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By PACKERSNEWS
By RYAN WOOD
Xavier McKinney, Tucker Kraft lead way in L.A. as Green Bay Packers top Rams 24-19
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In a tumultuous week, the Green Bay Packers took care of business Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Packers had a slow start but finished strong in the second half, beating the Rams 24-19 to improve their record to 3-2 this season. Matt LaFleur is now 5-0 lifetime when coaching against close friend and former boss Sean McVay.
After trailing by a field goal at halftime, the Packers led most of the second half. They still needed a defensive stand in the final 2 minutes to seal the victory. Rookie safety Evan Williams got a pass breakup on a Matthew Stafford pass to Rams receiver Colby Parkinson on a fourth-and-5 from the 38-yard line, sealing the win.
Here are some quick observations from the victory:
Xavier McKinney increases interception streak to five straight games to open his Packers career
Xavier McKinney might be the NFL’s best safety right now. Certainly, through five games, it’s difficult to argue against him. McKinney intercepted a Stafford pass in the third quarter, the fifth straight game with an interception to open this season. The pick flipped momentum in a game the Rams led by a field goal at halftime. The Rams were driving near midfield when they faced third-and-10. With pressure in his face from a Karl Brooks inside stunt, Stafford’s pass for receiver Tutu Atwell was overthrown. McKinney smoothly caught the football and returned it 28 yards, setting up a Packers touchdown drive that opened up a 24-13 lead. McKinney had a fumble recovery earlier in the third quarter, sparking the Packers when they trailed 13-10, and all takeaways matter. But McKinney’s interception streak is becoming legendary. McKinney led the NFL in interceptions entering Sunday, and he’ll exit Week 5 retaining that lead in the midst of an incredible streak.
Tucker Kraft blossoming as a star early in his career
The Packers’ offense has some concerns to address when receiver Romeo Doubs returns from his one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team next week. One thing that is very clear in their passing game: tight end Tucker Kraft needs to be spotlighted every week. Kraft had his best game of an impressive, young career Sunday, catching four passes for 88 yards, including a 66-yarder for a score, and two touchdowns. It was the first time in Kraft’s career he’s scored multiple times in a game. Kraft’s movement skills are special for a tight end who stands 6-foot-5, 259 pounds. On his first touchdown, Love found Kraft wide open on the left side, and Kraft outraced the Rams’ defense for the final 50 yards on a 66-yard touchdown. On the next, Love dumped off a short pass to the left on second-and-goal, and Kraft sliced through the defense to find the end zone. Kraft’s ability to turn simple plays into game-changing moments needs to continue being prioritized in the offense.
Rookie Edgerrin Cooper’s role on the rise
After missing most of training camp, Edgerrin Cooper had a slow start to his rookie season as he tried to make up the lost time. It appears the linebacker has made progress. Cooper had his most significant role Sunday, showing his speed can be an asset in the middle of the Packers’ defense. Coordinator Jeff Hafley was creative with his young linebacker, even lining Cooper up over the A-gap in the second quarter. Cooper was in the middle of a five-man defensive line that included three defensive ends (Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness) and Kenny Clark. On the snap, Cooper stunted to the outside and sacked Stafford on third-and-16. The sack knocked the Rams out of field-goal range, forcing a punt. It was Cooper’s first career full sack, though he now has 1.5 through five games after a half sack Week 3 at the Tennessee Titans. Cooper was lauded for his versatility as a pass-rushing linebacker entering the draft this spring from Texas A&M, and he’s shown that early in his NFL career.
Josh Jacobs resumes role as workhorse running back in Packers offense
A week after splitting carries with backup Emanuel Wilson, the Packers ditched their two-tailback system and fed Josh Jacobs throughout Sunday’s win. Jacobs finished with 73 yards on 19 carries, one shy of 20 carries for what would have been only his second game this season. He opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, his first in a Packers jersey, outracing the Rams defense to the right pylon. That 20-carry threshold probably should be a consistent benchmark for this Packers offense. The balance Jacobs provides running the football is essential for the passing game, especially quarterback Jordan Love. Even if Jacobs didn’t quite get to 20, it was a significant improve in their game plan from a week ago, when Jacobs got only nine carries and Wilson got eight. Wilson had only six carries Sunday, a 3-to-1 ratio that fits better than an even split.
Brayden Narveson has best game of his young career, much needed clean slate
For the first time in five games, rookie kicker Brayden Narveson had a clean slate with no asterisk next to his kick. Narveson officially had a clean slate Week 3 against the Titans, but a defensive penalty erased a 48-yard miss that afternoon. There was no miss Sunday in Los Angeles. Narveson made his lone field goal attempt from 46 yards to close the half, pulling the Packers within a 13-10 deficit. He also made all three extra point attempts. Narveson had a rough week last Sunday, missing two field goals in a 2-point loss against the Minnesota Vikings. He could have a game to build on, splitting the uprights on each of his four kicks Sunday.
