The Green Bay Packers are off to an undisciplined start to the 2024 season, having given up 264 yards in penalties over the first four games. They are tied for the third-most penalty yards in the league with the Cleveland Browns, trailing only the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.
Green Bay has been sloppy in the red zone across all three phases. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Rasheed Walker’s penalty set them back 10 yards after Xavier McKinney‘s interception, forcing the Packers to settle for a field goal. Later, following a fumble recovery from a botched Eagles snap, Tucker Kraft‘s holding call led to only three points again. Green Bay managed only six points from a possible 14 after forcing two turnovers.
Later in the game, McKinney was offside during Philadelphia’s final field goal attempt. While the penalty didn’t change the outcome, players must always stay disciplined. What if the Eagles had botched the snap? What if the kicker had missed?
Against the Indianapolis Colts, Josh Jacobs fumbled inside the five-yard line as the Packers were about to extend their lead to two scores. Discipline isn’t just about avoiding penalties but protecting the football. In this case, the lack of ball security cost Green Bay six points.
On Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers drew nine penalties, including a holding call on Keisean Nixon that put Minnesota at the 1.5-yard line. Matt LaFleur was also flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct when Green Bay was on the three-yard line. However, the blame shouldn’t fall entirely on him. The referees missed his attempt to call a timeout.
If not for the red-zone penalties, Green Bay likely would have won against the Eagles in São Paulo. Jacobs’ fumble against the Colts didn’t cost the Packers; they won by six points. However, the outcome could have been different against a more poised team.
Green Bay was among the top-eight teams in penalties last year, with some attributing the struggle to being the youngest team in the league as players adjusted to the pro level. However, in 2024, they remain in the top 10 for most penalties.
It seems like the Packers occasionally try to do too much. With the shift to a more aggressive defensive scheme, it may take time for players, especially in the secondary, to adjust – particularly with their pressing against receivers at the line of scrimmage. Green Bay has also committed seven combined offsides and neutral-zone infractions this season. It’s unclear if this is an alignment issue. Still, defensive linemen are being more aggressive with their bull rushes and may be trying to time the snap better.
Walker has recorded at least one offensive holding penalty in three of the first four games. While this is concerning, it’s worth noting that he didn’t start 2023 strong but improved as the year progressed. Green Bay fans can feel confident in Adam Stenavich’s coaching, believing the team will get better at avoiding these mistakes.
Most of these errors are mental — and fixable. Green Bay must prevent unforced errors, especially in short areas of the field. If they can’t successfully capitalize on forced turnovers, winning in the National Football League will be a tough challenge on any given Sunday.
