{
  "id": 7222958,
  "title": "What went wrong for Packers during latest second-half collapse?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/what-went-wrong-for-packers-during-latest-second-half-collapse",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T01:58:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/went-wrong-packers-during-latest-015858918.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Green Bay Packers are struggling with second-half collapses, having experienced this phenomenon multiple times in recent games. After ending last season with a 21-3 lead, allowing 25 points in the fourth quarter and losing to the Chicago Bears, the Packers once again surrendered a 22-10 lead in the second half of their season opener, falling to the Minnesota Vikings by a final score of 39-22. The failures behind these meltdowns seem to follow a familiar pattern.\n\nOne significant turning point occurred when the Packers were up 19-10 in the third quarter of their latest collapse. They had an opportunity to extend their lead to 26 points when Jordan Love connected with Jonnu Smith for a 43-yard completion to Minnesota's 7-yard line. However, the Packers failed to convert the next three plays and settled for a short field goal. The Vikings capitalized on this mistake by returning a kickoff 68 yards for a touchdown, turning a potential 26-10 advantage into just a five-point lead.\n\nAnother red zone failure led to a costly decision. With a 42-yard play to Matthew Golden on 2nd-and-20, the Packers regained control of the game in the fourth quarter, holding a 25-17 lead. However, a failed 3rd-and-6 conversion and a poor decision by Matt LaFleur to go for it on 4th-and-1 resulted in Jordan Love's quarterback sneak being stopped, and the Packers turning the ball over on downs, maintaining a 22-17 score. Two explosive plays, the 43-yard touchdown to Jonnu Smith and the 42-yard touchdown to Golden, generated only three points for the Packers, demonstrating a lack of scoring quality.\n\nThe officiating also played a role in the Packers' downfall. The Vikings gained a significant lead with the help of three questionable penalties called by the officials, including illegal contact, roughing the passer, and defensive holding. These calls extended the Vikings' scoring drive, giving them a three-score lead and ultimately securing their victory.\n\nPackers' offensive struggles were evident as well. After the Vikings took a 25-22 lead, they continued to dominate the Packers' offense. The defensive front, led by Brian Flores, went into full-on attack mode, causing three turnovers and a lack of offensive execution. The Packers failed to capitalize on several opportunities, resulting in four disastrous drives that ultimately sealed their fate.\n\nThese recurring issues point to recurring themes in the Packers' recent performance. The team's inability to score in the red zone, costly special teams mistakes, poor officiating decisions, and a lackluster offensive performance have all contributed to their second-half collapses. As the season progresses, addressing these issues will be crucial for the Packers to regain their footing and compete at a higher level.",
  "summary": "The latest Packers collapse started with a red zone failure and finished with a pair of turnovers leading to quick touchdowns.",
  "key_points": [
    "Packers collapse pattern: 22-10 lead turned into 39-22 loss to Vikings",
    "Officiating errors: 3 questionable penalties aided Vikings' scoring drive"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}