Offense Goes Missing, Packers Lose in Atlanta

 By Eric Goska

Until Sunday, Matt LaFleur's Packers had been
24-0 in regular-season games in which they led
by 10 or more points after three quarters.
(photos by Eric Goska) 

Put out an ABP. The Packers’ offense has gone missing.

In possession of a solid lead after three quarters in Atlanta, Green Bay pulled up lame. Offensively impotent in the final 15 minutes, the Green and Gold dropped a 25-24 decision to the Falcons in a game it should have won.

Since taking over as coach in 2019, Matt LaFleur’s Packers have been outgained in the fourth quarter more often than not. In the 68 regular-season games he’s helmed, the competition has outearned Green Bay by more than 600 yards (6,475 to 5,814).

That disparity was on steroids in Atlanta. The Falcons piled up 166 yards to 11 for the Packers in the fourth quarter.

Desmond Ridder shredded Green Bay for 119 passing yards, hitting on 6 of 8 throws. Atlanta produced seven first downs to zero for the Pack. The Falcons held the ball for 11 minutes, 41 seconds.

One reason LeFleur’s charges have often been outgained: they have led after three quarters in 43 of 68 regular-season games. Opponents have been busy making up ground while the Packers have been willing to bend but not break.

Sunday, the Falcons snapped Green Bay’s resolve. A 6-yard TD run by Ridder and two field goals from Younghoe Koo – the last with 57 seconds remaining – erased what had been a 24-12 Green Bay advantage.

Prior to that implosion, LaFleur’s Packers had been 39-3 in regular-season games when leading after three quarters. Those losses came in Indianapolis in 2020 (up 3; lost 31-34), in London against the Giants in 2022 (up 7; lost 22-27) and against the Lions in the 2022 season finale (up 3; lost 16-20).

Never had LaFleur’s team squandered a double-digit advantage. The 43-year-old had been 24-0 when in such an enviable position.

History bears out how Green Bay had little business losing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Since 1921, the team had been 317-7-1 (.977) when ahead by 10 or more after three periods.

Blame the offense – or lack thereof – for this nose dive. Jordan Love failed to complete a pass in his last six attempts. A.J. Dillon produced the Packers’ only yards in the fourth quarter, picking up 11 on four rushing attempts.

The Pack never advanced beyond its own 34.

A.J. Dillon gained 11 yards rushing
for the Packers in the fourth quarter.

Green Bay’s 11 fourth-quarter yards were the fewest since it gained the same number against the Bears in a 21-13 win on Dec. 15, 2019. As with Atlanta, Chicago produced a huge edge (176 to 11), but was unable to overcome an 18-point deficit.

Love’s late struggles overshadowed what had been a solid effort from him. Through three quarters, the first-year starter had completed 14 of 19 throws for 151 yards and three TDs (136.2 passer rating).

Normally, three scores without a pick all but guarantee victory. Since 1921, the Packers had been 116-11-0 (.913) in games where its passers threw three or more TD passes without an interception.

But that positive trend and others went out the window in Atlanta. Instead, another tendency took hold: teams rarely emerge victorious when their offense sits out the fourth quarter.

Fourth-Quarter Flameouts
Matt LaFleur’s Packers are 39-4 when leading after three quarters.  Listed below are the four losses.
 
Lead     Date                           Opponent                Result
+12         Sept. 17, 2023            Falcons                         GB lost, 24-25
+7           Oct. 9, 2022                Giants                           GB lost, 22-27
+3           Nov. 22, 2020            Colts                              GB lost, 31-34 (OT)
+3           Jan. 8, 2023               Lions                             GB lost, 16-20