Two wins in their last three games has the Green Bay Packers riding high, and their Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers showed some real promise. But injuries to Aaron Jones and others dampened the win, which would be on par for how the 2023 season has gone for the Packers.
Sunday was another career passing day for Love, as his 322 yards exceeded his previous best, which he produced last week in their loss to the Steelers. Love looked to be in total command on Sunday, routinely extending the play in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield.
It was probably Love’s best all–around performance this season as a starter, and he kept true to his passing approach for most of the year by spreading his targets around to many different targets. The trust that Matt LaFleur showed in Love was positive to see, even if the offense had no other choice.
Offense
Love produced one of his highest passer ratings of the season, as his 108.5 QBR was quite impressive. Averaging over eight yards per completion, five different receivers averaged double-digit yards on at least two receptions.
Romeo Doubs, Luke Musgrave, and Jayden Reed led the way with six targets apiece, with Dontayvion Wicks (5) and AJ Dillon & Christian Watson (4) not far behind. Love did a good job of spreading the wealth, and his lack of reliance of one singular target has helped keep him from costly turnovers.
Wicks led the way with 91 yards on three receptions, and the trio of Doubs, Reed (rushing), and Watson all found the end zone in Sunday’s win. The reliance on the passing game was crucial, especially with the injuries that hit the running backs.
Both Aaron Jones and Emmanuel Wilson were knocked out Sunday with injuries, which left AJ Dillon as the lone healthy back. While updates on both players are still unknown, there are some early signs that point to Jones not being serious.
Defense
For the most part, the Green Bay defense was able to hold its own against a formidable Chargers attack, which relied heavily on the connection between Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen. With Jaire Alexander not playing, the top corner responsibilities fell to rookie Carrington Valentine, who once again showed that he is better than the seventh-round pick he was drafted as.
While Allen did lead the offense (10/116/1), Austin Ekeler was shut down, only producing 70 yards on 12 touches. His key goal-line fumble after he lost his footing turned the tide of the game to favor Green Bay, as the Chargers only scored once more in the fourth quarter.
It may have been a game that Green Bay looked like the better team but had many moments in which they showed they didn’t want to win. But Love was on point all four quarters, and this team goes as he goes.
With a Week 12 Thanksgiving Day matchup in Detroit next up, it will be interesting to see if Green Bay can earn just their second win of the season on the road.
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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23
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