Packers get stuffed on 4th down and turn a promising start against the Vikings into poor finish

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love faced a fourth-and-1 play, but the ball was knocked short of the sticks by Minnesota Vikings defenders, leading to a Minnesota touchdown and a 25-22 lead. The decision to attempt a first down instead of a field goal proved costly for the Packers. Rookie Trey Smack then missed an extra point, and the Vikings went on to score 29 straight points, winning 39-22.

This implosion mirrored the Packers' finish from the previous season, when they lost four games leading by at least nine points in the second half. Packers coach Matt LaFleur criticized his own decisions and play calls, acknowledging there were areas for improvement. The loss extended the Packers' six-game losing streak in the fourth quarter.