I don’t know what’s worse Packers fans: the fact that I lost almost all of my fantasy matchups or that the Vikings conquered our ambitious team. It’s heartbreaking, truly. As the blog is titled, the Packers really made me cry after this game. Going into this season, I expected an easy opener win for the Packers. Now, we stand 0-1 at the bottom of the North. It’s a gut-wrecker. Here are my initial reactions. I’ll follow up with some optimism at the end.

First drive of the game. OUCH. Our acclaimed, praised defense torched in seconds by the majestic route running and hands of Justin Jefferson. If I’m being completely honest, I did not expect Minnesota to take the lead that quick. But it was the Packers’ first drive of offense that really set the tone of the game.

In the second round of this past year’s draft, Christian Watson was a phenomenal wide receiver choice. With a 4.36 40-yard time for the 6’4, 208-pound receiver, his speed and catch-making ability were astonishing at the combine. So, I was VERY shocked when he dropped an easy, go-ahead 75-yard touchdown to start the game. In seconds, Watson zooms past the Vikings secondary only to drop an easy catch to settle the game at 7-7. Instead, we went 3 and out and now sit with a final game score of 23-7. It’s a huge what-if Packers fandom. If he made that catch, I’m sure I would be writing a completely different story right now.

Christian Watson is, in fact, the perfect replacement for Marquez Valdes-Scantling pic.twitter.com/7MUgB10VIu

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) September 11, 2022

The second half, however, was a thriller to watch. Within seconds, Packers fans, our offense gained momentum. AJ “Quadzilla” Dillon pushed resiliently through several 300-pound men for the score. After a quick offensive drive at the start of the second half, it was 17-7. Momentum is on our side. Woohoo!

Woohoo?? I lied. Aaron Rodgers then proceeded to throw a pick. After what seemed like a two-second drive, the score was 20-7.

Rookie mistakes, miscommunication on both sides of the ball, and poor in-game adjustments killed us. Soon enough, the game was over. Final: 23-7. Green Bay had lost.

Now, to say I’m disappointed is an understatement. After building much hype around this Packers roster, it SUCKS to see our favorite team get tossed around. It was a bored lion playing around with small mice. The Packers were the mice. We were afraid, possessing a lack of energy and urgency.

But, Packers fans, the season isn’t over. It was just week 1. Remember what happened last year? It was ten times worse. No, a gazillion. Last year, we lost 38-3 to a below-average quarterback and several no-name free agents. And what happened after that game? We went 13-4, qualifying for the playoffs and breaking many records throughout the year. So, fans, do not let this game define your perception of this Packers team. There is much room for improvement, which I know we are all excited to see. Green Bay Packers fans, today was AWFUL. But, if our beloved team corrects many of the small mental mistakes we witnessed today — which they will — I’m sure we will finish first in the North again. And then win the Superbowl. I’ll see you next week after we destroy the Bears at home Packers fans. Victory Monday is coming soon!