We are seven weeks into the 2025 season, and the Green Bay Packers remain the only NFC North team with just one loss. Why then, does it feel like Green Bay is scraping by when they should be dominating?
Micah Parsons is proving to be unstoppable, and Jordan Love continues to lead the team to victory, but following a close win against the Arizona Cardinals, Packers fans might have the answer.
Tight ends have been performing incredibly well against the Packers' defense. Players in the position have finished as the top receiver in four of Green Bay's six games this season. The two games in which wide receivers held the title included Joe Flacco's first game as a Bengal (where he focused on feeding Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins) and a 134-yard performance from George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys.
However, tight ends from both Cincinnati and Dallas still found the end zone in their matchups against the Packers.
Andy Herman of Packer Report broke down opposing tight end performances here:
Packers against Tight Ends:
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) October 20, 2025
Sam LaPorta: 6 catches - 79 yards
Zach Ertz: 6 catches - 64 yards - TD
Njoku + Fannin: 8 catches - 65 yards
Jake Ferguson: 7 catches - 40 yards - TD
Bengals TE's: 9 catches - 35 yards - TD
Trey McBride: 10 catches - 74 yards - 2tds
Total: 46-357-5
Packers must have an answer for Steelers' talented tight ends in Week 8
This apparent weakness could be trouble in the upcoming Sunday night game against the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers.
During a Week 7 showdown against the Bengals, Pittsburgh showed off the abilities of its tight end committee, with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington combining for 141 yards and all four of the Steelers' touchdowns.
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Despite the loss to Cincinnati, the Steelers proved they have some serious talent at the tight end position. While DK Metcalf remains the team's top receiver, Smith and Freiermuth have become reliable options for Rodgers, and if Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin thinks he can exploit an apparent Green Bay weakness in Sunday's primetime matchup, you can guarantee that there will be some designed tight end looks in store.
The Packers' defense is still the best in the NFL against the run, allowing less than 80 yards per game to running backs, but recent performances by opposing tight ends only accentuate the problems within the secondary. This Sunday will be a serious test for Green Bay's pass coverage, especially with a mind like Mike Tomlin on the other sideline.