GREEN BAY, WI - It's been five days since the Green Bay Packers came up just short in a 34-29 Wild Card loss to the rival Chicago Bears, and on this overcast morning in Titletown, players returned to Lambeau Field to clean out their lockers and reflect on a rollercoaster Season 32.
Despite falling behind early and facing a 14-point deficit in the second half, the Packers nearly pulled off a miracle comeback behind quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns in the loss. His final touchdown-an 18-yard strike to Christian Watson-gave Green Bay a chance to tie, but a failed two-point conversion ended their season.
"You always want to be the guy with the ball last," said Love, who is under contract through next season. "We had our chance. We just couldn't finish. I take that to heart."
Watson, who totaled 117 yards and two scores in the game, echoed the frustration: "We were right there. This team battled all season. That's what makes it so hard to walk away now."
Several key players now enter the offseason as pending free agents, including tight end Tommy Tremble, linebacker Amari Peterson, and running back Mario Ruiz. All expressed a desire to return, but acknowledged uncertainty.
"I'd love to be back," said Tremble. "There's unfinished business. But we all know how this league works."
Head coach Matt LaFleur spoke briefly with the media, noting the team's resilience late in the year. "We had a tough start, but these guys stuck together. I'm proud of how they responded, especially down the stretch. We have pieces here. We'll be back."
