The Green Bay Packers are 0-1 after a disastrous 39-22 loss to their rival, the Minnesota Vikings, in Week 1. Concerns on both sides of the ball reared their ugly heads during an epic fourth-quarter collapse that’s become all too common under head coach Matt LaFleur.
Understandably, most NFL pundits expressed doubts about the Packers coming into the season. Following Sunday’s disaster, those doubts have only been solidified, and it showed in the national power rankings heading into Week 2.
Where the Packers Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
ESPN: 14 (Down from 7)
SI.com: 16 (Down from 16)
USA Today: 22 (Down from 16)
CBS Sports: 14 (Down from 7)
NFL.com: 16 (Down from 12)
What National Pundits Are Saying About the Packers’ Power Ranking
“I think the beauty of Green Bay’s decision to take points off the board is that it reflects the real time push and pull of analytics in the modern game. I’m not saying I would not have done the same thing, but I am saying that it would be harder for me to look Jordan Love in the eyes after he’d been pounded on nearly every snap and tell him that hard earned three points don’t matter.” – Conor Orr, SI.com
“The absences of OLB Micah Parsons and RB Josh Jacobs were quite evident during a second-half meltdown that saw the Pack surrender 29 consecutive points.” – Nate Davis, USA Today
“That was a choke job in losing to the Vikings. They had some calls go against them, but leading by 12 in the second half means they have to win that game.” – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
“For roughly three quarters, Green Bay was the better team in Minneapolis on Sunday. But as has been the case too often over the last year, the Packers were unable to close. They failed to convert on fourth-and-1 early in the fourth quarter, fell victim to a few penalties and then completely collapsed beneath the weight of adversity. While the Packers have been excellent in a number of areas, they have routinely flunked the mental-toughness test. Sunday’s loss was the latest example.” – Nick Shook, NFL.com
Packers Have to Figure Things Out Before the Rails Fall Off
The Packers played frontrunner for most of Sunday’s opener, but things never felt safe. Eventually, when the going got tough, they succumbed to the pressure.
By now, everyone understands what the Packers are up against, having to begin the season without key players, running back Josh Jacobs and edge rusher Micah Parsons. However, the issues that led to a fourth-quarter meltdown against the Vikings existed last year, too.
Similar to last season, question marks remain along the offensive line and at cornerback. Also, late-game decision-making and execution continue to be an issue.
It may be a new season, but through Week 1, it’s the same old Packers.
