In week six of the 2022 season, Robert Saleh’s halftime message to the New York Jets playing the Packers was simple. If you keep punching them in the mouth, they will get under water and find out they can’t swim. However, this team is far different than the 2022 team. Mistakes do not rattle them.
The Green Bay Packers achieved something they hadn’t accomplished in a long time. They defeated the Texans on a last second game winning field goal from new kicker, Brandon McManus. In a season that has been filled with ups and downs, this was the statement the Packers needed to deliver.
Jordan Love’s peaks are some of the most exhilarating you’ll ever experience. His first touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft was a masterpiece. Love executes throws that few quarterbacks can make or would dare to attempt. However, he also takes significant risks.
Yet when there is a turnover, there is trust among the entire team that has not been there in seasons past. There is an understanding that they can overcome a mistake, and still get a positive outcome. Even if the Packers are beating themselves, they are doing whatever it takes to stay in the game.
It’s rare for a team to commit three turnovers and still win the game. This demonstrates the Packers’ resilience and ability to adapt. However, they must address these errors. With their current confidence and improved execution, the Packers can be unstoppable.
Offense Fires on all Cylinders
The Packers offense is showing why they are one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. You have playmakers at every single position. There are six receivers, two tight ends, and three running backs at any time that can be trusted with the ball. This depth keeps defenses guessing, making it a challenge to decide who to concentrate on.
The running game maintained a strong rhythm. Josh Jacobs, a significant free agent acquisition, consistently runs with remarkable effort and frequently breaks first contact. Jacobs was able to get his very first receiving touchdown, a big surprise for such a talented running back.
Tucker Kraft continues to be an absolute weapon. Kraft is willing to put everything on the line for the team. Jordan Love is starting to build tremendous trust with Kraft. Love recognizes that getting the ball to Kraft means more impactful plays.
Romeo Doubs is a reliable and consistent receiver. Love has the ability to launch the ball, and Doubs consistently impresses with his strong hands and ball control. In crucial moments, Love is looking Doubs way almost every time.
Despite throwing two interceptions, Jordan Love stepped up when it mattered most, getting the Packers into field goal range with the game on the line. These are the moments you pay Jordan Love for; when the ball is in his hands during the game’s final moments, the expectation is that he will position the team for a win. Love exceeded expectations. Overall, he showed his value.
No Turnovers for the Defense, No Problem
This is the first game of the Packers season where the defense did not generate a turnover. However, the defense showed up in ways they had not been showing up in previous games. This defense held CJ Stroud, wildly considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league to 86 passing yards. Stroud completed a mere 10 passes on 21 attempts.
The pass rush consistently got in Stroud’s face, completely flustering him. Although Stroud did not turn the ball over, it was evident he was frustrated. Jeff Hafley drew up a perfect game plan, putting his players in positions to succeed. Rashan Gary is improving every single week. You can tell the defensive unit as a whole is finding their footing.
The Packers won by only two points, and those two points can be brought back to a single play. With 1:13 left to play in the first half, the Texans attempted a two-point conversion. Evan Williams comes flying to tackle Joe Mixon, Mixon doesn’t even get close to the end zone.
The Packers defense has struggled making these plays in the past. While they have had periods of decent performance, they could not come up in critical moments when it mattered most.
For instance, the Texans march down the field and score, yet the Packers’ defense halts the two-point attempt. Winning a game by a mere two points, one must acknowledge the Packers’ defense for continuing to show up.
Looking Ahead to Packers vs. Jaguars
The Packers are gearing up for their next challenge taking on a desperate Jacksonville Jaguars team. The Jaguars, returning from a fortnight of games in London, had high hopes of contending for the AFC South title. However, they currently stand at 2-5 and are facing a difficult schedule ahead.
Overall, this team has the pieces in place to be successful. However, coaching has been subpar all year, and they are not performing up to their standards. Meanwhile, the Packers cannot be caught falling asleep at the wheel. In the past, the Packers have struggled playing in Florida.
Now is the moment for the Packers to show they can continue to stack wins. The NFC North shows no signs of slowing down. Each win will be massive heading into the playoff race. Overall, the Packers must not take any opponent lightly. In addition to the Packers recent success, the best thing this team can continue to grow is their trust in one another.
