The Packers’ Super Bowl 56 hopes ended because they couldn’t block on punts. A season later, they still can’t do it

A year ago, after winning 13 games and capturing the first seed in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers had a hopeful shot at Super Bowl glory. But when it came time for Green Bay’s NFC Divisional matchup with the 49ers, one of the league’s worst special teams units let the Packers down at the worst possible moment (especially on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Talanoa Hufanga).

Halfway through the following season, as the Packers languish around at 3-5, with no help on the way, that horrendous special teams unit hasn’t gotten any better at protecting their punter — this time Pat O’Donnell.

Packers punter Pat O'Donnell has been pressured on 23.5% of his punts this season, the highest rate faced by a punter over the last five seasons.

O'Donnell also has the lowest average hang time (4.11 seconds) on punts this season.#StatThat pic.twitter.com/trIeO8XYjR

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 2, 2022

Oh, come on! It’s worth noting that the Packers even switched special teams coordinators — hiring the acclaimed Rich Bisaccia — and still, little has changed. In addition to how often O’Donnell is pressured, Green Bay’s overall third phase is 31st in special teams DVOA.

At this time, the Packers still (somehow) have +2000 odds to win the NFC (seventh-best) with Tipico Sportsbook. Given all of their current issues, including their disastrous special teams, their chances of doing anything meaningful in January are probably being overstated.