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why did the packers lose

The Packers just blew a massive lead and lost to the Bears in the Wild Card game mostly because of a second‑half collapse in execution, special teams disasters, and costly penalties in key moments.

Score and basic context

  • Final score: Bears 31, Packers 27 in the NFC Wild Card game at Soldier Field.
  • Green Bay led by as many as 18 points (up 21–3/21–6) before completely losing control in the second half.

Second‑half collapse

  • The offense that dominated early went flat after halftime, getting out of rhythm, going scoreless for long stretches, and failing to put the game away when the Bears were on the ropes.
  • Chicago steadily chipped away, while Green Bay’s defense stopped generating pressure and allowed long, high‑leverage conversions, including a fourth‑and‑eight strike that kept the comeback alive.

Special teams meltdowns

  • Kicker Brandon McManus missed an extra point and two field goals (44 and 55 yards), leaving seven points on the board in a four‑point loss.
  • The missed extra point was huge because it took away the option to tie with a field goal late, and the missed 44‑yarder in the fourth quarter would have given Green Bay a late lead.

Penalties and late‑game mistakes

  • A delay‑of‑game coming out of a timeout stalled a critical late drive and pushed the Packers into a more difficult kick that McManus then missed.
  • On the final drive, a false start by Rasheed Walker and a botched snap on the last play wrecked any chance at a last‑second miracle as timing and composure completely fell apart.

Bigger picture issues

  • This was Green Bay’s fifth straight loss , continuing a season‑ending slide that already featured another blown lead at Chicago and raised questions about the team’s toughness and ability to finish.
  • The collapse has intensified scrutiny on Matt LaFleur’s future, with criticism around game management, late‑game composure, and an overall pattern of not closing out big playoff leads.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.