Packers only have themselves to blame in loss to Seahawks

Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers both made mistakes at key moments as the Green Bay Packers lost for the fifth time on the road this season.

McCarthy’s decision not to challenge a catch by Tyler Lockett which looked to have hit the ground. And then to punt with only one timeout left and four minutes left to play.

Rodgers missing Aaron Jones for an easy first down, and potential touchdown, and instead having to settle for a field goal. Then missing Marquez Valdes-Scantling for an easy first-down pass on third down late in the game.

McCarthy will take the majority of the blame for this loss, and rightfully so, but despite making some MVP-level passes, Rodgers, too, made costly mistakes.

The Packers had a chance to put the game away on multiple occasions. Once again Mike Pettine’s defense did more than enough. But like two weeks ago in New England, the offense failed to get the job done, which allowed the home team back into the game.

Green Bay’s loss Thursday night in Seattle puts them 4-5-1 on the year, and 0-5 away from Lambeau Field.

The 6-3 Chicago Bears host the 5-3-1 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. A Bears win would put the Packers in a tough spot in the NFC North.

While this game was important, you could argue it wasn’t a must-win for the Packers. But after losing for the third time in four weeks, next week’s trip to Minnesota absolutely is.

A loss to the Vikings would put the Packers at 4-6-1, which would be worse than the 4-6 start they made before they ran the table two years ago.

And they only have themselves to blame. In their past three road games — at Los Angeles, New England and Seattle — the Packers have been in position to build a lead and put the game out of reach.

The defense dominated early on against the Rams. They forced punt after punt in the third quarter against the Patriots. And on Thursday night made multiple stops against the Seahawks.

But as has been the story all season long, the offense couldn’t get it done and the Packers remain without a win on the road.