Why the Packers have failed in each of the last three postseasons

The Green Bay Packers won 13 games in each of the last three seasons. The Packers have have won 39 games in the regular season over that stretch. That is the most wins in the league over that span. But in the playoffs, the team is just 2-3. Green Bay has made two NFC Championship Game appearances but haven't been able to make it to that final game in early February. It has been a different, unique reason in each of those three seasons.

In 2019, Matt LaFleur's squad went 13-3 in his first season at the helm. The Packers were a great team because they found ways to win in each game. They finished 18th in both total offense and total defense that season and still won 13 games. However, their 22nd ranked run defense (which allowed 120.1 rush yards per game) fell short in the postseason. Specifically, in the NFC Championship Game, Green Bay gave up 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns to 49ers running back Raheem Mostert alone. Green Bay's run defense let them down in the biggest game.

In 2020, the Packers had the No. 1 ranked scoring offense, and Green Bay also finished 10th in total defense. The team was dominant again. The Packers won 13 games and made their second consecutive NFC Championship Game appearance. However, it was injuries and inopprtune plays that hurt them in the biggest game. The Packers were without All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari (torn ACL) for their playoff run. Green Bay allowed five sacks in the NFC title game. Allowing a Hail Mary touchdown pass as time expired before halftime to Tampa Bay receiver Scotty Miller did not help, either. Green Bay would go on to lose by five to the eventual Super Bowl champions.

In 2021, the Packers won 13 games yet again. Green Bay finished ranked in the top 10 in both total offense and total defense for the second consecutive year. But after an impressive regular season, the team once again faltered in the biggest game against San Francisco in the postseason. While leading 10-3 in the fourth quarter, the Packers special teams issues showed themselves once again. The team allowed a blocked punt that resulted in a 49ers touchdown. Green Bay would go on to lose 13-10. As bad as the offense played, the reason the Packers lost the game was their inefficient special teams unit.

So, the Packers have had very good teams over the last three seasons. But Green Bay has had problems rear their heads at the worst possible moments. Despite losing All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling and All-Pro pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, Green Bay is in great shape to contend for Super Bowls for the next few seasons. The Packers just need to play like they have played all season in the biggest moments in the playoffs.