In the aftermath of watching the Green Bay Packers' season come to an end brings plenty of emotion. Being beaten fairly handedly by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round will cause the Packers to do a lot of self-evaluation.
One player, in particular, didn't waste time doing as much. Tight end Tucker Kraft was visibly frustrated after the loss on Sunday. The seriousness of his tone in postgame interviews was evident.
Some of what Kraft was seen saying in the locker room might have seemed harsh. But, Kraft clearly understands what needs to happen within this organization.
Kraft was asked about the loss to Philadelphia and his overall assessment of the season for Green Bay.
"We certainly didn't win anything," Kraft responded.
That's a heck of a way to start describing the Packers' performance. But, what he would go on to say should open some eyes.
Tucker Kraft seemed to know the Packers were headed for disaster against the Eagles
"The whole last few games we played ... you could kind of feel what was brewing for us," he said.
Kraft, of course, is referring to the final two games of the regular season against divisional opponents. The Packers lost both of them, dropping one each to the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears in close fashion.
Both losses, to end the year, came by a total of four points. Kraft sees a clear priority for this team going into the offseason.
"As a team, we need to wake up," the tight end said.
He would go on to note exactly what many Packers fans are feeling right now. Regular-season success is cool. Making the playoffs is fine and dandy. But, in the end, it's about winning a championship.
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"Everyone talks about how we're not OK just making the playoffs, but we have yet to walk the walk," he detailed.
He hits the nail on the head, to be quite frank. This is also not the first time he's called the team out. And, the way Kraft plays the game certainly backs up his sentiments. The way he broke out this season spoke volumes to the type of player he is and can continue to develop into.
Kraft's passion, fire and physicality was evident on a game-in, game-out basis. It sure seems like he's waiting for the rest of his teammates to catch on.
Per NBC26's John Miller, Kraft also made it sound like he was going to step up and be more of a leader going forward, stating that he knows he's capable of doing so.
That's precisely what this team needs: a vocal leader like Kraft to step up and make a difference.
Will it be enough come next season?