Jordan Love shines in Packers-Steelers showdown
Jordan Love Leads Packers to Victory Over Steelers
On Sunday night, Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Tucker Kraft on National Tight Ends Day, as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-25. Love, who previously backed up Aaron Rodgers, completed 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards, while Rodgers had 24 completions out of 36 attempts for 219 yards and two touchdowns.
Tucker Kraft had an impressive game, catching seven passes for 143 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His performance highlighted his skills as one of the NFL's top tight ends, with 131 yards gained after the catch. Kraft now has a total of 30 catches for 469 yards and six touchdowns this season.
The Packers' defense also shined, with Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary sacking Rodgers three times in the game. Additionally, the team forced their fourth turnover of the season when linebacker Edgerrin Cooper caused a fumble in the fourth quarter, leading to a recovery by safety Javon Bullard. Despite facing a halftime deficit, the Packers allowed only three points in the second half, excluding a late score by the Steelers.
The Packers' kicker, Brandon McManus, struggled upon his return from injury, missing two field goal attempts in the game. With a 9 of 13 record this season, the team is looking for more consistency from their primary kicker. In McManus' absence, Lucas Havrisik performed well, going 4 of 4 on field goals and setting a franchise record with a 61-yard kick in Week 7.
The Steelers, who aimed for defensive improvement this season, faced challenges containing the Packers' offense. Despite a strong first half defensively, the Steelers struggled in the second half as Love completed his first 20 passes. The team's defense has allowed more than 30 points in four out of seven games this season, highlighting ongoing issues with tackling and defending against tight ends.
As the Steelers continue to address defensive shortcomings, questions remain about their overall performance. While Rodgers' play was a concern coming into the season, the focus has shifted to the team's defensive struggles and offensive inconsistencies. The Steelers have shown effectiveness with balanced play but have faced challenges in passing situations, particularly against strong pass rushes like the Packers'.