In a tense and ultimately disappointing playoff encounter, the Green Bay Packers saw their season conclude with a 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round, after squandering a significant fourth-quarter lead. This event marked the seventh season under head coach Matt LaFleur, who witnessed his squad lose their composure during crucial moments on the field.
Reflecting on the game, LaFleur emphasized the need to address the team's mistakes promptly but admitted the team became "disheveled" as the second half progressed. The Packers, having led 21-6 early in the fourth quarter, allowed the Bears to close the gap and ultimately overtake them amid several critical errors.
Notably, kicker Brandon McManus missed an extra point and a 44-yard field goal attempt, both pivotal opportunities to extend the Packers' lead. Additional contributing factors included a delay-of-game penalty after a timeout and a critical bungled snap on Green Bay's final offensive play, which effectively sealed their fate.
These blunders culminated in the Packers' fifth loss in a row, bringing their season record to 9-8-1. The pattern of defeat was compounded by a previous loss to the Bears on December 20, where Green Bay had yielded a 16-6 lead late in regulation, succumbing 22-16 in overtime.
The 31-27 defeat also underscored an ongoing playoff vulnerability; Green Bay’s record dropped to 33-3 in postseason games when holding at least a 10-point lead, with only a handful of notable losses prior to this season. Quarterback Jordan Love expressed his disappointment emphatically, acknowledging the team's inability to close out the contest.
This result invites speculation about significant organizational changes. Both LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst have just one year left on their current contracts. Amid the backdrop of leadership transitions, team president and CEO Ed Policy, who assumed his role last summer, has voiced a general reluctance to allow coaches or general managers to enter their final contract year without securing an extension.
LaFleur refrained from dwelling on his contract status but reiterated his deep commitment to the team. Love backed his coach publicly, praising LaFleur's performance while lamenting the season’s end.
During the game, Love threw three of his four touchdown passes in the first half as the Packers managed a 21-3 lead at one point. However, key moments such as McManus missing a 55-yard field goal near the end of the second quarter and two crucial missed kicks in the final moments marred their performance. McManus expressed profound regret over leaving seven points off the board, which were sorely missed in the tightly contested finish.
A delay-of-game penalty following a Packers timeout was identified by LaFleur as "inexcusable," highlighting ongoing operational frailties. On the Packers’ final drive, a false start penalty and two incomplete passes preceded a mishandled snap by Love, eliminating planned strategic options and forcing a desperate final, unsuccessful Hail Mary attempt.
Overall, the game reflected a combination of talent and promise undermined by a series of unforced errors and psychological fragility, leaving the Packers’ future trajectory uncertain as they contemplate offseason adjustments in leadership and strategy.