It is crunch time for the Green Bay Packers, and these final two games are officially of the do-or-die nature. Injuries or no injuries, the Packers are in play for the postseason and have to find a way not only to get in, but to generate some momentum.
After a tough loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 16, head coach Matt LaFleur is tasked with picking up the pieces and getting Green Bay set for the Baltimore Ravens. Now, I don't think there is much doubt about the Packers' chances of making the playoffs. But, going on a Super Bowl run? That's a different story.
The Packers' loss of Micah Parsons sent shockwaves throughout the league. In his absence, Green Bay has desperately needed others to step up. The big problem is, though, the one guy who should be stepping up has been going in the wrong direction for weeks.
Rashan Gary could very well cost the Packers a real title shot
Many Packers fans know this stat well, by now. Over his first seven games of the season, Gary recorded an impressive 7.5 sacks. But things have since changed, and drastically.
Gary has now gone a surprising eight games in a row without a single sack. Let's put it on display for even more shock value.
- Rashan Gary sacks in first 7 games of 2025: 7.5
- Rashan Gary sacks in last 8 games: 0
That's a miserable stat. It is downright disgusting, and what makes it worse, is the fact that he's continuing this trend with Parsons lost for the year.
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If ever there was a time for Gary to answer the bell, it is over these past two games. Yet, he hasn't done it. And, the Packers' real hope for being a contender this year was all thanks to the fact they had a game-wrecker like Parsons.
Without him, this team is not the same. And, without anyone stepping up and even remotely offering any semblance of talent in his place, the Packers are doomed.
Look at the most recent Super Bowl winner, the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game earlier this year, the Eagles defense was able to sack Patrick Mahomes six times. They were absolutely dominant.
Forget getting to the Super Bowl. The Packers won't make it very far in the NFC playoffs without a pass rush. They'll have to deal with some great offenses like the Rams, Bears, 49ers, and Seahawks -- and maybe those Eagles, if Philly generates some momentum.
Gary is a problem, and he's going to be a problem going forward. In 2026, his cap hit rises to a whopping $28 million. The Packers could try to trade or cut him, whilesaving $11 million in the process, but who is going to take on that contract with this lack of production when it matters most?
Good luck.