Ravens Run Over Packers, 41-24
Willis shines in first start of 2025.
The Green Bay Packer defense had no ability to stop Derrick Henry Saturday night. In what would prove to be the Packers’ final home game of the 2025 season, Henry steamrolled his way to 216 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-24 Baltimore Raven romp. The 216 rushing yards are the most ever by an opposing running back at Lambeau Field.
“That was a humbling night,” Matt LaFleur said via packers.com. “Unfortunately it wasn’t up to our standard in how we play, how we coach, and that’s what happens.”
The defensive sieve overshadowed Malik Willis’ performance in a battle of backup quarterbacks. Willis, in for Jordan Love (concussion), outshined Tyler Huntley who started for Lamar Jackson (back). The pending free agent from Liberty completed 18-of-21 passing with two drops included, accounted for 348 total yards, and three total scores.
“He made play after play after play out there,” LaFleur said. “He threw the ball accurately. It was kind of a crazy week in regards to him not getting many (practice) reps. He was dialed in and I thought he played outstanding.”
The other silver lining aside from Willis – albeit unintentional – is that Green Bay locked itself into the NFC’s seventh seed for the playoffs. Key, banged up players should be able to get extra rest before their road wild card game in two weeks. The roster desperately needs a break after another game’s injury report reads like a CVS receipt.
Six more Packers left the game with injury: Zayne Anderson (ankle), Jordon Riley (achilles), Nate Hobbs (knee), Dontayvion Wicks (concussion), Kamal Hadden (ankle), and Willis, who reaggravated his right shoulder injury in the fourth quarter. He first injured it on the final play of regulation last week at Chicago. LaFleur did acknowledge he could’ve returned, but remained sidelined after the game was out of reach.
The Ravens won the toss, elected to receive, and promptly pounded the ball effortlessly down the field on a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in a harbinger of the night ahead. Baltimore scored on all five first-half possessions to earn a 27-14 halftime lead.
Wills only needed two plays to score on Green Bay’s opening drive. His first pass resulted in a beautiful 40-yard completion down the left sideline to a tightly covered Romeo Doubs. Willis immediately followed that up with a 39-yard strike up the right seam to Christian Watson for a score.
After another long Ravens touchdown drive, the Packers’ offense tripped over itself like it has done too often this season. Its second drive resulted in a turnover on downs after neither Willis nor Josh Jacobs could carry the rock for a yard on third and fourth down, respectively. Both snaps from center Sean Rhyan appeared off, reminiscent of the offense’s final play last week, a fumbled snap.
The third drive ended in a fumble recovered by Baltimore. Willis, in the shotgun, audibled the play when Rhyan snapped the ball early off the unsuspecting quarterback’s helmet. LaFleur conceded the fumble was an “operation error” and acknowledged Willis missed practice time during the week, which heightened the unfamiliarity in the center-quarterback exchange.
“(I’m) just sick about those two first-quarter turnovers in the plus territory,” he said.
The defense, almost bafflingly, held the Ravens to a field goal after each turnover. Wills made it a one-score game on a 22-yard, zone-read keeper, 20-14. With a mere 1:24 remaining in the half, and the bruising Henry on the sideline in an obvious pass situation, Huntley had little difficulty orchestrating a touchdown drive of his own against Jeff Hafley’s defense.
“Our guys did compete, they were battling,” LaFleur said. “You saw in the first half when we turn the ball over twice in plus territory. I thought our defense did a good job in those moments. The rest of the game, it wasn’t good enough.”
The Packers scored the first 10 points of the second half on a Brandon McManus field goal and Willis’ second touchdown run, 27-24. But again, the defense wasn’t good enough. Henry converted a third-and-5 with a nine yard carry, and then ripped off a 30-yard run on the very next play. Baltimore ran the ball on the next six plays before Zay Flowers easily broke away from Carrington Valentine in coverage for a 10-yard touchdown catch, 34-24.
The Ravens added to their highlight reel on the next two drives. After Willis exited, third-string quarterback Clayton Tune hit Bo Melton in the hands on his first pass. However, Melton only deflected the pass in the air for a Baltimore pick. Henry then capped his monster night with a 25-yard touchdown run, 41-24.
The Packers will close out the 2025 regular season next Sunday at Minnesota.
Other Notes
- LaFleur said Love was feeling well, but just didn’t pass the concussion protocol.
- Watson caught 5 of 6 targets for 113 yards and the touchdown. He is the first Packer receiver to eclipse the 100-yard mark this season. Tight end Tucker Kraft did so against the Steelers and Commanders.
- The Ravens held a 40:16 – 19:44 advantage in time of possession.
- Jacobs only had four carries for three yards.
- Saturday was the third time this season the Packers didn’t punt, and they are 0-3 in those games. They didn’t punt in a loss against the Panthers, and last week at Chicago.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Jocelyn Hopkinson is a contributor for CheeseheadTV and can be found on Twitter at Packer_FIB
__________________________
Comments (46)
SinceLombardi
December 28, 2025 at 12:00 am
Final home game for several of the players too, hopefully. Besides Cooper we are weak at linebacker. Quay Walker isn’t good enough. Valentine is awful, and Nixon isn’t much better. Wooden and , Brooks are zero’s. Gary is a disappointment to be polite.
I wonder why Gutekunst ( might be his last home game too) didn’t get Willis a one year extension? Maybe he could have gotten a chance to compete for the job in training camp next year.
Last weeks hero Romeo Doubs might not be resigned either.
You are what you are. And for the fourth consecutive year the Packer are not a Super Bowl contender.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 28, 2025 at 12:20 am
I don't think Malik Willis would sign a one-year deal with the Packers. First, it would be 1-year. Second, he can get more money elsewhere, and more guaranteed money in particular. Third, he can compete for a starting job.
KenEllis
December 28, 2025 at 12:21 am
Criticizing Gutey? For shame, for shame.
Gary was a great pick at 12th overall, LVN will break out in year 4, Golden is almost as good a WR as Bo Melton, Hobbs is gonna ball out at CB next season, and Banks is a big guy at guard.
We won the NFC North 5 seasons ago and also have 1 playoff win in the last 5 years.
Gutey is about to get a well-deserved multi-year extension. Book it.
Since'75
December 28, 2025 at 02:15 am
Sarcasm i'm guessing?
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:45 am
He’s like Lamar. Maybe better with time.
stockholder
December 28, 2025 at 12:04 am
The obvious is-
Contact throughout the play and after the whistle, within the rules.
Getting off blocks?
No Play Disruption!
BabeParilli
December 28, 2025 at 12:32 am
If the General Manager for the Eagles Howie Roseman and the Eagles' accountants can figure out how to get rid of Carson Wentz and his then RECORD CONTRACT AND RECORD DEAD CAP HIT, how come Gutekunst and the Packers accountants can't figure out how to get rid of Jordan Love and his Record Contract and Record Dead Cap hit?
Is our General Manager Gutekunst BIG ENOUGH TO ADMIT HE MADE A MISTAKE?
Mailk Willis is night and day better than Jordan Love - in all facets, mental and physical - and should be immediately signed by the Packers.
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:43 am
They don’t like when they made a mistake ..
Celise...
December 29, 2025 at 02:36 pm
yall don't get it! mlf is just trying to make his team look bad now so he can come out in the playoffs and take people by surprise! remember, it's time to start winning championships! he really doesn't want to play games at home in the cold so it's better to go play where it's warmer, (like chicago) He plays each game just close enough to convince everyone their good enough to win but then loses it at the end on some lame play. gpg
the_gavia_pass
December 28, 2025 at 09:27 am
the problem will get even bigger if Rodgers at 42 makes a deep run in the post season....at that point gutekunst can only resign
bassrock
December 28, 2025 at 02:14 pm
Rodgers was and is a cancer. Watching him play as we speak and he's old and slow. Gute should have gotten rid of him a year earlier instead of extending his whiny azz. He's stunk in GB and since he left.
the_gavia_pass
December 30, 2025 at 12:33 pm
you are one of the reasons why average manager and players likes gutey love Gary get a lot of money in GB...small minds in a small city
BELIEVER
December 28, 2025 at 12:37 am
Why is Bo Melton taking snaps away from better receivers?
KenEllis
December 28, 2025 at 01:16 am
Maybe the real question is whether CB Bo Melton is a better WR than 2025 #1 pick Matthew Golden.
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:50 am
Need to get Golden involved.
Alberta_Packer
December 28, 2025 at 12:49 am
I have some empathy for the Defense. Because like me - they have become soft in the middle.
Bearmeat
December 28, 2025 at 12:57 am
Just beat the Bears in Chicago on WC weekend. Then move on to next year. Need DT and CB help badly.
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:31 am
I will see it every day for a month
You can’t go 5-3 at home when you have 8 games in odd years. Next year 9 home games
Once again you can’t go 5-3 at Lambeau Field
We should have 12 wins. Sitting on top of vs 7
MLf did not get his team ready. 8-0 this year was doable………
And should be 8-0. That’s the difference……..
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:31 am
You need to be 8-0this year at home. Not 5-3
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:34 am
I like R Gary. But playing two plays and had to come out because he was tired………come on….
That’s disappointing as a Packers fan.
Sorry parks closed…….wish you the best……I stuck up for him for years .
Not good. He’s a leader on defense…….need more………other guys play almost every snap.
I would rest him for Vikings game.
Since'75
December 28, 2025 at 02:21 am
Gary is a part time situational guy.
If you want him to play more, he's gonna need more money
egbertsouse
December 28, 2025 at 07:00 am
Yeah, he’s only like the 12th highest paid edge player. Can’t expect him to give 100% on peanuts.
Since'75
December 28, 2025 at 07:18 am
He was the 5th highest paid after signing his contract.
bassrock
December 28, 2025 at 02:18 pm
Gary has checked out and is an embarrassment. Even with Parsons in the game he was lazy and seldom in on plays. No tackles last night. How in the good lords name is that possible?
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:36 am
Please have a package in the playoffs for Willis. If Love is starting.
Need him on the field.
I feel sorry for Josh Jacob’s.
Need to get the running game going in the playoffs.
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:38 am
Did I say 8-0. At home. 5-3. Crap. Doesn’t cut it……need to figure that out .
Had a chance to get 2nd seed Nope. 3 loses at home ….to subpar teams other than eagles
And they were begging us to win.
Love needs to step up.
More energy with Willis ….
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:40 am
I wouldn’t even game plan for the Vikings. Zero..
Plan on Bears or Eagles.
Need all time spent toward that game.
Next 13 days plan on one of those teams. Don’t waste time on the Vikings game plan.
All attention on deck for that game
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:43 am
3rd and 5. Can’t get a stop when within 3 points.
Why run behind Morgan. On 4th down……run behind banks and Walker
In shotgun on that play ???????????
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:47 am
MLf. Admit. The defense wasn’t ready to go.
You thought they would lay down.
5-3 at home. You can’t do that with this talent on the team.
That crap needs to stop
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:49 am
Have a package in the playoffs for Willis
Next 13 days. Plan to beat the Bears or Eagles ………
Figure that out . Zero tape review of the Vikings ..
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 01:56 am
5-3 at home. MLF need better
The crowd was real good tonight. Hardly any raven fans,
Couldn’t stop a broken facet.
5-3. At home. Embarrassing
Since'75
December 28, 2025 at 02:23 am
You got it all out now?......lol
bassrock
December 28, 2025 at 02:21 pm
Sounds like a broken record.
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 02:26 am
Nope
5 and 3 at home. The difference
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 02:31 am
All the energy they put into practice and going 5-3 at home. Not good enough
Carolina loss was bad. This was worse
Snap the ball
December 28, 2025 at 02:33 am
Need the next 13 days all in on bears or eagles practice. Film etc Don’t waste 1 minute on the Vikings
Packerlifer
December 28, 2025 at 03:51 pm
If the league would allow it the Packers should phone in a 2-0 forfeit next week and use the time to heal and prep for the Wild Card playoff. Aggraving the injury issues is the only thing the Pack. has to play for in that one.
Lare
December 28, 2025 at 03:52 am
After losing the last 5 games of the season, the worst thing is we can't even look forward to the draft.
Dragon5
December 28, 2025 at 08:55 pm
Disagree, good chance Gute's chokehold on this roster will cease and won't bury this franchise any further.
Swing & a miss, swing and a miss--he's like Rob Deer trying to hit for average.
Lphill
December 28, 2025 at 06:56 am
The tone was set for the Ravens when MLF went for it on 4 th down on the Packers 34 Jacob's was stuffed.
bassrock
December 28, 2025 at 02:23 pm
He's turned into Dan Campbell but worse. His play calling on those plays are pathetic.
Lry
December 29, 2025 at 07:21 am
Jacobs is not as good as we thought he would be, either. No real threat in short yardage situations
stockholder
December 28, 2025 at 07:25 am
Ron Wolf knew how important a back-up qb was.
Aaron Brooks
Matt Hassleback
Ty Detmer
Mark Burnell
With this patched up OL.
It's obvious that a scrambling QB is;
the offensive weapon the packers must use.
Wicks Concussion- This is so true-
Imposing presence - Physical defenders try to wear receivers down mentally and physically
by making them feel contact throughout the play and after the whistle, within the rules.
It makes the whole team play cautious!
(And the Ravens knew we had to throw the ball.)
Packerpasty
December 28, 2025 at 10:47 am
Like Snap the Ball says....5-3 at Lambeau with a "supposedly" very good home team sucks...I feel for the fans who pay good money to see these abysmal displays from the home team and its soft coach MLF....the loud booo's last night were very appropriate...
CanPackFan
December 28, 2025 at 12:22 pm
As a Packer fan outside of Wisconsin, I am always amazed at how well heeled the fans of GB are? Whatever the same excuse-du-jour LaFleur dishes up after every loss, local fans just eat it up and say "well win next week".
I guess if you live in that culture, have your 1 share of the team on ur wall and live for the tailgate parties outside Lambeau, who cares if the Packers win or lose? If ur social life revolves around wearing stupid cheesehead hats and wearing jerseys regardless of game scores, then I see why this team has no urgency to win. I suppose the legacy of football excellence died with Lombardi decades ago...
Lry
December 29, 2025 at 07:28 am
CanPackFan right you are! Lombardi would be disgusted to see what is on display as the current “Green Bay Packers.” You’re also right that most fans eat up the same bull excuses week after week. If you’re not gonna do everything in your power to win the Super Bowl, don’t even play the game. Tired of mediocre teams, coaches and management. Blah blah blah same old excuses. “Next year” never comes