The Packers Dominate Early and Hold Strong for a Week Six Win Over the Bengals
The Green Bay Packers made a strong return from their bye week with a 27–18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field on Sunday. From the first snap, Green Bay was in control of the tempo of the game on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jordan Love led a strong and hungry offensive plan that kept the Bengals’ defense on its heels throughout all four quarters, while the Packers’ defense played with intensity. The victory was one of the team’s most complete performances of the season, showcased by a perfect day from newly signed kicker Lucas Havrisik and a competitive defensive performance. With the win, Green Bay moved to 3-1-1 on the season and showed clear signs of growth in all three phases of the game.
Love’s day started with some kinks, throwing an early interception on an aggressive attempt down the sideline. Despite the turnover, the Packers’ defense immediately stepped up to protect the endzone. Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary brought pressure on Bengals' newly signed veteran quarterback, Joe Flacco, forcing rushed throws from Flacco and miscues that led to punts. The defense set the tone for the rest of the first half, as the Packers held the Bengals scoreless throughout the first half. Safety Evan Williams played a major role in that success, making key stops in open space and disrupting potential passing lanes, flying around the field, helping Green Bay maintain complete control.
One of the storylines of the week for the Packers came from the kicking group. With veteran kicker Brandon McManus sidelined due to injury, the Packers signed Lucas Havrisik earlier in the week to take on all kicking duties until McManus can return. Havrisik quickly made an impression in his first game with the team, scoring on both field goal attempts and converting all extra point tries. Havrisik’s accuracy and ability to stay calm and focused helped keep momentum in Green Bay’s favor, giving head coach Matt LaFleur a sense of relief, making plays when opportunities arose. After a season filled with inconsistency on special teams, Havrisik’s performance brought both stability and reassurance that the kicking game is in capable hands moving forward.
A surprise in the win was Bo Melton, a player known for his skills on both sides of the ball. Melton, who transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback during the offseason, made a slight and impactful return to offense. Melton caught a short pass for a positive gain, demonstrating his quickness and adaptability in moments he was called upon. Melton also returned a kickoff to around the 30-yard line, setting the offense up with great field position. His performance emphasized the Packers’ emphasis on flexibility and depth, giving them valuable options across multiple position groups as the season continues.
The highlight of the afternoon came in the fourth quarter when tight end Tucker Kraft made a powerful play. On a short catch, Kraft broke through tackles to power his way into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown, diving across the goal line to score on an important drive. The score extended Green Bay’s lead, putting the game out of reach for Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Packers’ defense closed out strong, as Parsons and Gary continued to pressure Flacco into rushed throws and several dropped passes. By the final seconds, Green Bay led through all four quarters, finishing with a 27–18 victory that showcased both physicality and poise coming back from the bye week. Love’s resilience after the early interception, Havrisik’s perfect debut, and the defense’s shutout first half combined to form one of Green Bay’s most complete efforts this season. The win also served as a statement about the team’s adaptability and confidence with a midseason reset. As the Packers prepare for next week, they’ll look to carry the same level of energy and execution that powered them past the Bengals.
