Early-Season Show of Force by Packers’ Defense Hints at Greatness, Yet Costly Mistakes Keep Fans on Edge.QQ

quang quang2 weeks ago

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The Green Bay Packers have been strong defensively this season. With Micah Parsons leading the charge, they’ve held opponents to 18 points or fewer in four of their first five games and haven’t given up a single point in the first quarter. So, what exactly is holding them back?

Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) signals to teammates before the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin — Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) signals to teammates before the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

However, their second-half defense over the past two games has raised concerns. After forcing a punt on Dallas’ first drive of the second half, the Cowboys responded with four straight scoring possessions to pull even by the end of the game.

Shortly after the Green Bay Packers secured a 27-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, head coach Matt LaFleur cautioned against making any quick judgments, saying it would be “irresponsible” to pinpoint why his defense had difficulty finishing the game. Ezoic

On Sunday, the Packers’ failure to make defensive stops in the second half turned what should have been a comfortable win into a tense finish. The Bengals scored on their first three drives after halftime, extending the Packers’ streak to seven straight second-half possessions allowing points before finally forcing a missed field goal late in the game. In the end, Green Bay held on for the win, and success tends to cover up imperfections.

The Packers defense, a tale of two halves

Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Warren Brinson (91) rushes Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Packers (3-1-1) have started games on a high note, becoming the only team in the NFL to lead by double digits in every matchup this season. However, their defensive struggles late in games have exposed an early-season weakness in Jeff Hafley’s group.

During their opponents’ last several drives in the second half or overtime, starting midway through the fourth quarter against the Browns in Week 3, the Packers’ defense has given up six touchdowns and four field goals, forced only one punt, and seen one missed field goal.

Across their last three outings, the Packers have given up an average of 18.3 points after halftime, the second-highest total in the league behind the Ravens. Limiting the numbers to just the fourth quarter and overtime, Green Bay’s defense has allowed 13.7 points per game, more than any other team. Still, despite those late defensive issues, the Packers sit 10th in the NFL in overall points allowed, holding opponents to 20.4 per game.

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is shown before their preseason game against there Seattle Seahawks Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Even with the rough patches in their last two outings, Green Bay’s defense continues to be one of the league’s better groups. Some of the lapses seen in recent second halves are likely temporary and should improve as the season progresses.

What the Packers need most is for their defenders to close out big plays when it matters most. If they can do that consistently, they have the potential to still be in the mix when February comes around.