am
Thanks for these pieces throughout the season TGR. Always the first place I come after a game and typically fosters the most interesting discussions. Much appreciated!
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 07:34 am
I'll echo these sentiments.
You're appreciated TGR!
Guam
January 11, 2026 at 08:32 am
Third in line echoing these comments TGR. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. My favorite read after every Packer game.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 10:11 am
" Always the first place I come after a game and typically fosters the most interesting discussions. "
The knee-jerk reactionaries tend to shy away from the snaps articles. The conversation is more reasoned, here. There's actual information here to talk about and it tends to deflate some narratives.
tobinrote
January 12, 2026 at 08:40 am
agreed. the other Cheesehead commentators tend to be wishful thinkers, TGR just gives the hard facts, coupled with astute observations.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 07:41 am
I find myself wondering if the game turns out differently if Cooper doesn't get hurt. I thought he was playing really well.
Enagbare is Preston Smith light. He's going to probably make more than the Packers want to pay, but I'd consider it. He's the kind of guy you need as a depth piece on your roster.
I don't see how they bring back McManus, especially at his pay level. Did he stabilize the Packers kicking game last year? Yes. Was he hurt during the season? Yes. But at this stage he's not playing any better than the scattershot, vet minimum kicker on the PS (Havrisik).
"The Packers will lose Diggs most likely. Nixon, Valentine and Hobbs is not a bad trio but they need at least another NFL starting caliber cornerback. "
Diggs played only one CB snap? I admit I never saw him on the field, but that would be a telling sign that he'll be cut shortly.
The Packers will be drafting a minimum of 2 CB next spring, probably one on day 2.
"LaFleur is under contract for 2026. Well, after yet another collapse, I do not see how the Packers could announce a 4 year, $60M fully guaranteed extension for LaFleur. "
I think that would be both a PR and fiscal misstep, yes.
Coldworld
January 11, 2026 at 07:58 am
Enagbare has the kind of mentality one would like to keep. The problem is that a team can’t base itself around both him and Van Ness among the top of its rotation even if Gary is gone.
If Hafley leaves, my guess is his replacement will want new corners, an IDL and pass rush outside of Parsons. With no cap or first rounder, that’s going to be mighty hard to remedy, especially when the new OC has to pick apart the mess on the OL after all the years of Stenavich/Butkus incompetence.
Nixon is Hafley’s CB prototype, but he’s probably not anyone else’s. There nothing behind him, even less than at the IDL. At least at DE, more Sorrell and Cox could give us a bridge with a more open minded coaching staff. At CB, nothing based upon ignoring Diggs.
Finally, a shout out to Golden. As LaFleur lost the plot so we actually saw Golden freed by the brokenness of the plays. Guess what, he can play when freed from LaFleur’s rigid offensive conception. Next year he might actually have a chance. Then again, I think Love too will blossom away from LaFleur.
dobber
January 11, 2026 at 10:20 am
"Nixon is Hafley’s CB prototype, but he’s probably not anyone else’s."
Nixon is pretty much a zone CB who can play the nickel role, and that's what he's being paid as. He tackles and he can play the ball in front of him, but he's a bonehead sometimes. He wants to be viewed as a CB1, but is not. You have to ask whether Hafley was just trying to play with what he had. Hobbs was no help.
The big holes in the Packers' zones last night--and all season long--were.demoralizing.
"Finally, a shout out to Golden"
That was a mini coming out party for him. Has great hands, played more physically than was billed, and seemed to be the only WR to make plays late.
HawkPacker
January 11, 2026 at 10:17 pm
CW, I was so impressed with Golden and wondered why he was not used more during the year.
As far as Nixon goes, I cursed him when I saw him jump on the group of players and said, not there's a penalty. If I, as a fan, know that it is a penalty, why doesn't that dumb sh*t know?
sugarbair
January 11, 2026 at 09:17 am
The corner back room needs gutted. There isn't an NFL caliber player in the group. This roster needs a good make over if we really want to contend for anything.
stockholder
January 11, 2026 at 10:27 am
The CB room needs Diggs.
Gary must go.
jannesbjornson
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Malik Muhammad, Texas. I would escort Valentine out of the room, asap. Hafley had zero combo coverage games employed to get Caleb off his marks. The Bullard pick still doesn't make sense. Hopper was not utilized all season to replace McDuffie in pass coverage. Another feather plucked from his cap.
advdj76
January 12, 2026 at 06:04 am
Cooper injury was backbreaking, after that defence was doomed.
Enagbare is a good player, but because of the cap reasons think that we are not gonna to resign him. I would cut Gary, resign Cox who is restricted free agent and start the season with LVN, Cox, Sorell, Oliver, and Mosby, and wait for Parsons to get healthy.
I was watching that Vikings game, because I wanted to see few players, Diggs, Oliver, Sorell and Ford.
Diggs played really well, against JJ and Adison. It was so obvious that he is better player than Nixon or Valentine. No stupid mistakes, he was good in run support.
I would cut Nixon, in my opinion he is not good even for 5 million salary, as a CB.
MLF in my opinion needs to go. Not because of the loss, but because all playoff loses with him are the same.
If we lost good game, as Eagles against the SF, it is one thin, but this was humiliating.
Guam
January 11, 2026 at 08:48 am
I'll put my two cents in. LaFleur needs to go.
(1) The Packers rarely play a complete game and most often only play half a game. Having a team ready to play 60 minutes is job one for any HC and LaFleur rarely gets it done.
(2) LaFleur and his offensive staff have never been able to make in-game adjustments and last night was no different. Lafleur never adjusted to the Bear's blitz. I think this may be a part of issue #1.
(3) The Packer special teams have been atrocious for all seven years of LaFleur's tenure and it has cost them games including last night.
(4) LaFleur has been slightly better than a .500 coach since Rodgers left. After fours years of that we know who he is and it is not good enough.
Policy is now on the hot seat. Is he Harlan or a pretender?
BabeParilli
January 11, 2026 at 09:23 am
We saw a franchise quarterback perform in the clutch last night.
And we saw a future journeyman backup CHOKE and fall apart in the clutch last night.
Caleb Williams in the clutch played like a franchise QB against a tired Packer defense - tired due to Jordan leading 3 three and outs and a 1 five and out on the other of the first 4 Packer possessions of the 2nd half - and the loss of Edgerrin Cooper to injury hurt the Packer defense as well.
And Jordan Love in the clutch played like a career backup.
Jordan Love 15 of 31 in the 2nd half - MISERABLE 48.3% completion percentage.
First 4 Packer Possessions at the start of 2nd half:
3 and out. Punt (3rd quarter)
3 and out. Punt (3rd quarter)
5 and out. Punt (3rd quarter)
3 and out. Punt (4ht quarter)
Jordan 3 completions on 10 pass attempts (including the creative Lafleur play call pass to Kinnard) over these 4 possessions - a miserable 30% accuracy!!.
Just 3 runs over those 4 possessions, including a nice 6 yard run by Jacobs on 2nd and 4 for the only first down on the 4 possessions. The ONLY FIRST DOWN IN 17+ MINUTES where Jordan disappeared!
And who were the 2 penalties on during these 4 possessions??
Jordan Love - twice for intentional grounding!
Even if the Packers did not score on these 4 possessions if Jordan could have at least sustained 1 or 2 drives on these 4 possessions the Packers could have taken 5 or 10 more minutes off the clock.
Over those 17 inept Jordan Love minutes instead of Jordan putting the game out of reach for the Packers the Bears wore down the Packers defense, but the Packers defense still held their own and a 21-6 lead at half was still 21-9 when Whelan punted with 12 minutes and 54 seconds left in the 4th quarter.
And then another penalty on Jordan for delay of game - pushing McManus field goal attempt - which McManus would miss narrowly - back 5 yards!
And the only score that Jordan was to lead the Packers to in the ENTIRE 2ND HALF - WITH THE GAME ON THE LINE - was only possible because Jacobs kick return set the Packers up at their 45 yard line and a short field for Jordan.
Jordan played like he played in the 4th quarter against the 49ers in 2023 and the Eagles last year - lowest passer rating in playoff game in Packers history.
In this game, Lafleur's creative 1st half play calls set up easy throws for Jordan that any of us could have completed - including 3 of 4 of the TD passes - these padded Jordan's stats, and on paper made Jordan's performance look better than it was. Jordan completed just 24 of 46 pass attempts - that is 52.1%
Take away those 1 and 7 yard TD passes to Doubs and Watson and the short toss to Golden that Golden turned into a 23 yard TD pass by breaking tackles and hurdling tacklers - that was 99% Golden - and that 103.8 passer rating is in the low 80s. Those easy passes and other wide open receivers in 1 on 1 pass coverage are all due to Lafleur's offensive play calling and schemes.
Lafleur has hidden Jordan's weaknesses for 3 years - not an easy task at all. .
No Coach could have done any better given what Gutekunst gave him in Jordan.
The difference posted above in Lafleur's won loss record with Rodgers vs. won loss record with Jordan - both a) overall and b) when pass plays exceed running plays - after all the NFL today is a passing league - is black and white proof.
Gutekunst showered Jordan in top draft choices of receivers, tight ends, running bacs, and offensive lineman, but hasn't helped - Jordan is still processes the field too slow for a franchise NFL quarterback, is immobile, and inaccurate.
Willis is a head and shoulder better player.
Jordan is our Carson Wentz.
Malik is our Jalen Hurts.
BabeParilli
January 11, 2026 at 09:26 am
Lafleur is not at all the problem.
In Lafleur’s first 3 years with Rodgers as starting QB, Rodgers was 34 wins and 12 losses where Rodgers dropped back to pass more than the Packers ran – that is a 73.9% winning percentage.
In Lafleur’s first 3 years with Jordan as starting QB, Jordan is now 11 wins 19 losses and 1 tie in games where Jordan drops back to pass more than the Packers run - that is a ABSYMAL 37.1% winning percentage!!!
The NFL is still a passing league you cannot be a Super Bowl contender with a quarterback who after 3 years has an ABSYMAL 37.1% winning percentage when the team passes more than it runs in games!!!
Lafleur – a very very smart and aware coach – recognized that Rodgers passing accuracy, arm strength, ability to think and quickly process the field, and agility in the pocket and pocket awareness made passing a winning formula with Rodgers as starer so the Packers passed more than they ran in 46 of the 53 games - that is 86.8% - that Rodgers started under Lafleur in Rodgers first 3 years with Lafleur.
Lafleur – a very very smart and aware coach – recognized that Love had poor passing accuracy, weaker arm strength than Rodgers, an inability to think and quickly process the field, and a lack of agility in the pocket and pocket awareness made passing a losing proposition with Jordan as starter so the Packers have passed more than they ran in just 31 of the 52 games – that is 59.6% - that Jordan has started under Lafleur in Jordan’s first 3 years with Lafleur.
Lafleur's record now after 3 years - 52 games - with Jordan as the starter- OVERALL - whether passes exceed runs or runs exceed passes - is 28 wins 23 losses and 1 tie - 54.8% winning percentage.
Lafleur after 3 years - 53 games - with Rodgers as the starter was 41 wins 12 losses - a winning percentage of 77.4%.
Overall 77.4% winning record with Rodgers after 3 years compared to 54.8% overall winning percentage with 3 years of Jordan starting!!
AND JORDAN HAD A TOP 10 Packer Defense in 2 of the 3 years and this year's 11th ranked defense was in the top 10 through week 16 of 18. The Rams allowed only 20 and 19 points in week 17 and 18 relative to the Packers 41 and 16 points allowed after which the Rams overtook the Packers for the 10th position. Rodgers had a top 10 defense just 3 times in his 15 years as a Packer starter.
And Gutekunst has bent over backwards to gift Jordan with 1st 2nd and 3rd round draft choices on wide receivers - including the 1st receiver in Golden drafted in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002 - tight ends, running back, and offensive lineman.
And then Gutekunst way over pays for a great pass rusher in Micah Parsons because Gutekunst knows Jordan cannot carry the Packers as Rodgers did for 15 years with mediocre and poor defenses.
Jordan is our Carson Wentz.
Malik Willis is our Jalen Hurts.
Trade Jordan like Howie Roseman traded Carson Wentz.
Keep Malik Willis!
Fire Gutekunst!
Oxymoron 3339
January 11, 2026 at 09:49 am
Agree with Gute must go. Can’t win a SB with an Average GM.
stockholder
January 11, 2026 at 10:34 am
OL- Dump the money -
Banks is not a difference maker.
It’s money down the drain.
Rotation Rotation Rotation at center!
Rhyan is our center now.
Big mistake not playing Diggs.
He’s gone because they can’t afford him.
But dumping Hobbs and keeping Diggs
Is what I would do.
The DL should be the land of Giants.
One grave Digger please.
Gute's biggest 7 year mistake as GM.
PeteK
January 11, 2026 at 11:57 am
Paul and Jim Brown would not have any success with this O line. Yes, Bears starting stunting, but linemen did little to hold off the charge. Also, doesn't help that Love ,even though a good QB, needs to improve pocket presence. Bears pressuring the outside, take off and run up the middle instead of standing there like a statue. However, even with all of that , if McManus makes the last two kicks we were set up for a winning last min FG.
jannesbjornson
January 11, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Wilson as the RB whiffed repeatedly on Blitz pick up, while Brooks stoned his guys and made positive plays running, receiving and pass pro. This is another example where coaching decisions make a difference in
play success. Love has to work on his footwork and balance on delivery. He had a great game passing, but his coach took the ball away from him in the predictable 3rd Quarter Failures.