The Green Bay Packers just received a harsh reality check. Undefeated since Week 3, Matt LaFleur's team returned home as heavy favorites against the Carolina Panthers.
But an ugly start quickly spiraled into a disaster. The Packers played poorly, failing to get anything going on offense. And to make it worse, they lost several key players to injury, including tight end Tucker Kraft.
The Packers said it wasn't a trap game, but it sure looked like it. They got what they deserved on Sunday, falling to 5-2-1 with a brutal 16-13 loss to the Panthers. Now, the concern turns to the injury situation.
Packers' injuries add insult to a brutal performance vs. Panthers
Injuries crush the Packers in Week 9
Beyond the ugly performance, injuries were the story of the game for the Packers.
The most concerning is star tight end Tucker Kraft, who had to be carted off the field due to a knee injury. His status for next week's game is uncertain, but the Packers can only hope it's not a long-term issue.
Green Bay also lost first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden to a shoulder injury, defensive tackle Colby Wooden to a shoulder injury, and left guard Aaron Banks due to a stinger. Running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Christian Watson also briefly exited the game but returned.
Packers can't get out of their own way (again)
How often have we heard about the Packers beating themselves and playing down to their opponent? This was a classic example. Savion Williams fumbled on Green Bay's first possession, and it was a sign of what was to come.
Brandon McManus missed a 43-yard field goal, his third miss in two games. Jordan Love threw a pick into triple coverage. The Packers then turned it over on downs while facing a 4th-and-8 in the red zone, with Love almost throwing another interception.
Matt LaFleur played far too conservative for much of the game, sticking with a ground game that was struggling to find any kind of consistency. It forced Love to launch deep shots, which had mixed results. The Packers lacked rhythm on offense, and LaFleur's play-calling didn't help.
They deserved to lose, and they can only blame themselves.