Packers 27 Giants 20 Game Balls & Lame Calls
It wasn't pretty. It wasn't complete. But the Packers ultimately avoid beating themselves and get to the magic number 27.
By Kalani Jones
From the word go, it was a strange night for the Packers. From injuries to execution, almost everything seemed to bounce the wrong way, specifically for the offense. After allowing the first opening drive, heck the first first quarter touchdown of the entire season, the Packers defense mostly did everything they needed to do in order to win (minus a couple of dropped interceptions, more on that later). I thought it was a real team effort to get the W today, and it's indicative of the way the Packers might need to string these wins together. Despite not really dominating the game in any one way, they just found a way to win. Micah Parsons contributed two sacks (one in a very clutch moment late in the fourth), got a turnover on the Giants' game winning attempt, and persevered through so many injuries.
We all know the last few weeks have not been the most satisfying results for Packers fans. But it's games like this that the team will look back on at the end of the season and thank their lucky stars that they got the W.
Game Balls
Jordan Love
Jordan Love played a great game today, and don't let the box score tell you otherwise.
Despite being pressured on 9 out of 19 dropbacks, Love managed to put together a two touchdown, 105 rating game. He led the game winning, game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, and also immediately scored upon returning from injury as well. I thought both he and Matt Lafleur were improved in this game. I loved the increased rate of passing on early downs, and the way Love battled through both WR drops and inconsistent OL play.
Christian Watson
While the offense in general has certainly stagnated in recent weeks, it's so refreshing to see Watson back in the lineup and doing what he does best: making points happen. One touchdown caught, and another created for Josh Whyle.
Watson should be on the Packers' short list for an even longer extension this offseason. His ability to create space for everyone else on the field is a key facet of Matt LaFleur's offense, and there's really no one else on the roster who can fill the same role on the roster.
Evan Williams
This game ball is a bit of a retroactive award, much like a lifetime acheivment award given to an old movie star.Evan Williams just has it. He's always around the ball. If you have the opportunity to do a rewatch, count how many times Williams ends up around the ball when the play is over. Just watch his body language when he isn't in that position. He pissed off if he's not involved in each and every play.
Williams has put together such an impressive season. Is it time to start considering him as the best safety that the Packers have? And that's not a knock on McKinney either, but Williams has been so good. Even besides the game clinching interception at the end of the game, Williams allowed only one reception for 14 yards, nine tackles, and five solo tackles. The Packers have a bright future on the backend of their defense, and it's no wonder why they are still the #1 defense in the league at preventing explosive plays.
Lame Calls
Return of the Drops
Dread it. Run from it. They've returned, or perhaps they never really went away.
In the first half alone, the Packers had five drops. 5/7 of Love's incompletions. Those five drops match the record for most in a half since 2006.
Drops are a mental issue, and can pile on themselves. You could see how Romeo Doubs got himself out of his funk as the game went on, finishing the game as his usual self. Others, especially Luke Musgrave, never did. Speaking of Musgrave, his experiment may be ending in Green Bay. After starting the game as TE1, Musgrave received only 2 snaps in the entire second half, compared to John FitzPatrick's 16 and Josh Whyle's 11 snaps. Musgrave had one fumble in the first half (and another that was overturned, but no less damning in my opinion). The team ended the game with 7 drops.
I should mention that as far as drops go, the defense also gets a lame call. For a QB like Jameis WInston to give you five opportunities at an interception, only coming up with one is pretty bad. There's an alternate version of this game where more of those interceptions are caught, and the game is much easier.
Lucas Havrisik
I tweeted after Havrisik's first XP, that the miss was objectively the funniest thing that could have happened. It became less and less funny as the game went on.
"The Substitute" went 1/3 on extra points tonight, and did not have to attempt a field goal all game long. While Havrisik was good from 63+ in pregame kicks, he struggled mightily in those in-game kicks, and the Packers are lucky that those missing two points did not come back to haunt them. It's true that the winds were ripping in Metlife today (even the Giant's backup kicker, Younghoe Koo, missed an extra point today), but isn't it just do deliciously ironic? After over a month of begging for Havrisik to come back and solve our kicking problems, he finally comes back and leaves two points on the table.
The Packers will likely be turning back to McManus when he's healthy, but with his quad injury "re-aggravated", when will that be?
Interior Offensive Line
The Packers are going to have a lot of questions to answer after the season regarding their interior offensive line, regardless of how exactly the season ends. The Jordan Morgan experience has just not gone well at all at guard, and while the team might be stuck with Rhyan at center, are probably none the better for it.
Honestly, there's a possibility that the Packers are looking to replace starters at LG, C, and RG. The Packers could move on from Aaron Banks this offseason to the tune about $4 million in savings, although I don't think it's likely that he's gone. But the Packers need answers on the interior. Jordan Morgan was dogwalked all game, Sean Rhyan did not impress in his premiere as the starting center, and Aaron Banks continues to look like one of the biggest contract mistakes the team has made in recent memory. Jordan Love has been one of the most pressure-sensitive quarterbacks this year, and if the front office wants to reverse that trend they'll need more investments in the iOL, besides what they have already done.
Three and Out
-- Today's Phrase of the Game is "Did what you needed to do". This was, by all accounts, the last "easy" game remaining on the Packers schedule, and got the win in what really felt like a must win situation. It was by no means pretty or easy, but the team found a way to get the W.
-- The Packers dodged a massive bullet, with the news that Josh Jacobs's injury is not likely to be season ending, though he'll be undergoing more tests when the team gets back to Green Bay. Meanwhile, injuries were also suffered by Jordan Love, Arron Mosby, Romeo Doubs, Zach Tom, Quay Walker, and Matthew Golden. While it's true that every team in football is dealing with injuries, the Packers have had real bad injury luck. It's not too late for the team to get healthy for the playoffs, but they'll need to start stringing those kind of weeks together soon.
-- Green Bay have a contest with the Minnesota Vikings next week, and it's the start of the most important stretch of the Packers' entire schedule. They have divisional opponents for three weeks in a row with the Vikings, the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving, and the Bears back at home. This stretch will, for better or worse, go a long way in defining the Packers' season. Via ESPN's playoff predictor, the two most important games that the Packers have for the rest of the season are in this stretch: at Lions and Vs Bears. The Vikings, meanwhile, have lost two games in a row. Their QB, JJ McCarthy has struggled since returning from injury, and the Packers defense should be looking to take advantage of that.
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Co-Owner of the thirteen time world champion Green Bay Packers. Sometimes I write about them. Follow me on Twitter at https://x.com/kjones_in_co and on Substack for film breakdowns!
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Comments (100)
Starrbrite
November 17, 2025 at 07:38 am
Winning seems so hard for our team—but we’ll take it.
The stars are easy to name: Watson, Whelan, Love…I can’t give a game ball to the secondary in light of the dropped INTs.
A lame call when it’s 3rd & 3 and we throw a 30 yd pass—geez—move the chains and rest the defense.
…Musgrave—WTH?
Beat the Vikings
Go Packers!!!
Guam
November 17, 2025 at 08:01 am
Agreed on that 3rd and 3 play Starrbrite. The defense had just come off the field after an 8 minute Giants drive that ended in zero points and they desperately needed a rest. So the offense goes three and out on that bonehead long pass and puts the defense right back on the field. I thought LaFleur called a better game yesterday, but that sequence was awful.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 08:08 am
I come back to the fact that it's not a 1 receiver pattern on that play and that LaF doesn't throw the football (not to mention the windy conditions). We didn't like it when AR did it and we still don't like it now. Still, those throws keep happening because LaF isn't discouraging them, too. I get it--the NFL is all about chunk plays and most scoring drives now have a chunk play (or two) or a DPI in them and you can't get the chunk play unless you try--but give yourself a chance to regroup and keep moving. Too often this Packers offense doesn't focus on moving the chains.
Guam
November 17, 2025 at 08:23 am
"Too often this Packers offense doesn't focus on moving the chains."
Precisely correct Dobber. There are times to take shot plays, but not on 3rd and 3 when your defense desperately needs a rest. Situational football!!!!! Both LaFleur and Love need to understand that complimentary football is a winning thing..........
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 08:45 am
"Too often this Packers offense doesn't focus on moving the chains."
And too often, the Packers defense can't stop them from moving!
The Giants had endless drives, first downs and 67 plays. They were powered behind one the worst OLs in the NFL. They were led by a reckless QB who hadn't thrown a pass since the preseason, threw the Packers 5 airmailed gifts that they "returned to sender". (And the 2 win Giants were also missing their best RB and WR, both injured)
Tundraboy
November 18, 2025 at 10:03 am
Nailed it. They are always intertwined, especially with our beloved Packers of recent years.
Houndog
November 17, 2025 at 09:41 am
I couldn't have said it better, dobber!
Sure, we all like the 50 yd. touchdown passes, but the entire game rests on moving the chains, even the Giants seemed to know that, MLF, not so much!
T7Steve
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 am
That said, the announcers said again and again during the broadcast how well the Packers were converting 3rd downs and lead the NFL. Pretty good in the redzone too.
Just seems like when they don't convert one it's at the worst possible times like when they need to pay back the D and give them a rest.
21Savage
November 17, 2025 at 09:45 am
For as much as fans disliked the deep pass on 3rd & short, it would have been a gamebreaking play if Watson had just held onto the ball that hit him directly in the hands.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 11:10 am
Another bite by the drop bug.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2025 at 11:18 am
That is true as well savage.
Old.as.Lambeau
November 21, 2025 at 04:03 am
Yup
T7Steve
November 17, 2025 at 07:40 am
I think overlooked play deserving a game ball is in order for some field flipping 60+ yard punts in poor conditions with less-than-ideal snaps. Those came in key moments when the poor defense had to come right back on the field.
Razer
November 17, 2025 at 07:51 am
Whelan has been a pleasant surprise and a difference maker. European scouting staff has been on fire.
Houndog
November 17, 2025 at 09:43 am
"European scouting staff has been on fire".
Yeah, maybe we should move them back to scouting OL in the U.S.!
LeotisHarris
November 17, 2025 at 08:16 am
Good call, Steve. It's easy to take the guy for granted.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 08:59 am
Whelan did get a game ball from LaFleur in the locker room post game. On a day of poor execution galore, Daniel played incredible football. Had some great plays with his foot and his hands...some great saves on poor PAT snaps too.
Spock
November 17, 2025 at 09:30 am
Beat me to it, L.B. I was about to post the same thing. MLF gave game balls to Whelan, Watson, and E. Williams.
Razer
November 17, 2025 at 07:48 am
Despite the win I can't help but feel like both the luckiest and most ungrateful guy in the world. The Giants controlled that game and if they had Danny DeVito at the helm the outcome would have been much different. I want to say that the defense did a great job but they couldn't get off the field. Inside of the D-line isn't strong enough to collapse pockets so we need to get use to this. Watching our offense miscue and forcing the defense back on the field was disheartening. The third and 3 sideline long ball in swirling winds had me spitting up my beer. I don't get it.
Ultimately we squeaked out a win against a bottom team with a backup QB but a win is a win. And yet I can see Ed Policy flushing both Gutekunst and Lafleur at the end of this season so that a championship caliber team can be built. On to the Vikings.
Cheezehead72
November 17, 2025 at 08:07 am
I agree that Policy needs to get rid of Gute and MLF and I hope he does. I would like to see him change the reporting structure so the HC reports to the GM and the GM hires the HC. If he does not he will have a harder time attracting a very good to excellent GM. After Gute sold the farm on the Parson's trade and putting us in salary cap h--l it will be hard to hire one of the better GMs.
sugarbair
November 17, 2025 at 08:31 am
I agree with you. I just wonder if the roster isn't too bad and just needs a little work. I top GM might like the challenge.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 09:10 am
Without Parson's, the Packers would have lost probably 3 more games and currently sitting outside of the playoff hunt.
The players have a talented team and why they are 6-3-1. They are also less than the sum of its parts and why they are 6-3-1.
So the GM of Player Personnel is responsible for the team playing below expectations? If he were an actual GM in the mold of Wolf or Ted, I would agree.
Gutey does not oversee the coaching operation.
dblbogey
November 17, 2025 at 09:27 am
Packers fans demanding firings. MLF has won 2/3 of his games as head coach. How awful.
Houndog
November 17, 2025 at 09:51 am
Not sure I agree with you, Cheezehead.
Denver sold their souls for Russel Wilson and look how quickly they've rebuilt with a good HC, and then there's the Patriots, with some guys named Vrabel and Wolf!
You've got to pull the trigger sometime.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 10:26 am
"After Gute sold the farm on the Parson's trade and putting us in salary cap h--l it will be hard to hire one of the better GMs."
Proven GMs with a track-record of putting together winners are not just lying around out there out of work, and you don't just hire them out from under other teams. If the Packers look for a GM, they'll be hiring someone who's working under a proven GM and champing at the bit for a shot to make their own calls. I think we make a bigger deal out of the Packers' structure than it will really be.
stockholder
November 17, 2025 at 11:10 am
Gute turned into Sherman.
Where have you been.??
Everyone knew TT was cheap.
Yet- why did TT fire Sherman?
They're stuck with Gute.
And if you fire MLF.
You better trade Love.
The Parsons trade was excellent.
The screw up was Shermans way.
Banks, and moving Jenkins.
And avoiding what was affordable.
Depth, and the DL.
No doubt- players are losing their window.
And injuries are the main ingredient.
Oppy
November 17, 2025 at 07:56 pm
Hey, I'd love to hear from *you* why *you* think TT fired Sherman..
Then, I'll tell you why he *really* fired Sherman.
Quit talking in riddles and just say what you have to say.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2025 at 11:25 am
I’m entirely with Lambeau and Hounddog. The cap is nearly always managed and/or worked around.
If we get a bit more push in the middle, it will release Parsons, Gary, and LVN (when he returns).
Aldo
November 17, 2025 at 08:07 am
Couldn't agree more about the inability of the D line to collapse the pocket. It's frustrating to watch opposing qb's have too much time.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 08:10 am
This comes back to Hafley. He wants to try to get pressure with four and play coverage. He needs to be forcing the issue with his inside playmakers and being less predictable.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 09:25 am
He's going to have to, facing the OL Gauntlet.
6 of the last 7 games are against some of the best OLs this season. Ugly Purple (twice), bares (twice), lions and Broncos have good units. The Ravens OL has not been but far better than the Giants.
21Savage
November 17, 2025 at 09:52 am
I don't know if you've been watching them this year, but the Giants have a top 10 OL in the league. They look worse than they are because Dart has tended to dive headfirst into sacks, but they're a top 5 unit when it comes to run blocking and ranked around 10th in every pass blocking metric. They're no Philly or Denver, but they're right in there with Chicago and Minnesota, and definitely better than Detroit and Baltimore have been this year. Baltimore has actually been one of the worst pass blocking units in the league based on pressures allowed.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 10:17 am
No, have not watched many Giants games this season. I tend not to watch 2 win teams too often unless they play the Packers.
I know going into the season the Giants were viewed as one of, if not the worst OL units in the NFL. If they have been playing better of late, I stand corrected.
Teams with good OLs usually win more than 2 games out of 10...maybe they are turning the corner and the OL Gauntlet actually began yesterday.
The Gauntlet remains.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 17, 2025 at 06:13 pm
OG Runyan still sucks. OK pass pro, crap run blocking
OG Van Roten is okay, not more than that.
OC John Schmitz is okay. Not better than that.
LT Andrew Thomas ($23.5M AAV) is good.
RT Eluemunor is a journeyman. 31 yrs old, 5th team. $7M/year. He would fit on the packers: he can pass block but can't run block worth a damn, like Runyan.
Much better pass blocking team. NYG averages 4.2 yards per carry , a little less than the NFL average. That defense does not help, that is true.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:26 pm
PFF had both Wyatt and Wooden among their lowest rated players. They also had both MLBs in there too. The other player was Enagbare. That says it all. They were overwhelmed by a trio including the supposedly finesse Runyon and Van Roten. Be thankful that wasn’t a top OL or RB. Wooden, Wyatt and Enagbare combined for no pressures and were weak to bad in the run game. Wyatt was the lowest graded run player.
That won’t cut it for any team.
DL Devonte Wyatt: 32.9
LB Isaiah McDuffie: 47.7
DE Kingsley Enagbare: 51.8
DL Colby Wooden: 52.3
LB Quay Walker: 56.8
Thegreatreynoldo
November 17, 2025 at 06:27 pm
Anyone who wants to pay Quay $15M per year is crazy.
McDuffie had the pass interference. GB can't hide him when Quay is out - sooner or later teams make McDuffie play coverage snap.
I wanted to cut Wooden. That was the wrong call because he has been useful and even has had some good games for the Packers. But my heart was in the right place: he should be a reserve and preferably a deep reserve. He does nothing well but is adequate against the run. That does not mean he has any business playing NT. He has no position - no pass rush makes him not a good 3T or DE and he is not big enough to be a NT.
That is brutal for Wyatt. I did not see that bad of a game out of him. He gets moved back too much too often but he probably is GB's best IDL. He should be a pass rush specialist. I hoped he had gotten better against the run this year and maybe he has.
cheezyone
November 17, 2025 at 08:29 am
Razor, I think you meant Tommy DeVito. I don't think Danny DeVito could see over the o-line.
Razer
November 17, 2025 at 08:33 am
Ha, ha you are right. I have Jersey Mike's on my mind.
bjkdad44
November 17, 2025 at 09:45 am
🤣😂🤣
bleedgreen
November 17, 2025 at 05:32 pm
I'm afraid the outcome would have been different if Dart was playing.
bjkdad44
November 17, 2025 at 09:43 am
🙏🏻🤞🏻🙏🏻
Old.as.Lambeau
November 21, 2025 at 04:05 am
I vote for ungrateful.
Guam
November 17, 2025 at 07:53 am
Not entirely sure I agree with the author about the IOL in this game. Most of the Packer rushing yardage seemed to come over the left side of the OL with Banks doing a good job against various NYG DTs. Haven't seen Banks' PFF grades yet, but I will be surprised if he doesn't grade out as a plus run blocker in this game. Rhyan was also decent at center - certainly no worse than Jenkins has been. I agree that Morgan is not a guard in the NFL, I don't think he is strong enough to move NFL DTs. His game is more about quick feet and balance than power. Hopefully he can play tackle against faster, lighter DEs.
Cheezehead72
November 17, 2025 at 08:14 am
I do not know why they seem hesitant on using Brooks to run the ball. He is a better blocker and he is stronger than Wilson and I believe he is just about as fast. The coaches said he is the better all around back between the two.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 09:30 am
Even if Jacobs does not miss a game, Brooks needs more snaps. He blocked a blitzer on one of Love's passes (that were not dropped) for like 6 or 7 seconds. And he can catch and run the ball too.
Why doesn't Gutey use him more?
Houndog
November 17, 2025 at 09:59 am
Gutey's not the coach, but your question fits the Packers in a number of positions. One has to wonder!
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 10:22 am
With no snaps by Lloyd to look at, Wilson is the most explosive back of the three. Brooks is the reliable blocker. He looks heavy-footed to me with the ball in his hands. I think he's a pretty decent pass catcher.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:28 pm
He’s a decent catcher for a RB. He’s not a Jones-like catch threat. He’s by far the least athletic RB. Wilson actually protected well yesterday on several occasions.
Oppy
November 17, 2025 at 08:11 pm
For what its worth- and yes, sample size is a thing- but Brooks' career YPC is 5.2 compared to Wilson's 4.7.
Maybe on paper and to the eye he doesn't look like he has the goods, but on his limited attempts, he's proven to be as productive as Wilson, and as most have stated, he's seemingly a better blocker. At the very worst, the Packers have a viable option if one or the other needs to be moved.
Lloyd is the real question mark. On paper and certainly on his college highlight reels, he's an intriguing back with any touch could be a breakout type skills, but as you've mentioned.. he simply hasn't had any ability to prove he can do it in the NFL. I have been excited to see him get a chance to show his stuff two years running, and been left with nothing to appraise. I hope he gets healthy and can show what he is or isn't before it's too late.
My spidey-seneses are tingling that certain tingle when the Packers draft a player, never get a chance to see him do his thing, release him, and he becomes a star for someone else.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:31 pm
Neither stronger nor as fast or explosive. That’s why they don’t use him as a traditional back except as surprise. He’s a very good protector. He’s not great as a lead blocker unfortunately.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 17, 2025 at 06:36 pm
He gets what is blocked. He is big so he can break a tackle. Never is going to turn a 3 yard run into 10.
TXCHEESE
November 17, 2025 at 08:01 am
I know, Winston gave the Packers the opportunities (5 of them) to make this game a laugher and no one could catch the friggin ball. However he and the Giants receivers made some pretty impressive throws and catches.
I wonder what the odds are on Musgrave running a full 100 yards with a football on whether he would a) trip and fall, b) drop the ball, or c) both. Jeez! Some one need to enroll him in pre-K gymnastics to get some coordination.
Watson is a stud! Wise move by Gute to extend him earlier this year, so he could keep on schedule on not press.
LeotisHarris
November 17, 2025 at 08:25 am
Musgrave with the ball is like one of those little children's toy action figures where you press the base and it collapses. We had a guy on our high school teams, 6'5", could jump and grab the rim from standing, but with a basketball in his hands could not come close to making a shot. He was an outstanding high jumper, too, but holding a basketball was his kryptonite.
It's frightening to think of Musgrave piloting a plane.
I know if our DBs could catch a football consistently, they'd be WRs. Hoping they get hands before Sunday because McCarthy will offer up some INTs. GPG
DoubleJ
November 17, 2025 at 08:47 am
Musgrave was decent in his rookie year and then got the major injury. I feel like he is afraid of re-injuring his kidney (which I totally understand) and due to that he plays scared and has issues. Granted he has never been good at running after the catch.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 09:42 am
After the oft injured Musgrave lacerated kidney, he's been a different football player. Never a physical player, he at least combined his speed and and hands with good fundamental football.
Now he plays timid, unconfident...almost fearful of a coming NFL tackle.
It needs to be Fitzgerald and Whyle now.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:36 pm
Fitzpatrick is not very good as a blocker or as a weapon.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2025 at 11:29 am
Ha—excellent Leotis—musgrave—the broken Transformer.
Major Snafu
November 17, 2025 at 09:36 am
The Vikes will run outside for big gains and McCarthy will have a career day and put the team back in the mix. This is the best D in nfc north and Love will flounder.
Not a Vikes fan at all but they right now are the best team with that D. If they had a QB with all those great receivers things would be very different.
Lions are dead on arrival. Bears d is awful and packers secondary couldn't stop a high school team.
The season really starts now.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 10:07 am
Someone woke up the purple troll.
This sounds like the same kind of rant we get from Linus at the end of the Great Pumpkin.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 08:03 am
"The Packers could move on from Aaron Banks this offseason to the tune about $4 million in savings, although I don't think it's likely that he's gone. But the Packers need answers on the interior."
You can't shitcan everyone unless you feel really good about your depth pieces...and they must not because those guys aren't playing and some are healthy scratches on game day. There are always playable G and especially C available on day 2 of the draft where the Packers will be picking. They knew they'd be turning over OL after this season, and I think they were hoping to be ahead of the curve there with their picks (Morgan, Belton). It's not happened, yet, although Morgan might be as good as Walker at LT...he showed well in camp.
Starting to feel that the Packers missed the boat on not getting Belton practice snaps at RG. Yes, I understand that OTs are more valuable, and that they wanted to give him a chance to focus on the OT positions, but if he could be the mauler he looks like he could be at RG right now, that might help this OL considerably. I still wonder why it's Kinnard and not Belton in the heavy sets...
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 09:55 am
Spot on. My thoughts too.
Anyone who believes Morgan's best position is Guard, please raise your hand. He's a tackle and might be a very good one with focused practice and game actions. At best, he may become an average guard one day but he's the weak link on the OL now and breaks up the play at the snap too often. Not a good development for a line who's 2nd weak link is Rhyan at center.
Belton was a college tackle that scouts profiled to G in the NFL...big maulers who excel at run blocking now but need to develop NFL pass blocking.
Put Belton at G, Morgan at swing tackle.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 10:04 am
"Put Belton at G, Morgan at swing tackle."
If he'd had any significant work at G in camp, yes.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2025 at 11:30 am
Yes!!
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:40 pm
Banks was good yesterday. PFF agreed, awarding him the top (82.1) run block grade while being charged with only two pressures over 33 pass-blocking snaps
If he keeps that up we will be getting our moneys’ worth after all.
HarryHodag
November 17, 2025 at 08:11 am
Like the Lions last year, I'm afraid the Packers will be ground down due to injuries to key players. If Jacobs is gone for a while, and with the continuing loss of Kraft and Jenkins it is less than ideal. Zach Tom has been playing hurt all season as has Banks. If Quay Walker is out for awhile it will certainly hurt the defense. There are other injuries but this is simply a beat up football team. Love also is banged up.
The injury bug quite honestly could derail the season. "The next man up" works only if you have players capable of playing at the highest level. If you look at the Giants, Vikings and Lions games, that's three games in 11 days.
I guess all we can do is hope the back ups can get the team through.
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 08:15 am
"Like the Lions last year, I'm afraid the Packers will be ground down due to injuries to key players. "
We can take consolation in the fact that everyone is beat up. Lots of injuries league-wide this year.
Starrbrite
November 17, 2025 at 08:17 am
I failed to mention a game ball for Willis—outstanding play.
Go Packers!!!
Cheezehead72
November 17, 2025 at 08:17 am
One of the Packers' dropped INT was due to a defender running into the CB.
The second extra point that Havrisik missed was not due to the wind. He hit the ball wrong. He connected with the ball just like many of my drives on the golf course. I am not sure on the first one because I did not look at it as closely.
crayzpackfan
November 17, 2025 at 08:49 am
On one of his kicks the laces were dead center facing him. His foot made contact with nothing but the laces. The snaps were not very good either on kicks and punts.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 10:25 am
It was on the second PAT. Whelan had to catch a terrible snap turning him way off to his right and could barely get the ball down, but did so with the laces dead center, as you state. Hooked it left. First PAT miss was a bad kick, pushed way right.
jannesbjornson
November 17, 2025 at 09:38 am
See the Ball. Be the Ball. Catch the Ball...
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 10:02 am
na-na-na-nanananananana
Ray L 1122
November 17, 2025 at 09:48 am
I watched the 2nd missed XP over again and it looked to me like it came off his foot straight and then curved left which, I would attribute to the wind.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 17, 2025 at 06:42 pm
You should probably open your eyes when trying to hit a golf ball. Just sayin....
TruePackerBacker
November 17, 2025 at 08:49 am
Sigh....
I truly cant wait till this season is over.
TKWorldWide
November 17, 2025 at 09:00 am
1. What is a “pressure sensitive quarterback”?
2. Jugs machine. All day.
Packerpasty
November 17, 2025 at 09:56 am
Only answer I can think of to #1 is Jared Goff...he sucked yesterday against the Eagles and that's what it takes to beat the Lions...pressure ...
LeotisHarris
November 17, 2025 at 10:33 am
Pressure sensitive is a new PFF QB metric. They've also added:
1. Best by date.
2. QBs may be closer than they appear
3. Energy Star Rating
4. Expiration date
Bitternotsour
November 17, 2025 at 10:41 am
well, analytics is a developing science. recent improvements included:
1. wide-eyed/closed eyes
2. celebration style
3. command of AJ Brown
4. tush handles for pushing
5. willingness to disregard coaching
Ferrari-Driver
November 17, 2025 at 09:06 am
Gute drafted Morgan in the first round and Belton in the second round and they should arguably be strong starters for the Packers. Belton is passed over for free agent pickup and Morgan is getting pushed back and run by like a guy who should be on a practice squad.
If Gute has whiffed on both of the highly drafted linemen it is a major cause for concern and the Packers new CEO is likely noting the same things that we are here at Cheesehead TV.
21Savage
November 17, 2025 at 10:00 am
I'm not calling to fire a GM because he whiffed on two draft picks, but it is super concerning that Kinnard is getting snaps over Belton. I guess there's not a whole lot of 2nd round rookies that are able to play major minutes right away on the OL, but you'd think he'd be able to sub in during certain spots when necessary. He shouldn't be straight up unplayable.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:44 pm
Butkus and co have stated that Belton is now exclusively working at LT. Kinnard at right. Maybe Belton could have helped if they’d given him time at RG and Morgan at RT.
21Savage
November 17, 2025 at 03:51 pm
That's interesting considering that it seemed like the lion's share of Belton's training camp and preseason work was coming at RT.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 06:04 pm
Yes. Exclusively really. Then they moved him to left T when RT wasn’t working (why?) and stated that. No more time at RG than Morgan at RT.
lou
November 17, 2025 at 09:40 am
We constantly hear "next man up" but all know why one starts and one sits but that term applies to Willis, what a luxury to have someone that competent to step in. We have been so lucky over the years to have our starting QB stay healthy because of the level of our backups but now have little concern if Love goes down to compete and win. The performance or lack of by Musgrave was embarrasing especially for a #2 draft pick, he made Josh Deguera look like Ketih Jackson.
Major Snafu
November 17, 2025 at 09:45 am
After yesterday, I can see - only if they can get McCarthy going, the Vikes making a charge and winning NFC north. Defense is strong.
Goff has reverted to his Rams form when they decided to dump him. 2 for 18 passing?
Bears D is worse then I thought they were.
Pack in middle right now with an exposed secondary of no body's. McKinney isn't standing around getting errant throws this year. He is just standing around.
Season starts today, things get shaken up.
Vikes get it. Defense keeps you in games and wins games over weak teams..
dobber
November 17, 2025 at 10:11 am
Just wait till next year, Charlie Brown. You'll see! Next year at this same time, I'll find a pumpkin patch that is *real* sincere and I'll sit in that pumpkin patch until the Great Pumpkin appears. He'll rise out of that pumpkin patch and he'll fly through the air with his bag of toys. The Great Pumpkin will appear and I'll be waiting for him! I'll be there! I'll be sitting there in that pumpkin patch... and I'll see the Great Pumpkin. Just wait and see, Charlie Brown. I'll see that Great Pumpkin. I'll SEE the Great Pumpkin! Just you wait, Charlie Brown. The Great Pumpkin will appear, and I'll be waiting for him...
NFLfan
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 am
Jordan has the grace to play with very little sustainable protection. I have to be honest, I sometimes want him on a another team with a proven OL to experience the feeling of a consistent protection. GB has to get brutally honest about it's IOL-how did it happen, who is coaching it, who is responsible for choosing some of these players?
I really don't want to hear excuses from the apologists right now-just no.
NFLfan
November 17, 2025 at 10:06 am
I do hope Willis feels the Love of the fanbase.
LambeauPlain
November 17, 2025 at 11:08 am
There is no bad win in the NFL this season. But could the Packers have won more unimpressively than yesterday?
The drops on offense completely changed the game flow. Whack a mole offense continues. OL does not give confidence but Love does. So there's that. This still feels like "what next?" season.
The Defense was concerning after the gutty performance vs the Eagles.
The late game heroics from Williams and Parsons was impressive and offered some redemption. Had the Defense intercepted the other 4 INTs, Williams still would have had the most difficult takeaway.
Wyatt seemed really slow off the snap yesterday. At times just stopped on the play. Gary needs to get more done as Parsons draws fire with 2x and 3x double teams.
The Giants wanted to play "keep away" and Hafey was content to oblige playing soft zones and keeping eyes on the QB and limit damage. 67 plays and 11 more minutes in TOP but only 20 points kind of worked, but for a takeaway coached team they seem allergic to them this year.
STs, sans Whelan, still looking for acceptability. SMH.
Coldworld
November 17, 2025 at 01:46 pm
Mosby made two really good plays .
Madrcat
November 18, 2025 at 04:04 pm
I've said this all along that RB is not a good ST coach. If MLF is gonna keep another friend who has failed at the job he was hired for, just keep him as the asst head coach and turn over all ST duties to someone with more experience understanding the rule changes and how to utilize the players. Every week ST is giving away points and games.
THESZOTMAN1
November 17, 2025 at 11:21 am
Not a BIG win, but game balls warranted. Love, of course, but give one to Willis as well.
Came right off bench to lead TD drive. 16 yard scramble and Great throw for score.
Might be best backup in NFL. And props to Doubs and Watson, whose circus catch in corner (against Triple coverage) gave us lead. Savion and Golden also showed up. And in a game with more ST snafus, let's recognize Danny Whelan, who bombed that 61 yarder just when we needed it. Best field-flipper we've had and for long time.
Lame calls: As usual, STs. Broadcast suggested missed PATs were bad snaps. Or wind.
Either way those 2 points would have put the game out of reach. Fix this $#@! before we lose a game over it.
The Szotman
J-Rome
November 17, 2025 at 01:05 pm
I had to listen to the game on the radio yesterday, but Larry made it sound like Banks had a pretty good game. The offense looked ( or sounded) better when it didn't have to flow through Jacobs and the passing game attacked the sidelines more. I really like this Love to Watson connection. If Morgan and Musgrave weren't constantly getting trucked out there, maybe we'd have something.
Thegreatreynoldo
November 17, 2025 at 06:48 pm
Banks good - check
Jacobs gone was helpful: that is daft.
Attacking the sidelines: well., they have to, being allergic to the middle.
J-Rome
November 18, 2025 at 10:10 am
Not saying Jacobs being gone is a good thing, but I think LaFleur called the game differently without him and they found some success with that change. My comment had more to do with LaFleur than Jacobs
McD
November 17, 2025 at 02:13 pm
Jordan Morgan is a LT, not an RG. He showed in the pre-season that he is a good LT with great feet. Is Jacob Monk a wasted draft pick? He is on the active roster but does not play and he was drafted as a center. Should they move Tom to center and insert Belton at RT tackle? It seems to me that what they need is to shake things up a bit because the status quo is not working.
stockholder
November 17, 2025 at 07:22 pm
Truthfully Morgan would be better at LT than anywhere.
The problem is Walker has done a decent job.
So is this based on seniority or helping the team?
Or Busting a Top draft pick ?
IMO Walker can play RT or LT.
But the refusal to move Tom is another fear.
Tom could be better at RG.
Especially after they found Rhyan's spot.
Jenkins can only play LG IMO.
So why are promises being kept by Gute?
Banks should not have been signed
unless he was willing to play anywhere.
Rotation on the OL means fresh troops.
NFLfan
November 17, 2025 at 02:37 pm
What I'm noticing in myself and other long-term fans is a resignation. We project quite a bit onto Ed Policy to make bold decisions but as I try read between the lines, from what I can ascertain from his interviews and statements (July 25, "I don't plan to make too many changes" and his on-camera presence I don't think he will veer too far from Murphy's approach. I very much hope I am wrong, though.
I don't watch the games anymore-I do follow the game through CHTV as it is easier to cope. "Misery loves company-lol"
If Policy doesn't make substantive changes, I will not invest my time and energy but I do have soft spots for Jordan Love, Evan Williams, Kraft, Jacobs, Romeo and Watson. It's sad that the adults in charge do not put the team first-it feels more like guys who want to keep their jobs.
stockholder
November 17, 2025 at 07:32 pm
I'd bring in Doug Peterson as a consultant.
The eagles have the most successful franchise
in the last 20 years.
Pick his brain.
He knows why they moved on from him.
And why the eagles offense continues to
be problematic.