Love said he appreciated the aggressiveness of his coach’s game plan, praising him for continuing to make big plays.
“It was definitely a really fun game to be a part of,” he said.
Packers receivers Matthew Golden and Christian Watson also deserve their fair share of credit for the offense’s success. They each had at least 160 receiving yards against the Patriots. Watson caught seven balls for 171 yards and a score, while Golden added 10 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Love is on pace to break his career record for passing yards. He has thrown for 4,159 yards in 2022. At his current rate, he will throw for 4,945 yards if he plays in all 17 games.
The Packers were able to light up teams despite an ineffective rushing attack. Green Bay entered Sunday ranked last in expected points added per carry, according to Sumer Sports. The Packers had totaled just 485 rushing yards all season before Sunday’s win, the fewest in the NFL and more than 100 yards fewer than the 31st-ranked Houston Texans.
This means that Love had to carry the offense on its shoulders, and it fulfilled it.
“He stands there, he takes the hits and he always distributes the ball,” LaFleur said, adding that he would agree that Love is playing at an MVP level.
Meanwhile, the defense held up its end of the bargain. Green Bay entered Week 8 ranked in the EPA’s top 10 by defensive play, and it was ranked in the top seven against the run and pass. On Sunday, the Packers forced Maye into one of his worst performances of the season.
After throwing just two interceptions in his last five starts, Maye threw three alone against Green Bay. The Packers now lead the NFL with 13 picks.
There’s no doubt that Green Bay has the talent on both sides of the ball to be formidable in the playoffs, but getting there will be an uphill climb. The Packers came out of Sunday’s game in the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC, with the rest of the NFC North ahead of them and two 5-4 teams that made the playoffs a year ago (the Los Angeles Rams and the defending champion Seattle Seahawks) behind them.
Green Bay will at least have a chance to make up ground in the division next weekend, as they host the first-place Minnesota Vikings.
“We have to be able to regroup,” Love said. “The mindset just has to be complete focus and preparation on Minnesota. It’s all about getting back to work.”
Gn sports
