Three takeaways from Packers’ loss vs. Chargers in Week 9

Three takeaways from the Green Bay Packers’ first loss since Week 4.

It was an afternoon to forget for the Green Bay Packers.

After winning four straight, the Packers were outplayed by the Los Angeles Chargers and were handed their second loss of the season.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Packers outplayed in all three phases

Offense. Defense. Special teams. The Packers weren’t good enough in any phase of the game, and the Chargers dominated.

The Packers finished with just 184 yards and 11 points. They had to wait until the third quarter before they got on the board, and Jamaal Williams‘ touchdown was too little, too late.

Defensively, the struggles against the run continued. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler had a combined 32 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Los Angeles was able to control the game on the ground, while also creating big plays in the passing game.

The decision to bring back Tremon Smith proved to be a good one. He looked far more comfortable on kickoff returns than Darrius Shepherd did. But that was about as good as it got on special teams, outside of Mason Crosby‘s field goal from 54 yards.

At a crucial moment in the game with the Packers down 12-0, JK Scott‘s punt was blocked before going out of bounds. It set the Chargers up at the Packers 27-yard line, and Melvin Gordon would find the end zone six plays later.

It was a bad day for the Packers in all three phases of the game.

2. Offensive line struggles

We’re so used to seeing David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga play at an elite level. Together, they’re one of the best tackle duos in all of football.

Not today.

The matchup against Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram would be key to this game, and the Chargers’ star pass rushers dominated. Bosa and Ingram had 1.5 sacks each while also combining for six quarterback hits.

Bakhtiari and Bulaga also gave up costly penalties.

As a result, Aaron Rodgers was consistently under pressure and the offense couldn’t get out of first gear for much of the game.

3. Missed opportunity

With the Vikings, Bears and Lions all losing on Sunday, the Packers had an opportunity to open a two-game lead at the top of the NFC North. This loss means they remain one game ahead of the Vikings.

The Vikings lost a close game against the Chiefs without Patrick Mahomes. The Lions failed to make a last-second comeback against the Raiders. The Bears, well, it was another bad game for them.

All things considered, this week could’ve gone a lot worse. If you’re going to lose, make sure it’s against an AFC opponent. That matters less when it comes to tiebreakers. It also doesn’t hurt as much when all three division rivals also lose.

It’s a missed opportunity for Green Bay, but it could’ve been a lot worse had other results been different.