Week 3 didn’t get off to a great start when the Green Bay Packers announced their inactive list for the game against the New Orleans Saints. The Packers would be down multiple key players as wide receiver Christian Watson, running back Aaron Jones, left tackle David Bakhtiari, left guard Elgton Jenkins and cornerback Jaire Alexander were all announced out.
That was a lot of star power to be missing and in the early going it seemed to really impact Green Bay. They slogged through the first half of the game, getting shut out 17-0 as they couldn’t get the job done on their side of the ball.
But, after a scoreless third quarter by both teams, something clicked for the Packers. For how bad the fourth quarter was in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, it was good in Week 3 against the Saints.
New Orleans’s chance of winning went as high as 97.6 in the fourth quarter. But, that didn’t preclude Green Bay from pulling off an impressive come-from-behind victory. The Packers would score 18 unanswered points in the final stanza, scoring on three straight drives before running out the clock with knees at the end.
It was a storybook ending for Love’s first start at Lambeau Stadium, a victory he and the fans will remember forever. He struggled with accuracy again, completing 22-of-44 passes for 259 yards, one touchdown and his first interception, but he got the job done when the team needed it most. He was more involved as a runner this week as well, rushing nine times to lead the team with 39 yards and another score.
It was a balanced attack at wide receiver with Romeo Doubs leading the way with five receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Luke Musgrave led the team with six receptions, turning that into 49 yards.
Defensively, Rashan Gary was a one-man wrecking crew rushing the passer. He was once again on a limited snap count but it didn’t stop him from dominating, racking up 3.0 sacks, three tackles for loss and four total quarterback hits.
The improbable 18-17 victory became a reality when Saints rookie kicker Blake Grupe missed a 46-yard field goal with 1:10 remaining in the game. It was a big win for the Packers, who are now 2-1 and tied for the NFC North division lead. They will be looking to keep the good times rolling in Week 4 when they play on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.
