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By PACKERSWIRE Zach Kruse
Josh Jacobs, takeaways power commanding win for Packers over 49ers
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs scored three 1-yard touchdown runs and Jeff Hafley’s defense produced three takeaways in a commanding 38-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Jacobs, who dealt with cramping in the second half, rushed 26 times for 106 yards and three scores. The Packers scored 21 points off three takeaways, including another interception from Xavier McKinney.
Matt LaFleur’s team dominated for most of the game against a 49ers team without Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa. Green Bay held a 17-0 lead in the first half, took a 24-7 lead in the second half and then closed out the win with back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes and should have had a third but Christian Watson dropped what would have been a 49-yard touchdown pass to end the first half.
The Packers finished with significant advantages in plays, total yards, first downs, rushing yards and time of possession.
The win improved the Packers to 8-3 with the win and dropped the 49ers to 5-6, significantly strengthening Green Bay’s playoff positioning while severely damaging San Francisco’s.
The Packers will welcome the Miami Dolphins to Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving Night in Week 13.
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By PRO FOOTBALL TALK Josh Alper
ST coordinator Rich Bisaccia told Packers they would block a kick this week
The Bears could have tried to get a little closer before attempting a field goal to win their game against the Packers on Sunday, but a 46-yard attempt is hardly outside the range of an NFL kicker in 2024.
Cairo Santos’s try got blocked by defensive lineman Karl Brooks, however, and the Packers held on for a 20-19 win. It’s an unusual way to win a game, but it’s one that Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia saw coming.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said in his postgame press conference that Bisaccia told the team that he would “not understand if we come out of this game without a block” and Brooks sent the same message.
“Rich challenged us to get a block, so I took it personally,” Brooks said, via the team’s website. “I wanted to go out there and get that block. I wanted to do that for Coach Rich.”
Bisaccia identified an opportunity coming into the game and the Packers exploited it at the right moment. That made for a perfect meeting of planning and execution in a win the Packers needed to keep pace in the NFC.
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By AtoZ SPORTS Wendell Ferreira
5 bold predictions for the Packers in the second half of the 2024 season
The Green Bay Packers were 3-6 after nine games last season. Eventually, the team grew together, finishing the year with a 6-2 stretch, and the 9-8 record was enough to get them to the playoffs. Now, the situation is certainly more comfortable at 6-3.
But there is still room to grow, and the Packers still are the youngest team in football. If they can take a similar step forward, there’s an argument to be made that Green Bay has one of the highest ceilings in the NFL.
“We want to grow together,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said last week. “I’m excited to see what they can do in the second half (of the season).”
Below, let’s discuss some potential scenarios for the next eight games, and how it can impact the outcome of the Packers’ season.
Josh Jacobs will reach 1,800 scrimmage yards
Right now, running back Josh Jacobs has 762 rushing yards and 128 receiving yards. He’s on pace for 1,681 scrimmage yards, which would already be the highest number for a Packers player since 2003. That being said, Green Bay has some easier games coming up, and presumably they can run the ball more to finish them — especially if Jordan Love stays healthy and reduces the unsustainably high number of turnovers. In this case, Jacobs could become the third player in Packers franchise history with a 1,800-scrimmage yard season, after Ahman Green (2001, 2003) and Dorsey Levens (1997).
That doesn’t sound bad, does it?
Jayden Reed, the first since Davante Adams
In 2021, Davante Adams had an absurd amount of yards, 1,553 — the highest of his career. That was his last year in Green Bay, and the last time a Packers player reached 1,000 receiving yards in a season. That might very well happen again in 2024, though.
In 2022, Allen Lazard led the team with 788 receiving yards, and last year, Jayden Reed did it with 793 yards. This season, Reed is on pace for 1,171 receiving yards.
Sure enough, it’s hard to predict Reed’s final numbers because he has some monster games (138 against the Philadelphia Eagles, 139 against the Minnesota Vikings, 113 against the Detroit Lions) and some weak performances (9 against the Indianapolis Colts, 10 against the Houston Texans, 28 against the Arizona Cardinals). His role is pretty much matchup-based, and that naturally creates some variance.
But Reed is explosive enough and has enough ability to create after the catch to be the first player since Davante Adams with a 1,100-receiving yard season for the Packers.
Xavier McKinney will get to 10 INTs
Just once in Packers history a player reached 10 interceptions in a season. That was Irv Comp, in 1943. Several got nine, including Darren Sharper in 2000 and Charles Woodson in 2009. This year, though, safety Xavier McKinney can realistically break that wild mark.
Right now, he is on pace for 11.3 interceptions, which would be a franchise record. It’s hard to keep that pace because he started the season with five interceptions in five games, and had only one over the last four — mostly because opposing quarterbacks are avoiding him. But the Packers have eight games to go, and McKinney would need one pick every two games to get there.
Based on how well he has played, it’s certainly not impossible.
Edge rusher 2
Through the first nine games of the season, Kingsley Enagbare played 42.78% of the Packers’ defensive snaps, against 41.02% for Lukas Van Ness. While there is a perception that Van Ness will be the starter after Preston Smith got traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the most likely scenario is that the former fifth-rounder will have the nod alongside Rashan Gary.
On Tuesday, hours after trading Smith, Brian Gutekunst let that intention somewhat clear, citing Enagbare by name (or nickname).
“For that entire group, we need more from those guys as we move forward into the second half of the season,” Gutekunst said. “As the last few games, the snaps have gone towards what they’re gonna be probably, with JJ (Kingsley Enagbare) and those guys. I like that group, I like the way they work. They have to continue to keep pushing and some guys getting more snaps will help them.”
More than the snaps, Enagbare has also been the more productive option. He has needed 13.4 pass rush snaps to generate a pressure, while Van Ness needs 23.5. Enagbare is lighter, which seems to be a better fit for what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has run, and he will finish the season as the second starting edge.
Malik Willis will start again, but for a good reason
The Packers are very likely to make the playoffs. Ten wins will most likely get them there — maybe even nine, but 10 is the magic number. Since the playoffs expanded to 14 teams in 2020, only the 2020 Miami Dolphins missed the postseason with double-digit wins. Most of the time, some teams with nine wins make it, just like the Packers in 2023.
Right now, Green Bay has six wins. That means they need four more to basically secure a playoff spot.
If the Packers beat the Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins, the Seattle Seahawks, and the New Orleans Saints, they would get there by Week 16. That scenario includes losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. And it doesn’t count the Week 17 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
It all means that the Packers have a really solid chance of getting to Week 18 with a playoff spot in their hands. At the same time, the Lions are 1.5 games ahead of the Packers, and they would be 2 or 3 ahead if they win their second head-to-head matchup in Week 14 — plus the tie-breaking advantage.
The Packers can certainly get to the last week of the regular season with a secured wild card spot, and at the same time with no shot to win the division. At that point, it would be smart to sit their starters in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears.
Playing the backups is rough when the team has a bye week in the playoffs, because that creates a three-week period without games for the players. But when there’s no playoff rest, sitting the most important players in a meaningless Week 18 game makes all the sense in the world.
So Malik Willis, who has started two games (and played the second half of another) this season because of a Jordan Love injury, could play again — but for a much more positive reason.
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By FANRECAP
Brady’s On-Air Comments About NFC North Coach Leave Internet Speechless
Tom Brady’s stint in the broadcast booth took an unexpected turn during Sunday’s matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. The legendary former quarterback, known for his sharp reads on the field, turned his keen eye to Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur, leaving fans both amused and puzzled.
During an analysis right before a crucial third-and-three play, Brady strayed from football talk, instead opting to comment on LaFleur’s grooming. “Look at that perfect little moustache, goatee that he’s got,” Brady remarked, admiringly.
“We can’t see his hair today. But I was so impressed when I saw him in the tunnel, such a handsome guy.
He said he spends $100 a week to keep himself looking like that.” Kevin Burkhardt, his co-commentator, summed up the awkwardness with a simple “Wow.”
As you might expect, social media lit up with reactions to Brady’s unexpected comments. Fans were quick with the jokes, with one pondering, “Does Tom Brady want to date Matt LaFleur?”
Another viewer humorously observed, “Tom Brady on the broadcast talking about how beautiful Matt LaFleur is… the f**k? 😭”
Someone else chimed in, capturing the bewilderment that many fans felt: “Naw dude, Tom Brady legitimately be saying anything in the booth. Bro said Matt LaFleur is handsome.” The banter didn’t stop there, as another fan noted the comedic timing of Burkhardt’s “Wow,” saying it was enough to leave them in stitches.
While Brady’s offbeat commentary might not have been on FOX Sports’ playbook, it certainly sparked a wave of conversation and laughter across the fanbase. Only time will tell if his future broadcasts will feature similar diversions or if he’ll stick to more traditional game insights. Either way, Brady’s presence in the booth is shaping up to be as unpredictable as his legendary career on the field.
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By PACKERSWIRE
By Zach Kruse
How the Packers found the perfect play to beat the Jaguars
The 51-yard connection from Malik Willis to Jayden Reed that won Sunday’s back-and-forth showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars was the result of both an in-game adjustment from the coaching staff and the right timing from Willis and Matt LaFleur.
LaFleur said the Packers called the play — which wasn’t in the game plan and wasn’t practiced during the week — when passing game coordinator Jason Vrable spotted something in the way the Jaguars were reacting to a similarly run play. While Willis had to wait until the defense gave him the right look pre-snap on the final drive, he executed the “can” at the right time and caught the Jaguars completely off guard.
“Not only was it a ‘can’ play, but it was a play we didn’t even have up in the game plan,” LaFleur said post-game. “We ran the keeper earlier in the game, and Vrable suggested it, he’s like, ‘Hey, it looks like the play is there.’ So we put it in there on the sidelines. No reps in practice. That’s a big time credit to our guys to go out there and execute it.”
A “can” play is when there are two plays called in the huddle, typically a run and a pass. The quarterback has the opportunity to “can” to the second play based on what he sees pre-snap. The Jaguars finally gave Willis the right look, and he pounced.
The playcall is dressed up like a run, with Tucker Kraft pulling from left to right and Reed inserted tight into the formation to the right side — a look the Packers often use to block up run plays. In fact, the Packers called the same formation earlier on the final drive but stuck with the run based on the defensive look. But this time it wasn’t a run — Willis canned to the pass and then pulled the ball on the play-action fake, and Reed worked through the traffic near the line of scrimmage and sprung wide open on a leak route.
“We ran a play earlier that kind of countered it a little bit and we just seen the opening, so we ran it,” Reed said, via the team’s official site. “I already knew I was gonna be open before the play was even called.”
Jaguars safety Andre Cisco was responsible for covering Reed. It was cleverly designed, with Reed disguised as a blocker within the mass of bodies along the line of scrimmage. By the time Cisco realized what was happening, Reed was at top speed and running behind him, and when he slipped down trying to transition into coverage, the explosive play was on for the Packers.
Willis calmly made the throw, and Reed made the catch near the Jaguars’ 45-yard line and sprinted inside the 20-yard line with just over a minute to go.
Game, set, match. A few plays later, Brandon McManus came on and knocked through a 24-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Packers a second straight walk-off winner and a 30-27 victory.
“That was a pretty cool one, probably one I’ll never forget,” LaFleur said.
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By PACKERSWIRE
By Brandon Carwile
8 standouts from Packers’ Week 7 win over Texans
On Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers signed veteran Brandon McManus to help solve their kicking woes. On Sunday, McManus booted the game-winning field goal as time expired to defeat the Houston Texans 24-22.
While many expected this game to feature two high-powered offenses, it was more of a defensive showcase. The Texans forced three turnovers in the first half and took a 19-14 lead into halftime.
Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense did an excellent job against Houston’s top-5 passing offense led by a talented young quarterback in CJ Stroud. Stroud failed to get anything going Sunday afternoon, resulting in his worst game of the season and possibly his NFL career. He was 10-for-21 on the day and threw for only 86 yards without a touchdown.
The Texans were forced to rely on running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for 115 yards on 25 attempts and scored twice. Still, the Packers’ defense deserves a lot of credit. Houston scored only three points in the second half and were 4-for-13 on third down. Overall, there were a lot of encouraging takeaways from Jeff Hafley’s defense, which proved it doesn’t have to rely on turnovers to win games.
Green Bay has some things to clean up offensively and on special teams, but should be pleased with a quality win in Week 7 against a playoff team. Here are the standouts who helped make it happen:
S Xavier McKinney
Despite not forcing any turnovers on Sunday, the Packers still lead the NFL with 17 takeaways. McKinney has played a big part in that thanks to his incredible run of five interceptions through the first five games. This week, he showed he is more than just a ball hawk. During the first quarter, McKinney broke into the sack column after he was sent on a safety blitz on third down. An unblocked McKinney delivered a blindside sack to Stroud for a loss of eight to force a punt. Green Bay keeps finding new ways to utilize its playmaking safety.
DE Rashan Gary
Even though he didn’t have to work very hard for it, Gary recorded his first sack since Week 1. On the same drive McKinney would eventually claim his sack, Texans right tackle Tytus Howard slipped in pass protection, which allowed Gary to get a free rush against Stroud. His lone sack on the day may have been a gift, but Gary also had multiple pressures that led to incompletions. Overall, it was a solid day for Green Bay’s top edge rusher, who hasn’t quite lived up to the hype surrounding him in Year 6.
S Evan Williams
The rookie safety continues to make plays. Williams has now enjoyed a productive last few weeks since becoming a mainstay in the secondary. In the first half, he had great coverage on a shifty receiver Tank Dell to force an incomplete pass on third down. Then, Williams made an impressive open-field tackle to stop Mixon on a two-point conversion attempt that prevented Houston from taking a touchdown lead in the second quarter. For the second time in three weeks, he led the team with nine tackles. The Packers have been keeping Williams on the field of late and it is paying off.
WR Romeo Doubs
There weren’t a whole lot of positives to come out of Green Bay’s passing attack this week outside of Doubs. The third-year receiver served as Jordan Love’s security blanket for most of the day, catching a handful of passes in big moments. Six of his eight catches went for first downs, as Doubs led all receivers with 95 receiving yards. He had two key catches on the final drive, including one on second and long to help set up the game-winning field goal. The team has to be pleased with how Doubs has responded since his one-game suspension. He had two touchdowns last week, followed by his best game of the year against a tough opponent.
LB Eric Wilson
When Quay Walker left the game with a concussion during the second quarter, Wilson stepped up in his absence. He had a nice tackle for loss on a pass to Mixon, and then he got things started in the second half when he blitzed up the middle and wrapped up Stroud for a sack on third down. And yet, Wilson still wasn’t done making his presence felt. He would later get the defense off the field two more times by breaking up a third-down pass intended for tight end Dalton Schultz and then making the most of another blitz for a second third-down sack on Stroud. Wilson finished with an impressive stat line of six tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a pass breakup. Perhaps the core special teamer should have a larger role on defense.
RB Josh Jacobs
Jacobs was happy to see one of his streaks come to an end against Houston. After not scoring a single touchdown on his first 211 career receptions, his 212th proved to be the lucky number. Jacobs capped off the team’s first offensive drive of the second half with an 8-yard touchdown catch from Love to give the Packers a 21-19 lead. Jacobs was much more efficient on the ground than he was through the air, with five receptions for 16 yards. In my pre-game prediction, I said this game could come down to the rushing of Josh Jacobs against a vulnerable Texans defense. Well, Jacobs was a major contributor to an uninspiring offensive outing, totaling 76 yards on just 12 attempts.
K Brandon McManus
This time last week, McManus wasn’t sure if he would ever kick in the NFL again following a 2023 incident as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars that led to a sexual assault lawsuit. However, desperate for a kicker, Green Bay conducted a background check and was comfortable with signing McManus to replace a struggling Brayden Narveson. He returned the favor by making all three of his extra points in his Packers debut and then the 45-yard game-winner. Houston even tried to ice McManus, but his previous nine years of NFL experience paid off. He celebrated by being embraced by fans during a well-deserved Lambeau Leap.
P Daniel Whelan
As good as the kick was from McManus, it wasn’t possible without Whelan. The snap was super low, but Whelan handled it nicely to get the ball down quickly for his kicker. Whelan also had an excellent day punting the ball, totaling 284 yards on five punts, with a long of 66. His 56.8-yard gross average was the team’s best single-game punting average since 1945. Of course, no team wants their punter to have a good day, but Whalen did a nice job flipping the field when called upon and was an integral part of the walk-off field goal.
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By PACKERSWIRE
By Zach Kruse
3 takeaways from Packers’ win over Cardinals
The Green Bay Packers did what all good teams must do: take care of business against an overmatched opponent in an impressive way at home. Matt LaFleur’s team raced out to a 24-0 lead in the first half and then used three different takeaways in the second half to secure a comfortable 34-13 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Since losing to the Vikings, the Packers have navigated a tricky road game and cruised to a comfortable victory at home against NFC West opponents. Now 4-2, the Packers are playing their best football entering a three-game stretch before the bye that includes showdowns with the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions.
Here are three takeaways from the Packers’ win over the Cardinals:
1. Complementary football sparks blowout
Playing complementary football helped the Packers race out to a big advantage and slam the door shut late. How’s this for complementary? After the Packers’ first drive stalled, Daniel Whelan pinned the Cardinals at the 8-yard line with a well-placed punt. The Packers defense then forced a quick three-and-out, and the Cardinals punted from their own end zone. Jayden Reed’s 8-yard return and a 15-yard face mask penalty put the Packers at the Arizona 44-yard line. After an explosive run from Josh Jacobs (14 yards) and Bo Melton (16 yards), Jordan Love finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed on 3rd-and-goal. Great punt, quick stop, field position flip, quick scoring drive. That’s how a team uses all three phases to create a touchdown. The Packers forced punts on four straight drives and scored on four straight drives to build a 24-0 lead in the first half. Then the defense produced three straight takeaways and the offense hammered the final nail with the run game in the second half. Sunday was the perfect game script for the Packers.
2. Rallying around Romeo
The moment said it all: Right after Romeo Doubs made a 10-yard touchdown catch in the first half, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed and then the whole offense huddled around Doubs to celebrate the score in his return from a one-game suspension. It was a special moment, both for Doubs, who is moving forward following a tough week off the field, and the Packers offense in general, who all rallied around him. Doubs finished with three catches and a pair of scores, including a 20-yarder on a 50/50 ball from Jordan Love in the second half. The Packers still trust him, and Doubs paid off the trust in a few big spots on Sunday. This passing game is better with Doubs in a featured role.
3. Rookie defenders shine
Evan Williams, Javon Bullard and Edgerrin Cooper all played big parts in the Packers limiting the Cardinals to 13 points. Williams had a tackle for loss on Kyler Murray and a punch-out forced fumble, creating a turnover. Bullard had eight tackles and was active against the run and in preventing scramble opportunities from Murray on extended plays. Several times, his closing speed forced Murray to turn out of bounds in the open field. Cooper was all over the field, especially against the run and as a blitzer. He made several impressive solo tackles. The Packers are ascending on defense in large part because they are trusting their talented rookie trio more and more. Williams is looking more and more like a full-time deep safety, Bullard is excellent playing near the line of scrimmage and in the slot and Cooper is inching closer and closer to a full-time player at linebacker. Rookies will go through ups and downs, but the true potential of the Packers defense is being elevated by Williams, Bullard and Cooper.
Other tidbits
In the Melton Bowl, Packers receiver Bo Melton rushed two times for 27 yards and caught one pass for six yards, but he also slipped down on an interception in the first half. Max Melton had four tackles…the Packers had four players with a rushing attempt gain 10 or more yards and nine different players catch a pass…tight end Tucker Kraft successfully executed a quarterback sneak after motioning under center…Love threw four touchdown passes, becoming the first Packers quarterback to throw four or more touchdown passes in back-to-back games at Lambeau Field since Brett Favre in 1995…the Packers finished with only one quarterback hit, but Kyler Murray never looked comfortable in the pocket and finished with only 14 rushing yards on seven attempts…tight end Ben Sims had his first explosive play of the season, a 28-yard catch on a wheel route…Dontayvion Wicks left with a shoulder injury and didn’t return…Keisean Nixon had a 39-yard punt return and a 37-yard kickoff return, showcasing his field-flipping return ability.
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By PACKERSNEWS
By RYAN WOOD
Xavier McKinney, Tucker Kraft lead way in L.A. as Green Bay Packers top Rams 24-19
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In a tumultuous week, the Green Bay Packers took care of business Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Packers had a slow start but finished strong in the second half, beating the Rams 24-19 to improve their record to 3-2 this season. Matt LaFleur is now 5-0 lifetime when coaching against close friend and former boss Sean McVay.
After trailing by a field goal at halftime, the Packers led most of the second half. They still needed a defensive stand in the final 2 minutes to seal the victory. Rookie safety Evan Williams got a pass breakup on a Matthew Stafford pass to Rams receiver Colby Parkinson on a fourth-and-5 from the 38-yard line, sealing the win.
Here are some quick observations from the victory:
Xavier McKinney increases interception streak to five straight games to open his Packers career
Xavier McKinney might be the NFL’s best safety right now. Certainly, through five games, it’s difficult to argue against him. McKinney intercepted a Stafford pass in the third quarter, the fifth straight game with an interception to open this season. The pick flipped momentum in a game the Rams led by a field goal at halftime. The Rams were driving near midfield when they faced third-and-10. With pressure in his face from a Karl Brooks inside stunt, Stafford’s pass for receiver Tutu Atwell was overthrown. McKinney smoothly caught the football and returned it 28 yards, setting up a Packers touchdown drive that opened up a 24-13 lead. McKinney had a fumble recovery earlier in the third quarter, sparking the Packers when they trailed 13-10, and all takeaways matter. But McKinney’s interception streak is becoming legendary. McKinney led the NFL in interceptions entering Sunday, and he’ll exit Week 5 retaining that lead in the midst of an incredible streak.
Tucker Kraft blossoming as a star early in his career
The Packers’ offense has some concerns to address when receiver Romeo Doubs returns from his one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team next week. One thing that is very clear in their passing game: tight end Tucker Kraft needs to be spotlighted every week. Kraft had his best game of an impressive, young career Sunday, catching four passes for 88 yards, including a 66-yarder for a score, and two touchdowns. It was the first time in Kraft’s career he’s scored multiple times in a game. Kraft’s movement skills are special for a tight end who stands 6-foot-5, 259 pounds. On his first touchdown, Love found Kraft wide open on the left side, and Kraft outraced the Rams’ defense for the final 50 yards on a 66-yard touchdown. On the next, Love dumped off a short pass to the left on second-and-goal, and Kraft sliced through the defense to find the end zone. Kraft’s ability to turn simple plays into game-changing moments needs to continue being prioritized in the offense.
Rookie Edgerrin Cooper’s role on the rise
After missing most of training camp, Edgerrin Cooper had a slow start to his rookie season as he tried to make up the lost time. It appears the linebacker has made progress. Cooper had his most significant role Sunday, showing his speed can be an asset in the middle of the Packers’ defense. Coordinator Jeff Hafley was creative with his young linebacker, even lining Cooper up over the A-gap in the second quarter. Cooper was in the middle of a five-man defensive line that included three defensive ends (Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness) and Kenny Clark. On the snap, Cooper stunted to the outside and sacked Stafford on third-and-16. The sack knocked the Rams out of field-goal range, forcing a punt. It was Cooper’s first career full sack, though he now has 1.5 through five games after a half sack Week 3 at the Tennessee Titans. Cooper was lauded for his versatility as a pass-rushing linebacker entering the draft this spring from Texas A&M, and he’s shown that early in his NFL career.
Josh Jacobs resumes role as workhorse running back in Packers offense
A week after splitting carries with backup Emanuel Wilson, the Packers ditched their two-tailback system and fed Josh Jacobs throughout Sunday’s win. Jacobs finished with 73 yards on 19 carries, one shy of 20 carries for what would have been only his second game this season. He opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, his first in a Packers jersey, outracing the Rams defense to the right pylon. That 20-carry threshold probably should be a consistent benchmark for this Packers offense. The balance Jacobs provides running the football is essential for the passing game, especially quarterback Jordan Love. Even if Jacobs didn’t quite get to 20, it was a significant improve in their game plan from a week ago, when Jacobs got only nine carries and Wilson got eight. Wilson had only six carries Sunday, a 3-to-1 ratio that fits better than an even split.
Brayden Narveson has best game of his young career, much needed clean slate
For the first time in five games, rookie kicker Brayden Narveson had a clean slate with no asterisk next to his kick. Narveson officially had a clean slate Week 3 against the Titans, but a defensive penalty erased a 48-yard miss that afternoon. There was no miss Sunday in Los Angeles. Narveson made his lone field goal attempt from 46 yards to close the half, pulling the Packers within a 13-10 deficit. He also made all three extra point attempts. Narveson had a rough week last Sunday, missing two field goals in a 2-point loss against the Minnesota Vikings. He could have a game to build on, splitting the uprights on each of his four kicks Sunday.
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By ZONE COVERAGE
By EVAN PRICCO
The Packers’ Second-Half Surge Showed Composure For the League’s Youngest Team
The Green Bay Packers’ Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings didn’t go as expected for Packers fans. Before the game, Vegas favored the Packers by 2.5 points at home with an over/under of 46 points, indicating it would be a back-and-forth, close game.
But the Vikings dominated the Packers for the entire first half. It was ugly. Everything that could go wrong for Green Bay did. The Vikings built a 28-0 lead at one point, but the Packers showed their toughness in the second half, rallying to threaten a comeback. However, they came up short, 31-29.
In the first half, Green Bay’s defense surrendered touchdowns on Minnesota’s first three possessions. The Vikings scored their first touchdown on Sam Darnold’s 29-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison, who had beaten Corey Ballentine in coverage and was wide open.
After Brayden Narveson missed a 37-yard field goal to the right, Minnesota drove 73 yards for another score, culminating with a two-yard touchdown catch for Josh Oliver. The Vikings took complete control of the first half when they intercepted Jordan Love on Green Bay’s next drive and turned that into points with another Jordan Addison touchdown. The Vikings were up 21-0 in the second quarter.
After Shaq Griffin intercepted Jordan Love again, Justin Jefferson caught a perfect throw from Darnold and extended Minnesota’s lead to 28-0.
After Minnesota’s fourth touchdown, Green Bay’s fans booed the Packers as they went to the sidelines.
However, Jalen Nailor muffed a punt, and Green Bay recovered the ball at the Minnesota three-yard line. After a penalty, Love threw a 15-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed. It was a small spark for Green Bay right before halftime, but the Vikings were still up, 28-7.
The Vikings started the second half well, driving the ball deep into Green Bay territory. But then Darnold threw an interception to Xavier McKinney, who has four picks in four games with Green Bay.
After two empty possessions by both teams, the Packers drove the ball 89 yards, resulting in a short touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks. That made it a two-possession game with 11 minutes to go.
Momentum started to shift in Green Bay’s favor when the defense forced another turnover. Sam Darnold was sacked by Keisean Nixon on a corner blitz and fumbled the ball, which the Packers recovered at Minnesota’s 24-yard line.
Two plays later, Green Bay cashed in with a 13-yard touchdown to Tucker Kraft, followed by a successful two-point conversion.
The Vikings are only up by six, 28-22.
Minnesota answered with a field goal to make it a two-possession game. Then their defense forced another Love interception and a Kraft fumble to maintain control of the game.
Green Bay scored one more time. After stopping the Vikings at Green Bay’s four-yard line, the Packers drove 96 yards in five plays, and Love threw a touchdown to Wicks to bring the score within two points with one minute to go. They would not convert the onside kick, and the Vikings secured a 31-29 victory.
As unimpressive as the first half was to watch, the second half was almost just as impressive.
Down 28-0 at home to a hated rival is one of the loneliest and most frustrating feelings in sports, for both the players and the fans. So seeing that this team responded to that scenario with even more fight and effort shows their lack of quit and an impressive cool-headedness for such a young team — still the league’s youngest. Maybe Matt LaFleur fired them up at halftime with a speech. Regardless, it was impressive how they were able to keep their composure.
After Minnesota took a 28-0 lead, the Packers outscored them 29-3. Green Bay outgained the Vikings 465 yards to 374.
Suppose one thing had gone differently in that first half — if Narveson had made one of his two misses. It’s very frustrating when you execute plays as an offense and move the ball, but it doesn’t result in points.
If they can figure out the kicking issue, they’ll be fine. The Packers clearly have the talent on the team to make plays. They also have the toughness to come back from difficult situations, as they showed on Sunday. It is just a matter of keeping the star players healthy and getting a new kicker.
The Vikings look like one of the best teams in the NFL. Still, the Packers kept their composure and their attack mentality, showing the calm and resilience of a team with far more experience. If they can fix the kicking and continue improving the offense, this game won’t matter any more in a month or two.
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By PACKERNEWS
By RYAN WOOD
Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers defense dominate in 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans
They drafted Willis in the third round two years ago. Entering his third NFL season, Willis was buried on the quarterback depth chart, third behind Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Not exactly a position bursting with talent.
The Titans traded Willis to the Green Bay Packers on the final Monday of August, just 27 days ago, surely not expecting to be embarrassed by the decision. That’s exactly what Willis did in the Packers’ 30-14 win Sunday in Tennessee.
With Jordan Love missing his second straight game because of an injured left knee, Willis got his second straight victory as a starter. Unlike last week, when Willis merely had to keep the ship afloat against the Indianapolis Colts, the backup quarterback was a central character in beating the Titans. Willis completed 13 of 19 passes for 202 yards and a passer rating of 120.9. He also led the Packers in rushing with 73 yards on six carries.
The quarterback Tennessee didn’t want a month ago was the best player on the field for four quarters.
It was a deflating loss for the Titans, who drop to 0-3. Levis struggled, completing 26 of 34 passes with two interceptions and two touchdowns. He also lost a fumble. Sharing the field with a quarterback the Titans didn’t give a chance to win his job, it wasn’t a great look. But it also illustrated the difference in how a situation can enable a player’s success, especially for a quarterback.
The Packers improved to 2-1 this season, winning both games without Love. It created something of a best-case scenario with Love getting a chance to heal another week before preparing for a home showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, the NFC North’s last remaining unbeaten team at 3-0.
Here are some quick observations from Tennessee:
Malik Willis able to hit chunk plays in Packers passing game
The stunning part of Sunday was Willis’ ability to make big plays with his arm. It started on the opening drive when Willis had a pair of completions for 30 yards. The first was a short throw to Jayden Reed, allowing the speedy playmaker to stretch it into a bigger gain. But on the second, a third-and-6 with the Packers in fringe field-goal range, Willis delivered a perfect ball for Christian Watson to go up over undersized cornerback Roger McCreary. It was a stunning play considering the circumstances, but it didn’t stop there. Maybe the highlight of the day was a third-and-14 throw to Romeo Doubs over the middle for 18 yards. Or the third-and-18 throw to Watson for 37 yards. Willis had four completions of at least 30 yards, including a touchdown on a screen pass to running back Emanuel Wilson. That clearly wasn’t in the Titans’ scouting report.
A week after getting 32 carries, it was a lighter day for Packers running back Josh Jacobs. He finished with 14 carries for 43 yards. The Packers rushed for almost 200 yards for the second straight week, finishing with 188. But 73 yards came from Willis’ ability to make things happen with his legs. It was a good enough rushing day for the Packers to have some balance on offense, but not the domination they showed last week against the Colts. The Packers were able to win with a less than remarkable rushing attack because Willis made enough plays.
Jaire Alexander turns momentum of game with first pick-six of his career
After a hot start, the Packers had started to lose grip of momentum late in the first quarter, the game devolving into more of a stalemate. Then Jaire Alexander changed the game. The Packers cornerback didn’t even have to move before breaking on a Will Levis pass to DeAndre Hopkins. He simply read Levis the entire play, and by the time the Titans quarterback tried to hit his receiver on a stop route near the right sideline, Alexander looked like the intended receiver. He returned the interception for a 35-yard touchdown, the first pick-six of his seven-year career. Alexander has two picks in the first three games of this season after not having an interception in 2023. The Packers led the NFL with five picks through the first two games entering Sunday. None were as significant as their sixth interception this season.
Packers’ vaunted pass rush finally shows up
There were big expectations for this Packers pass rush entering the season. That didn’t change after modest production in the first two games, considering the Packers were trying to keep Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson contained in the pocket. But Sunday was a chance to unleash their pass rush on a quarterback who couldn’t beat them with his legs, and the Packers didn’t disappoint. After a slow start on the Titans’ opening touchdown drive, the Packers’ pass rush started wrecking the game. They finished with eight sacks, scattered among seven defenders. Devonte Wyatt had a career-high two sacks and has three in three games this season, a sign he may be in the early stages of a breakout year. Kingsley Enagbare had a strip sack, forcing a fumble near midfield that Lukas Van Ness recovered. The Packers’ defense came at the Titans in waves, and it was relentless. By the end, the Titans’ offensive line was in disarray.
Brayden Narveson misses a kick, but it doesn’t count
For the first time in three games, Brayden Narveson didn’t miss a kick. But he got lucky. Narveson was wide right on a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter, but the Titans were called for a holding penalty on the play. That gave the Packers a new set of downs, and they quickly scored a touchdown. Narveson officially finished 3-for-3 on field goals from 21, 26 and 47 yards and made all three of his extra points, but the miss that didn’t count sullied his day. An NFL team doesn’t get away with missing kicks each week like the Packers have going back to most of last season. It might not have counted Sunday, and it was important that Narveson responded with splitting the uprights from 47 yards late in the fourth quarter, but it remains a concern.For the first time in three games, Brayden Narveson didn’t miss a kick. But he got lucky. Narveson was wide right on a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter, but the Titans were called for a holding penalty on the play. That gave the Packers a new set of downs, and they quickly scored a touchdown. Narveson officially finished 3-for-3 on field goals from 21, 26 and 47 yards and made all three of his extra points, but the miss that didn’t count sullied his day. An NFL team doesn’t get away with missing kicks each week like the Packers have going back to most of last season. It might not have counted Sunday, and it was important that Narveson responded with splitting the uprights from 47 yards late in the fourth quarter, but it remains a concern.
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Kudos to Amy for making sure that the tickets to the tailgate party were waiting for me at the reception desk!
Your personal phone call and text messages went above and beyond customer satisfaction! I can't wait for the 2024 season, rest assured that my go-to Packer's game supplier will be Event USA for a long time.
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-Jean-Pierre Mallette, Montréal, Canada
"Thank you so much Cathy, greatly appreciate your help.
As always, EventUSA has been awesome to deal with in booking the Lodge Kohler package for the Tampa Bay Game,
particularly for me traveling from Sydney, Australia, it takes the stress out of the booking process. "
-Kayle
"Good Morning, Nicole - Everything you did turned out great. The seats were great. Access to the air conditioned club lounge was great. Lots of Packers fans in the club lounge and overall at the stadium. The tailgate party at the fancy restaurant in the hotel was fabulous. The servers just kept on bringing out different sliders and desserts. Good thing that I got in a 30-minute run along the river in the morning. So, thank you! You may be speaking with me in November if I can work out getting up to Green Bay for a game. It's been too long since my last time.
One of the best aspects of this weekend was interacting with so many people from Wisconsin and learning their personal stories of things Packers. And we even met a couple from St. Petersburg, Florida (my home county) and were able to tell them about the Varsity Club tavern and Packers bar in Clearwater where Mark Murphy's mother is in attendance -- very nice lady whose retirement home is in Clearwater, which borders my little city of Dunedin. Pre-COVID, I always went to the Varsity when the Packers games weren't televised locally -- lots of Wisconsin natives there, too + they serve brats and sauerkraut during Packers games. I'm glad that you are working for Event USA."
-- Martin Lawyer, Dunedin, Florida
"Dennis - I was blessed to join Amy and some of your customers at the Morton's tailgate as well as after the game. She does an amazing job for you. Every single customer I met praised Event USA for being able to arrange the hotel and tickets and fabulous tailgate party in such a quick time. Having been to some great tour tailgate parties in Jacksonville and Kansas City and old San Francisco, a lot can be said of the long-term benefit of having really great tailgate parties. Morton's was probably one of the best - amazing food, patio sitting on the riverfront, walk to stadium, open bar!!! It was first class fun!!!"
-Matt
"Hi Amy-
Just wanted to say thank you for making Jacksonville happen! We had a wonderful time and looking forward to more Packers games with Event USA in the future!
Even though the game was not what we expected- we are packers fans for life-lol!
Go pack go!!"
-Julie Mastrianni
"I want to thank Event USA and in particular Amy Flores for the Jacksonville trip. We have used you before and always were very pleased with the packages you have set up and your service.
My son who lives in Charleston, SC and myself who lives in Minnesota, decided we needed to do a guys trip and decided to go through your company to see the opener in New Orleans. I initially called and talked with Amy about some questions I had and booked our trip. After itinerary and info was emailed to us, it soon became apparent that the trip to New Orleans wouldn’t happen. In steps Amy, wondering if we would be interested in Dallas if the game was moved there and a package was set up. Then finally the move to Jacksonville and continued communication from Amy on our interest. It was getting late at that point and I was wondering if she would be able to pull off setting up a package in Jacksonville. She did it.
We went to Jacksonville and had a great time. The accommodations and the tail gate were fabulous. If only the Packer team we were hoping for had made the trip.
Thank you Event USA and in particular Amy Flores."
-Tom Sohrweide, White Bear Lake, MN
"Thank you for all your help. I had a great time at the Packer-Raider game opening day. I have already begun telling interested Packer fans in Sacramento about your service. The next time I come to Green Bay for a game, I’ll be sure to ask for your help. God bless you and God bless the Green Bay Packers."
-Frank Chavez, Sacramento
"I just wanted to say that I had such a great time. The whole weekend was so much fun. I enjoyed the Player Autograph Party and the tailgate party was just the best. After coming from a country that loves soccer, it was nice to mix with people who have the same interests as me. Thank you once again, Green Bay is one very special place."
-Beverley Moore, Lancaster
"My accommodations at the Best Western Midway were excellent. I was picked up at the airport and returned promptly. No problems at all. Your representative at the hotel on game day was very pleasant and helpful. The tailgate party was super, great food, great drinks and lots of fun. Obviously, Lambeau Field and the game itself was great. I will continue to use Event USA in the future, and I will definitely tell anyone who I come across to give you a call. One last thing, the hospitality I experienced in Green Bay was incredible. I have traveled to many places, and I don’t think there are more friendly people than the people of Green Bay. Thank you again and see you next year!"
-David Anastas, Worchester
"My wife and I booked the tour to Tampa. The trip was so well organized from start to finish. It started with the people in the office with their friendly help over the phone, to receiving the tickets in the mail, and meeting the tour guides with their upbeat personalities. Signs guided us in the airport and information was posted in our motel lobbies to keep us posted. Your people had everything in order. Talk about organization, you had it. Event USA made this a most memorable trip. Thanks for all involved."
-Dick Koerner, Neenah
"I wish to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude for providing my husband and I with, what he refers to as the greatest experience of my life, apart from my wedding day."
-Lara and Matt Appleton, Thornhill, Ontario
"Thanks for all your help, the great tickets and service, and the chance to help me make one of my son’s dreams come true, seeing the Packers playing at home in Lambeau Field."
-Sam Jones, Sedalia
"I just want to thank you for the wonderful job your staff did last weekend for the Packers vs. Lions game. This was our first time utilizing your program and we were not disappointed at all. In fact, we can’t wait to schedule and event for next season’s games. From my first experience with your staff placing my order until the very end at checkout of the hotel, everything was perfect. You truly out-do yourselves to please everyone. Thanks again for making our stay in Green Bay one of the best."
-Kim Ewing and Bruce DeMaine, Ann Arbor
"Thanks so much for the best weekend ever! You not only got us in all the Magazines, TV, WWW pages and even the big screen at Lambeau Field, but Disney World on the side? Nice job – You and your family are top notch – we were on the best tour for the Super Bowl! Seeing the Green Bay Packers win back the Lombardi Trophy was a life long dream of this Packer fan, and you all were so dedicated to the job of taking care of us that, like the Packers, we were a winning team! Keep me on your list."
-William D Lorge, Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly
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