Packers Report Card: Assessing a Thrilling Victory Over the Steelers
The Green Bay Packers showcased their resilience on Sunday night, overcoming a sluggish first half to secure a 35-25 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Led by quarterback Jordan Love and tight end Tucker Kraft, the Packers demonstrated their potential, particularly in the second half, where they scored a remarkable 28 points. Here’s a breakdown of the performance that marked their second consecutive road win, setting them up for upcoming home games against the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Pass Offense Shines
In the world of the NFL, pivotal moments can define a game, and for the Packers, that moment came early in the second half. After struggling in the first half, Love faced a critical third-and-5 situation. Under immediate pressure, he managed to evade defenders and, despite being hit, delivered a pass that would change the game’s momentum. Tucker Kraft turned that pass into a dazzling 59-yard catch-and-run, igniting a streak of 20 consecutive completions for Love, tying a franchise record previously held by Brett Favre.
On the night, Love completed 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns, achieving a passer rating of 134.2—his best as a starter. Christian Watson made his return, contributing with a key 33-yard reception that set up a go-ahead touchdown. Watson’s presence not only added a deep threat for the Packers but also bolstered the team’s overall offense. With Love’s commanding performance, any lingering doubts about his capabilities in high-pressure situations were put to rest.
Grade: A
Mixed Results in the Rush Offense
The rushing attack told a contrasting story. Josh Jacobs struggled to find a rhythm, finishing with just 33 yards on 13 carries. In contrast, Emanuel Wilson stepped up late in the game, contributing 61 yards on 11 carries. The statistics might look decent overall, but much of the night, Pittsburgh’s run defense stifled the Packers’ ground game. Head coach Matt LaFleur’s decision to lean more on the passing game as the second half progressed proved wise, allowing the Packers to capitalize on Love’s hot hand.
The Packers’ combined rushing yards of 94 on 24 carries may not inspire confidence, especially with the colder weather approaching. A more balanced attack will be crucial as the season unfolds.
Grade: D
Pass Defense Adjusts in the Second Half
Initially, the Packers’ pass defense faced challenges, particularly against Aaron Rodgers, who seemed poised to exploit weaknesses in coverage. Keisean Nixon struggled early, allowing a significant reception and accruing penalties that extended Steelers’ drives. However, the second half told a different story. The Packers’ defense tightened significantly, with Rodgers not scoring a touchdown until the game was well in hand for Green Bay.
Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary each contributed a sack, applying consistent pressure on the veteran quarterback. Edgerrin Cooper’s solid coverage and forced fumble further amplified the defensive effort. While Rodgers’ final numbers looked respectable, they reflected a game where the Packers’ defense ultimately gained the upper hand.
Grade: B
Rush Defense Holds Strong
Pittsburgh’s ground attack managed 93 yards on 18 attempts, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Jaylen Warren led the charge with 62 yards. However, the Steelers’ reluctance to commit to the run game in the second half stemmed from the Packers’ offensive surge, which forced Pittsburgh to abandon their rushing strategy. Remarkably, Green Bay has yet to allow any opposing running back to eclipse the 100-yard mark this season, a trend they will need to maintain against formidable runners like Carolina’s Rico Dowdle and Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley in the weeks ahead.
Grade: B
Special Teams Struggles
The special teams unit faced a rocky start, as a holding penalty on the opening kickoff set a concerning tone. Keisean Nixon muffed a punt, and kicker Brandon McManus missed two field goals in the first half. Although McManus has been reliable in the past, his injury clearly impacted his performance. Conversely, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell excelled, going 4-for-4, including several long-range attempts.
Despite these hiccups, the second half saw some improvement, with Savion Williams providing decent field position through kickoff returns. However, the need for reliability in special teams remains paramount, especially as the season progresses.
Grade: D
Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny
Head coach Matt LaFleur faced scrutiny for some of his decisions, particularly a questionable choice to attempt a long field goal with an injured kicker. As the game progressed, it became clear that adjusting the offensive strategy to capitalize on Love’s strengths was crucial. In the second half, LaFleur appeared to embrace this, allowing Love to take control, which resulted in a more dynamic offense.
While LaFleur has demonstrated skill as a play-caller, the need for a more aggressive and adaptable approach became evident. With Kraft emerging as a top target—catching seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns—maintaining that connection will be vital moving forward.
Grade: B
The Packers’ thrilling victory serves as a testament to their potential, particularly in the second half. With a blend of strong performances and areas needing improvement, they will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.
