The Packers' inability to hold onto a big lead in their playoff loss to the Bears is still on quarterback Jordan Love's mind as they get ready for the 2026 season.
Green Bay was up 18 points at halftime in the wild card round and they had an 11-point lead with over six minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but two Bears touchdowns gave Chicago a home win. It was reminiscent of a Week 16 loss in Soldier Field when they saw a 10-point lead evaporate over the final five minutes of what turned out to be an overtime loss.
Had they held on in the regular season, the Packers would have won the NFC North and hosted their first postseason outing instead of heading back to Chicago. During an appearance on This is Football, Love said he believes the biggest change from last year is that the Packers have addressed their inability to close out games.
"The biggest difference is our ability to finish," Love said. "I think that’s kinda where we had a letdown last season was being able to finish late in games, late in the season, all those things. I think this year that’s the mindset. That’s the goal for us, to be able to go out there and finish no matter what the situation is. Just have that killer mindset."
Love didn't delve into too many specifics that the Packers will do differently, but said the team is stressing the need to continue "to focus on all the little details" rather than take their foot off the gas once they are in front. It'll be some time before that is put to the test, but it is an exam the Packers will need to pass the next time they take it.
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