Packers Face Playoff Pressure Amid Special Teams Struggles

The Green Bay Packers’ hopes of securing a playoff spot are increasingly jeopardized by ongoing issues with their special teams. Coach Matt LaFleur highlighted the critical nature of these mistakes after a recent 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears on December 16, 2023. The game, which marked a significant setback in their pursuit of the NFC North title, featured a pivotal blunder during an onside kick attempt that could have sealed a victory for the Packers.

With just under two minutes remaining in regulation, the Packers needed to recover an onside kick to maintain their lead. Instead, wide receiver Romeo Doubs mishandled the ball, allowing the Bears to recover and subsequently score, effectively turning the tide in the game. “That was the most important play of the game,” stated running back Josh Jacobs, underscoring the immense pressure associated with such crucial moments.

LaFleur expressed disappointment over the team’s special teams performance, particularly noting that three significant errors over the past three months have had catastrophic implications. Previous incidents included a blocked field goal attempt in a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns and a blocked extra point in a high-scoring tie against the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite these setbacks, LaFleur defended the overall performance of his special teams, emphasizing that while certain plays have been detrimental, the unit has shown competence in other areas, particularly in coverage. “Rich Bisaccia, the team’s special teams coordinator, has been instrumental in improving these units since his arrival in 2022, although the team has cycled through multiple coordinators under LaFleur’s leadership,” he remarked. “I know we’re sound in what we do, and I think guys have been competing.”

Bisaccia, regarded as one of the NFL’s highest-paid special teams coordinators, has faced the challenge of addressing ongoing issues that have plagued the franchise for years. Despite attempts to rectify these problems, the Packers have continued to experience significant lapses, reminiscent of past playoff eliminations attributed to special teams failures.

The Packers’ special teams currently rank 21st in the league according to FTN’s DVOA metric, contrasting sharply with the offense’s fifth-place ranking and the defense’s fourteenth. The organization has invested in reliable specialists, with kicker Brandon McManus, punter Daniel Whelan, and long-snapper Matt Orzech all receiving contract extensions within the past year. Yet, the high-profile mistakes persist, raising concerns about the team’s ability to advance in the playoffs.

Reflecting on the cumulative impact of these errors, Bisaccia noted that players often dwell on individual mistakes, regardless of the game’s overall outcome. “It’s about getting better after each game, regardless of a win or loss,” he said.

LaFleur, maintaining a composed approach, refrained from making any immediate personnel changes, even as the pressure mounts. “It’s never about just one play,” he remarked, stressing that multiple factors contributed to the team’s recent performance.

With just two regular-season games remaining, the Packers still have a chance to secure a playoff berth. Yet, the specter of special teams errors looms large, threatening to derail their aspirations. “Everybody has to just do their job,” safety Javon Bullard affirmed, emphasizing the importance of focus and execution in the coming weeks.

As the Packers prepare for their next match, the need for a cohesive and effective special teams unit has never been more critical. The outcome of their season may well depend on their ability to overcome these challenges.