Packers' Run Defense Struggles Exposed in Late-Season Collapse

Defensive lapses and inability to stop complex rushing schemes contributed to Green Bay's downfall in 2025

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a fractured, multi-angled view of a Packers defensive play, with sharp planes and shapes representing the chaos and breakdown of the run defense.The Packers' defense struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks, leading to a late-season collapse that derailed their playoff hopes.Denver Today

The Green Bay Packers' defense, which had been solid for much of the 2025 season, faltered down the stretch, particularly against the run. The loss of linebacker Micah Parsons to injury in Week 15 was a major blow, and the Packers' run defense ranked near the bottom of the league by the end of the year. Breakdowns in assignment football and struggles to contain outside zone runs proved costly, as exemplified by losses to the Panthers and Ravens late in the season.

Why it matters

The Packers' inability to stop the run was a major factor in their late-season collapse, as it allowed opponents to control the clock and keep the Packers' high-powered offense off the field. This raises questions about the team's defensive personnel and coaching, and whether they need to make changes to improve their run defense heading into the 2026 season.

The details

The Packers' run defense struggled all season, ranking 18th in EPA per play through the first four weeks, 13th through Week 8, and falling to 20th by Week 16. They finished the year 24th in the league in run defense EPA and 28th in rushing success rate. On early down runs, they were 19th in EPA per play and 28th in success rate. Key breakdowns came in losses to the Panthers and Ravens, where the defense was unable to contain outside zone runs and failed to execute proper run fits, leading to big gains that proved costly.

  • In Week 15, the Packers lost linebacker Micah Parsons to injury.
  • The Packers' four-game losing streak to end the season began with the Week 15 loss to Denver.
  • In the Week 16 loss to Carolina, the Packers' defense struggled significantly against the Panthers' ground attack, yielding nearly 5 yards per carry.
  • In the Week 17 loss to Baltimore, the Ravens' outside zone runs in the fourth quarter sealed the victory over the Packers.

The players

Micah Parsons

A linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who was lost to injury in Week 15, contributing to the team's late-season collapse.

Rashan Gary

A defensive player for the Green Bay Packers who was pinned inside on a key run play against the Panthers, leading to a big gain.

Javon Bullard

A defensive player for the Green Bay Packers who was also pinned inside on the same run play against the Panthers, creating a running lane for the offense.

Evan Williams

A safety for the Green Bay Packers who failed to replace Rashan Gary on the edge, leading to a big run play for the Panthers.

Keisean Nixon

A cornerback for the Green Bay Packers who correctly came downhill to replace the pinned Bullard, but couldn't prevent the big run play due to the lack of alley support.

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What they’re saying

“The loss of Parsons was at least partly responsible for the four-game losing streak at the end of the season, starting with that game in Denver (though to be fair, Week 18 was a wash).”

— Rich Madrid, Author

“The emphasis the Ravens put on the perimeter run attack proved to be the nail, the primary reason the defense broke in this one.”

— Rich Madrid, Author

What’s next

The Packers will need to closely evaluate their defensive personnel and coaching staff in the offseason to identify areas for improvement, particularly in run defense. They may need to make changes to their scheme, personnel, or both to shore up this weakness heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Packers' late-season collapse exposed significant issues with their run defense, which proved to be their Achilles' heel and a major factor in their inability to reach the playoffs. Addressing these problems will be a top priority for the team this offseason as they look to bounce back in 2026.