Packers-Patriots three takeaways: The same old story

Three takeaways from the Green Bay Packers’ Week 9 defeat to the New England Patriots.

In a loss that hurts the Green Bay Packers‘ playoff hopes, they only have themselves to blame. Mike McCarthy’s team had a number of excellent opportunities to take control of Sunday night’s game, but once again, their own errors proved costly.

With the Chicago Bears (5-3) and Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1) winning earlier in the day, the pressure is now on the Packers who fall to 3-4-1 after their second defeat in a row.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

Packers can’t get out of their own way

It’s become a theme of the season.

Last week it was multiple missed opportunities to build a lead in the first half, then Ty Montgomery‘s fumble which cost the Packers a chance to put together a game-winning drive.

Against New England, Green Bay made mistake after mistake.

Let’s not include the defense here. Did they make some mistakes? Sure — but let’s remember who they were up against.

At 17-17, Mike Pettine’s unit holds the Patriots to zero points despite having four attempts from the one-yard line. But the Packers offense gives the ball right back three plays later.

The defense comes up big again, Antonio Morrison sacking Tom Brady to force a punt. But Robert Tonyan gets called for roughing the kicker. Fifteen yards, first down.

Yet again, the defense forces a stop and this time the Packers do get the ball back.

But five plays later, on the New England 34-yard line, Aaron Jones fumbles.

That was it. The opportunity to build a lead was gone. The Patriots scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives, and the rest was history.

Injuries, and more injuries

It wouldn’t be a Packers game without injuries.

Right tackle Bryan Bulaga left the game with a knee injury, and cornerback Kevin King suffered a hamstring injury and didn’t return. The Packers could be without two key starters.

Blake Martinez also missed time with an ankle injury, but fortunately he returned to the game. Jaire Alexander was also down briefly, but quickly returned.

MVS stars again

If there’s one positive to take away from a disappointing performance by the offense, it’s once again Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

The rookie wide receiver had three catches for a team-high 101 yards. He is consistently making big plays for this team, including a 51-yard catch on Sunday night.

Rodgers needs to keep looking Valdes-Scantling’s way, and Mike McCarthy needs to get him move involved moving forward.