Matt LaFleur faced fierce criticism after the Green Bay Packers blew a double-digit second-half lead to lose 39-22 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium, extending the team’s losing streak to six games dating back to last year.
A Costly Fourth-Quarter Gamble and the Turning Point
The collapse crystallized early in the fourth quarter when the Green Bay Packers held a 22-17 lead with 13:21 left on the clock as a poor gamble turned the tide. Minnesota edge rusher Dallas Turner was whistled for being offsides on a 40-yard field goal attempt. Trey Smack kicked the ball through the uprights, but declining the penalty would have given the Packers a 25-17 lead.
Instead, head coach Matt LaFleur accepted the penalty to set up a fourth-and-1 from the Minnesota 17-yard line. Jordan Love was stopped short on a quarterback sneak, turning the ball over on downs. Matt LaFleur took three points off the board in an aggressive bid to control the game, but the decision backfired completely as the Vikings outscored Green Bay 22-0 the rest of the way.
However, the execution drew immediate scrutiny. Watt noted he was less enthralled by Green Bay’s execution on the quarterback sneak, pointing out the lack of a blocker to push Love through the line against Minnesota’s defense.
Offensive Struggles, Penalties, and Defensive Breakdowns
The offensive line struggled to protect the pocket. The offensive line had quarterback Jordan Love running for his life the majority of the game, allowing 16 pressures, six quarterback hits, and three sacks. Meanwhile, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks split running back duties, managing only 66 combined yards off 20 carries.
Discipline proved equally elusive. Green Bay committed 12 penalties costing 98 yards, and turned the ball over on two consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter. Those turnovers directly yielded 14 points for Minnesota. The Packers looked like they had gotten off the field three separate times, but a sack, a quarterback knockdown, and an interception were all erased by penalties.
Aaron Jones scored a 3-yard touchdown with 6:37 left in regulation, and Justin Jefferson caught a 2-point conversion to put the Vikings ahead 25-22. A Love interception would later lead to another Vikings touchdown, sealing a 39-22 final score.
Roster Questions and a Six-Game Losing Streak
The Green Bay Packers have now lost six consecutive games dating back to last year, holding second-half leads in four of those contests and double-digit leads in three.
| Free Agent Addition | Contract Terms | Status / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Nate Hobbs | 4-year, $48 million | Unavailable and ineffective in 2025; released after one season. |
| Aaron Banks | 4-year, $77 million | Banged up for most of his first season before stabilizing down the stretch. |
Questions linger regarding LaFleur’s long-term trajectory despite an offseason contract extension. LaFleur clearly wasn’t at his best this week, earning a D- grade for a performance marked by poor game management and an unprepared rushing attack.
