You could smell it coming from the first game of the season. Like cold rain on the horizon, the Packers Special Teams had the potential of ruining any of Sunday’s plans. The downpour opened up in Kansas City, a missed field goal followed by a blocked field goal put the Packers behind the eight ball early. Then the punt return gaff by Malik Taylor was the icing on a minimum of a nine point swing for the Chiefs in the first half, Young Jordan Love did not have enough to overcome the blunders and Green Bay settled for a 13-7 loss.
The field goal errors probably led to the decision to go for it on fourth down late in the first half. That failure contributed to another three points for the home team. How much did the change in long snapper make Sunday? The point is debatable but in the end it falls on the coaches to prepare their players to execute like professionals. Packer fans did not see that on Sunday from their special teams. They did see some good defensive plays. But even their valiant effort of keeping Mahomes and company out of the end zone after the first drive was not enough to win the day.
A rookie quarterback in his first start needed help, but didn’t get quite enough. This game was there for the Packers to take. It will be interesting to see what consequences come from these blunders. Drafting a new kicker? Firing another special teams coach? Changing holders? Until the other shoe drops, Packer fans are left with an obvious reality. Change needs to happen.