Packers' LaFleur preaches
importance of focusing on the present after surprising loss to Browns
[September 23, 2025]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
So much for the talk of an undefeated season for the Green Bay
Packers.
After the Packers opened their schedule with convincing victories
over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders — two playoff teams
from last season — left tackle Rasheed Walker said, “I think we can
go undefeated, honestly.”
In their first game after that remark, the Packers blew a 10-point
lead in the final four minutes and lost 13-10 to the previously
winless Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Without referencing Walker’s
comment, Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke Monday about the need to
focus on the present.
“This league is such a week-to-week league and you can never lose
sight of that,” LaFleur said. “And you can never take any moment,
any game for granted. And the goal, and I’ve said it a million times
to you guys — I don’t think I’ve obviously said it enough to our
team — the goal is to go 1-0 every week. And it (ticks) me off when
we start talking about things outside of the next game, things that
are way down the road.”
Green Bay (2-1) has more immediate concerns.
The trip to Cleveland started a five-game stretch in which the
Packers play at home just once. While the Packers looked as good as
any team in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season, the
loss to the Browns raised some concerns.
Cleveland's pass rush exposed a potential lack of depth on Green
Bay's offensive line. The Packers are struggling to run the ball
effectively. Penalties and special-teams breakdowns have hindered
the Packers for two straight games.
The Packers say they learned their lesson Sunday. They're eager to
take out their frustrations on their next opponents.
“I really feel so bad for whoever sees this team next," running back
Josh Jacobs said. “I can tell that this bothered a lot of the guys
in this room. I know we’re going to come out hungry this next week.”
What’s working
The defense is giving up just 14.7 points per game. … The Packers
haven’t allowed touchdowns before the fourth quarter of any game
this season. … Opponents are gaining just 3.2 yards per carry.
What needs help
Green Bay committed 14 penalties Sunday and has been flagged 24
times over its last two games. … The Packers are gaining just 3.4
yards per carry, down from 4.75 last season. ... The Packers' latest
special-teams miscue came when Brandon McManus’ blocked field-goal
attempt prevented Green Bay from taking the lead in the final minute
and helped set the Browns up for the winning 55-yard kick as time
expired. ... QB Jordan Love was sacked five times and was pressured
on numerous other occasions.
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Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons walks off the field after an NFL
football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025,
in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Stock up
DL Rashan Gary had two sacks to increase his season total to a
league-leading 4 1/2. He has produced at least one sack in each of
the Packers’ first three games. ... LB Quay Walker had a season-high
14 tackles. ... TE John FitzPatrick's touchdown was the first of his
career.
Stock down
Walker and LG/RT Jordan Morgan each committed multiple false-start
penalties and struggled to contain Cleveland’s edge rushers. ...
After playing virtually error-free in Green Bay’s first two games,
Love threw a critical interception late in the fourth quarter that
led to Cleveland’s tying touchdown. Love had gone nine straight
regular-season games without getting picked off.
Injuries
RT Zach Tom, who had been listed as questionable with an oblique
injury that kept him from playing against Washington, was in the
game for just one play before exiting.
“I wouldn't say he further reaggravated (it),” LaFleur said Monday.
“I think it was more or less, it's always hard to simulate what
you're going to face in a game.”
LG Aaron Banks left with a groin injury. ... S Javon Bullard and DT
Devonte Wyatt got hurt in the fourth quarter. LaFleur said Bullard
is in concussion protocol and Wyatt is day to day.
Key number
35-20 — The margin by which the Packers have been outscored in the
fourth quarter this season. The Browns outscored them 13-0 over the
final 3:38 on Sunday. The Packers are outscoring opponents 44-9 in
the first three quarters.
Next steps
Micah Parsons makes his return to Dallas as the Packers visit the
Cowboys (1-2). The Packers have won 10 of their last 11
regular-season or playoff matchups with Dallas. They haven't lost a
road game to the Cowboys since 2007.
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