The Green Bay Packers were supposed to make history, but not like this. They just got absolutely slammed 35-14 by the Falcons at Lambeau Field on Thursday night, completely shattering their impressive 13-game home opener winning streak. Head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t mince words after the game, calling it straight up: “It was a butt-whooping,” he said. “That was at least three-quarter butt-whooping right there.” You don’t hear a coach say that very often, and it tells you everything about the kind of gut punch this loss delivered.
Blame, Refusals, and a Whole Lot of Heat
LaFleur’s post-game presser was a masterclass in dodging landmines, which honestly, just highlights the intensity of the situation. When asked about a specific roughing the passer call that extended Atlanta’s initial scoring drive and potentially shifted the entire flow of the game, LaFleur shut it down immediately. “I’m not gonna answer that. I’m not gonna get fined,” he said. That’s a coach on the edge, knowing any slip could cost him. But it’s not just the refs under the microscope. The offensive line’s performance was clearly an issue, but when asked if it would prompt changes to the coaching staff, LaFleur again slammed the door shut: “I’m not even going to respond to that question.” He quickly moved to spread the blame, saying he wouldn’t “put all the blame on the offensive line,” because “there’s enough blame to go around to everybody.” That’s a team in crisis, with everyone feeling the pressure.
Where’s the Run Game? And Where’s Josh Jacobs?
The numbers from this “butt-whooping” tell a brutal story, especially for the offense. The Packers couldn’t run to save their lives, clocking in a pathetic nine rushing attempts for just 17 yards. Think about that: 17 yards on the ground the entire game, while throwing 53 passes. That’s a completely lopsided attack, and it screams desperation. LaFleur himself lamented the absence of starting tailback Josh Jacobs. “I mean, I think we all saw a dynamic running back on the other side, and I think Josh is a dynamic running back,” he noted, referring to the Falcons’ success on the ground. He had to concede, “But it is the situation, it’s the circumstance. And it is what it is right now. And we’ve got to find a way just to either , well, one, we’ve got to put them in a better position, and then those guys gotta go do it.” It’s a clear cry for better execution and a recognition that the current setup just isn’t working.
With the Packers now sitting at a disappointing 1-2, they’ve got some extra time to figure out this mess before Week 4. Their next opponent is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently reeling themselves at 0-2. It’s a renewal of the old NFC Central “Bay of Pigs” rivalry, and honestly, Chris Berman might need to dust off that name for the first time in ages. This game is shaping up to be a desperate battle, with both teams needing a win badly to get their season back on track.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply