In an Improbable Comeback, All You Need is Love

QB1 struggled with accuracy throughout, but he made clutch plays when the team needed him the most. 

For three quarters and some change, things looked bleak, to put it lightly, for the Green Bay Packers. They had more penalties (10) than points (0) at the end of the third quarter. Quarterback Jordan Love looked shaky. Overall, Green Bay’s play was very sloppy, highlighted by a miscommunication between Love and running back Patrick Taylor on fourth down to start the final quarter that resulted in a turnover on downs. And then, the magic happened, just like they drew it up. The Packers won their 11th-straight home opener after scoring 18 unanswered points, thanks to clutch plays by the first-year starter under center and timely stops by the defense. The 18-point comeback is the team’s largest since the 2018 home opener. It was also the team's largest comeback since head coach Matt LaFleur took over at the helm, edging the 14-point comeback achieved last season against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 and the 14-point comeback against the Detroit Lions in Week 17 of the 2019 season. 

Green Bay improved to 2-1 without five key starters in action against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday – left tackle David Bakhtiari, left guard Elgton Jenkins, running back Aaron Jones, wide receiver Christian Watson, and cornerback Jaire Alexander. The team also lost cornerback Carrington Valentine and linebacker De'Vondre Campbell during the game. 

“I’ve never been a part of a win like this,” LaFleur said after the game. “The guys in the locker room, they believed. They believed in one another, and they continued to battle. As a coach, that’s all you can ask of anybody – to continue to fight, to continue to battle.” 

Love Delivered When It Mattered Most
Love’s debut at Lambeau Field as QB1 was on the cusp of being a forgettable, uninspiring one. His accuracy was all over the map, most notably with downfield passes. For example, he missed a wide-open tight end Luke Musgrave (six receptions for 49 yards) on a seam route during the team’s second offensive drive that, at the very least, would have been a big gain and possibly a touchdown. So while he still only completed 7-of-17 passes in the final quarter of play, he made some stellar plays that may have elicited the following response from Packer fans: the Packers may have found their franchise quarterback of the future for the third consecutive time. 

After Green Bay scored its first points of the day courtesy of an Anders Carlson field goal, Love found wide receiver Jayden Reed (three catches for 63 yards) in the soft part of the zone on third-and-ten from the Saints’ 13-yard line to move the chains with just over eight minutes left. Reed dropped a would-be touchdown near the goal line on second down, and running back Patrick Taylor was stuffed at the line of scrimmage on third down. That brought up an all-important fourth down, with the game in the balance. No touchdown and the outcome for the Packers would be all but decided. Love executed a read option to perfection, keeping the ball while slipping past Saints Pro Bowl linebacker Demario Davis for six. On the two-point conversion – a shrewd, analytics-driven move by LaFleur – Love scrambled to bide himself time, stepped up in the pocket, and fired a dart to Samori Toure, his only catch of the game, to pull the Packers within six. Love’s pocket presence is such a massive asset to the offense. 

The defense got a much-needed three-and-out, giving the ball back to the offense with a little over five minutes remaining. Running back AJ Dillon picked up enough yardage on third-and-one and on the ensuing play, Love exhibited his athletic prowess as he scrambled for 24 yards along the sideline into Saints’ territory. Two plays later, Love threw a perfect ball to Reed for a 30-yard gain to the Saints’ 15-yard line. The Utah State product followed up that pass with another wonder, throwing a back-shoulder pass to wide receiver Romeo Doubs (five catches for 73 yards) for the game-tying touchdown with under three minutes remaining. Carlson’s extra point sealed the outcome. 

Altogether, Love’s passer rating of 66.4 was significantly lower than what he registered in the first two outings, and his overall completion percentage is still not where it needs to be. However, he showed poise and confidence in the fourth quarter and delivered when his team needed him the most, a stark contrast to his fourth-quarter performance from a week ago. The Saints entered Sunday's contest allowing 160 passing yards per game, which ranked 7th in the NFL. They also ranked 4th in Defense DVOA. Love finished with 298 total yards (259 yards through the air and 39 yards on the ground). 

Rashan Gary Showed Up and Showed Out
Through the first two games, the Packers were cautious about throwing Gary back into the fire coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 9 of the 2022 season, as evident by his limited snap counts (12 snaps in Week 1 and 22 in Week 2). He was on a limited snap count again on Sunday, playing in only 23 snaps that brought his total season snap count to 57 (26.27%, 18th among team defenders). Yet, the Michigan product made the most of those 23 snaps against the Saints and showed the rest of the NFL that he is one of the best edge rushers in the league. He finished with four quarterback hits and three sacks, the first three-sack game of his career.

In March, I projected that Gary would receive between $22 million and $23.5 million per year in annual average salary, with $65 million in total guarantees if he signs a five-year deal, which would be the first three years of cash flow. It is likely that those figures turn out to be the absolute floor after his Week 3 performance. 

In the locker room after the game, Gary received one of the two game balls (the other went to Love). “I don’t think there’s anybody in here that wouldn’t go to war with this dude,” LaFleur said while gesturing toward Gary, prompting Gary’s eyes to rightfully well up. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry was seen giving Gary a big hug after LaFleur delivered the ball to Gary. I'm surprised Barry let him go because, well, let’s be frank, Gary is a godsend and then some to the Packers. 

The Packers’ Defense Got Stops and Got Home
The Saints’ running back room was hanging on by a thread coming into the game, as the team was without their top two rushers due to injury. The Packers, luckily, did not embarrass themselves as they usually do against the run under Barry. They held the Saints to 77 yards on 22 carries (3.5 yards per carry) and 252 total yards, an average of 4.2 yards per play. 

The turning point of the game, from a defensive perspective, was when quarterback Derek Carr suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder early in the third quarter that forced him to miss the remainder of the game. Regardless, the Packers forced five-straight punts in the second half and got a critical stop on third-and-eight on the Saints’ final offensive drive, one that ended with a missed field goal that prompted some ~passionate~ screams from the 78,043 fans in attendance. 

The Packers’ pass rush was their greatest strength through the first two weeks and that continued on Sunday, especially on third down. They finished with three third-down sacks (four total), with the average yard-to-gain being just over nine yards. When you force opposing offenses into third-and-long, good things usually happen. 

 

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__________________________

Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild). 

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
7 points
 

Comments (91)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
LambeauPlain's picture

September 25, 2023 at 12:15 pm

A beautiful day in Lambeau Field. The introduction of Jordan Love while running out of the tunnel onto the field to inaugurate, hopefully, the 3rd era of Lambeau Field QB legends since 1992, was special.

Quarters 2 and 3 were frustrating, boring, penalty ridden. Our D did ok against a weak offense. Our O was getting controlled by a very good Saints D...especially by the CBs named Latimore and Taylor. Those two are aggressive fighters.

Our patched up run blocking was again very poor. But you know what? The patched up O pass blocking was darn good. Even "HELLo, Neeeewman" was solid.

Jordan Love is a leader. He and his teammates kept fighting and making plays. They caught the Saints D coasting a bit and hit them in the chops and kept throwing jabs and then the Knockout. (almost given away by the Packer D on the last drive. Yikes, that was difficult to watch after all the 4th quarter heroics)

11 points
13
2
T7Steve's picture

September 25, 2023 at 12:26 pm

"When you force opposing offenses into third-and-long, good things usually happen."

Your last sentence was the most profound, or else obvious. HA!

Pass rush and win in the trenches and good things usually happen too. I guess I can tend to be obvious.

5 points
6
1
CheesedDeadHead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 01:38 pm

"Altogether, Love’s passer rating of 66.4 was significantly lower than what he registered in the first two outings, and his overall completion percentage is still not where it needs to be. However, he showed poise and confidence in the fourth quarter and delivered when his team needed him the most, a stark contrast to his fourth-quarter performance from a week ago. "

After the last few years, where personal accomplishments overshadowed playoff embarrassment, the only stats that matter to me are 2-1 as in wins-losses. Play as a team, succeed or fail as a team.

7 points
11
4
fireball's picture

September 25, 2023 at 01:49 pm

Man, I knew it was going to be tough to stop the Saints from scoring on their last drive of the game. And, fortunately, the Saints field goal kicker did not make the field goal. . .

I believe Matt LaFleur when he said, after the game, " I've never been a part of a win like this. " I agree. I'm beginning to suspect that both LaFleur and Barry are just now beginning to understand, to appreciate, maybe, the potential of this brand new Packer team.

Is it possible, for example ( which I noted on this site some days ago ), that Love and his receivers are the real strength of the offense and will only get better and better as long as coaching plans are designed, accordingly, to take advantage of this strength?

I love that Barry gave Rashan Gary a big hug in the locker room after Gary had teared up when LaFleur said, motioning towards Gary, " I don't think there's anybody in here that wouldn't go to war with this dude. " Closeness with each other, comradeship, trust, affection, a development that has to take place before a great team appears.

Long way to go. Long path. Long journey. . . to greatness. I don't know. Maybe just a glimmer here and there. And maybe it won't work anyway. Maybe it just fizzles out. Maybe it just dies before it's really born.

I don't know.

1 points
3
2
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:35 pm

I believe that this team will develop into dominance. I very much believe that our receiving core will be air raid worthy, I just think they'll develop better taking small steps in that direction. Part of that will be Musgrave developing a connection with JL10 to come back to him when he's in trouble and find the open spot. That will probably continue to develop into at least his third year. I won't predict that Tucker Kraft won't eventually be better, I think they'll both be very good. Lots of learning to connect with different targets yet, but the depth we've got is very much necessary.

We can't afford to neglect the running game. Wilson needs more touches. I'm not giving up on Goodson, either. Obviously we want #33 back at 100%, and we have to get run blocking sorted and not just for #28.

1 points
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0
HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2023 at 08:39 am

Two things Sic. I believe Goodson is on the Colts PS.

RE: your comments on development into dominance. I would like to add that Watson needs to develop further and be able to stay on the field!

0 points
0
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stockholder's picture

September 25, 2023 at 01:58 pm

His accuracy was all over the map -
Right there- is why I cannot get on your Love Train.
This was Home. It wasn't a hostile environment.

Carr was hurt- The ballon popped for the saints.

I'm going to tell you right out.
Until Love controls his throws.
Dooms day is coming. (Per Lions Hype train)

This win; was taking the opposite of a bad situation
And turning it into a Silver lining.

I’m not the fly in the ointment.
But when a gun has accuracy problems;
It’s considered Down Right DANGEROUS.
And Nothing with Accuracy Problems
will be dependable.
This isn’t college football.
This isn’t about mistakes!

-16 points
3
19
CheesedDeadHead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:20 pm

"It wasn't a hostile environment."

So you couldn't get tickets to the game?

7 points
8
1
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:31 pm

The most hopeful thing is that his accuracy improved right when they needed it in the 4th quarter. Not really expecting a first year starter to have great accuracy right out of the gate. The entire offense seems to really need time to settle in; this week it took way too long. But the hopeful things will make it interesting to watch until we know whether the accuracy on the long ball will improve as he grows into the role. Accuracy really wasn't an issue in college; it was more his decision making and we're seeing that he has improved in that arena. Only time will tell, but really hoping the accuracy issues will improve as he and the young pass catchers continue to work to get on the same page.

6 points
6
0
dobber's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:40 pm

How many drops on the day? How does the gameflow change if they're catches?

7 points
7
0
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:57 pm

Yes, there was a key drop for a TD by Reed, though I think on that series Love scored with a QB keeper. But yes, mistakes by young receivers are part of the growing pains. I'm pretty stoked overall though. Exciting young team.

2 points
2
0
PhantomII's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:40 pm

He didn't drop it...The DB punched the ball out with his knee after Reed was on his back in the end zone and had control of the ball...until he didn't. A piss poor rule. A RB or other running the ball only needs to break the plane and it's a TD, but a pass you must count to 100 with the ball in your hands. LOL, Ridiculous.

3 points
3
0
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:46 pm

JL10 has thrown plenty of dimes. Deep, too. I don't believe he has accuracy problems. He has consistency problems.

Whatever was going on in his mind when he connected with Toure on that 2 point conversion, THAT'S what he has to be doing from his first snap. Every down, every game, all season long. It's mental toughness, and discipline. If there are any physical or mechanical issues that still need to be addressed once he's doing that, Tom Clements is more than capable of getting that right.

That 2 point throw was a layup. Maybe over 10 yards but those are the misses and especially to Musgrave that are the area most likely to improve.

I'm very much a believer that JL10 can do this. It's just a question of how long it will take to develop, how many interceptions will he throw in the process, and how many games will he cost the team in the meantime. I still want him to get away from trying to thread needles and playing hero ball. Save that for after there's a great connection with all his targets. As much as people tout his connection with Doubs, they've missed a bunch even in a good game. Give it time ...

3 points
3
0
LeotisHarris's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:02 pm

"I’m not the fly in the ointment.
But when a gun has accuracy problems;
It’s considered Down Right DANGEROUS.
And Nothing with Accuracy Problems
will be dependable."

Pure poetry, but while it's true that accuracy is crucial in specific contexts, it's important to consider the nature of the task or tool in question. Not everything relies on pinpoint accuracy for its functionality. For example, many everyday objects and tools may have minor accuracy issues without posing a significant risk or inconvenience.

Some devices or systems are designed with built-in error margins to account for variations and still perform their intended functions adequately. In certain situations, perfect accuracy may not even be achievable or necessary (see Kapp, Joe or Blanda, George).

Additionally, the degree of danger associated with accuracy problems in a gun depends on the specific use and context. A slight inaccuracy in a recreational shooting scenario may not be as critical as in a law enforcement or military context, where precision is paramount. Some would argue guns themselves are down right dangerous. Others would say people with guns are downright dangerous. Some people are afraid of the dark.

While accuracy is undoubtedly important in many scenarios, it's not accurate to claim that 'nothing with accuracy problems will be dependable' in all situations. The level of importance placed on accuracy should be assessed relative to the specific task or tool in question. My son peed on every toilet seat he could possibly soil, while fully intending to miss. He is dependable.

Finally, in your chosen vocation, sh, did you improve your job skills overtime? Did you become more adept at your job based upon experience and ongoing learning? Is it possible for that to happen, or did your entry level skill metastasize and seal your fate?

7 points
7
0
HarryHodag's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:37 pm

(Responding to stockholder) ...and Aaron Rodgers is still hurt.

Brett Favre threw interceptions like they were candy at a parade. He's in the Hall of Fame. Keep that in mind.

6 points
6
0
stockholder's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:10 pm

This isn't about mistakes.
What records does Brett Favre still hold?
[1st] Most Passes Attempted, Career – 10,169.
[1st] Most Passes Completed, Career – 6,300.
[1st] Most Passing Yards, Career – 71,838.
[1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Yards Passing – 18.
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Career – 508.
[1st] Most Games, Four or More Touchdown Passes, Career – 23.

I don't think thats a accuracy issue.

And yes my skills improved per seniority.

-7 points
1
8
gkarl's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:07 pm

I know its not about mistakes but you did forget one Favre record. 336 career interceptions. Give the kid a chance, I think he'll surprise you.

3 points
3
0
stockholder's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:54 pm

I saw it. You forgot his thumb injury.
Which was operated on- and TT thought he was done.
And Rodgers hurt his thumb.
And Rodgers was expected to throw to rookies too.
You guys just need to get off the comparisons.

-6 points
1
7
Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:27 pm

What is it then? A willingness to deliberately throw accurately to the opposition?

3 points
4
1
Leatherhead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:49 pm

No, it's that little voice in the back of your head that says 'protect the rock'. He didn't have that. He was hard-wired to try to make the Hero throw, and that's why he threw so many away, not any accuracy problems. He threw a lot of very good passes to people who simply were not open.

His MVP seasons were his best seasons at protecting the ball. The rest of the time? He didn't seem to care if he turned the ball over as long as he was "trying to make a play".

2 points
2
0
Johnblood27's picture

September 25, 2023 at 08:06 pm

I have lost all hope that your posting would improve with more volume...

4 points
4
0
Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 11:19 pm

absurdist fiction: “satire, dark humor, incongruity, the abasement of reason, and controversy regarding the philosophical condition of being "nothing"”

0 points
1
1
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:49 pm

You conveniently skipped that Brett Favre also holds the record for most interceptions thrown, and probably always will.

Grow some honesty, sh.

1 points
1
0
bottlefliper's picture

September 26, 2023 at 01:41 am

Favre had never done what Love did in his first games. Way better at that point than 4. Favre record is the moooost INT in history. That what he was. And now he is just a dumb orange criminal who belongs to jail.
Favre had no football IQ and even less IQ overall.
AR like to think he is the smartest guy on the planet what mean he is the opposite.
Favre had 3 great years and AR 4. Love will win more than both of them combined.

AR and Favre needed years to be great, Love is already much further.........

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 26, 2023 at 09:03 am

Not all with the Packers. The sprained thumb game, Holmgren's homecoming, I attended. He should have been benched to begin with. Tossing INTs into dbl+ covergae. sherman let him play to keep his consecutive starts streak alive. If Rodgers started in 2007 and stayed on his feet for the Jets, Favre's records would be eclipsed.

0 points
0
0
murf7777's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:55 pm

What you don’t understand is that he is playing with mostly rookies and 2nd year pass catchers and are missing his poise, nice spiral passes and always having his eyes downfield. In addition, to knowing when to stay in the pocket and when to move. Never rattled and only one INT to 7 TD’s. Any team would take that from a 1st year starting QB.

5 points
5
0
Packers0808's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:25 pm

And exactly why did the Balloon pop with Carr injury. Check the stats of Carr and Winston they were virtually the same. So what again as usual are you effing talking about?

5 points
7
2
stockholder's picture

September 25, 2023 at 08:14 pm

What don't you understand about momentum, when your leader goes out?

-5 points
1
6
Packers0808's picture

September 25, 2023 at 08:42 pm

Why don't you understand stats when they show same showing not momentum, ever think just maybe the Packers gained momentum? Risible!

0 points
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0
bottlefliper's picture

September 26, 2023 at 01:46 am

they lead by 17 with a great D and Carr just came in this season, so Winston is way more a leader for them, what makes the win even greater.

Against a great D, half the starters missing, in his first game at home.......nobody could done it better. One for the ages.

4 was good at making dumb moves on and off the field, just like the eyroller.......thats not Loves way....

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

September 26, 2023 at 08:51 am

Well, big MO stayed with NOLA as Winston moved their squad into position for the winning (missed) FG, as Barry played soft, prevent D, given the CB situation. Love just needs to work on his footwork to deliver the ball on balance. Most of his tosses were catchable. The WRs have to refine their technique and learn to adjust routes and get the ball secured. The seam shots to Musgrave need work as does Musgrave's route running.. Favre beat Pittsburgh in his first start throwing to Sterling Sharpe and Jackie Harris. His QB coach , Mariucci , went on to head coaching gigs. Gruden was coaching the WRs. Five of Holmgren's coaches took top jobs and two of them won SBs. How many will matriculate from LaFleur's tree?

0 points
0
0
brandi's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:21 pm

An ugly game, but a great win.

3 points
3
0
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:53 pm

I've said exactly those words!

There are only about a million things to be learned from just the past two games. I hope this young team is studying that film like crazy, and puts this experience to good use Thursday ...

GPG!!

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:27 pm

A frequent offseason comment was "We don't know what we have in Love". I always thought the team, the front office, the coaches, etc., knew what they had in Love.

After 3 games, we have a guy who has thrown more TD passes than anybody and who takes care of the ball at the same time, despite missing his RB and his top WR.

So, to recap, we drafted him and developed him for three years, during which time we squeezed 2 MVPs out of the current starter, who we ended up trading away for two second round picks.

9 points
10
1
Bitternotsour's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:50 pm

2 second round picks, for 4 plays. i'd call that a front office steal.

The Aaron Rodgers trade was like going in for cancer surgery, and then selling your tumor for 20 million dollars. Thanks Dr Gutekunst.

6 points
6
0
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:54 pm

Love has thrown more TD passes than anybody on the Packers, yes. But Cousins and Tagovailoa have 9 and 8 scores respectively and Jordan is tied for 3rd with Mahomes. But Mahomes didn't finish the game yesterday they had such a big lead. And the yards and completion percentage from Love are far lower than the rest of that top group. But yes, his ability to get the ball into the endzone has been exciting in games 1 and 2 and for the 4th quarter yesterday.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 03:27 pm

Love didn’t finish in Chicago either.

2 points
2
0
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:06 pm

Yeah Love gave up 5 snaps to Clifford. In the Chiefs blowout over the Bears, Mahomes only played 73%. Anyway, the point was that the poster had some incorrect info about Love throwing more TD passes than anyone. Maybe he was counting preseason?

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:26 pm

I think that might have been the case prior to Sunday. However, the fact that Love is even up there is surprising to me.

Spinning off from that though, I’ve only watched bits of the game against Denver, but wow! Denver are in disarray. Wilson had time for 300 yards himself, which just emphasizes how fast Miami was scoring on them. Chicago are going backwards. They have gone from bad to borderline implosion. A strange sort of marquee matchup next week. It wouldn’t shock me to see either side yet beat the record for most points given up in a game that Miami elected not to inflict yesterday.

0 points
1
1
Leatherhead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:52 pm

No, I think I was checking before all the updates had been done. He hasn't thrown more TD passes than anyone. He's thrown more TD passes that just about anyone.

0 points
1
1
bottlefliper's picture

September 26, 2023 at 01:51 am

Love had more TD passes in his first 3 games than anyone in Packers history in his first 3 starts. The two strange divas needed years to come close

0 points
0
0
bottlefliper's picture

September 26, 2023 at 01:48 am

So Love is today nearly the best, trailing only Mahomes? I take that. What a hero

0 points
0
0
HarryHodag's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:43 pm

Agreed. There are folks who expect a carbon copy at QB right out of the box.
That ignores the development that other Packers QB's like Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers all went through.

Love's attitude is what impresses me. He wants to win and he doesn't let the situation get to him mentally.

He needs to work on his deep accuracy but he's doing just fine. Oh, by the way, three of his starting offensive linemen were hurt, his top running back and his top receiver.

6 points
6
0
Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:28 pm

Great observation.

It’s interesting that we don’t spend time boosting his stats to get him in Rhythm as many teams do ( or to make their QBs look less bad). I think that speaks to his temperament. He’s just not in need of boosting.

1 points
1
0
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:56 pm

LH,

indeed!

Hopefully this sigh of relief lasts through Thursday's game. 3-1 and solidly in first place would freak the whole league out.

1 points
1
0
LLCHESTY's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:08 pm

Did you happen to notice the Lions stopped the run and beat the hell out of the Falcons? Sue seemed like making Ridder throw and sacking him 7 times worked for them.

Now make your excuses.

3 points
3
0
WD's picture

September 25, 2023 at 02:50 pm

Let's be honest: After the Packer's go ahead TD late in the 4th quarter it was pure ecstasy with the thrill of victory. For a few seconds......... until you looked and saw the time remaining was over two minutes. The script was in. The Saints would have plenty of time to drive down the field and kick a game winning field goal turning victory into the agony of defeat. Another one point loss. Sure enough they got into field goal range. Only by the grace of God did their kicker miss wide right. A great victory but way too close for comfort.

0 points
2
2
GregC's picture

September 25, 2023 at 03:06 pm

It was not the shutdown that we wanted from the defense, but there were three possible outcomes that would have been much worse than a 46-yard field goal attempt: 1.) a touchdown; 2.) a shorter field goal attempt; and 3.) a chip shot field goal with the clock bled down to almost nothing. I was feeling good about the Packers' chances even if the Saints made that 46-yard field goal.

2 points
2
0
HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2023 at 08:45 am

My sentiments as well GregC. If the Saints make that FG, we have a minute five to drive down the field for a field goal. Even if it would be from 60.

0 points
0
0
Packers0808's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:34 pm

Remember the Packers got the ball back with a Minute 35 seconds left and TO's left. Who says with the leg Carlson has we couldn't as well get into FG range if needed?

2 points
2
0
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:59 pm

Comfort? COMFORT?!?

There was nothing comfortable about any of this, lol. Look at the team injury report.

I don't expect Thursday to be especially comfortable, either. There are certainly lots of things to improve that would improve their chances ...

1 points
1
0
croatpackfan's picture

September 25, 2023 at 03:02 pm

I have one objection on one of your claims from the article:
"When you force opposing offenses into third-and-long, good things usually happen."

Yes, I agree with your claim until you do not have Joe Barry as DC and your secondary starts to play 15 yards away on 3rd or 4th and 10!

3 points
4
1
Lphill's picture

September 25, 2023 at 03:04 pm

yes a win is a win but when will Love’s accuracy become worrisome?

0 points
1
1
Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 03:30 pm

We could always give him a bunch of easy safe very short passes that get us nowhere, like a number if teams do.

2 points
3
1
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:05 pm

Even Lisa Simpson knows not to throw to an 8 yard route on third and 9.

Instead of a throw 3-5 yards behind the LOS that frequently gets stopped without further gain, I much prefer a play that calls for the catch being made 3-5 yards ahead of the LOS. TEs are supposed to turn those into 15. You can win games like that.

Then of course Musgrave is good up to at least 25 yards out. And I think we have several WRs that actually can connect with JL10 for at least 60 yards through the air. It's just that doing it in an NFL game is low probability and worse, there's a high risk of interception unless he's WIDE open.

It sure will be nice to get #9 back at 100%.

2 points
2
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HawkPacker's picture

September 26, 2023 at 08:47 am

'It sure will be nice to get #9 back at 100%.'

Agreed Sic. Not only to catch deep passes but to open things up underneath!

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:53 pm

Well, since he's averaging 12.5 yards/completion, I'd say as soon as he gets his completion percentage up over 60 it's going to be worrisome for the defenses we face.

2 points
2
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murf7777's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:03 pm

Part of the accuracy is the timing and route running with pass catchers….that will change as they work together longer.

6 points
6
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Leatherhead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:06 pm

Everybody is figuring it out, and that's what this part of the season is for. Let's see where we're sitting the day after Thanksgiving.

3 points
3
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:26 pm

Damn, did you take the way back machine back to the 70s for that number? His air yards per completion is 6.9 yards. I bet defenses are shaking in the boots over that one.

Don't cherry pick stats. His ADOT of 10.6 does point to the running game getting easier if he increases his completion % but right now his YPA of 6.9 is a middle of the pack 15th.

Nagler said it today, inaccurate passers in college tend to stay that way in the pros but that mantra has changed a little bit. But that doesn't mean every QB gets better, just that some have recently. In any case 50% usually won't get it done.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 11:31 pm

Love was not really inaccurate in college, on longer throws in particular. His issue was judiciousness of those throws. As to accuracy generally, it depends on the cause. Mechanics can often be fixed by good coaches. Mental acuity, not so much. We should know that as packers fans.

The 50% figure is increasingly interesting because he’s not got a high turnover worthy play score and he is leading a run free offense to decent points. We need a bigger sample, but right now I’m getting the feeling that the 50% has a lot to do with mistakes by the catchers: not just drops but not being where expected/intended, since the ball isn’t going into danger zones often. This is a statistical anomaly given the results thus far that will shake out one way or the other.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

September 26, 2023 at 09:53 am

Oh, because air yards are more important than total yards. I should have known.

You are the wrong person to talk about cherry picking stats.

0 points
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bottlefliper's picture

September 26, 2023 at 01:54 am

great joke, fitting......

AR was only when it counts off with all of his throws. No chance a hero like Love could be worse

0 points
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Qoojo's picture

September 25, 2023 at 03:22 pm

I don't love all the puns that we will face hearing for years

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:26 pm

OK, now that over-reaction is about done, let's remember that the biggest contributor to the Packers win wasn't a Packer, it was Winston, because of the Carr injury.

This isn't to take away anything from the Packers taking advantage of a situation that befalls an opponent, regardless of what it is, as it's needed to secure wins.

With that, I doubt the Packers win this game if Carr isn't injured. You can't bank on these things happening weekly, but they have to continue taking advantage when it does, or losses will again be more likely.

This team is an FG away from 1-2 instead of 2-1. I'd keep the reactions in check a little longer. There's much this team needs to correct, still.

Not taking away from the win, just not putting icing on the cake. Love still needs correcting, and losses will come due to it.

3 points
6
3
Racingdad's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:48 pm

Fully expected as our new qb-1 grows with HIS team!!

1 points
1
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Bitternotsour's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:54 pm

you must be fun at parties

2 points
4
2
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:31 pm

I wonder a little about the assumption that the Packers don't win unless Carr is injured. They were playing pretty simlarly in terms of % completions. They each threw for about 100 yards. Carr had only thrown for one TD and thrown 2 picks in the first two games. He was completing passes at a slightly higher rate than Winston (65.6% to 62.5%). So I don't think it's a given that having Carr finish the game would have made the difference here. He hasn't been that effective this season. I heard another analyst say there wasn't much difference between how Carr and Winston were playing.

Of course Love still "needs correcting" (has to grow into the role) and of course there will be losses and some will be on him. But he wasn't responsible for all the dumb penalties, nor did he cause ST to allow a score. Nor did he cause the drops. He did have some issues with accuracy but I didn't see that as the overarching takeaway from the game.

3 points
4
1
TarynsEyes's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:58 pm

"I wonder a little about the assumption that the Packers don't win unless Carr is injured."

Naturally, the optimistic view would be to deny the likelihood, but the probability of Carr not doing more than Winston is the issue with optimism. The Saints didn't steamroll the Packers, but their Offense and defense were doing more than enough to shut the Packers down and scoreless. Winston gave the Packers 3 three and outs in a row, though possible with Carr, but unlikely and that changes everything hat happens. They still needed a missed FG.

Take the win, but....

0 points
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gkarl's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:23 pm

Yes they still needed a missed FG.

Where was the Saints defense when the game was on the line. 18 fourth quarter points?

Winston at least didn't throw a pick 6, just bad offense in the fourth. Carr is not exactly know as Mr. Clutch.

2 points
2
0
EnemyTerritory's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:58 pm

They can also be one first down away from 3-0. But Atlanta could not count on the in game injuries and poor play by Dillon. I’ll say it again, you play with the warriors left standing on the field of play. Had the NOS FG been good who is to say that Carlson could not have hit from 55 or more? He was drafted to be a strong legged kicker…

3 points
3
0
Packers0808's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:35 pm

Check stats of Carr and Winston in game virtually the same so did it really matter than Carr got injured. Up for discussion I am sure!

1 points
1
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:09 pm

Everybody here is keenly aware that there's SO much to fix! Sloppy mistakes, boneheaded stuff really. There's a vision of what this team CAN be once all that's behind them and solutions are implemented.

How long will that take? I'm not making any predictions about that, but I plan to watch it happen ...

1 points
1
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bottlefliper's picture

September 26, 2023 at 01:55 am

Winston was besser than Carr and Love would made another TD, if they hit the FG

0 points
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crayzpackfan's picture

September 25, 2023 at 04:47 pm

Very exciting win for sure. Whew!! The following is about the team and coaches, not a Jordan Love thing.
I just hope this was more about the team coming together to win the game and less about the win just being makeup that's covering a really bad zit underneath. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the win! Hell yeah!! Just trying to keep it 100 here. How resilient would they have been if the Saints made that field goal? I can't simply forget the first 3 quarters of the game just because we had an amazing 4th quarter. I great win though while being short on starting talent and losing more to injury during the game. Very gutsy. Just hoping their isn't a big ass, festering, whitehead looming beneath such a beautiful win is all.
On to Detroit!! :)

0 points
2
2
Johnblood27's picture

September 25, 2023 at 08:14 pm

Get some Proactiv and get over it!!!

0 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:14 pm

Hopefully Joe Barry will be proactive with preparing the defense for the Lions ...

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 11:37 pm

I’m all for him preparing the Lions defense. Sounds like a perfect time for such an exchange of goodwill and expertise.

0 points
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crayzpackfan's picture

September 26, 2023 at 08:22 am

Get over what?

0 points
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beerandbrats's picture

September 25, 2023 at 05:01 pm

The Packers should have won last week up by 24-12 in the 4th quarter, even though they lost. The Packers should have lost this week down 17-0 in the 4th quarter, even though they won. It's not working out as expected but I'm enjoying the ride! GPG!

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:11 pm

I found my favorite Jordan Love stat: In terms of yards per completion, he's second in the league, behind Tua and ahead of Purdy. He's 12.4 yards/completion. He's not the guy you want completing passes against you, if you're on defense.

I also noticed he hasn't thrown very many passes compared to other starters.

5 points
5
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greengold's picture

September 25, 2023 at 09:04 pm

Rock solid. Jordan Love seems right on schedule. It was going to take about half the season for he and his teammates to start getting into a comfort zone on O.

I’m certain he’s wanting some of Sunday’s throws back, but that’s all part of learning.

Really liking Musgrave, Reed & Wicks.

1 points
1
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:39 pm

You mean you cherry picked your favorite Love stat. There's a bunch that don't stand next to Tua. But Tua has much better weapons. When they get(almost) everybody back and drop 40 on somebody we'll talk. As for now I believe his inaccuracy will lead to a multi pick game. I want to see how he responds to that.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

September 25, 2023 at 11:43 pm

I don’t know any QB who has taken significant snaps who hasn’t had a multi interception game, so yes, one will come. However, what I have got from these 3 games is a strong belief that Love has the temperament to overcome that when it does. That to me is the real revelation thus far.

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

September 26, 2023 at 07:06 am

Before yesterday he supposedly only had one "interception worthy" throw in the 1st two weeks. I saw more than one Sunday, but there was also evidence of receivers not being on the same page as well.

I heard Nagler on the radio yesterday and tend to agree with him when he said the mental processing is there. He knows what he's looking at, the body just isn't always in the right position to deliver the ball accurately. It will certainly be interesting when Watson returns because he underthrew him a bit in TC and is overthrowing guys now. I don't think suddenly they'll be a deep ball team but if he can zero in some of those throws it opens up a lot of the shorter things.

I think leadership might be his most impressive trait so far. Staying even keeled with all those guys out and leading that come back will do a lot for that locker room.

0 points
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Vachio's picture

September 25, 2023 at 06:14 pm

Assuming Love doesn't improve and keeps playing just like he is, that projects to 3700ish yards, 40 TDs, and 6 INTs for the season. I'd be perfectly happy with that. But the smart money is on Tom Clements helping him get stuff ironed out over the course of the season and Love making improvements as he goes. I think the kid is going to be just fine. I imagine a lot of the angst is coming from the same people who kept screaming the Packers needed to cut Davante Adams early in his career.

5 points
5
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murf7777's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:06 pm

Oh yeah many inexprienced posters wanted him cut after year two.

1 points
1
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MainePackFan's picture

September 25, 2023 at 07:23 pm

Lot's of good analysis as usual here at CHTV. I will neither anoint Jordan as the next HOF Packers QB at this point, nor will I waste my time commenting about overthrows that every QB in the history of the NFL, regardless of how their careers ended up, have made.

Nope, I want to talk about a young man who has payed his dues and sat behind a HOF QB, just like said HOF QB sat behind a HOF QB.
Jordan Love has shown me the things that I needed to see. Poise, leadership, command of the offense, and a dude willing to go to war with his team. We will win games because of him, we will lose games because of him. Enjoy the ride. We have a good one.

Off topic, but damn give me a little more Keishon Nixon on offense, that was fun :)

4 points
4
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

September 25, 2023 at 10:19 pm

In terms of a player that's "hungry," in the practices I went to NOBODY was hungrier than Nixon!! He's a player that can fire up the whole team. They have great comraderie and that can really help, but his part can be HUGE.

1 points
1
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dobber's picture

September 26, 2023 at 10:06 am

Nixon will get the attention of any defense when he comes on the field because they'll expect he's there to specifically get the ball. His productivity gives him the potential to be a really nice decoy....just like Tyler Ervin, who played way more snaps when he didn't get the ball than snaps where he did.

That said: if you start making your nickel back a bigger part of your offense, what does that say about your offensive skill-position guys?

0 points
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MainePackFan's picture

September 26, 2023 at 10:51 am

"That said: if you start making your nickel back a bigger part of your offense, what does that say about your offensive skill-position guys?"

It says your nickel back is an electric weapon ; )

0 points
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