A Bitter End to the 2024-25 Season for the Green Bay Packers

The 2024-25 season came to a heartbreaking close for the Green Bay Packers, with a familiar opponent handing them yet another bitter defeat. In a way, it felt almost fated. After an opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Packers faced the same team in their final game at “The Linc” — and the result was all too similar. A full-circle moment, the season’s Wild Card loss to the Eagles had a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of Groundhog Day for Packers fans who had witnessed the entire journey.

A Season Defined by Self-Inflicted Wounds

The Packers didn’t just lose to the Eagles; they beat themselves. With a dismal four turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by Jordan Love, the Packers’ mistakes proved too costly to overcome. Love has now thrown an interception in his last play of the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, a troubling trend for the young quarterback. To make matters worse, Green Bay committed eight penalties, costing them a staggering 85 yards. It was a game marred by missed opportunities and self-sabotage.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, one of the most consistent complaints from Green Bay was the team’s inability to avoid shooting itself in the foot. They were the epitome of “one step forward, two steps back.” While their youth and inexperience were often cited as explanations, that can only be an excuse for so long. In truth, the Packers’ youth, while evident on defense with standout rookies like Edgerrin Cooper, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard, wasn’t the primary culprit for the team’s shortcomings. On offense, Jordan Love and his supporting cast were far from inexperienced, with Love finishing his fourth season under head coach Matt LaFleur’s system. It wasn’t just about youth — it was about execution, or the lack thereof.

The Coaching Question: Accountability and Discipline

Much of the blame for the Packers’ inability to avoid turnovers, penalties, and undisciplined play falls on the shoulders of head coach Matt LaFleur. Despite being recognized as one of the league’s top play-callers, his teams have consistently been criticized for their lack of discipline and toughness. This season was no different, with the offense looking stagnant and uninspired during their three-game losing streak to close the year. It was a disappointing conclusion to what had been a season full of promise and growth.

LaFleur himself acknowledged the disappointment, noting that the loss could serve as fuel for a better offseason. “We have a really tough division, and I’m hoping our guys use that as fuel to dig a little bit deeper and come back better individually. Collectively, that’ll make a huge difference,” he said, reflecting on the team’s ongoing development. Yet, despite his hope for growth, LaFleur’s tenure is now at a crossroads. The 2024-25 season revealed serious flaws in discipline and consistency that can no longer be ignored.

A Need for a True WR1

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, one glaring issue for the Packers is their lack of a true WR1. Christian Watson, who was expected to step up as the team’s top receiving threat, tore his ACL in Week 18 and is likely to miss most of next season. While Romeo Doubs has shown flashes of promise, his inconsistency leaves much to be desired. Doubs finished the 2024 season with 41 catches for 601 yards and four touchdowns, but he’s far from the reliable, game-changing receiver that a young quarterback like Jordan Love needs.

Jayden Reed, the team’s leading receiver in 2024, had an up-and-down season. While he accumulated 46 catches for 857 yards and six touchdowns, he struggled with drops and fumbles, and his impact was often inconsistent. Dontevyion Wicks showed promise, but like Reed, he also battled drops and failed to live up to his potential as a consistent threat. The Packers also relied on depth receivers like Bo Melton and Malik Heath, but neither has the skill set to be a reliable go-to option in critical moments.

The Future: A Focus on Development and Key Additions

Looking to 2025, the Packers’ offensive woes are clear. Tight end Tucker Kraft remains the most consistent receiving option heading into next season, but if defenses key in on him and limit the run game with Josh Jacobs, Green Bay’s offense could struggle to keep up with the best teams in the league. The most pressing need for General Manager Brian Gutekunst is to secure a legitimate WR1 for the team. Whether through a trade for a proven star like Tee Higgins or Davante Adams, or through a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers must give Love a reliable target to trust in critical moments. If they can address this glaring weakness, the 2025-26 season could end on a much more positive note.

A Long Road Ahead

For the Green Bay Packers, the 2024-25 season may have ended in disappointment, but the road ahead is full of potential. With key pieces on defense continuing to develop and the right additions to the offense, Green Bay has the foundation to be competitive again in the near future. However, much work remains, and it will be up to LaFleur, Love, and Gutekunst to ensure that the lessons learned from this season lead to tangible improvements in the seasons to come.