The Green Bay Packers started their NFL season with a commanding 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in a bruising Thursday Night Football matchup. The Packers' defense stifled the Commanders' offense, holding them to a mere 230 total yards compared to Green Bay's 404. Quarterback Jordan Love led the Packers' offensive charge, throwing for 292 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing a strong start to the season.
Josh Jacobs added another dimension to the Packers' attack, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown, extending his streak of consecutive games with a rushing touchdown to ten. However, the game wasn't without its casualties. Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed suffered a fractured collarbone, sidelining him indefinitely, while Commanders defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. left the game with a quad injury. The injury woes continued for Washington as veteran running back Austin Ekeler suffered what the team fears is a torn Achilles tendon.
The Commanders' offense struggled to gain momentum throughout the game. Jayden Daniels, despite finishing with 200 passing yards, had a disjointed performance under constant pressure from the Packers' dominant defensive line. While Daniels connected with Zach Ertz and Deebo Samuel for touchdowns, these moments were few and far between against a relentless Green Bay defense. The Commanders' offensive line, particularly the right side, struggled significantly, leaving Daniels vulnerable throughout the game.
Meanwhile, the Packers' tight end Tucker Kraft had a breakout performance, catching six passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. His exceptional performance highlighted his potential as one of the league's top tight ends. Micah Parsons also made his presence felt, consistently pressuring Daniels despite a relatively modest box score of two tackles, half a sack, and three quarterback hits. His impact extended beyond the numbers, constantly disrupting the Commanders' offensive rhythm.
The Packers' defense shone brightly, with cornerback Keisean Nixon delivering a standout performance, breaking up five passes. The Commanders' defensive performance was less impressive, marred by missed tackles, busted coverages, and costly penalties. Additional injuries to key Commanders players like John Bates and Noah Brown only compounded their struggles. Despite the Commanders' special teams showing flashes of brilliance, their offense couldn't capitalize on the good field position they provided. The game underscored the stark contrast between the two teams' performance levels, leaving the Commanders with much to improve upon before their next game.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6621429/2025/09/12/commanders-packers-tnf-score-result-takeaways-nfl/
