Tucker Kraft calls out Packers offense after ugly performance vs. Jaguars

The Green Bay Packers have found their version of George Kittle, and his name is Tucker Kraft.

Both tight ends dominate at picking up yards after the catch, give everything as blockers, and can't stop finding the end zone. The two rank first and second among tight ends for touchdowns this season, while Kraft is slightly ahead in yards after catch.

Another comparison is their leadership qualities.

In his postgame interview, Josh Jacobs revealed that it was Kraft who made his voice heard in the huddle after Malik Willis entered the game in Week 8, telling his teammates that "we've been here before" to show Willis they had his back.

Kraft has shown veteran leadership qualities despite only being in his second season. Along with lifting his teammates up, he isn't afraid to demand more from the entire offense.

Tucker Kraft wants accountability for Packers' first-half struggles

The Packers' offense has made slow starts out of the gate far too frequently this season, and Kraft knows it needs to change.

"We need to start taking accountability for what's going on with our offense early in the half," said Kraft via The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. "That's just not us ... we've got to start holding each other more accountable. I haven't looked at the film yet, but there's errors by everybody on the field."

That's leadership. Kraft isn't throwing anyone under the bus or pointing blame. He is including himself in that conversation by saying we need to be better.

READ MORE: Matt LaFleur addresses NFL Network report about Jordan Love's injury

He's not wrong. Over the past three weeks, the Packers are averaging just 2.3 points in the first quarter. Their opening three possessions against Jacksonville resulted in two punts and an interception, and Love threw a pick on the first drive against the Houston Texans two weeks ago. The Packers are slow starters.

They have found a way to overcome sluggish starts in recent weeks, but it won't work against the Detroit Lions. Good teams punish you for making mistakes early in games. The Lions can race into an early lead and they will leave you in the dust.

It happened to the Packers in their Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. LaFleur's offense got stuck in first gear, and before long, Minnesota had built a 28-0 lead. Green Bay battled back to make it a two-point game, but it was too little, too late.

The Packers need to start faster. Kraft gets it, and it's great to see him growing as a leader on this young team.

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