The Green Bay Packers used an early touchdown pass from Jordan Love and a late touchdown run from Danny Etling to take down the visiting New Orleans Saints on Friday night at Lambeau Field.
It was over when…
… Saints kicker John Parker Romo missed his 35-yard field-goal attempt wide left, giving the Packers the ball back with 1:32 left in the fourth quarter and Green Bay leading 20-10.
Game balls
– QB Jordan Love: He made big throw after big throw, consistently moved the football and didn’t have a turnover. This was a big-time performance from the third-year quarterback.
– LB Isaiah McDuffie: He flew around the field making plays. In the first half, the second-year linebacker ended back-to-back drives with tackles short of the sticks on third down.
– S Micah Abernathy: The newcomer (signed Aug. 10) made a diving interception along the sideline and a smashing tackle for loss on a screen play.
Key stat
178: The Packers rushed for 178 yards, including 61 from quarterbacks Jordan Love and Danny Etling. Etling’s 51-yard touchdown was the only scoring play of the second half.
Best play
Worth another look 👀@RomeoDoubs #GoPackGo
📺: #NOvsGB on Packers TV Network pic.twitter.com/JETq75QBRy
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 20, 2022
Quick takes
– Love was terrific. Once again, the box score doesn’t tell the full story. Drops were an issue, particularly on a few of Love’s best throws. He played decisively, protected the ball and made a handful of big-time throws. Accuracy was a little off on a few missed chances.
– Romeo Doubs was a little up and down again, but the flashes are so bright. His touchdown catch was an awesome play. The rookie is too talented to keep off the field, even if his consistency might be maddening early on.
– Running back Tyler Goodson didn’t start, but he once again showed notable patience and burst on outside zone runs. He finished with 52 total yards on 11 touches, with two plays over 10 yards.
– Tight end Tyler Davis had another penalty and a fumble. He’s playing his way off the roster completely.
– How about the ex-USFL guys? Kicker Ramiz Ahmed made both kicks and both extra points. Safety Micah Abernathy made two big plays, including an interception. Receiver Ishmael Hyman had an 11-yard run. Tight end Sal Cannella rumbled after the catch for 13 yards. And running back Dexter Williams created 24 rushing yards on five carries, including a long run of nine yards.
– Aaron Rodgers said Danny Etling reminds him of former Packers backup Scott Tolzien. That’s a big compliment coming from 12, who loved Tolzien. Etling flashed his impressive speed with a 51-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He’ll have a great chance of sticking on the practice squad as the No. 3 quarterback.
– Amari Rodgers has value as a gadget player, but he’s been disappointing as a pure receiver in the passing game. He caught two passes for just five yards, had one drop on a beautiful ball from Love and then failed to make a contested catch on a later third down. He’s played a ton of snaps, but separation has been an issue.
– Cornerback Kiondre Thomas really battles. He made six total tackles and broke up a pass. His tight coverage kept the Saints out of the end zone late.
– Overall, the special teams were…an adventure. Too many penalties. Too many simple mistakes. However, punter Pat O’Donnell had a nice night (three punts inside the 20), and Ahmed made all his kicks.
What’s next
The Packers will finish the preseason next Thursday night with a trip to Kansas City to play the Chiefs. Some starters could play. Then, it’s onto roster cutdowns and prep for Week 1 in Minnesota.
