Back to winning ways.
The Green Bay Packers returned to winning ways at Lambeau Field with a 27-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was not perfect, but it was professional – and enough to move the Packers to 3-1-1 and back atop the NFC North.
A shaky start, then steady hands
After moving the ball well on the opening drive, quarter back Jordan Love was flushed from the pocket deep into Bengals territory and forced a throw to receiver Romeo Doubs that was intercepted, taking points off the board. It was a risk, but not one I am going to complain about too much.
You want your playmakers to make plays. It is easy to say “throw it away and take three,” but this kind of aggression defines players like Love.
That aside, Love was excellent. He finished with 259 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a completion rate of 73.1%.
His QBR of 101.3 reflected a composed performance, particularly in the second half, where he looked in full control. He also added 26 rushing yards on seven attempts, several of them extending key drives.
Offensive line and early rhythm
The offensive line started slowly as Jordan Morgan and Sean Rhyan rotated snaps. By the second quarter, Morgan had effectively won the job, and the right side – Morgan and Zach Tom – was particularly strong.
Trey Hendrickson’s absence for Cincinnati late in the game certainly helped, but the unit improved steadily as the game went on.
The Packers’ offense dominated most of the game when they were on the field. After a 10-minute Bengals drive ended in a Joe Flacco touchdown pass, Green Bay responded immediately with another Josh Jacobs touchdown.
A promising sign going forward.
Jacobs the engine
Josh Jacobs played through illness but looked superb.
He finished with 93 rushing yards on 18 carries (5.2 per carry) and two touchdowns, and added 57 receiving yards for a total of 150 yards from scrimmage. His second touchdown was built on excellent offensive line work.
His combination of patience and power remains key to the Packers offence as head coach Matt LaFleur continues to put the ball in Jacobs’ hands.
Receiving corps coming together
Matthew Golden caught three passes for 86 yards, showing flashes of real potential, especially on key third downs.
His chemistry with Love grows weekly, and the return of field-stretching receiver Christian Watson could elevate this unit further.
Tucker Kraft added two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. The Packers used him heavily in pass protection early, helping to neutralise Hendrickson before the Bengals pass rusher left injured.
His touchdown grab and run was outstanding – another reminder that he deserves more targets, but also showing his versatility.
Defensive tale of two halves
The defense was dominant early, holding Cincinnati to minimal yardage in the first quarter and looking sharp against the run as the Bengals finished the first half with 0 points.
But the second half told a different story. Joe Flacco’s veteran nous showed with quick decisions, safe throws and an ability to get the ball out fast. Without Devonte Wyatt in the middle, the Packers struggled to stop the Bengals’ run game.
Ja’Marr Chase made several sensational catches, including a crucial touchdown on fourth down, while Tee Higgins caused problems throughout.
Micah Parsons was double-teamed often, limiting his impact. Still, Green Bay finished with five tackles for loss and one sack – not poor, but below their early-season standard.
Small details, big difference
The Packers cut out the penalties that had plagued recent weeks – no needless holding or false starts.
Lucas Havrisik, signed only the day before, made both of his field goals, including one late on to ice the game. Little things like that win games.
Defensively, it was not the best second half, but it never felt like the Packers were in danger.
The offense looked capable of scoring whenever it needed to, even if play-calling was at times conservative. The Bengals’ two-high looks invited the run, and Green Bay obliged.
Verdict
It was not flashy, but it was mature.
The Packers were not great in every phase, yet never looked in doubt. The defense has room to improve, and the offense can still open up more, but there is plenty to like.
For now, the Packers return to the top of the NFC North and prepare for a trip to Arizona with momentum back on their side.
