The Green Bay Packers squeaked out a win in Chicago last week to keep the team in contention for the NFC North title, but did so in an unattractive manner. In the 20-19 win, despite the many big plays wideout Christian Watson made to get Green Bay in scoring position, it was clear that the Packers wide receiver corps in the red zone still failed to meet expectations. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, how can Titletown concentrate on making their receiving corps dangerous near the painted area?
Red Zone Struggles In Green Bay Ultimately Boil Down to the Packers Wide Receiver Corps
Packers Offensive Woes
A common theme revolving around the Packers offense this year can be described as underwhelming. With Jordan Love proving he could hang with the best of the best in the playoffs last year, there were certain expectations for this offense heading into the 2024-2025 season. While Love has had his fair share of errant decisions as a playmaker, the receiving core has not done much to help out the sophomore quarterback.
But addressing the issues that have found themselves imminent in Green Bay is no small task. Let’s take a look at some of the glaring numbers in the Packers receiving corps that may convey a focal point for the rest of the season.
Packers Wide Receivers
The Packers have the fourth least catches as a unit with 189 on the season, which can be attributed to their 24 drops on the year thus far, a ranked third worst in the NFL. Green Bay’s top four wideouts are also 14 of 24 inside the red zone, which is not efficient for the limited amount of attempts the Packers have had. Their offense ranks 27th in the red zone, reaching the end zone less than half of the time.
It is clear that the Packers have not been on their A-game. It is also clear that there are a multitude of problems contributing to the lack of success that these wide receivers have been experiencing.
A Problem of Playcalling for the Packers Wide Receiver Room
In short, Matt LaFleur’s play calling in the red zone has shifted to a run-heavy system, which is a major change from year’s past. With a guy like Josh Jacobs in the backfield, of course you want to utilize him to the best of your ability when you have the chance to score. You also want to be able to be unpredictable as an offense, especially when you visit the red zone almost four times per game. As a play caller, you want to be able to keep the opposing defense on their toes and catch them off balance. LaFleur has chosen the former as of late.
First and second downs have been primarily occupied by the run in the red zone, but have not seen much of the painted area. The Packers are fourth in rushing yards per game, but have scored just eight touchdowns on the year. This points to a need for creativity in the red zone and for plays that put defenses in awkward positions outside of the run game. However, when you have a receiving corps that have been dropping the ball all year, it is tough to want to design plays that get those players involved when your job is to make sure you are flawless in the red zone.
A Problem of Confidence In the Packers Wide Receiver Room
Of the 32 passes that Love throws in a game, just over five of them take place in the red zone. This means that each visit into the red zone, Green Bay throws the ball roughly one time. Limited variety in the red zone stems from LaFleur’s conservatism and Love’s confidence in his receivers.
On back-to-back plays last week, Love opted to use his legs on a fourth-quarter drive that ultimately resulted in a turnover on downs. Love seems to only be comfortable throwing the ball when he has loads of space to work with, so designing plays that create that sort of space is crucial in the coming weeks.
In a world where LaFleur is more pass-heavy in the red zone, Love can start to regain some more of that confidence in his receivers because he sees his coach doing the same. Though, Green Bay’s wide receivers need to give LaFleur a reason to be less conservative in the most important areas of the field. With Watson having a career day, the tides may be turning for this red zone offense.
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