With the season on the line, the Green Bay Packers needed a historic performance from Jordan Love. Without two of his top pass catchers, Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson, it was 'pull a rabbit out of the hat' time for Love and head coach Matt LaFleur.
On primetime, Jordan Love answered the call with the entire country watching. Against a top ten NFL defense, Jordan Love produced his most impressive game of the year. Backed by an almost perfect performance from the Green Bay defense, Love powered the Packers to 33 points in a must win game.
Coming into the game there were plenty of questions surrounding the Packers defense, but those were answered quickly. Rookie QB Jaren Hall did very little in the first half, and the Packers forced two early turnovers.
After going into halftime with a commanding lead, LaFleur praised Love for his poise in a very loud US Bank Stadium.
"He's un-flappable," said LaFleur to Melissa Starks at the half.
Without Watson and Wicks, two of his top guys, Love put on a show. LaFleur perfectly balanced the attack between All-Pro RB Aaron Jones and the ever improving right arm of Jordan Love. Green Bay rushed 39 times and passed 34 times in one of the more balanced games of the season for the Packers offense.
Once Brian Flores and the Vikings defense were on their toes, Love attacked. Two passing touchdowns to Jayden Reed and one rushing touchdown from Love later, and the Packers were up 23-3 at the half.
After a depressing first half from the rookie, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell turned to veteran Nick Mullens for a spark. Unfortunately for the Minnesota faithful, Mullens provided absolutely no spark whatsoever.
The only touchdown scored by the Vikings was after a horrific botched punt return from Packers WR Samouri Toure. Following the muff, Minnesota punched it in for six.
Green Bay only allowed 211 yards, just one week after being humiliated by the Carolina Panthers. Veteran DL Kenny Clark attributed the success to a more aggressive style of play.
"Joe B called up some really good blitzes today," said Clark.
While the defense was fantastic, the star of the day was WR Bo Melton. With 105 yards, Melton was the first Packers receiver this season to have 100 yards in a game. Melton has been on and off the practice squad this season with all of the injuries. On Sunday night, New Years Eve, Melton announced himself on a national stage.
Green Bay rises to 8-8, and after a slew of games falling the right way on Sunday, the Packers control their own destiny. Love and company will welcome the Chicago Bears to Lambeau Field for the most important game of their 2023 Season.
Win, and the Packers, somehow, make the playoffs.
Lose, and endure an entire off-season of suffering at the hands of the worst fans in the NFL.
See you at 3:25PM central time next week, ladies and gents.
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