The Green Bay Packers have had an up-and-down season through nine weeks. While they stand at the top of the NFC North at 5-2-1, they have suffered some bad losses.

In Week 9, Green Bay fell to the Carolina Panthers 16-13 at Lambeau Field, marking a disappointing loss.

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One problem was evident throughout the game, and it’s a problem the Packers have had for many years. Green Bay’s special teams unit struggled once again.

The Packers rank last in the NFL in average punt return yardage at five yards. Green Bay was also the last team to average 5.0 return yards or fewer, doing so in 2019 and 2020.

In 2022, the Packers hired Rich Bisaccia as their special teams coordinator to turn around their unit. Bisaccia had served as the special teams coordinator and interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 and was well-liked.

However, Bisaccia hasn’t been able to turn Green Bay’s special teams unit around yet. In addition to ranking last in punt return average, the Packers haven’t had the same success at kicker that they did in the 2024 season.

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In the 2024 season, Brandon McManus looked to be the solution for Green Bay at kicker. He made 20 of 21 field goals (95.2%) and 30 of 30 extra points (100%). After his great season, McManus inked a three-year $15.2 million deal with the Packers.

However, the 34-year-old kicker has struggled since returning from his injury. He has hit just 11 of 16 field goals (68.8%) and 15 of 16 extra points (93.8%).

In the two games McManus missed, Green Bay brought in Lucas Havrisik. The 26-year-old had an impressive showing, hitting all four of his field goal attempts, including a Packer record 61-yarder. Havrisik also made all six of his extra point attempts.

Despite McManus’s struggles, head coach Matt LaFleur has committed to McManus as the Packers’ kicker. This is puzzling, given he still looks injured and Havrisik has played at a high level.

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Green Bay has faced numerous issues this season, despite being a very talented team, including inconsistent performances from both its offense and defense. However, their special teams unit has been the most concerning issue, and if they can’t get it fixed, it could be their downfall once again in the playoffs.