Three takeaways from Packers’ Week 9 loss to Chiefs

Three takeaways from the Packers’ Week 9 loss to the Chiefs.

Without so many key players, including MVP Aaron Rodgers, it was never going to be easy. It was an ugly performance by the Green Bay Packers and a tough six-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

What was good from the Packers in this game? Where do they need to improve?

Let’s look back at the top three takeaways from Sunday’s defeat.

Jordan Love struggles in first start

It was a tough spot for Jordan Love, only finding out he’d be starting on Wednesday.

Love struggled for most of the game and the Packers looked well on their way to a shutout defeat. He struggled against the blitz and missed some opportunities with inaccurate throws. In his defense, the Packers’ offensive line had perhaps their worst game of the year.

A positive is that Love did find some rhythm in the fourth quarter. He led a 14-play drive from the Packers’ eight-yard line to the Chiefs’ 24, throwing on time and accurately. A slightly high pass to Davante Adams off his back foot was spectacularly picked by Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

But Love came right back with a 10-play, 53-play drive, resulting in a touchdown pass to Allen Lazard.

There were some positives in the fourth quarter, but there’s no doubt this was a rough first career start for Love.

Defense steps up

The Packers entered the game without Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith. They then lost Kenny Clark and Eric Stokes.

Yet Joe Barry’s unit stepped up, limiting the Chiefs’ high-powered offense to just 13 points. Patrick Mahomes threw the ball 37 times for only 166 yards and a touchdown.

Krys Barnes was phenomenal with a team-high nine tackles, one saving a touchdown on the one-yard line. Kevin King also had a nice game although he missed out on an interception that would’ve saved three points.

Still, plenty of positives from the defense. They never gave up.

Special teams is hurting the Packers in a big way

What more is there to say about Green Bay’s special teams? A Super Bowl team can get by with OK play on special teams, or even bad play. But the Packers’ special teams has been nothing short of an embarrassment.

Early on, Mason Crosby missed one field goal then had another blocked. That’s six points off the board right there.

Then a punt bounced off Malik Taylor’s foot and was recovered by the Chiefs, leading to a field goal. Amari Rodgers fumbled a punt which he was lucky to fall on, and he also made some questionable calls to leave punts which ended up pinning the Packers deep in their own territory.

Green Bay’s special teams played a big role in the defeat.