After a hard-fought 30-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur summed it up best.
“I would say it wasn’t our cleanest game, but I thought that was ultimately what it was all about,” he said.
First, after the win, there are some concerns regarding Jordan Love, who suffered a groin injury on a non-contact tackle in the first at-bat. He later aggravated the injury after taking a airy hit from Jaguars forward Travon Walker early in the second half. Love could not continue and was replaced by substitute Malik Willis.
Fortunately, Willis has performed admirably this season, replacing Love. He certainly did that on Sunday, setting up the game-winning drive with under two minutes left and setting up the game-winner for kicker Brandon McManus.
Green Bay is hoping to get some good news on Love, but Willis could very well be playing next week against the Detroit Lions. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at the standouts from the victory in Jacksonville.
INT #6 for McHIMMEY#GBvsJAX pic.twitter.com/gWnm5gW65C
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 27, 2024
Well, McKinney’s steals decline lasted two weeks. The NFL’s leader in interceptions picked off Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter, giving the offense great field position and scoring its first touchdown. Lawrence tried to hit Christian Kirk deep up the middle, but he knocked down the receiver and found a Green Bay safety instead. McKinney found himself in a great position to play. The Packers’ top free agent signing continues to rack up passes at an alarming rate from six to the first eight games.
Keep your distance, Jacobs!#GBvsJAX pic.twitter.com/5IEN6uIqQj
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 27, 2024
After scoring his first career touchdown in last week’s victory over the Houston Texans, Jacobs scored two more touchdowns this week. Both goals were scored on the ground, which was an effective day to give the team the lead. Jacobs finished the game with 127 yards on 25 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, marking his first 100-yard game since Week 2. His best run of the day was a 38-yard touchdown run, during which he forced two fumbles to facilitate the Packers take a 20-17 lead in the third quarter. After Love was sidelined, Jacobs made huge progress.
[Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
With Quay Walker missing this week with a concussion, Green Bay needed someone to step into the middle of the defense. That someone turned out to be Cooper. Not only did the rookie linebacker rack up a team-high nine tackles, but he also provided a game-changing turnover in the second half. When Cooper was sent on the attack, the Jaguars received support in their territory. He managed to get Lawrence and the football for a huge strip bag. Devonte Wyatt recovered the ball at the Jacksonville five-yard line. Two plays later, Willis found tight end Tucker Kraft for a touchdown and a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
Celebrate National TE Day with some great fun!#GBvsJAX pic.twitter.com/OuBWY6BfFh
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 27, 2024
In addition to the touchdown, Kraft was responsible for the most explosive play of the day, a 67-yard catch-and-run when Love broke out of the pocket and found Kraft deep down the middle of the field. Kraft broke a tackle and stiff safety Andrew Cisco, which put the Packers in a first-goal situation. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t get into the end zone and had to settle for a field goal to take a 10-0 lead. To cap off another productive performance, Green Bay’s top quarterback scored his fifth touchdown of the season in Cooper’s second season. Kraft topped all pass catchers with 78 yards on three receptions.
Brandon McManus wins again for Green Bay! pic.twitter.com/kdTTIXvT2f
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
It looks like things are finally in good hands in Green Bay. McManus made all four of his field goals, including two game-winning goals, in as many weeks. On Sunday, he made all three attempts, and none of them was more critical than the 24-meter shot. While it wasn’t an impressive kick, McManus proved that he could hold his own in substantial moments.
REEEEEEEEEEE!#GBvsJAX pic.twitter.com/oGewT53OaM
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 27, 2024
Having a backup quarterback to play with when the starter is gone is a nice luxury. It’s even better to have someone who can deliver your shipment at the most critical moment. Even though Willis was added to the lineup just before the start of the regular season, he was brilliant in helping Green Bay win games. His team is currently 3-0 in games he has had the opportunity to play for a long time. Willis found himself in another complex situation on Sunday, replacing Love after leading the scout team all week. However, he answered the call, especially on the final drive when he passed 51 yards to Jayden Reed for the game-winning field goal. According to LaFleur, the play wasn’t even in the game plan. But it didn’t matter to Willis, who waited until the game anyway and gave him a penny. Even in complex situations, Willis was composed and able to make plays when necessary. They could operate more from Willis if he starts next week against a 6-1 Lions team.
