Tag: Packers

Nov 3, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Lions out-execute Packers for win at rainy Lambeau

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jared Goff completed 18 of 22 passes for 145 yards, connecting with eight different receivers, with a touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday’s rain-soaked 24-14 victory over host Green Bay.

The Lions (7-1) have won three straight games at Lambeau Field and are 5-2 against the Packers under coach Dan Campbell.

The Packers (6-3) had their four-game winning streak snapped.

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love was cleared to play as a game-time decision after leaving the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week in the third quarter with a groin injury.

Love completed 23 of 39 pass attempts for 273 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.

Jahmyr Gibbs, who had six carries for 51 yards in the opening drive of the second half, broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 with 9:32 left in the third quarter, giving the Lions a 24-3 lead.

The Packers had a drive stall at the Detroit 9 in the fourth quarter before scoring on the next drive.

The lead was cut to 24-14 with 3:49 left on Emanuel Wilson’s 2-yard touchdown run followed by a 2-point conversion pass from Love to Christian Watson.

The onside kick attempt was unsuccessful and Detroit ran out the clock.

Green Bay took 7:54 off the clock on the opening drive of the game (63 yards on 14 plays) but was relegated to a 30-yard field goal by Brandon McManus after running back Chris Brooks dropped a pass from Love at the goal line on third down.

The Lions responded with their own time-consuming drive of 7:10 that took 13 plays and was 70 yards.

Amon-Ra St. Brown tied a franchise record set by Herman Moore for catching a touchdown in a sixth straight game on a 3-yard pass from Jared Goff with 14:56 remaining in the second quarter.

Detroit safety Brian Branch was ejected in the second half for an unnecessary roughness penalty after he made helmet-to-helmet contact with Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.

The Lions’ Jake Bates made a 27-yard field goal that increased the lead to 10-3 with 58 seconds left in the half.

Kerby Joseph then snagged his sixth interception of the season and made a 27-yard return for a touchdown that increased the lead to 17-3 with 32 seconds left until halftime.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Reports: Packers QB Jordan Love expected to start vs. Lions

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is expected to start Sunday’s game against the visiting Detroit Lions, multiple media outlets reported on Saturday.

Love was listed as questionable with a groin injury he sustained in the Packers’ 30-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. Fellow quarterback Malik Willis replaced Love in the third quarter and led Green Bay (6-2) to its fourth straight win.

Love did not participate in Wednesday’s practice and was a limited participant in the sessions on Thursday and Friday.

Love completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards with one interception last Sunday. Willis went 4 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Love, who turned 26 on Saturday, has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions in six starts this season.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) chases Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Plenty on the line when Lions visit rival Packers

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Cornerback Amik Robertson expected excitement upon joining the Detroit Lions as a free agent in the offseason.

Now that the excitement follows the surging Lions wherever they go — next stop, Sunday’s showdown at NFC North rival Green Bay — he’s eager to help division-leading Detroit maintain momentum.

“I’ve never been a part of nothing like this, but like I said, we just got to keep going,” Robertson said. “You know how this league is; they love you when you’re winning and you lose a couple games, it’s whatever. So, we just got to keep going and keep our eyes on the prize.”

Detroit (6-1) and Green Bay (6-2) boast the second- and third-longest winning streaks in the NFL at five and four games, respectively.

With the status of Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) uncertain, however, the hosts could face even tougher sledding against a Lions team averaging more than 40 points in its past four games.

Although Green Bay has scored at least 24 points in four straight games (including two games in the 30s), Love feels the attack still can hit its stride.

“I don’t think we’ve played our best performance,” said Love, who didn’t practice Wednesday but said it’s “realistic” he could play against the Lions. “So, we’re definitely still trying to hunt for that.”

After struggling against the Packers for several years, the Lions enter Sunday with a 4-2 record against Green Bay under coach Dan Campbell.

Detroit is coming off a 52-14 home rout of the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, fueled by contributions from all three phases. Quarterback Jared Goff passed for three touchdowns (but just 85 yards) and Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 127 yards and a score to pace the offense, the defense forced four turnovers and Kalif Raymond returned a punt 90 yards for a TD en route to securing NFC special teams player of the week.

Green Bay also has excelled against foes from the AFC South, especially in crunch time. Kicker Brandon McManus, who signed with the Packers in late October, has connected on game-winning kicks as time expired in the past two games, against Houston and at Jacksonville.

Love sustained a groin injury in the first possession against the Jaguars but didn’t leave the game until the fourth quarter. Backup Malik Willis, who started in Weeks 2 and 3 with Love out with a sprained left knee, steered Green Bay to a 30-27 win.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Love’s desire to play and said “we’ll push the envelope” with testing his mobility as the week progresses. Love was one of seven Packers to sit out practice Wednesday. Among the others were running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) and offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins (glute), Rasheed Walker (knee) and Josh Myers — each of whom have started every game this season.

Goff, who rolled his ankle against the Titans, also didn’t practice Wednesday but said “it should be fine” and he expects to return Thursday. Other Lions players missing practice on Wednesday include offensive lineman Taylor Decker (chest) and defensive end Joshua Paschal (illness).

Packers rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper earned NFC defensive player of the week plaudits against Jacksonville, recording eight tackles, a strip sack and a pass breakup.

Detroit and Green Bay each prevailed on the road in last season’s series. The Lions are aiming for their third straight victory at Lambeau Field. That’s been a notable blip for the Packers, who have won 24 of the past 29 regular-season meetings at Lambeau and hold a 104-76-7 edge in the regular-season series overall.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) pursues during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Packers QB Jordan Love (groin) ‘realistic’ to not practice, then play vs. Lions

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love gives himself a “realistic” chance to play Sunday against the visiting Detroit Lions, even if he doesn’t practice all week because of a groin injury.

Love didn’t practice on Wednesday, when he was limited to being a spectator and rode an exercise bike during the stretching period. He had strained his groin and exited in the second half of the Packers’ 30-27 victory last Sunday over the host Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game,” Love said on Wednesday. “Like I said, things happen, if that’s the scenario, I know I’ll be fine. But definitely it’s not the ideal scenario for going into a big week.”

Still, Love called it “realistic” that he could be on the field to face the Lions (6-1), who lead the NFC North by a half-game over the Packers (6-2).

Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur will have something to say about Love playing on Sunday, but as of Wednesday he said it “potentially” could happen.

“He’s moving around better,” LaFleur said. “We’ll see, again, we’ll take it one day at a time. Certainly, yeah, we’ll push the envelope with that. I know he wants to play, but we’ll see where he’s at by the end of the week.”

Love said he will try to get back this week, even though the team has a bye next week. Love understands he has to show LaFleur that he is able to protect himself.

“I think just being able to play, move around in the pocket and not trying to hurt myself further by playing … I think that’s what he means by that,” Love said. “But for me, just being able to move around a little bit and just be myself out there playing and not just trying to be stuck in the pocket not being able to move if I need to move.”

If Love isn’t ready to play, Malik Willis will be behind center. Willis had replaced Love in Weeks 2 and 3 when he was out due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, and the former Tennessee Titan entered in the third quarter last Sunday. Love appeared to get hurt in the first quarter and limped through several series.

Love, who turns 26 on Saturday, has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a co-league-high nine interceptions in six starts this season.

Willis, 25, is 29-of-39 passing (74.4 percent) for 380 yards, three TDs and no picks in four games (two starts) in his first season with the Packers.

Green Bay was without Love at Wednesday’s session as well as running back Josh Jacobs (ankle), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and three starting offensive linemen in left tackle Rasheed Walker (knee), left guard Elgton Jenkins (glute) and center Josh Myers (wrist).

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Report: Packers QB Jordan Love (groin) could play vs. Lions

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An MRI confirmed that Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love strained his groin in the Packers’ win at Jacksonville, the NFL Network reported Monday.

Love’s status is day-to-day and he has a chance to play in Week 9 at home against the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (6-1), per the report.

The Packers improved to 6-2 with Sunday’s 30-27 win over the Jaguars.

Love, who was sidelined for two games earlier this season with a sprained MCL in his left knee, appeared to reinjure the knee while throwing an incomplete pass with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter. He later went into the medical tent and returned to the game.

He limped through several series before the team announced he had a groin injury. He was replaced in the third quarter by Malik Willis, who played the rest of the game and guided the final drive that culminated with Brandon McManus’ game-winning 24-yard field goal as time expired.

Love finished 14-of-22 passing for 196 yards and one interception. Willis went 4 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Love, who turns 26 on Saturday, has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions in six starts this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) walks into the locker room for half time against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

QB Jordan Love exits with groin injury in Packers’ win over Jaguars

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Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love suffered a groin injury and left early in the second half of the Packers’ 30-27 victory over the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Love, who was sidelined for the second and third games of the season with a sprained MCL in his left knee, appeared to re-injure the knee while throwing an incomplete pass with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter. He later went into the medical tent and returned to the game.

He limped through several series before being replaced in the third quarter by Malik Willis, who played the remainder of the game and guided the final drive culminating with kicker Brandon McManus’ 24-yard field goal as time expired.

Love finished 14-of-22 passing for 196 yards and one interception. Willis went 4 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown as Green Bay improved to 6-2.

Selected by Green Bay in the first round (26th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, Love has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a league-leading nine interceptions this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Brandon McManus hits another GW FG as Packers top Jaguars

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Brandon McManus booted a game-winning field goal as time expired for the second straight week, and the Green Bay Packers survived an injury to quarterback Jordan Love in a 30-27 victory over the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

Playing in his second game since signing with the Packers, McManus made a 24-yard field goal to lift Green Bay (6-2) to its fourth consecutive victory. He also kicked a game-winner in his team debut last week against Houston.

Josh Jacobs ran for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries for the Packers. That performance was crucial after Love appeared to aggravate the left knee injury that forced him to miss two games earlier this season, and was visibly limping throughout the second quarter of Sunday’s game.

The Packers later said Love suffered a groin injury.

Malik Willis replaced Love to open the second half and finished the game.

Before exiting, Love completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards and an interception.

Willis threw only five passes in the second half, but completed four of them for 56 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tucker Kraft that gave the Packers a 27-17 lead with 14:06 left in the fourth quarter.

But Trevor Lawrence nearly led the Jaguars (2-6) to what would have been their third win in four games following an 0-4 start.

Lawrence completed 21 of 32 passes for 308 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown.

With 1:48 left in the fourth, Lawrence found tight end Evan Engram for a 14-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 27.

But although the Packers leaned heavily on the running game in the second half, Willis made the one big throw he needed to when he found Jayden Reed deep downfield for a 51-yard gain to the Jaguars’ 15-yard line.

Green Bay picked up one more first down on the ground, setting up McManus’ winner.

Tank Bigsby led Jacksonville’s running game with 78 yards on 18 carries. Brian Thomas Jr. caught three passes for 60 yards and a touchdown that gave Jacksonville a brief 17-13 lead in the third quarter.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Houston Texans on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Packers visit Jaguars in search of fourth consecutive win

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The Green Bay Packers have permitted a mere 54 points during a three-game winning streak that has helped them stay within striking distance in a solid NFC North.

Maintaining that edge will be crucial during their visit Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Packers like their chances.

“We got smart guys, we got instinctual guys, we got guys that can play in different spots, and it’s no lapse,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. “When you’re able to move around all these pieces, you’re able to get creative with the calls and do different things, and it’s been helpful for us.”

All but two of Green Bay’s games have been decided by one possession, including last week’s 24-22 home win against Houston.

New acquisition Brandon McManus sealed the result with a 45-yard field goal as the Packers (5-2) overcame three turnovers.

Green Bay sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times while limiting him to 10-for-21 passing for a career-low 86 yards.

Packers counterpart Jordan Love passed for 220 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions. Increased production from Romeo Doubs, who had eight catches for 94 yards, has helped spark the offense.

“He made some very tough, difficult catches in this last game,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “That’s what we expect from him, and it’s not a surprise. Because we see it all the time in practice, the hours he puts in that nobody sees.”

Back at EverBank Stadium for the first time since a narrow win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, the Jaguars (2-5) are eager for familiarity after splitting a pair of games in London.

Starting the same five players on the offensive line to begin the season has helped with continuity, even as left tackle Cam Robinson was ruled out in the first half of a 32-16 win against the New England Patriots last Sunday.

With Travis Etienne (hamstring) sidelined, the unit helped Tank Bigsby rush for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

“I think when we’re all on the same page, we’re all seeing the same thing,” center Mitch Morse said. “It helps.”

Robinson remained in concussion protocol to start the week. Walker Little slotted in at left tackle for most of the Patriots game as the line remained steady.

“It’s a gradual process,” Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson said. “I do tell the guys we have to coach better and we have to play better. For them it’s repetition. The same five guys playing together and getting more continuity.”

Trevor Lawrence was not sacked while completing 15 of 20 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. He’ll aim for the same efficiency against the Packers.

“I also feel like as an offense we’ve been settling in,” Lawrence said.

Scoring an average of 27.3 points during its winning streak, Green Bay can attest. Still, the Packers appreciate a fresh perspective.

Former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, a longtime friend of LaFleur’s who was fired this month after a 2-3 start, watched Green Bay practice on Wednesday and will offer input in a part-time role.

LaFleur called Saleh an “elite defensive mind” but said he will help on the offensive side of the ball.

Green Bay leads the all-time series with Jacksonville 5-2, with wins in three straight meetings. The past six games have been decided by single digits.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets coach Robert Saleh reacts against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Robert Saleh joins Packers in ‘fluid’ role

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Robert Saleh has joined the Green Bay Packers’ coaching staff less than three weeks after he was fired as the head coach of the New York Jets.

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur said Saleh will work with the Packers in a “fluid” role, per ESPN. That reportedly entails the defensive-minded Saleh offering advice and perspective to Green Bay’s offensive staff, which includes LaFleur, who is in charge of calling plays.

Saleh spent part of Wednesday’s practice watching the Packers’ offense, per ESPN. LaFleur said Saleh will also work with the team on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s game at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

LaFleur and Saleh have long been friends and were graduate assistants together for the Central Michigan University football team in 2004. Saleh helped LaFleur land his first NFL coaching job in 2008, convincing then-Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to hire LaFleur as an assistant.

Saleh was fired by the Jets on Oct. 8, two days after a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London that dropped New York to 2-3.

The Jets entered the season with a presumably solid chance to end a 13-year playoff drought, the longest in the NFL, especially with quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from a torn Achilles he sustained in the 2023 opener.

But the team sputtered over the first five weeks, and the Minnesota loss prompted owner Woody Johnson to fire Saleh after he went just 20-36 over three-plus seasons as head coach. New York is 0-2 under interim coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and has lost four straight games.

The Jets (2-5) and Packers (5-2) do not meet in the regular season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (17) kicks a football during warmups prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Brandon McManus punctuates Packers debut with GW FG vs. Texans

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Newly signed Brandon McManus kicked a game-winning 45-yard field goal as time expired Sunday to lift the host Green Bay Packers over the Houston Texans 24-22.

McManus, who joined Green Bay last Tuesday after the team released inconsistent rookie Brayden Narveson, drilled the winner after the Packers drove 44 yards in the game’s final 1:44.

Houston (5-2) had taken a 22-21 lead the previous possession on Ka’imi Fairbairn’s third field goal of the game, a 35-yarder.

Green Bay (5-2) extended its winning streak to three games while stopping the Texans’ streak at three.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 24 of 33 passes for 220 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Josh Jacobs had 76 yards on 12 carries, and Romeo Doubs finished with eight catches for 95 yards.

Houston running back Joe Mixon rushed 25 times for 115 yards and two TDs. C.J. Stroud was 10-for-21 passing for 86 yards.

Love connected with Doubs for 23 yards on the first play from scrimmage, but Green Bay’s fortune shifted three plays later. Neville Hewitt snagged an interception and returned it 45 yards to the Packers’ 11-yard line.

The hosts limited the Texans to a 23-yard field goal from Fairbairn. After the teams traded punts, the Packers captured their first lead of the afternoon when Love connected with Tucker Kraft for a 14-yard touchdown pass with 13:16 to go in the second quarter.

Houston punted on the ensuing possession but capitalized when the ball hit Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine and the Texans recovered at the Packers 16. The Texans scored two plays later on Mixon’s 2-yard run.

Mixon went for a “Lambeau Leap” celebration after the go-ahead score, but a Packers fan behind the end zone wasn’t having it and shoved Mixon back to field level.

The Packers regained the lead on a 30-yard TD pass from Love to Dontayvion Wicks with 8:51 to go before halftime.

Fairbairn’s 52-yard field goal and Mixon’s 4-yard TD run gave Houston a 19-14 halftime lead.

An 8-yard TD pass from Love to Jacobs with 7:25 left in the third quarter gave Green Bay a 21-19 lead that lasted until Fairbairn’s late go-ahead kick.

–Field Level Media