Key Highlights
- Jayden Reed missed a crucial catch on the final drive of the game.
- Christian Watson’s deep throw was out of reach in the end zone.
- The Packers’ struggles during their final drive highlight their regrets for the season.
The Final Drive: A Bitter Aftertaste for Green Bay
Green Bay’s loss at Soldier Field last Saturday night was a bitter reminder of what could have been. The Packers, though not to blame for the defeat, faced critical moments that left their receivers questioning themselves during the offseason.
Jayden Reed’s Missed Opportunity
Jayden Reed, who has battled through surgeries and injuries, missed an opportunity on a crucial play in the final drive. On second down from the Chicago 49-yard line with just over a minute left, the Packers trailing by four points, Reed ran a deep corner route against Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon. Despite getting a step on his defender, Reed’s attempt to catch Jordan Love’s pass resulted in an incomplete throw. “I ain’t even slept man,” Reed said during locker clean-out. “I didn’t sleep that next day ’til like 5 a.m., just thinking about it. I’m still thinking about it right now.” Reed emphasized the importance of making such plays, stating, “This will definitely motivate him.”
Christian Watson’s Disappointment
Christian Watson, after recovering from an ACL injury, faced his own moment of regret. Running a post route to the goal line with two defenders bracketing him, he could not quite get his hands on Love’s bullet throw over the rusher’s shoulder. “I mean, it’s easy to go back and say you could’ve done this, could’ve done that,” Watson said. “But if I could go back, I would definitely just try to run through that a little bit more, try to get two hands on it for sure.” His self-criticism is in his nature, but he remains driven to be better.
A Team of Regrets
The Packers’ struggles during the final drive were indicative of their season. Watson mentioned that everyone could have done better, noting, “You could go back and (find) probably 20-25 plays that could have been a difference in that game.” The missed kicks alone—two field goals and one extra point—changed the momentum significantly. Reed echoed this sentiment, adding, “At the end of the day he wants when his number is called to make those plays, but there’s no blame from me on him.”
The Packers’ season ended with more than just a loss; it was a reminder of the numerous opportunities they could have seized had they made different choices. As they prepare for next year, these missed plays will serve as a powerful motivator for improvement.