The Green Bay Packers’ first road test of the 2025-26 season didn’t go as many had anticipated.
The Packers blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, gave up a blocked field goal to potentially seal the game, and then watched the Browns hit a 55-yard game-winner. That was the story of Green Bay’s Week 3 collapse.
Micah Parsons spoke to the media after the game, emphasizing just how tough it is to win in the NFL.
“You go back to the history of the champions and the games they should’ve won. It’s just part of the NFL. It’s that competitive. It’s that hard to win. It’s hard as hell to win football games. So, when you win, it’s a celebration. But when you lose, it sucks.”
Injuries
The Packers had hoped offensive tackle Zach Tom, who they had just extended to a four-year $88 million contract, would be ready for Week 3. Although he started the game, Tom quickly returned to the sideline after just one offensive snap.
Head coach Matt LaFleur clarified that Tom just wasn’t ready to play and did not re-aggravate his previous injury.
On the defensive side, tackle Devonte Wyatt avoided a serious knee injury late in Sunday’s matchup and was listed as “day to day” earlier this week. Considering Green Bay has only three every-down defensive tackles as of now, Wyatt’s status is encouraging.
Late in the fourth quarter, nickelback Javon Bullard collided with linebacker Quay Walker while going for a tackle. Bullard was in concussion protocol, and his availability for Sunday night’s matchup in Dallas remains uncertain.
If Bullard can’t play, Nate Hobbs is expected to fill the nickelback role, a familiar position for him from his time in Las Vegas. Keisean Nixon would remain outside, while Carrington Valentine would start opposite him, replacing Hobbs.
Offensive Struggles
Jordan Love was sacked five times and completed only four passes under pressure. A major concern was Green Bay’s lack of downfield plays.
In Weeks 1 and 2, Love was 12-for-16 on passes between 10 and 19 yards and 4-for-9 on plays downfield. Against Cleveland, he attempted zero passes between 10-19 yards and only one deep pass, which resulted in a 34-yard gain to rookie Matthew Golden.
The Packers are at their most effective when they establish a strong running game. Without that success, the play-action and downfield game plan is not as promising, as proven on Sunday.
Against Cleveland, however, the run game held up early on. Cleveland’s defensive front took advantage of the injured Packers’ offensive line, holding running back Josh Jacobs to just 1.9 yards per carry on 16 attempts for a total of 30 yards. Only 38 of Jacobs’ yards came after contact, meaning he averaged -0.5 yards before contact.
Looking Ahead
Next, Green Bay heads to Dallas to face the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. After their Week 5 bye, the Packers will then host the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to Fox Sports, Dallas ranks 30th and Cincinnati ranks 25th in total defense, providing an opportunity for the Packers to get back on track on offense.
Despite the setback in Week 3, the Packers’ strong performances in Weeks 1 and 2 have proven they can operate at an elite offensive level. With upcoming games against the Cowboys and Bengals—two defenses that have struggled so far this season—Green Bay has a prime opportunity to jump-start its offense and regain momentum.
The loss against Cleveland should be viewed as a minor bump in the road rather than a cause for alarm.
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