On the first play of the game, LaFleur had a great play call to get the game going. It was a play-action, semi-rollout for Love to hit Dontayvion Wicks for a 20+ yard gain, but the throw was off by a considerable margin. There were plenty of throws that were just off. However, the misses were fewer and further between than the Week 4 matchup vs. Minnesota. After the 3-yard pick-six Love tossed when trying to avoid a safety, he locked in. I’d even make the argument the pick-6 was better than taking the safety in that situation. Had he taken the safety, the Rams get 2 points and the ball right away. Even if they settled for a field goal on the ensuing drive, that would’ve been a +5 point differential before half, but instead the Packers got the ball back and Love drove down for a field goal as time expired. Thus making that only a +3 point differential (as the Rams missed their extra point attempt).

Love Locked In

Since the pick-6, Love settled in:

• 10/16 (completion/attempts)
• 152 yards
• 2 TD
• 0 INT
• 133.3 Rating

Entering the 2^nd half, the Packers did what they’ve done all season, generated turnovers. Los Angeles’ first possession of the 3^rd quarter ended in a fumble caused by Kingsley Enagbare, and recovered by, guess who, Xavier McKinney. From that point on, Jordan Love and Tucker Kraft put on a show. Keep in mind, the last throw by Love was a deep shot to Wicks down the right sideline, that Wicks decided to jump early for, misreading the throw, and it still hit him in both hands, but couldn’t come down with it. That would’ve iced the game, and had Wicks just kept running instead of jumping for it, might’ve been a TD. Either way, Love has now strung consecutive 2^nd halves together and put on a solid show. In the 2^nd halves in each of the last two games, plus the last drive prior to half of each game, Love has dominated…and keep in mind, that’s with many drops by all of his targets – not named Tucker Kraft.

• 31/46
• 439 yards
• 6 TDs
• 1 INT
• 128.5 Rating

That’s incredible stuff. Essentially a game’s worth of snaps and 2 games worth of production. Even if he strings together just three quarters of a game, he should obliterate defenses, good ones at that.

Who Are the Cardinals?

The Arizona Cardinals visit Lambeau Field at 2-3 on the season, with impressive wins over the Rams (41-10) and 49ers (24-23) – outscoring San Francisco 14-0 in the 2nd half of that game. Both teams coming off a much-needed win and absolutely need another to keep pace in their respective divisions.

For consecutive weeks, the Packers will face an NFC West foe, and their defense isn’t good. The Cards rank near the bottom of the league in rush defense, as the Rams did last week. Green Bay didn’t commit to the run nearly as much as we want or need, but were quite effective. Look for Green Bay to get to a closer balance on offense with Love beginning to get his footing (as referenced above), and open up the run game for Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson. Much like the first 2 games of the season, Green Bay’s defense will be tested by an uber-mobile QB in Kyler Murray. Murray has elite speed and is a danger to take it to the house from anywhere on the field. My guess is the Packers will play contain on the front and look to stop the rush with their front 4. The pass rush stats may not accumulate again this week however, forcing Murray to beat you from the pocket with his arm is the way to go. It wouldn’t be a shock if Green Bay comes away with another 2-3 interceptions. The main focal points for the Packers’ defense will be on rookie standout, Marvin Harrison, Jr. and TE Trey McBride. Harrison has 4 TDs on only 17 receptions, and will likely attract Jaire Alexander most of the game, should Alexander become available after missing the last two games.

If this is the game Jordan Love decides to put together more than 2 quarters of good play, the Packers could win handily and close out the game on the ground, which would be ideal. Green Bay is due for a stress-free win as the last one came in the Wild Card game in Arlington, TX against the Cowboys. Even then, Dallas scored 16 late points to window dress a bit.

Season: 3-2
Overall: 95-68