The Green Bay Packers may have started the season slowly, but they appear to be rounding into top form with five wins in their last six games. Their latest performance may have been their most impressive, as they went into Foxborough and delivered a 45-27 victory over the defending AFC champion New England Patriots.
While the Packers walked into a raucous environment as the Patriots were celebrating their 2016 championship team, Green Bay took it to the home team from the start. The Packers intercepted Drake Maye on the opening possession of the game, and the Packers paid it off with an immediate touchdown.
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love scored on a 13-yard run up the middle and the Packers had a 7-0 lead at the 1:31 mark of the first period. The Packers were never headed in the game.
Love had a huge game against the Patriots defense. He completed 23 of 29 passes for 372 yards with 3 TD passes and no interceptions. Green Bay wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden both had eye-opening performances. Watson caught 7 of 8 targets for 171 yards and a touchdown, while the explosive Golden caught all 10 of his targets for 164 yards and he also scored a touchdown.
Love was asked about how the Packers offense was so successful with its deep passes throughout the game. “It was flowing,” Love said. “That's what it feels like.”
In addition to the offensive success, the Packers defense also had a remarkable effort. Green Bay intercepted Maye three times, including two by Xavier McKinney and one by Evan Williams. The Packers also forced and recovered a fumble from Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.