First things first: Boy, were we off regarding the Packers game vs. Carolina. Way off. Despite the obviously better talent, the Pack sure underperformed — as they did at Cleveland. Losing to teams you should beat is not a way to demonstrate a team's championship bona fides. Especially leading into a Monday night game against the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles...the team that smacked the Packers down not once but twice last season.
So, why is it that the Packers seem to play down to the level of a supposedly lesser team? Perhaps playing not to lose? Failing to make adjustments? Missed opportunities, lack of turnovers, special teams glitches...? Now, losing emerging star TE Tucker Kraft during the game and, as it turns out, for the rest of the season to a torn ACL, had an impact on a game plan that probably ran a good chunk through him certainly had a negative effect. But, really, scoring a grand total of 23 points combined vs. Cleveland and Carolina? C'mon. This offense should be able to score more than that in one game even in their sleep.
Especially when the defense holds the opposing two teams to a total of 29 points ... although, admittedly, not getting critical late stops as the games wound down and allowing long field goals as the clock runs out ... can't ... do ... that. It's a concerning trend. Getting gutted up the middle is a formula for defeat ... especially against one of the game's top running backs.
The Packers have some issues. One of the surest ways to rectify that situation is to get a statement win at Lambeau Field tonight vs. the Eagles. So let's take a quick look at what we might expect.
The Preview
Here we are in Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season and do we really know who this Packers team is? Sure, the record of 5-2-1 puts them at the top of the NFC North (who'da thunk that tie vs. Dallas would come in handy after all???). But other than the first two games where they were proclaimed by fans and national pundits alike as odds-on Super Bowl favorites, what have they shown? Inconsistency. Offensive linemen and coaches admitting that guys are still blocking the wrong guys. Special teams breakdowns. Lack of turnovers by the defense. Key players not being able to stay on the field. Personnel moves on both sides of the ball that now seem questionable at best. A head coach making inexplicable in-game decisions. e.g., going for it on 4th and 8 deep inside the opponent's territory instead of taking a field goal, ultimately being the difference in the game?
OK, so that's a bit of a look back instead of a forward preview, isn't it? Here's what we know going into tonight's game.
First, the Pack's supposedly deep wide receiving corps was down to just two healthy players on the practice field at one point this last week. Tonight, it's likely Matthew Golden and Savion Williams will not play. Of course, Jayden Reed is still out. TE Tucker Kraft (although not technically a wide receiver he sure was often schemed as one) is done for the year. Calling Luke Musgrave ... calling Luke Musgrave! WR Dontayvion Wicks is supposedly back tonight and there is some speculation that Bo Melton — who had been moved to cornerback this season from wide receiver because of the overcrowding at the position — could get some action at receiver tonight ... as well as at corner given Nat Hobbs is out, again. Wouldn't that be something to see?
Apart from the potential lack of receivers tonight, the Packers still haven't got their running game going. Tonight would certainly be a good night to get that in gear. If the Pack can run the ball to set up play-action and keep the Eagles offense on the sidelines that would be to the Pack's favor. And given the predicted weather forecast for this evening, a running game will likely be needed: it is expected to be cold and windy, with kickoff temperatures around 28 F and wind chills around 20 F with winds at 5 to 15 mph. Oh, yeah, there is also a slight chance of snow. So, yes, a Packers running game would be timely.
Now, the Eagles have the defensive script on how to keep the Packers in check given both Cleveland's and Carolina's success: stop Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson and force Jordan Love to throw underneath. That's OK if the chains are moving, but without a running threat that is a death-by-papercuts outcome for the Pack.
On the flip side, the Packers must contain Philly RB Saquon Barkley and if they do that, then also contain QB Jalen Hurts.
How are you feelin'?
The Prediction
After their earlier season humiliation against the Browns, the Packers came back nicely. Until the game last week vs. the Panthers, that is. We'd like to think that would be the case tonight — getting right again. Losing two in a row at home is not what you need at this stage of the season. The Packers are at the time of this writing a 1-point home favorite. Oy.
Still, given the ongoing issues of consistency the Packers have had — including that of Kicker Brandon McManus in the last two games — and Philly come off their bye week, we find it hard to believe the Packers will take this game. Hope we are wrong. Nothing we want more than a Packers victory against their NFC East nemesis. If they play up to their capability, the Packers can pull it off. Probably another down to the wire game. Let us pray.
We're calling it Packers 20 - Eagles 24.
Go Pack Go!!!
