Finally…the Green Bay Packers are done with their late games (for now), so I can get back to writing these postgame articles from game day. I’m very, very sleepy, and I’m very sleepy during the playoffs. The Packers returned to the playoffs for the second straight year after defeating the New Orleans Saints 34-0. I can’t in good conscience name the losers after such a complete game for the Packers, so let’s take a look at some of last night’s winners.
Winner: RB Room
The Packers had three active running backs yesterday, and all three scored rushing touchdowns. After it became clear that the Packers were going to win the game easily (about midway through the second quarter), Josh Jacobs was phased out of the run game for what appeared to be precautionary reasons. He was replaced by Chris Brooks and Emmanuel Wilson, who combined for 449 rushing yards and one rushing TD in the 2024 season. Last night, the two had 17 carries for 75 yards and two TDs, including Chris Brooks’ first NFL score. Overall, the running back trio finished the night with 144 yards and 3 TDs on 30 carries (4.8 yards average). Josh Jacobs also ended the night with one player locking his arms around Jesus. It’s not an official statistic (yet).
Fun fact: 9 different Packers ran the ball last night! Imagine saying this to a Packers fan in 2012. HC Matt LaFleur was able to do some pretty special things with the team’s run game this season. It was a real difference-maker on offense as QB Jordan Love battled multiple injuries early in the season. season.
Winner: Tucker Craft
There’s not much that hasn’t already been said about Tucker Craft. He showed the ability to create explosive plays with just his powerful little feet. He’s fighting for every yard. His hands became like soccer magnets. And now he’s secretly holding her hand. Craft finished the night catching three of four targets for 63 yards.
The Packers’ roster is full of young, talented names that catch passes, so it feels like Kraft’s name gets lost in the shuffle when talking about playmakers in the NFL. Had he been on a roster with less pass-catching talent, he likely would have approached 1,000 yards this season. We’re lucky to have him in Green Bay.
Winner: Edgerline Cooper
At one point this season, Edgerrin Cooper made the leap from “promising rookie” to “legit stud.” I can’t pinpoint when this happened (I said it because I was very sleepy), but brother, I’m glad to be here.
Cooper was all over the field last night, leading the team with 10 total tackles, including a big tackle for a goal early in the game. He is one of the fastest players on the field and his speed is literally mind-blowing. The flashes of talent we see early in his career indicate a very bright future at the position in Green Bay.
Winner: Keyshawn Nixon
One of my favorite Packers has quietly put together a really great second half of the season. Last night, Nixon quickly got to Saints QB Spencer Rattler and forced a fumble that was recovered by Rashan Gary. The Packers were already in the lead at this point, but defensive plays like this are the perfect way to shift momentum to their side. It was Nixon’s third forced fumble of the season and second in the last five weeks. He also made a nice 38-yard kick return to start the game (I swore he would take this one home).
Winner: Zayn Anderson
I can’t help but talk about this person. After spending four seasons in the NFL, primarily playing special teams, Anderson recorded his first interception as a pro last night. And he almost did it again! For the past two seasons, we’ve been joking about this guy not being real, but then there are flashes of athleticism so random that you can’t help but wonder if he did it by accident. was shown. Before anyone says anything, I know the New Orleans Saints are a stinky, stinky, awful football team. But here a career first is celebrated, and Zayn: you are a winner!
The NFC North is officially out of reach for the Packers, and the battle for the No. 5 seed has begun. Next week, the Packers will face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at the newly changed local kickoff time of 3:25 p.m. In their last matchup, the Vikings narrowly defeated the Packers 31-29. Will part 2 be coming soon? Looking at the Vikings’ remaining schedule for 2024…maybe. Buckle up, everyone!
