The Green Bay Packers had a rough afternoon, especially on defense. The Packers were defeated 34-20 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second straight game. Baker Mayfield made history by being the first visiting quarterback to have a perfect passing rating. The Buccaneers also gained over 500 yards on offense. Green Bay’s playoff dreams are rapidly diminishing. Here are three takeaways from yesterday’s setback.
The Green Bay Packers’ defense was once again embarrassing.
Joe Barry and the Green Bay Packers defense have lost to Tommy DiVito and Baker Mayfield in six days after going on a three-game winning streak and improved their overall record to 6-6. DiVito is at best a backup quarterback, while Mayfield is somewhat below average.
The defense’s only accomplishment yesterday was five sacks of Baker Mayfield. Aside from that, they allowed a mediocre offensive do anything they wanted. They played soft the entire game and made no adjustments after halfway. Unfortunately, this happens pretty frequently.
Many defensive coordinators would be fired if these games were lost. I’m in the camp that believes the Green Bay Packers should fire Joe Barry. Matt LaFleur should be harassed at the podium until this occurs. This has been a problem since Barry was appointed in 2021. Not only has the defense not improved during his tenure, but it may have gotten worse. I don’t think the Packers will fire him before the end of the season, but it needs to happen soon after.
The Offense had a successful day.
The Green Bay Packers offense left some points on the board yesterday, but 20 points should have been enough to win this game. Jordan Love had another nice day going 29-39 for 284 yards and two touchdowns. The growth he has shown over the year is really encouraging. As every week has passed, it’s becoming clear the Green Bay Packers have their franchise quarterback.
The rookie receivers had good games yesterday as well. Dontayvion Wicks led the team with 97 yards on six catches. Jayden Reed had an incredible catch in the end zone (it was a great throw from Love) too. I also liked what Tucker Kraft did. He scored the first touchdown and ended the game with four receptions for 57 yards.
The offense was a roller coaster the first half of the season, but that side of the ball continues to get better and show improvement, something that would define this season.
Moving forward, every game is a must-win.
The Packers could not afford to lose either of these games, especially the Giants game. Following this week’s game against the Panthers, the Green Bay Packers’ season concludes with games against the Vikings and the Bears. Every game is now a must-win.
While the Panthers game was seen as an easy win a few weeks ago, that is no longer the case. The Packers can lose to Carolina. I don’t expect that to happen, but it’s not a certain win anymore. They need to improve and improve fast.
