With the Green Bay Packers’ 27-13 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Lambeau Field, Green Bay has now won its first home game of the season in 13 years (2013 to 2025), tying the Miami Dolphins (1976 to 1988) for the longest streak of home opener losses in NFL history.
The Packers put together a strong all-around performance. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns and currently leads the NFL in big-time throw rate against the blitz. Edgerrin Cooper ranked second in stops among 362 qualified players.
However, the most critical factor in the win was Green Bay’s offensive line, whose pass protection allowed the aerial attack to flow smoothly.
Green Bay faced a second-and-long on the second play of the game. Love faked the handoff to Josh Jacobs, who helped chip Marcus Davenport on the right side. Aidan Hutchinson attacked the inside but was immediately met by two Packers players. Love had a quiet, calm pocket and found Romeo Doubs to move the chains.
Later on that drive, Green Bay faced a third-and-six from Detroit’s 42. The Lions rushed four, with Alex Anzalone, the Clay Matthews wannabe, stunting inside, but Sean Rhyan met him and then Jacobs. Love again had plenty of time to throw and connected with Matthew Golden, who caught his first career pass. First down, Packers.
Love found Kraft for the touchdown to finish the drive, and Kraft said a few non-friendly words to Brian Branch after the score. Love had a clean pocket again, even though Hutchinson gave Zach Tom some work, but Tom held his ground long enough to give Love the time he needed.
In the second quarter, Love completed his longest throw of the day, a 48-yard pass to Doubs between the safeties. Love took a deep step back as the Lions sent five rushers. Jacobs did a nice job picking up the blitzing linebacker, while Kraft helped Walker on the left side by chipping the edge.
Rhyan had a masterful one-on-one performance, while Banks and Jenkins teamed up on the defensive tackle. Tom had his hands full with Hutchinson again, but managed to hold him off long enough for the throw.
Love’s second passing touchdown of the game came against a five-man rush. Detroit started sending extra blitzers during the drive due to the inability of their four-man rush to generate pressure, but Love stayed clean and delivered a beautiful throw to Jayden Reed for the score.
Green Bay’s offensive line delivered an impressive overall performance, allowing only five pressures, one quarterback hit, and no sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, they ranked as a top-10 unit in pass-blocking efficiency and a top-five unit in fewest pressures and sacks allowed.
Among 69 qualified guards, Rhyan finished as a top-five guard in pass-blocking grade and was one of only 14 guards out of 63 to post a perfect pass-blocking efficiency.
The Packers now face a quick turnaround for a Thursday night matchup against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Zach Tom’s status is in question due to a hip injury, and his chances of playing don’t look great.
Darian Kinnard should be the next man up, though don’t be surprised if the Packers go with Jordan Morgan. Either way, it’s another chance for Green Bay to build on its momentum, especially against a team that ranked in the top ten in pass-rush win rate last year.
