The Packers have a lot to fix.
The Green Bay Packers have lost five games against three teams, all of whom they could meet in the playoffs. Their loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 exposed more problems for Matt LaFleur's team despite fighting back from a 27-10 deficit to pull within two points.
In the short term, it leaves the Packers battling for the No. 6 or 7 seed. They can no longer catch the Vikings for the top wild-card position, and they don't control their destiny for the No. 6 spot, which the Washington Commanders will take by winning their remaining two games.
The Packers' problems go far beyond playoff seeding. While they have proven they are among the best teams in the NFC, they are a step below the conference's top-three contenders.
Speaking to reporters postgame, head coach Matt LaFleur identified the Packers' biggest problem ahead of their playoff run.
Matt LaFleur is aware of biggest concern facing Packers after loss to Vikings
The Packers' injury-hit secondary allowed several big-time plays, including a 31-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Jalen Nailor. However, it's hard to pin too much blame on a group missing Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams, especially after losing Zayne Anderson early.
Of greater concern was the Packers' pass rush after failing yet again in a big game.
"You've got to get pressure on these guys if they're going to drop back this many times. If you don't, it's going to be a long day," said LaFleur, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
That's exactly what happened. Green Bay made only one sack in the game, which resulted from great coverage, but Darnold routinely had all day to throw. A perfect example was Jordan Addison's 18-yard touchdown catch, where he had time to use a double move to beat Javon Bullard in coverage.
On the other side of the field, Jordan Love was under consistent pressure, especially in the second half when the Packers became one-dimensional. Love took three sacks and eight hits.
The best teams generate pressure consistently. That's how you win in the playoffs.
If there's a positive, it's that the Packers' pass rush has trended in the right direction since their bye week, especially since giving Brenton Cox Jr. more opportunities. The second-year pro has four sacks in seven games. But they have to prove it in a big game, and this goes down as another failure for Jeff Hafley's defense.
If the Packers' pass rush can't win consistently in the playoffs, they can forget about making a deep run.
