The Green Bay Packers have won their third game in a row, none bigger than Sunday night over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers played a complete game and now sit in the seventh spot in the playoffs. The chilly Sunday game was a back-and-forth match, with each team sustaining long drives. A big victory for the Packers, 27-19.
Here are the studs and duds from the Packers vs. Chiefs.
Green Bay Packers Studs
Wide Receiver Christian Watson
Christian Watson just proved to everyone why you must stay patient. He finished with seven catches, 71 yards, and two big touchdowns. How well he blocked in the run game did not show up on the stat sheet. He also had two carries for 15 yards. In the fourth quarter, he pulled up to stay within bounds and looked to have re-aggravated his hamstring. The Packers need him healthy if they want to make a playoff push. Sunday night, he showed the value he brings to the team.
Quarterback Jordan Love
Back to back to back. The Packers have found their franchise guy. Jordan Love went 25/36 for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He looked confident and decisive in the pocket. Nine different Packers caught passes. The most noticeable growth in Love’s game is his consistency and intermediate accuracy. He earned another game ball and led the Packers to their third straight victory.
Safety Darnell Savage
Darnell Savage did not have a huge statistical day but was all over the field. His closing speed was noticeable and significantly boosted the Packers secondary. It was good to see him back, and hopefully, they can get a few more guys back for the playoff push.
Defensive End Lukas Van Ness
Lukas Van Ness is starting to come on late in the season. He had two tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss with two quarterback hits. He was winning the line of scrimmage often in the run game. It won’t show up in the statistics, but he was collapsing the pocket often.
Green Bay Packers Duds
The Left Tackle and Right Guard Rotation
The Packers have been rotating Rasheed Walker and Yosh Nijman at left tackle. At right guard, Jon Runyan and Sean Rhyan have been splitting snaps. Neither guy has shown that they are deserving. Rasheed Walker struggled in run blocking again. Rhyan’s first snap off the bench, he was beaten immediately by Chris Jones.
For the Packers to have a chance in the playoffs, they will need better from these guys. Hopefully, the Packers will decide on two and stick with them to help build continuity across the offensive line.
Green Bay Packers Third Down Defense
It’s hard to pinpoint who was at fault on the third and 18 pickups of Mahomes to Kelce. Mahomes had moved up in the pocket and brought the linebackers up, opening a soft spot for Kelce. Some blame must be put on the three-man rush; letting Mahomes maneuver the pocket will never end well. When the Packers brought four, they were getting home.
Defensive Tackle Devonte Wyatt
This is more of a nitpicking choice. He had a half-sack in the game and did get pressure. His struggles most of the year and what showed up against the Chiefs is finishing plays. He’s been close to making plays but has struggled to seal the deal. As a former first-round pick on the group’s older side, the Packers need more from him.
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