Category: Green Bay packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass to wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) during the first quarter of their game on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers’ passing attack didn’t quite meet expectations in 2024. Love finished with 3,300 yards and 25 touchdowns, but missed about three games (two due to injury and nearly all of the Bears’ Week 18 game), leaving those numbers in the middle of the pack.

Offensive upgrades are likely a key priority this offseason, and one player is gaining significant attention.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images This offseason, Green Bay will likely focus on available wide receiver Elic Ayomanor from Stanford.

Projected to be a Day 2 pick, Ayomanor is a great fit for the Packers as it allows them to focus on defense in the first round.

Standing at 6-foot-2, Ayomanor is more suited for an outside receiver role, filling a pressing need for Green Bay. Watching his highlight reel, comparisons to Packers legend Jordy Nelson are easy to make. He is an expert route runner with a combination of strength and speed.

In terms of his fit with Green Bay, Ayomanor excels in those areas and is also a tenacious blocker who will fight through defenders and impose his size on them. He would make an excellent Day 2 selection for the Packers.

Oct 21, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) makes a catch against UCLA Bruins defensive back Devin Kirkwood (3) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Packers Oct 21, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) makes a catch against UCLA Bruins defensive back Devin Kirkwood (3) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports Here’s a look at Ayomanor’s collegiate stats:

Receiving Rushing Scrimmage
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Y/R TD Y/G Att Yds TD Y/G Plays Yds Avg TD Awards
2023 Stanford Pac-12 SO WR 12 62 1013 16.3 6 84.4 0 0 0 0.0 62 1013 16.3 6
2024 Stanford ACC SO WR 12 63 831 13.2 6 69.3 0 0 0 0.0 63 831 13.2 6
Career 24 125 1844 14.8 12 76.8 0 0 0 0.0 125 1844 14.8 12
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.

 

Both the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are eager to get their star quarterbacks back for their upcoming wildcard matchup – Jordan Love for the Packers and Jalen Hurts for the Eagles.

Jordan Love vs Philadelphia Eagles
On September 6, 2024, during a loss to the Chicago Bears, Love injured his elbow and experienced numbness in his arm.

“They said it should [go away],” Love explained after the game. “They did. I’m not sure when, but it’s feeling better.”

Meanwhile, Hurts has been sidelined since late December due to concussion protocol and a finger injury.

“Guys, he’s progressing through the protocol,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni mentioned three days ago regarding his quarterback.

Jalen Hurts vs Green Bay Packers
On September 6, 2024, Hurts played against the Packers, but now his status is uncertain as he recovers from multiple injuries.

“We’ve talked a lot about that. I respect your questions. I’m going to answer them all, but yeah, he’s progressing through the protocol,” Sirianni added.

Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts may both play
During Wednesday’s practice, both quarterbacks’ recovery seemed promising for their teams.

Love participated in practice but was limited, as confirmed by Packers coach Matt LaFleur.

“We’ll see, yeah, I’m hopeful,” LaFleur said when asked about Love’s availability for Sunday’s game.

Hurts also took part in Eagles practice and impressed his teammates with his sharp performance despite still recovering from his injuries.

“Obviously he’s been limited physically with some of the stuff he can do,” said offensive tackle Lane Johnson.

“But I think he has been dialed in with what’s coming up in Green Bay. Today we had our first practice back. He was crisp, and efficient. We had a great practice.”

 

Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, had a challenging 2024 season. Despite claiming that his past two years in New York have been “the two best years” of his life, the trade bringing him to the Jets has been a failure. After tearing his Achilles just four plays into Week One in 2023, Rodgers has played far below his Hall of Fame standards in 2024.

In 2024, Rodgers completed 63.0% of his passes for 3,623 yards, 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and an 89.1 passer rating. Over his career, his average over a 17-game season is a 65.1% completion rate, 4,314 yards, 34 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 102.6 passer rating.

Given his disappointing performance, his strained relationship with Jets owner Woody Johnson, and the team’s need for a full rebuild, Rodgers is not expected to return in 2025.

NFL salary cap expert Michael Ginnitti has predicted that Rodgers will retire in 2025. Although Rodgers has stated he is unsure about playing in 2025 and won’t rely on a “darkness retreat” for guidance, he has not committed to either retirement or playing again. If Rodgers were to continue playing, it would not be for the Jets. While other teams might be interested, Ginnitti believes Rodgers will not let them bid for his services.

Rodgers is owed a non-guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025, including a $35 million option bonus due before the regular season starts. Though his $23.5 million cap hit in 2025 isn’t a major obstacle, the Jets are unlikely to continue their relationship with him. The contract includes $49 million of dead cap from previous bonuses, and the Jets may release him in early March, taking on all $49 million. Rodgers would then have the spring to consider his future, likely choosing to retire after 20 seasons.

Rodgers could throw his 500th career touchdown pass on Sunday, making him only the fifth quarterback to reach the milestone. However, he’s stated that if he retires with 499, he won’t lose sleep over it.

Heading into Week 18, possibly his final game, Rodgers is ranked eighth all-time in passing yards (62,678), fifth in passing touchdowns (499), first

 

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are determined to prove they have what it takes to become the first team in Super Bowl history to win three consecutive championships. Achieving this would place them in the same category as the Green Bay Packers, the last team to accomplish the feat in the 1960s.

However, the Mahomes family is currently facing difficult times.

Patrick Mahomes is asking for prayers as his family deals with a serious situation.

The Chiefs are wrapping up 2024 on a strong note with a solid win over the Steelers and securing the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

Though Christmas has passed for the Mahomes family, a close family member still needs prayers. Randi Mahomes shared a message on her Instagram, asking for prayers for her father, who has been facing health challenges. “Asking for prayers for my father,” she wrote in her story.

This post comes three months after Randi shared a photo of her daughter Mia sitting by a hospital bed where Patrick’s grandfather was resting, apparently watching a Chiefs game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“Prayer warriors, please pray for my daddy,” she had written on September 13. “He is in the hospital and is not well.”

The Chiefs’ playoff games will take place at home, and many starters may not need to play in the final regular season game.

Patrick Mahomes understands how crucial this is.

“It’s just going to be nice getting guys healthy,” Mahomes said. “This was the earliest bye I’ve ever had, just in general. To kind of have had this grind of whatever it is, I think we had a bye on Week 6, so it’s like almost 10 weeks of just football and grinding this short schedule at the very end of the year. We had some guys banged up, and to get them back healthy now, we’ll see how Week 18 goes and who plays and who doesn’t play, that’s up to coach, but even getting this little break, getting back healthy, and then getting ourselves ready to go for the playoffs, it was super important, especially with the guys we have banged up.”

The Chiefs have been battling injuries, but the brief break before the playoffs offers hope for a healthier roster.

 

 

The Green Bay Packers wrapped up a playoff berth in decisive fashion by blowing out the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. Up next: a showdown at the Minnesota Vikings.

 

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was given plenty of time by the offensive line again.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was given plenty of time by the offensive line again. / Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / :

The Green Bay Packers dominated the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, cruising to a 34-0 victory.

 

With the win – the Packers’ fifth consecutive game of 30-plus points and the first shutout of the NFL season – they clinched a playoff spot for the second straight year.

 

Jordan Love efficiently led the offense, throwing for 182 yards and one touchdown, while Josh Jacobs added 107 total yards and one rushing touchdown. On defense, Edgerrin Cooper was everywhere, racking up a team-high 10 tackles and setting the tone for a smothering performance against the undermanned Saints.

 

Here’s what went down and what’s ahead for the Packers.

 

Three Keys to Packers’ Win Over Saints

One: The Packers’ offense put on a dominant performance, showcasing its versatility and efficiency on the ground and through the air.

 

Green Bay piled up 189 rushing yards and 216 passing yards, fully exploiting the Saints’ defensive weaknesses. It was a strong performance against a Saints defense that was No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed the last five games.

 

Josh Jacobs led the rushing attack, carrying the ball for 69 yards and scoring a touchdown. Emanuel Wilson stepped up with 52 yards and a touchdown and Chris Brooks contributed with 23 yards and a touchdown, making the ground game a true committee effort.

 

Through the air, quarterback Jordan Love spread the ball around. Jacobs had a team-high four catches. Jayden Reed caught three passes for 76 yards and Tucker Kraft added three receptions for 63 yards.

 

The offensive line did its job, not allowing a sack against a defense that collected eight sacks last week.

 

Two: Jordan Love continued his impressive streak of turnover-free football, now going five consecutive games without throwing an interception.

 

This marks a significant improvement from the first nine starts of this season, during which he threw 11 interceptions.

 

Healthy after battling knee and groin injuries, Love has displayed much better decision-making and accuracy, avoiding risky throws and reading defenses more effectively. His ability to protect the football has been a key factor in the Packers’ recent offensive efficiency.

 

Three: The Packers’ defense was dominant from start to finish, delivering its first shutout since 2021. It completely stifled New Orleans’ shorthanded offense, keeping it off the scoreboard and forcing rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler into a rough outing.

 

The Packers consistently pressured Rattler, making him uncomfortable in the pocket and throwing off the timing of the passing game. Making his fourth NFL start, he completed just 15-of-30 passes and had two turnovers.

 

The defense racked up three sacks, showcasing its ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and control the trenches. Safety Zayne Anderson added a highlight-reel moment, snagging his first career interception in the third quarter, shutting down one of the Saints’ best scoring opportunities. The secondary played tight coverage all night, while the front seven dominated the Saints’ offensive line.

 

Even considering the opponent, this was a statement performance for Green Bay, showing its ability to play complementary football and letting the defense set the tone for the entire game.

 

 

Packers safety Zayne Anderson made a big splash with his first career interception in the third quarter against the Saints.

 

With New Orleans driving toward the red zone, Spencer Rattler took a shot downfield, but Anderson read it perfectly, leaping to pick off the underthrown ball near the end zone. The play kept the Packers’ 24-0 lead intact.

 

Anderson, known mostly for his special-teams work, got the start alongside Xavier McKinney due to injuries to rookie safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard. An undrafted free agent out of BYU in 2021, Anderson had been grinding on practice squads before landing on Green Bay’s roster last year.

 

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Anderson said. “I’ve been going at this for some years now and finally starting to play a little defense. I feel like it’s been a long time coming, but I’ve got to praise God for being with me all throughout these years, and just the opportunity and the coaches giving me this opportunity. So, I’m super-blessed.”

 

 

The Packers’ offensive line has been huge for the team this season, playing a key role in the success on the ground and through the air. Over their last five games, they’ve allowed just three sacks, including zero against the Saints.

 

This strong pass protection has given Jordan Love plenty of time to make plays, and it’s been crucial in the success of the ground game. With the offensive line opening up big lanes, Josh Jacobs and the rest of the running backs have been able to find success, with the Packers’ rushing attack ranking fourth in the league with 147.3 rushing yards per game.

 

The offensive line may not always get the spotlight, but its consistent performance has been vital in controlling the line of scrimmage and helping the offense move the ball. With their nearly flawless pass protection and dominance in the run game, they’ve given Love the time and space needed to lead the offense effectively.

 

Playoff Standings

With their dominant win over the Saints, the Packers clinched a playoff spot for the second straight year and held onto the sixth seed in the NFC.

 

Here are the standings for the three

Tampa Bay and Seattle, both 8-7, are the only other teams in the hunt.

 

With two games remaining in the regular season, Green Bay will be looking to make a push for the fifth seed that’s held by the Vikings, who will host the Packers on Sunday.

 

Minnesota, meanwhile, is chasing Detroit for the NFC North title and No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

The Packers will play the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. The game was flexed from a noon start to a 3:25 p.m. kickoff for Fox’s national broadcast.

 

In their first matchup on Sept. 29, the Vikings stormed to a 28-0 lead. Despite a strong second-half rally by Green Bay, Minnesota’s defense stepped up when it mattered with an interception of Jordan Love and a fumble by Tucker Kraft.

 

The Packers will be looking to avenge that loss and potentially improve their seeding, while the Vikings will be trying to push to the NFC’s top spot. This game could play a huge role in determining both teams’ paths as they look ahead to the postseason.

 

Minnesota is 13-2 and has won eight consecutive games. Over the last six games, Sam Darnold has thrown 15 touchdowns with just one interception and a 113.6 passer rating.

 

This rematch gives Green Bay a shot at redemption and a chance to make a big statement. For the Packers to pull it off, they’ll need their defense to keep Darnold uncomfortable in the pocket while capitalizing on his rare mistakes. Offensively, Jordan Love will be key in setting the tone, especially against a Vikings defense that ranks second in opponent passer rating.

 

 

 

 

 

The Green Bay Packers booked their ticket to the play-offs with a shut-out 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

 

The Packers opened the scoring halfway through the first quarter when quarterback Jordan Love found Dontayvion Wicks in the end zone on a two-yard reception.

 

Green Bay’s rushing weapons then took control of the game in the second – Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks scoring back-to-back touchdowns to put the Packers 21-0 in front at half-time.

 

New Orleans’ defence improved for most of the second half, holding Green Bay to just two field goals, however, Emanuel Wilson’s one-yard rushing score with three minutes left added to the Saints’ humiliation.

 

 

New Orleans’ offence was unable to find its footing in the game with quarterback Spencer Rattler held to just 139 passing yards and an interception, while the Saints only gained 67 yards on the ground.

 

The result guarantees a wild card spot for the Packers, who are sitting third in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers are close to securing a spot in the 2024 postseason. With a 10-4 record, Green Bay will host the New Orleans Saints for Monday Night Football. It’s a “win and in” situation for the Packers, as a victory will guarantee their entry into the playoffs.

Of course, quarterback Jordan Love is a key factor in Green Bay’s success this season. Head Coach Matt LaFleur was taken aback when he learned why some fans believe Love has stepped up his game recently.

“What Is Toyotathon?!” Packers HC Matt LaFleur Puzzled by Jordan Love Report Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates as he runs off the field following the game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates as he runs off the field following the game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic:

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky did a great job explaining the connection between Toyotathon and Love’s performance:

Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) dives into the end zone against Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) dives into the end zone against Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
As the holiday season approaches, so does the NFL postseason, and for Green Bay Packers fans, the Toyotathon has begun.

Toyota’s annual sales event, which runs from mid-November to early January, offers special deals on vehicles. Toyota, the NFL’s official automotive partner since October 2023, has a unique effect on Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who faces the Seattle Seahawks on “Sunday Night Football.”

Love is having another strong season. He has thrown for 2,724 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, a September TikTok highlighted a curious trend: Love’s stats tend to improve during Toyotathon. ESPN’s Mina Kimes also took note of this.

During the eight games last year between November and January, Love posted a 6-2 record, with 2,150 passing yards and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 18-to-1. He’s carried that momentum into this season, with a 3-1 record since November 17, throwing for 904 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception.

Here is a look at Love’s stats this season:

Passing Rushing Date Team Opp Result Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Lng Y/A AY/A Y/C Rate Sk Yds Sk% NY/A ANY/A Att Yds TD Lng Y/A Fmb
2024-12-15 GNB @ SEA W 30-13 20 27 74.1 229 2 7.4 0 0.0 36 8.5 9.96 11.5 123.8 0 0 0.00 8.48 9.96 1 4 0 4 4.0 0
2024-12-05 GNB @ DET L 31-34 12 20 60.0 206 1 5.0 0 0.0 59 10.3 11.30 17.2 111.7 1 7 4.76 9.48 10.43 4 23 0 14 5.8 0
2024-11-28 GNB MIA W 30-17 21 28 75.0 274 2 7.1 0 0.0 49 9.8 11.21 13.0 129.2 0 0 0.00 9.79 11.21 0 0 0 0 0
2024-11-24 GNB SFO W 38-10 13 23 56.5 163 2 8.7 0 0.0 29 7.1 8.83 12.5 107.7 2 7 8.33 5.42 7.84 1 2 0 2 2.0 0
2024-11-17 GNB @ CHI W 20-19 13 17 76.5 261 1 5.9 1 5.9 60 15.4 13.88 20.1 113.0 1 1 5.56 14.44 13.06 4 18 1 13 4.5 0
2024-11-03 GNB DET L 14-24 23 39 59.0 273 0 0.0 1 2.6 41 7.0 5.85 11.9 69.7 0 0 0.00 7.00 5.85 3 0 0 0 0.0 3
2024-10-27 GNB @ JAX W 30-27 14 22 63.6 196 0 0.0 1 4.5 67 8.9 6.86 14.0 73.3 0 0 0.00 8.91 6.86 1 -1 0 0 -1.0 0
2024-10-20 GNB HOU W 24-22 24 33 72.7 220 3 9.1 2 6.1 30 6.7 5.76 9.2 95.5 3 25 8.33 5.42 4.58 0 0 0 0 0
2024-10-13 GNB ARI W 34-13 22 32 68.8 258 4 12.5 1 3.1 44 8.1 9.16 11.7 119.5 0 0 0.00 8.06 9.16 5 13 0 6 2.6 0
2024-10-06 GNB @ LAR W 24-19 15 26 57.7 224 2 7.7 1 3.8 66 8.6 8.42 14.9 95.7 2 22 7.14 7.21 7.04 3 10 0 12 3.3 1
2024-09-29 GNB MIN L 29-31 32 54 59.3 389 4 7.4 3 5.6 42 7.2 6.19 12.2 83.0 1 10 1.82 6.89 5.89 1 6 0 6 6.0 0
2024-09-06 GNB @ PHI L 29-34 17 34 50.0 260 2 5.9 1 2.9 70 7.6 7.50 15.3 83.0 1 5 2.86 7.29 7.14 0 0 0 0 0

 

 

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff tries to evade a Packers defender during Lions’ 24-14 victory on November 3 in Green Bay. Teams meet again Thursday night in Detroit. (USA Today Sports) More

GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 14 THURSDAY PICK

A Game of the Week-caliber, NFC playoffs-caliber matchup launches King Sport’s Week 14 — the last week (Hallelujah!) encumbered by byes. A Packers upset would make it a three-team race for the crown in the rugged NFC North. Detroit is on a 5-1 series run in the rivalry including a 24-14 win Nov. 3. But Green Bay has not lost since then, and also won in the Lions’ lair last season.

No flukes in this matchup, with Lions No. 1 in scoring offense and an underrated No. 2 on defense, and Pack top 10 in both and 4-1 on the road. Both played on Thanksgiving, with Gee Bees looking better than Motown, which barely (bearly?) got past Chicago. Penalties and a pick-six hurt GB in its earlier loss to DET, and Pack will need a cleaner game for the upset here. See Jared Goff and Jordan Love fronting a prime-time shootout — and Lions at home with a small spread to cover too much to pass up.