Packers Take Down Former QB and the Steelers in Week Eight
The Green Bay Packers came away with one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 35–25 in Week Eight. In a matchup filled with headlines since it was announced this past offseason, the Packers faced their former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, for the first time since his departure, and Green Bay’s young roster showed they were up for the challenge. The game also marked the long-awaited return of wide receiver Christian Watson, who was activated for the first time this season following his ACL injury last year. Though the Packers were forced to punt on their opening drive, Watson’s involvement was immediately felt as he and Romeo Doubs looked to establish early rhythm with quarterback Jordan Love. On defense, Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary connected for a key third-down sack on Rodgers, forcing the Steelers to settle for a field goal instead of an early touchdown, foreshadowing what was to come in the second half.
Love and the offense quickly responded, leading an impressive drive capped off by a Tucker Kraft touchdown reception, putting the Packers ahead 7–3. Green Bay’s defense continued to apply pressure, starting with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper coming up with a big third-down stop to force a Steelers punt. Late in the first quarter, Love found Kraft again for a 40-yard throw deep into Pittsburgh territory. The Packers, however, were unable to fully capitalize on special teams in the first half, as kicker Brandon McManus, who is making his first appearance in a few weeks after injury, missed a 57-yard field goal attempt. The Steelers turned the good field position into a field goal of their own, cutting the lead to 7–6 early in the second quarter. Despite strong defensive plays by Kingsley Enagbare, the Steelers settled for another field goal, going ahead 9-7. Green Bay’s offense was unable to move the chains, resulting in multiple three-and-outs and a punt. A costly pass interference call on Keisean Nixon set up Pittsburgh deep in Packers territory, leading to a late first-half touchdown and a 16–7 hole going into the locker room.
The Packers entered the second half with renewed energy. After forcing a Steelers punt, Love connected with Kraft for a 59-yard throw to set up a first-and-goal situation. Rookie wide receiver Savion Williams ended the drive with his first career touchdown, bringing the Packers within two at 16–14. Though Pittsburgh extended its lead with another field goal, Love’s offense began finding a good rhythm. Using a combination of short passes to Josh Jacobs and deep throws to Matthew Golden and Watson, Green Bay methodically marched down the field. Jacobs eventually powered his way into the end zone for a touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Packers opted to go for two, with Love finding Doubs to give Green Bay its first lead of the game, 22–19.
From there, the defense took over. Parsons and Gary continued to take over up front, forcing quick throws and a Steelers three-and-out. Following a post-play penalty on Pittsburgh, the Packers took off on the short field as Love found Kraft again for his second touchdown of the night, extending the lead to 29–19. McManus added a field goal to make it 32–19, and after a forced fumble by Cooper set up another short field, McManus added on three more points to make it 35–19. The Steelers managed a late touchdown from Rodgers, but the two-point attempt failed, keeping it a two-possession game. With time running down, Green Bay leaned on Emanuel Wilson to run out the clock, sealing a 35–25 win. Against his former mentor, Love showed calmness, strength, and growth, leading an offense that scored on all five of its second-half drives. The defense, led by Parsons, Gary, and Cooper, delivered under pressure, limiting Rodgers’ chances and forcing key mistakes. With Watson finally back on the field, McManus healthy again, and the offense finding its rhythm, the Packers looked balanced, confident, and ready for the second half of the season.
