On the Thanksgiving matchup Thursday, Jordan Love finally got his turkey leg as the Packers rolled past Miami 30-17. Let’s take a look at the highlights that propelled Green Bay past Miami.
Early Special Teams Magic
Green Bay began the game by receiving the opening kickoff. The Packers went three-and-out and were forced to punt on the first drive of the game. Daniel Wheelan launched a 45-yard punt and flipped the field.
Despite it looking like Miami would begin on offense with a chance to go up early, Green Bay cornerback Robert Rochell had other plans. Rochell plays a key role on special teams for the Packers and found himself on top of a muffed punt at the Dolphin’s 9-yard line.
Rochell was originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft in the fourth round. Rochell played in many games for Green Bay last year but was placed on the practice squad to start the 2024 season. He then reached three game elevations and was then signed back to the active roster.
The recovery gave the offense a second chance to go up early and they wasted no time. Jordan Love went on to find Jayden Reed for the touchdown a few plays later. Rochell’s recovery was the only turnover between the two teams all game.
Rochell was awarded with the lone game ball. Matt LaFleur announced in the locker room that Rochell was playing with a “heavy heart” on Thursday. Rochell later revealed “I lost two of my partners early today.” He finished by saying “I still showed up because I love my teammates” to which cornerback Keisean Nixon replied, “and we love you.”
It was evident the fumble recovery got the ball rolling for Green Bay as they scored a field goal or a touchdown on four of their next five possessions.
Offense finds a rhythm
It is no secret that Green Bay has become a dangerous rushing team. In the first half alone, the Packers rushed for 102 yards. While Josh Jacobs only rushed for 43 yards on the night, he finished the game with 117 total yards as he caught four passes for 74 yards. It is crucial for Green Bay to continue to involve Jacobs in both the run and pass game. Jacobs also scored a touchdown early in the first quarter.
The team as a whole finished with 114 rushing yards. With Chris Brooks earning three carries for 28 yards and Emmanuel Wilson logging two for 20. Jayden Reed had a single carry for 23 yards as well. What didn’t Jayden Reed do Thursday?
While Reed only logged three catches for 24 yards, he snagged two touchdowns on the night. The ball was spread out well among the offense as tight end Tucker Kraft snagged six catches for 78 yards. After an early disappointing drop by Dontayvion Wicks, he seemed to redeem himself as he finished the night with four catches for 30 yards.
After the drop for what would have been a touchdown last week against the 49ers, Christian Watson seemed eager to get back on track. Watson caught two passes for 67 yards on the night. This was also the second game in a row Jordan Love has avoided throwing an interception after throwing one in every game so far this season.
Love finished the night 21 for 28 for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Love looked much more comfortable and made a good habit of taking what he was given during the night. Of course, there were several ‘wow’ throws but he seemed to be more patient on Thursday.
It’s important to mention that Jordan Love did finally receive a turkey leg. After defeating Detroit last year on Thanksgiving, there was no turkey leg to be found. The postgame Thanksgiving special this year showed dozens of Green Bay fans cheering as Love finally got his turkey leg.
Onto Detroit
Thursday was arguably the best game Green Bay has played so far this season. The defense did a great job containing the rush and finally managed to get to the quarterback as Tua Tagovailoa was sacked five times on the night.
Are the Packers getting hot at the right time? Can the offense keep the ball rolling? Green Bay looks for redemption against the top seed in the NFC, the Detroit Lions, next Thursday.
