It wasn’t pretty, but Green Bay got back in the win column in Florida this past week.
Led by Jordan Love’s two touchdown passes, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 in Tampa on Oct. 4.
In what has been a recurring scenario for the Packers over the past 10 games, it led its opponent by two scores in the second half. This time though, Green Bay was able to shut the door despite two turnovers in the fourth quarter.
“There were some positive things, but I think that we are never going to be satisfied with scoring 17 points in a game,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “That is just not to our standard, and we have to find ways when we have opportunities in the red area to convert. We can’t be turning the ball over, can’t have penalties.”
The major story surrounding the Packers during the previous week was the three veterans it brought in to help the struggling offensive line. After signing Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton and Kevin Zeitler, it was Tomlinson who was the only one to see the field against the Buccaneers.
Tomlinson, who slotted in at left guard, joined Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Sean Rhyan at center, Travis Glover at right guard and Anthony Belton at right tackle. The quintet put together the best performance up front for the Packers this season as Love was hit just twice and was not sacked. On top of that, Green Bay registered its best rushing day of the season with six players combining for 86 rushing yards.
“I think the O-Line did a great job today,” Love said. “Pass protection. Run game. Obviously just keeping me clean (and) getting me some time. They did a great job and you can feel the difference back there for sure.”
Love finished the game completing 22-of-30 passes for 197 yards and the two touchdowns, while also throwing for one interception.
Christian Watson was the leading receiver for the Packers, hauling in three passes for 47 yards. Despite another dropped pass, Tucker Kraft totaled 42 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Matthew Golden was the other recipient of Love’s two touchdown passes as the Texas alum finished the game with 21 yards on three receptions.
In the run game, Kaleb Johnson led the way for the Packers, as he totaled 42 yards on eight carries. Chris Brooks added another 30 yards on four carries, while MarShawn Lloyd totaled 13 yards on seven attempts.
On the Buccaneers side of the ball, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who started at quarterback in place of an injured Baker Mayfield, completed 19-of-27 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Tight end Cade Otton was the leading receiver, totaling 37 yards on four receptions, while veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin added 31 yards on six receptions. It was running back Kenny Gainwell, who caught Daniels’ lone touchdown pass.
Bucky Irving headed the run game for Tampa Bay, totaling 61 yards on 16 carries, while Daniels finished with 55 yards on eight carries. Sean Tucker added a rushing touchdown.
Despite seeming like the better team on paper, Green Bay was up to its old tricks as two turnovers in the fourth quarter almost cost the team its second win of the season.
With just over nine minutes remaining in the game, Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith forced Johnson to fumble, as Green Bay was just five yards away from scoring. Green Bay’s defense bailed Johnson out though, forcing Tampa Bay to punt just six plays later.
On Green Bay’s next drive, after a 12-yard reception by Lloyd, Love was intercepted by Buccaneers defensive back Jacob Parrish with just under four and a half minutes remaining in the game. Again, the Packers defense was able to get out of the jam, turning the Buccaneers over on downs and essentially icing the win.
While getting back in the win column is certainly a positive, Green Bay may have taken a massive hit, as linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was forced to leave the game with an Achilles injury. After the game, LaFleur was not confident on seeing Cooper back on the field this season.
“I would suspect that, yes,” said LaFleur, when asked if Cooper would be out for the season.
The win brings Green Bay’s record to 2-2, tying it with the Detroit Lions, who lost to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football, in the NFC North.
Green Bay will look to add another win to the record, as it takes on the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field next week.
Bears coach Ben Johnson is a disruptive force in the NFC North. (Greg Mellis | Green & Gold Express)
Caleb Williams checks out the scoreboard in his rookie season. Williams will miss the Week 5 matchup against the Packers due to a hamstring injury. His status is on a week-to-week basis. (Greg Mellis | Green & Gold Express)
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers salutes the fans at the end of his career in Green Bay. (Greg Mellis | Green & Gold Express)
