The Green Bay Packers’ struggles with special teams persist, turning what should be a minor setback into a significant concern. Despite a fast-paced start against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, taking an early two-touchdown lead, the Packers’ special teams mishaps continued to be their Achilles’ heel. An embarrassing error allowed Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas to block a point-after try, with another Cowboys player, Markquese Bell, recovering the ball and returning it for two points. This unexpected turn of events resulted in a scoreline shift from 14-0 to 13-2, effectively gifting the Cowboys a field goal’s worth of points.
Head coach Matt LaFleur faces mounting pressure to address the issue as the Packers approach their bye week in Week 5. The time off provides LaFleur with the chance to reconsider his decision to retain Rich Bisaccia as the special teams coordinator. Although Bisaccia was appointed due to his leadership qualities, his primary role remains to ensure proficient special teams performance, a goal that remains unachieved.
LaFleur’s loyalty to Bisaccia, despite repeated blunders, is increasingly under scrutiny as the special teams’ failures threaten to undermine an otherwise strong team. The Packers have consistently excelled in developing quarterbacks and selecting skilled wide receivers and linemen, yet their inability to rectify special teams’ inadequacies is a glaring flaw.
Bisaccia had been expected to turn around a notoriously poor special teams unit, especially after the infamous playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers four years ago. However, the Packers are witnessing a repetition of the past mistakes, with little sign of improvement.
As the team heads into the bye week, there is an opportunity for introspection and the potential to instigate critical changes in the coaching setup. The Packers possess a formidable defense and a capable offense, yet without addressing their continued failings in special teams, they risk losing crucial games. LaFleur’s decision regarding Bisaccia during this reflective break may prove pivotal for the remainder of the season.