Packers Make NFL History with Third Loss in Zero-Punt Game
The Green Bay Packers are rewriting the record books in a way they surely never anticipated. As they entered Week 17 of the NFL season, a total of 12 teams had managed to go through a game without punting. Among those teams, the success rate was impressive, with a combined record of 10 wins and only 2 losses. Unfortunately for the Packers, they have now added a third loss to that tally.
Just a week after suffering a 22-16 overtime defeat to the Chicago Bears without a single punt, the Packers faced the Baltimore Ravens and again failed to send the ball downfield on fourth down. This time, the result was a disappointing 41-24 loss, marking a stunning 0-3 record for the Packers in games where they did not punt.
A Historic Milestone
This unprecedented run has not only left fans and analysts scratching their heads but has also etched the Packers’ name into the annals of NFL history. They now stand as the first team in the Super Bowl era to lose three games in a single season while failing to punt.
For context, the 2024 Cincinnati Bengals and the 2021 Los Angeles Chargers each experienced two losses in their zero-punt games, but Green Bay has taken it a step further, creating a unique narrative that raises questions about efficiency and execution despite their offensive prowess.
As the Packers reflect on this perplexing statistic, it’s a stark reminder that sometimes, even when a team appears to be in control of the game, the scoreboard tells a different story. With back-to-back losses in games without a punt, the challenges ahead for Matt LaFleur’s squad are more pronounced than ever as they look to finish the season on a higher note.
