Winning big games in the NFL postseason requires both game-changing players and the best from a team’s top players, and the Green Bay Packers didn’t get nearly enough from their best in Sunday’s 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Running back Josh Jacobs was a lonely star for the Packers, who ended the season on a disappointing three-game losing streak.
The Pro Bowl running back rushed 18 times for 81 yards and caught three passes on three targets for 40 yards, creating 121 yards on 21 touches. According to Pro Football Focus, Jacobs forced 12 missed tackles and gained 74 yards after first contact as a runner, and he gained 34 more yards after the catch and forced two more missed tackles in the passing game.
Jacobs’ 31-yard run in the second half was an elite, game-changing play, and it set up the Packers’ only touchdown.
But while Jacobs shined again, he was alone in the endeavor.
Quarterback Jordan Love threw three interceptions and completed only 3-of-10 passes thrown over 10 yards in the air.
Left guard Elgton Jenkins gave up two pressures during his first three snaps and exited after taking a hard hit to the shoulder on his fourth snap.
No Packers receiver crossed 50 yards receiving.
Right tackle Zach Tom gave up a third down sack to Nolan Smith and allowed four total pressures for just the second time in a game this season.
Defensive lineman Kenny Clark finished with one pressure and zero disruptive plays. Edge rusher Rashan Gary had only two, although he did have a sack and draw a holding penalty.
All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney didn’t have a takeaway or get his hands on the ball.
Two-time All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff and was flagged for a crucial penalty in the fourth quarter.
2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness played 31 mostly hollow, production-less snaps.
2022 first-round pick Quay Walker didn’t have a tackle for loss or a pass breakup.
2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes was on the field for all of one defensive snap.
Veteran kicker Brandon McManus missed a 38-yard field goal attempt after making 20-of-21 in the regular season.
Jenkins, receivers Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, Walker and center Josh Myers all exited with injuries, further dampening the Packers’ ability to get game-changing plays.
The Packers passing offense, which was so dependent on explosive plays during the regular season, only delivered three plays of at least 20 yards and just one over 25. The Packers defense, which was so dependent on takeaways and tackles for loss during the regular season, didn’t create a turnover and had only two tackles for loss. The special teams singlehandedly handed the Eagles a 10-point swing on the lost fumble and missed field goal.
It’s fair to wonder if the Packers, as currently constructed, have enough difference-making players. Cornerback Jaire Alexander has an uncertain future in Green Bay, receiver Christian Watson is dealing with a significant knee injury and may not be ready for the start of the 2025 season, Clark just produced the least productive season of his career, Gary wasn’t a consistent difference-maker in the new 4-3 front and none of the young receivers took a big step forward in 2024.
There were so many moments on Sunday when the Packers needed a game-turning play, and it so rarely arrived.
General manager Brian Gutekunst will have plenty of cap space and roster stability this offseason. Can he find a way to add 1-2 more difference-makers — like he did last March with Jacobs and McKinney — and get the Packers over the hump? This is a verifiably good team that might need another aggressive offseason of additions to ensure Sunday’s disappointment isn’t repeated come next January