The Packers, and Jordan Love, showed extreme resiliancy throughout the entire contest vs. Houston. While the Texans were missing 5 defensive starters, they’re a very good football team that’s extremely well-coached, and it showed. Houston was able to generate pressure against, arguably, the best offensive line in the NFL and forced an interception by doing so. Love had a few miss throws/decisions that led to 2 interceptions, but he kept slingin’ it. With 7 total lead changes throughout the game, the Packers had multiple (6) drives when trailing. Of those six drives, the Packers scored on 4 of them, accumulating all of their 24 points in doing so, with the last drive securing the victory in walk-off fashion.

This 6 drives went as so:

1. 3 plays, 8 yards PUNT
2. 13 plays, 92 yards TOUCHDOWN
3. 6 plays, 70 yards TOUCHDOWN
4. 3 plays, 1 yard PUNT
5. 9 plays, 71 yards TOUCHDOWN
6. 8 plays, 44 yards FIELD GOAL

Here’s a look at how those drives came together…

That’s immense production, coming to 4 points/drive, which if that pace is kept all game, will lead you to well over 40 points in a game. A huge credit is owed to Jeff Hafley (Defensive Coordinator) and the Packers’ defense.

The defense allowed them to overcome a -3 turnover differential, which is nearly impossible, and losing the time of possession 31:17 to 28:43 and still win the game. Generating that much pressure kept C.J. Stroud in hell for much of the game, resulting in 55 net passing yards on 21 pass attempts. That’s incredible, nothing short of it. Of Houston’s 12 drives, the Packers forced 6 punts, with another being a kneel down to end the half. To put it in Points Per Drive perspective, the Texans scored 1.83 points/drive, whereas Green Bay scored 2.18. There’s the difference.

Cover Pic

Eric Wilson has now had 2 games where he’s been an absolute game-changer. Wilson logged 6 tackles (all solo), with 4 tackles for loss (TFL) and 2 of those were sacks. He also had a great pass breakup on a key 3rd down in the 2nd half. Another great play, aside from the 2 sacks and pass defensed, was reading a screen pass to Joe Mixon, who was gouging the Packers for much of the 1st half, form tackled him and set the tone for the defense in the 2nd half. My player of the game.

Too Many Mistakes

There is still a ton to clean up and we are now heading toward the halfway point of the season (which is wild because it feels like the season JUST started!) – and Green Bay continues to have plenty of penalties and miscues, especially on Special Teams. The Packers committed 8 penalties for 55 yards, all of which were costly. In addition, the Special Teams had a penalty on the opening kickoff costing the Packers 23 yards in starting field position. They also had a muffed punt and another where Jayden Reed caught a punt at his own Goal Line taking him into the end zone, and absolute no-no. Luckily Green Bay was able to overcome those and had zero kicking issues with newcomer, Brandon McManus. One last note about special teams…the Packers may have the best Punter in the NFL – Daniel Whelan. Whelan booted 5 punts for 284 yards, a 56.8 yard average, which is insane. Flipping the field each time giving his defense a better chance at stopping the Texans vaunted offense.

Who are the Jacksonville Jaguars? They’re a team with a highly-touted QB (Trevor Lawrence), and, what many believe (me included), a great head coach (Doug Pederson) – with a bunch of guys that can make plays, but the overall sum of the parts is flat out bad. The most productive portion of Jacksonville’s offense is the rush game (12th), and they’re 6th at stopping the run. Green Bay has done a solid job negating the run game from completely taking over the game, but still have been gouged at times. Green Bay has done a great job vs. the pass.

The Packers are a middle-of-the-road defense in essentially every category but are tops in the league by taking the ball away, even after not getting a single turnover in their last game. Jacksonville is very good at not giving the ball away (7 giveaways) ranking T-8^th.  Green Bay and Jordan Love should have a great opportunity to have a big game through the air considering the Jags rank 2^nd-to-last in the NFL in passing yards surrendered, with 273.9 yards/game. The Jags are also getting scorched in Points Given Up, ranking 2^nd-to-last in that category as well. This is due to Jacksonville ranking 24^th in 3^rd Down Conversion rate at 34.18%, while Green Bay ranks 13^th (40.48%), per teamrankings.com.

Green Bay’s defense accumulates sacks, ranking tied for 7^th in the NFL with 20 sacks, along with the Seahawks, the Packers have done a great job generating pressure in general and making the opposing QBs uncomfortable. Jacksonville is average in sacks allowed, relinquishing 17 sacks, tying them with Pittsburgh, Los Angeles Rams, and the New York Jets for 14^th. Green Bay can either generate turnovers and/or put pressure on Lawrence to for turnovers or end drives altogether. I believe both teams will attempt to establish a ground game, but if things go according to plan, the Jags will have to pass far more than they want to catch up to Green Bay, playing right into Jeff Hafley’s hands.

Predictions

Season: 5-2
Overall: 97-68

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

Biggest Item…

Jordan Love’s MCL sprain. Win or Lose, in Week 1, if your star QB gets hurt, potentially for the season, that’s the almost the only item of concern. Love was listed as day-to-day with his MCL sprain. While initially when Matt LaFleur said someting along the lines of “If Love can’t go, Malik will be ready.” That “if” gave Packer Nation a shock of hope, at the very minimum, that the season isn’t over. We’ll see — I believe it’s gamesmanship by the Head Coach to force the Colts to prepare (even at minimum) for Love and to take a little bit of prep time off Malik Willis.

Eagles Game Review

The Packers and Eagles put up quite a bit of offense – each team amassing over 400 yards of total offense, with Philadelphia’s defense outperforming Green Bay’s by just enough to win the game. Love made a couple of crucial mistakes. He missed a few open receivers and threw behind a couple of others. The interception was a bit forced and the offense did not help itself when gifted back to back turnovers by the defense resulting in only 9 points off three Eagles turnovers. If you’ve been following along with me, you know the importance I put on Points off Turnovers. Philadelphia scored 7 off the sole Packers turnover, but that was a pivitol moment in the game and swung momentum completely to Philly’s side. Green Bay had the ball, momentum, and up 2 points with an opportunity to increase the lead to a 2-score game.

Typically, if you win the turnover battle, you win the game. However, the great equalizers are penalties, 3rd down conversions, and red zone efficiency. Neither team was great on 3rd down, but the Eagles committed fewer penalties and fared far better in Red Zone efficiency (25% vs. 50%). That was the difference in the game. On the first drive of the game, the Packers had a 3rd & 6 from the PHI 38, and like we’ve seen so many times with Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love caught Philadelphia with too many men on the field and delivered a touchdown pass to an open Jayden Reed. However, the Packers had too many on the field as well, nullifying the play and having to replay. Just another example of penalties wiping out a huge difference. That one cost the Packers 7 points, and when you lose by 5…

New Look Defense…Looks the Same?

Many fans jumped to the conclusion following the game of “Same ‘ole Packers’ defense.” However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. First thing to consider is Philadelphia may have the most loaded offense in the entire NFL. Their offensive line is top notch, Saquon Barkley is in the prime of his career, Jalen Hurts is very dangerous, their Wide Receivers are solid throughout, and their Tight Ends are in the tops of the league as well. The Packers defense set the tone and gave more than enough for the offense to jump out to an early 21-0 lead. I mentioned the penalty wiping out the Reed TD on the first drive of the game. Here are the Eagles’ first two drives:

1. INTERCEPTION: 3 plays, -5 yards, 0:54 time of possession (McKinney’s INT gave the Packers the ball at the PHI 19).
2. FUMBLE: 3 plays, -2 yards, 1:20 possession (Devonte Wyatt’s recovery gave Green Bay the ball on PHI’s 14).

Both of those turnovers only generated field goals. Both drives starting in the Red Zone. Should the Packers have converted those into touchdowns instead of field goals, that’s an additional 8 points. This was my focus throughout the game. Momentum is a huge factor in football and almost impossible to track/chart, but had the Packers gone up 21-0, even 14-0, that sets such a different pace for the reamainder of the game and the defense thrives off that momentum – not just the Packers defense, any defense.

Who Played Well?

The Packers rookie linebacker has flashed in camp and came in with high-potential. That seemed to translate in his few opportunities. There are two plays that, I believe, encapsulate the rookie linebacker’s ability. These 4 snaps give a solid look into his value and game-changing ability. He must play more considering Isaiah McDuffie was in “coverage” vs. Saquon Barkley on the Eagels’ first TD of the game. McDuffie is a nice back-up that can help in the run game. Cooper, as seen in some of those clips, can do both, espeically cover.

Jayden Reed had a breakout rookie season and showed signs of progressing even further. He had 2 touchdowns, each an electric play. All this tells me is that he needs to touch the ball as often as possible. He’s truly a game-changer and can take over a game. He proved it as a rookie, and had a phenomonal game. I’ll mention it a third time, he had a 3rd TD (first drive of the game) wiped out by penalty. The kid seems to be a stud, and the Packers have found themselves a great one.

The Colts took on the AFC’s version of the Packers, and had them on the ropes. Indianapolis kept responding to keep the game within a field goal, late. The Texans closed the game out with an 8-play, 25-yard drive that ate up the remaining 2:14 of the game. Houston prevailed with a 29-27 win at Lucas Oil Stadium, but there’s one play that showed what the 2nd-year Colts’ QB can do, a 60-yard bomb to Alec Pierce, a throw that only a few people on the planet can make. His stat line, however gives opportunity to a Packers’ defense to get right. Anthony Richardson completed only 9 of his 19 pass attempts for 212 yards (60 coming on that bomb), with 2 touchdowns and an interception.

Matchup

Indianapolis gave up 213 rush yards to the Texans. Even if Jordan Love can’t go, this is a great indicator that the Colts will have to load the box to stop Josh Jacobs and the Packers rush attack, making things just a bit easier for Malik Willis in the pass game. If Willis is the starter, look for a few end arounds by Reed and Watson to alleviate the interior of the defense and open up running lanes inside for the running backs. The Colts only had the lone turnover, but the Packes MUST capitalize on any/all opportunities when turnovers present themselves. Keep in mind Keison Nixon had a dropped interception that could’ve been taken back to the house for a TD in Brazil. Can’t keep doing that as dropped pick-6’s are essentially giving the opponent a TD if not worse.

Much has been said about the lack of pass rush vs. Philly, however it was clear the game plan was for the Defensive Ends (Gary, Preston, Van Ness, and Enagbare) to contain Hurts in the pocket and force him to beat them with his arm, which he “did.” Look for the same with Richardson, who is a great athlete as well and can dice you up with his legs. The difference? He’s not as lethal and accurate as a passer as Hurts, ‘nor does he have the same caliber of weaponry as the Eagles.

Prediction

It’s tough for me to figure out what Willis will do, should he start. He’s definitely capable of producing in this league. He’s a young, smart, and uber-athletic QB with a rifle arm — if he plays within the gameplan and takes some shots at the right times, he can torch teams. However, that is a lot of “ifs.”

Season: 1-0
Overall: 93-66

The game went almost exactly like the season for the Green Bay Packers. There was a promising start with some mistakes that could’ve really taken a hold of the game – the Savage dropped INT was the game-changer – but then looked like this team was suited for destiny, only for additional mistakes to give it away.

Defending the Kicker

I’m of the few that’ll defend rookie Kicker Anders Carlson, the main reason is this team was crafted to be a contender in 2025, and was continued to be built that way throughout the season. This is holds true for the kicker position. The Packers have had a stable of solid kickers as much as they have Quarterbacks. Carlson has shown the ability to kick long distances with ease, and working to address that would’ve seemed like a desperation move thinking this opportunity (to make a Super Bowl run) won’t happen again – or that it was pure “luck.”

Patience is an under-appreciated asset in professional sports, using it will almost always be the correct method.

Jordan Love

He’s likely to be paid, possibly the largest contract in NFL history, this offseason. However, regardless whether that happens or not, the pressure will be ramped up due to the expectations of everyone now…he’s the guy. The bar that’ll be set is he’ll be expected to be a top 5 quarterback in the NFL for the upcoming years – with the surprising (to some) finish to the season, the 5-year window to win a Super Bowl begins in 2024… how fun is this?!?!

Recap

From a Packer fan perspective, it’s tough to not be frustrated with how this game played out. There were more than ample opportunities to win this game. However, as stated above, this game played out like the season. Green Bay was young, athletic, and super talented…but young… The mistakes added up too much and San Francisco is tough to beat when playing perfect ball, but turning it over, essentially 3 times is giving away too many points. The key mistakes were (ranked in order of importance):

1. Savage’s dropped pick-6
2. Love’s mortal sin to end the game
3. Love’s 1st interception, while on 3rd & long, swung momentum to SF
4. 4th & 1 not conversion (regardless of spot issue, etc), acted as a turnover

Heading into next season, Green Bay needs to do a much better job at taking the ball away from the opposition. In this monsoon of a game, credit the 49ers for not committing a turnover…yes, Purdy could’ve thrown 3-4 interceptions, but by Green Bay allowing those to become incompletions, that’s the difference in the game.

This game might’ve been the NFC title game. Yes, Detroit is playing well again, but Green Bay went into Ford field on Thanksgiving and blasted the Lions. We’ll see how the Lions fare on the road vs. San Fran, but it just seems like this game, the winner will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. After that, who knows what’ll happen, but this Packers team shows strong promise.

Season: 5-14
Overall: 92-66

The Packers had their best showing of the season on Sunday Night Football. The Packers had their season-highs in total yards (470) and time of possession (37:32). Yes those go hand-in-hand, but also an indication they controlled the game throughout – a welcomed sign.

Did Joe Barry Save his Job?

The defense essentially gave up 3 points. The only touchdown surrendered was on the fumbled punt return by 2nd year Nebraska WR Samori Toure, on the first play of the 4th quarter. That set Minnesota on the Packers’ 7 yard line, essentially gifting them a TD. Other than that, the Vikings only had 211 yards of total offense. Would this game have been different had Kirk Cousins started? Absolutely, considering he torched the Packers in their previous matchup prior to tearing his Achilles. Along with that, the Vikings are likely in the 6th seed of the NFC playoffs and Green Bay is fighting with Los Angeles for that 7th and final seed.

Joe Barry could save his job if his defense continues to play like they did last week, but against actual competition – and no, Justin Fields isn’t good either, so any competent defense should shut him down, which they have done, Green Bay included. If the Packers’ defense continues to bring pressure and play man coverage, it’s likely good things will happen as they have the talent and playmakers to do just that. Even with all of that, anything short of the Packers brining the Lombardi Trophy back to its rightful and original home, Joe Barry is gone.

Any Doubters Left?

Jordan Love’s stat line (24/33, 256, 3/0, 125.3) was indicative of how he’s played over the last several games; incredible. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it…this team is far closer to 13-3 than they are 5-12, which was always the goal going into the season – get the kids reps so they can develop. When they have fun and play together, like any team, they look impressive. They’re going to have hiccups, and out of nowhere, because they’re still young, but it sure seems that Love has put those days behind him. Sure he’ll have bad games, as everyone does, but the basement has risen and he’s become a far more consistently efficient thrower and leader.

Moving forward, there’s an immense opportunity for this young team to get amazing experience a full year ahead of schedule. Should this team make the playoffs (beat Chicago and/or get a bunch of help next week), and hell, even win a road playoff game, who knows how that could propel them for 2024, when 2025 has been the plan for the true window to open…

Green Bay is in “must win” mode, as is Minnesota. Both teams need a bit of help to get into the postseason (as of writing this article). The weird thing is each team’s fans are confident that the rookie QB, Jaren Hall, will have a great game against the Packers. Per usual, I will say that the QB that outduels the other will win — that’s likely the case, but Jordan Love will have a tough test due to Joe Barry continuing to call the defense. In addition to this malpractice, Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes (the Packers’ top 2 cover corners) are out, leaving Carrington Valentine, Keison Nixon, and Corey Ballentine as the top three corners for tonight. The last time we saw them, when they were allowed to play man coverage, they held Mahomes & Co. to 19 points. Should Green Bay limit every opponent to 19 points, they will win the rest of their games – without a doubt.

Matchup

What doesn’t bode well is Minnesota is great at moving the ball through the air. They rank 3rd in the NFL in pass yards/game. They’re also 10th in total offense, but turnovers are what doom Minnesota from scoring more. Their defense is fairly average, ranking 10th in scoring – a lot due to their shutout of Las Vegas – but the last time these teams met, could be very indicative of how this game goes. Hall may force balls to Jefferson, who’s proven to be the best WR in the NFL, when healthy. If the Packers are playing man, and if Valentine is covering like we’ve seen, that could finally result in his much-awaited first INT. I still believe Jaire Alexander is one of the best corners in the NFL (when healthy) and Valentine has proved to be aggressive/tenacious to get burned, but also make a tremendous amount of plays…let him.

Prediction

Packers 27
Vikings 30 (-2)

Season: 4-11
Overall: 91-63