3 Keys to Green Bay Packers Finding Success In Playoffs
By Matt LeVene
Green Bay Packers Key to Success No. 3: Special teams
Anyone who has followed the Packers this season knows just how underwhelming the Green Bay special teams unit has been. From missed field goals, bad punts, allowing big returns, and just about everything in between, this unit has been through it all.
From a statistical standpoint, Mason Crosby and the Packers’ field goal unit ranks 31st in field goal percentage, with a 73.5 percent conversion rate. To make the matter worse, the Packers’ rank dead last in the NFL in total kick return yards allowed with a whopping 1,283 given up.
This tweet illustrates just how bad the Green Bay special team unit has been.
According to efficiency metrics from Football Outsiders, the Packers ranked last in the NFL on special teams this season with the Niners only slightly better at No. 26. Read more: ⤵
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) January 20, 2022
The good news is, the only way to go is up. In the playoffs, games can be won or lost by a debacle on special teams. The Packers need to try their best to avoid this, but with those abysmal numbers depicted above, it feels as if a special teams blunder at some point is inevitable. The only question is if the rest of the team can overcome their shortcomings and still get the job done.
On the other hand, I have complete faith in the seasoned veteran, Mason Crosby, to make a clutch kick. So, let’s hope I am right and Crosby and the special teams unit as a whole can come through.
I am very intrigued to see how this unit performs in pressure situations. Can they clean up their problems, or will a crucial special team’s mistake cost the Packers a chance for Super Bowl 56?
Let me know some other keys for Packer playoff success in the comments!