USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Sep 14, 2026 2:23 AM
Following a catastrophic second-half collapse against Minnesota, Kraft warns that self-inflicted wounds and a lack of adjustments are the only obstacles standing between Green Bay and greatness.
Stop me if you’ve seen this story before when reading Green Bay Packers recaps.
Packers have a double-digit lead in the second half. They have a few things going against them. Boom, the scoreboard has Green Bay behind as the clock strikes 0:00 in the fourth quarter.
In the midst of a six-game losing streak, that scenario would have held true against the Denver Broncos, twice against the Chicago Bears (including in the NFC Wild-Card Round). Now it holds true against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers held a 22-10 lead with 5:09 remaining in the third quarter. Green Bay would give up 29 unanswered points to earn a 39-22 defeat in Week 1. Amid the defense's collapse under first-year defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, Matt LaFleur's offense ended drives twice on downs, an interception, and a strip sack of Jordan Love.
A pattern is emerging, and Packers tight end Tucker Kraft isn't happy about it. He had a warning for the team, saying Green Bay is the only team standing in their way of competing for a Super Bowl.
“That momentum swing was due to our own fault," Kraft said, via video posted to X by ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "We allowed that to happen... The only people who can beat us are us. That’s it.
"We’re the best team in the NFL, but if we don’t go out there and play like it, no one’s going to believe us."
Kraft returning from a an ACL injury, caught three passes for 65 yards.
The Packers have a lot to prove, starting with LaFleur. LaFleur and his staff have struggled with making adjustments. He's had Green Bay ready to start games. But he has had no answers when opposing teams start figuring out the game plan.
The coaching staff isn't all to blame. The Packers offensive line was atrocious on Sunday. Love took four sacks -34 yards.
Pass protection wasn't the only issue for the offensive line. Green Bay, without its star running back Josh Jacobs, placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, ran the ball 21 times for 66 yards. The Packers averaged just 3.1 yards per rush.
Before Week 2, Green Bay has more questions than answers.
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