Jim from Eau Claire, WI
That was the most beautiful, ugly win I have ever seen!
And they all count the same.
Richard from Telford, TN
What is all the angst among fans and media about the Packers playing lousy for three quarters and pulling out a W in the fourth? The Bears did the same thing all last year and were anointed by the media as the rock stars.
That game felt a bit like the law of averages. The Packers let one get away in Minnesota and then snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in New York, er, New Jersey. They are a 1-1 football team right now. Not 2-0 but definitely not 0-2.
Tom from Chesterfield, VA
It's odd how fourth downs have figured so prominently in our first two games. We took points off the board and failed to get a first down on fourth-and-1 against the Vikings and things went south. We stopped the Jets on fourth-and-1 and eventually won in OT. Considering they play for 60 minutes it's telling that close games often turn on a single play.
That's where the games are won. For all the plays Lukas Van Ness made on Sunday, getting that stop at midfield was essential for the Packers surviving to overtime. Again, the Packers got back a piece of what was lost in Minneapolis.
Green Bay Packers EDGE Lukas Van Ness recorded nine tackles, 1½ sacks, three TFLs and four QB hits during the Packers' overtime win against the Jets on Sept. 20, 2026.








































Steve from Rockford, IL
LVN is established as a game-impacter. Dani Dennis-Sutton and Barryn Sorrell are growing fast and need snaps. Brenton Cox Jr. even contributed well with limited chances. How will we ever find snaps for Micah Parsons once he is healed?
As Spoff alluded to, it only widens the scope of the defense once "Uno" is back.
Richard from Caledonia, WI
What we thought was a great sign of growth in this win – was the sideline reaction of team leaders gathering and calling out and motivating each other after a dismal start! Team leadership and ownership is an ingredient that has been lacking early this season! Personally, I would like to have seen a similar reaction from the coaching staff as well!
You never want to see two of your top guys go down like that, especially on the first series of the game. But the Packers pulled together and did what was needed to win. As frustrating as the penalties were, I'm encouraged with how all three phases came together during the comeback.
Mark from Canada
Wes, I HATE eating crow! But I have to admit I really wasn't that excited about getting Skyy Moore at the time. The only thing I (may) have going for me is that NFL's Lance Zuerlein was actually more wrong than I was. My only concern was about ball protection. Lance however said, "Below-average special-teams value if he lands on the bottom end of a roster" in his player analysis for the 2022 NFL Draft. I hope Skyy keeps proving us both wrong for as long as he sees fit! Dude's magic!
I wouldn't put that squarely on Zuerlein's shoulders. Moore talked in the offseason about how uncertain he was about playing special teams at first, but Dave Toub was sold on his potential as a returner. It took a couple years, but Moore has a gift. He's fearless and hits the hole hard once it's there.
Jack from Chicago, IL
Did anyone in II (writers or readers) note Kitan Oladapo made just enough of a key clean block on one gunner during Moore's big punt return and then pick himself up to lead him down the sideline towards the end of the play?
I noticed that, too. Moore effusively praised his blockers on both units for helping create those creases. It's also why I mention how the past few seasons have helped lay the groundwork for special teams. Nick Niemann, Ty'Ron Hopper, Kamal Hadden, and Oladapo weren't here three years ago. Even captain Isaiah McDuffie wasn't the special-teams player that he is today. They're all part of it today.
Peter from Port St John, FL
Good day gents, just my quick observation. The play or action that changed the momentum to swing the Packers' way at the end was Sean Rhyan's discipline – undisciplined hit on the Jets' headhunting No. 44 with that shot on Jordan Love at the goal line. The team rallied behind it and never looked back. Sometimes better than a pep talk. Game ball, Sean Rhyan!
It's part of the job description as an offensive lineman. You must stand up for your quarterback in those instances. I had no doubt Rhyan would be first in the fray, but it was great seeing Jager Burton get after Jamien Sherwood, too. Those moments reveal a team's character and chemistry.
David from De Pere, WI
Lots of great play on defense today and LVN is deservedly getting a ton of love. However, one person who was overlooked was Evan Williams. His amazing pass breakup in the fourth quarter down the right sideline after Keisean Nixon got absolutely toasted (again) saved a huge gain and likely the game. Plus, I don't ever remember hearing Evan Williams and missed tackle in the same sentence
That was a huge moment on a play coming to our side of the field. With the secondary in zone coverage, Williams saw the deep ball developing and closed quickly. The most impressive part was not even the pass breakup, but the patience Williams showed not to arrive too early. He timed his attack perfectly and shut it down. Rangy, rangy play from deep safety.
Samuel from Skokie, IL
The defense and special teams have both played well. The obvious problem is the offensive line. Due partly to injury the current tackles are recent No. 1 and No. 2 draft choices. That seems like what you want to anchor a good offensive line. Lukas Van Ness just started to show his No. 1 pedigree. It seems possible that the tackles still have a chance to improve to play up to their draft status. They have talent. Coach 'em up. Agree?
Every player develops at a different pace, though I feel quite strongly Van Ness would've made a significant impact on last year's defense if it wasn't for that foot injury. But to play is to improve and Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton are going to be doing exactly that. After a long wait, they are going to get a lot of time on task this season. As much as the focus was on the Packers moving Belton from right guard in training camp, the swing tackle role is critical to an NFL team's season. Belton was the next up on both sides and now he is in the fire again. But like Morgan at left tackle, Belton looks his most comfortable at that right tackle spot.
Ryan from Omro, WI
Has cross-training these lineman been responsible for some of these injuries we've seen in past couple years? Feels like we've had some Pro Bowl guards that moved to tackle and their careers have taken a hit as a result.
No. Rhyan has cross-trained more than anyone and he's been Green Bay's most durable offensive lineman. Stuff happens, especially in the trenches.
Bob from Rome, NY
Wes: When watching the live broadcast Sunday and when the announcer started to list all of the injuries on the OL for Packers, I know there is no math in II, but the total came seven and the last substitution was in. As soon as I thought what would happen with another injury, we found out that Tucker Kraft would be the emergency tackle. Is that something that he practices? Thank you and GPG!
I assume Belton would have slid to right guard, Kraft technically would have been the right tackle, and Mark Redman probably helps block the edge. Talking to Rhyan after the game, he couldn't remember ever being part of game where his team ran out of linemen. I know it happened a couple times in the Mike McCarthy era before the NFL modified the gameday roster rules to encourage teams to carry eight O-linemen into games.
Patrick from Burlington, IL
Two things I loved about Sunday – the team didn't quit when faced with adversity, some of it of their own making; all three phases played great in crunch time to get the win. With so many injuries and a short week, how can the Packers get their O-line ready for the Falcons on Thursday?
Get your body right, study the gameplan and get back out there.
Doug from Eugene, OR
Gentlemen, that game went from "Holy (moly) where's the Tylenol" to some Marty Schottenheimer- type "gleams." I felt Matthew Golden had a much larger impact on the proceedings than his stat line would suggest, for example. Looking forward to Thursday, which team has the tougher task in recovery/preparation in your view?
Golden came up big for Green Bay's offense, especially on those gotta-have-'em plays. The fact the Packers are hosting maybe swings the pendulum slightly in their favor, but the Falcons also appear to be getting Michael Penix back.
Craig from Sussex, WI
The new O-lineman, formerly a starter in Cincinnati, has at least experience. Maybe give him a shot.
Depending on the availability of Aaron Banks and Donovan Jennings, John Williams and Travis Glover will need to be ready on Thursday night. They're the next (line)men up.
Monty from Velva, ND
Hey Wes, at risk of sounding like a whiner, do you feel like there are certain teams that are given a bit more latitude in terms of penalties based on their reputation as a team? I have played and coached at the high school and small college level, so I like to think that is not true, but I have seen some really ticky-tacky calls this year while similar things are not called on our opponents. I don't think it's done purposefully, more like a subliminal thing.
I see the argument for Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes getting a little preferential treatment as the faces of the NFL, but the stats are what they are. Nobody has had more accepted penalties against them over the first two weeks than the Packers (26 for 231). They gotta do something about that.
Chili from Muskego, WI
End of regulation, two seconds on the clock, why not try the long FG? Seems like a higher chance of success than the Hail Mary, and it doesn't come with the risk of your QB getting injured behind his Swiss-cheese offensive line. Afraid of a block and return?
Well, who do you think blocks on field goals? What's more, you're telling me you wanted the Packers to attempt the longest field goal in NFL history in the rain while three offensive linemen are unavailable. Bold strategy, Chili.
Darren from Wakefield, MI
Hey Wes, was there any mention after the game on choice of running backs during the game? All three had some good moments. Kaleb Johnson was impressive to me. Did MarShawn Lloyd get a seat after the fumble? Thoughts on the running game?
The running game did just enough to relieve Jordan Love's burden, but the Packers still need more. Introducing Johnson to the offense was a nice wrinkle, though.
Matt from Indianapolis, IN
Was there any explanation on why the Jets decided to take the ball in OT? Wouldn't you want to put your defense out first to see what your approach should be when your offense takes the ball? Packers stop the Jets and Packers knew all they needed was a field goal, which seemed to be a huge advantage. Even in the Chiefs vs. Colts game Patrick Mahomes was trying to convince the Colts to take the ball first in OT. What am I missing?
I wondered that, too, but as Spoff astutely pointed out to me in the press box, Aaron Glenn might have wanted to give his defense a breather after how regulation ended. I was more confused about why the Jets let Green Bay run out the clock at the end of regulation, which allowed the Packers to attempt a Hail Mary without any consequences besides a possible return for a TD.
Lars from Kenosha, WI
I thought the two pass interference calls drawn by Matthew Golden by launching back into the defender were very notable. In the past four to six years, Packers receivers just kept running with the chance the defender could come up with the catch. Great improvement in the Packers' receiving corps!
Not an inconsequential moment. Golden showed focus and physicality fighting to make a play and ultimately causing the referee to throw the flag.
Joel from York, NE
Who would have thought Minnesota would be leading the division this week? But for the Packers, other than needing better O-line play and discipline, the big thing I noticed this year vs. last year is they need to be better on third down.
That is a big one. Green Bay currently sits last in third-down conversions at 19.1%. That's part execution and part penalties.
Josh from Nazareth, PA
Good morning gentlemen, I was at the game yesterday and there was a lot of Green and Gold under those ponchos. My favorite part was the Jets fans booing the "Go Pack Go" chants, making it just a little harder on their offense. I guess we will have to wait and see what this team looks like after wildly different performances Week 1 and Week 2. But it's better than if we had had either of them two weeks in a row.
In pro wrestling, that's called "Getting heat."
Patrick from Oronoco, MN
Good morning Wes, would you please share the name of your friend's New York restaurant? Packer Nation might want to enjoy a good meal while trying to see a Packers employee celebrity at a nearby table!
Via Della Pace in the East Village. My favorite restaurant on this planet and why New York is my favorite NFL road trip. If you ever go, tell Giovanni that Wes sent you.
Dan from Maquoketa, IA
On all the people who want Love to show more emotions, I don't get it. My Danish dad was always cool, calm and collected. He never yelled at me about any of my multiple screwups, but his look of disappointment was devastating and motivating. Infinitely more than the bosses who thought yelling was effective. The only time I remember my dad raising his voice was when his mother came to visit on a football Sunday. She was prattling on when he yelled, "Shut up, the game is on."
Let me get this straight. For years, fans said Rodgers showed too much emotion. Now, Love doesn't show enough. I don't know what to tell you, Goldilocks, other than the chef offers his commiserations for the temperature of the porridge.
Joel from Show Low, AZ
The Packers were the first team to win a game with less than 200 total yards on offense, over 100 yards in penalties, and a negative turnover margin. Let's not push our luck again. Is it October yet?
Hopefully, that superlative stays on a 107-year rotation. Have a good Tuesday.

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