The 2021 Green Bay Packers achieved historic regular season success but suffered a playoff collapse.
In short: The 2021 Green Bay Packers made NFL history by securing 13 or more wins for three consecutive seasons. Despite clinching the NFC's top seed and Aaron Rodgers earning his fourth MVP award, the team's season ended in a shocking playoff upset, largely attributed to a historically struggling special teams unit.
The 2021 campaign marked the 101st season for the Green Bay Packers. Under head coach Matt LaFleur, the team dominated the regular season, winning the NFC North for the third year in a row. By defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, they secured home-field advantage and the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. Aaron Rodgers, who surpassed Brett Favre’s franchise record with his 443rd touchdown pass during the year, was named the league's MVP for the second consecutive season—his fourth time receiving the honor.
Despite this regular-season brilliance, the team’s postseason performance was marred by recurring issues. The Packers entered the playoffs with a special teams unit ranked 32nd in the league by Football Outsiders DVOA. This vulnerability proved fatal in the NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite leading for most of the contest, the Packers suffered a 13–10 loss, marking their fourth playoff defeat against the 49ers in the Aaron Rodgers era. The game featured multiple special teams blunders, including a blocked field goal and a blocked punt that allowed the 49ers to tie the score in the fourth quarter.
The loss was a bitter conclusion to a season that saw the team navigate significant challenges, including an opening-week blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints and a mid-season absence for Rodgers due to COVID-19. Following the playoff exit, special teams coordinator Maurice Drayton was fired. The season also included the franchise's sixth stock sale, reflecting the unique ownership structure of the team. Ultimately, the 2021 Packers serve as a stark reminder of how a single weak phase of play can undermine a championship-caliber roster, leaving the team to reflect on a third consecutive abrupt postseason exit.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2021 Green Bay Packers season
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