Xavier McKinney, Tucker Kraft lead way in L.A. as Green Bay Packers top Rams 24-19

cbarto66 | 10/07/2024

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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.

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Kudos to Amy for making sure that the tickets to the tailgate party were waiting for me at the reception desk! Your personal phone call and text messages went above and beyond customer satisfaction! I can't wait for the 2024 season, rest assured that my go-to Packer's game supplier will be Event USA for a long time.
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-Jean-Pierre Mallette, Montréal, Canada

"Thank you so much Cathy, greatly appreciate your help. As always, EventUSA has been awesome to deal with in booking the Lodge Kohler package for the Tampa Bay Game, particularly for me traveling from Sydney, Australia, it takes the stress out of the booking process. "

-Kayle

"Good Morning, Nicole - Everything you did turned out great. The seats were great. Access to the air conditioned club lounge was great. Lots of Packers fans in the club lounge and overall at the stadium. The tailgate party at the fancy restaurant in the hotel was fabulous. The servers just kept on bringing out different sliders and desserts. Good thing that I got in a 30-minute run along the river in the morning. So, thank you! You may be speaking with me in November if I can work out getting up to Green Bay for a game. It's been too long since my last time. One of the best aspects of this weekend was interacting with so many people from Wisconsin and learning their personal stories of things Packers. And we even met a couple from St. Petersburg, Florida (my home county) and were able to tell them about the Varsity Club tavern and Packers bar in Clearwater where Mark Murphy's mother is in attendance -- very nice lady whose retirement home is in Clearwater, which borders my little city of Dunedin. Pre-COVID, I always went to the Varsity when the Packers games weren't televised locally -- lots of Wisconsin natives there, too + they serve brats and sauerkraut during Packers games. I'm glad that you are working for Event USA. "

-- Martin Lawyer, Dunedin, Florida

"Dennis - I was blessed to join Amy and some of your customers at the Morton's tailgate as well as after the game. She does an amazing job for you. Every single customer I met praised Event USA for being able to arrange the hotel and tickets and fabulous tailgate party in such a quick time. Having been to some great tour tailgate parties in Jacksonville and Kansas City and old San Francisco, a lot can be said of the long-term benefit of having really great tailgate parties. Morton's was probably one of the best - amazing food, patio sitting on the riverfront, walk to stadium, open bar!!! It was first class fun!!!"

-Matt

"Hi Amy- Just wanted to say thank you for making Jacksonville happen! We had a wonderful time and looking forward to more Packers games with Event USA in the future! Even though the game was not what we expected- we are packers fans for life-lol! Go pack go!!"

-Julie Mastrianni

"I want to thank Event USA and in particular Amy Flores for the Jacksonville trip. We have used you before and always were very pleased with the packages you have set up and your service. My son who lives in Charleston, SC and myself who lives in Minnesota, decided we needed to do a guys trip and decided to go through your company to see the opener in New Orleans. I initially called and talked with Amy about some questions I had and booked our trip. After itinerary and info was emailed to us, it soon became apparent that the trip to New Orleans wouldn’t happen. In steps Amy, wondering if we would be interested in Dallas if the game was moved there and a package was set up. Then finally the move to Jacksonville and continued communication from Amy on our interest. It was getting late at that point and I was wondering if she would be able to pull off setting up a package in Jacksonville. She did it. We went to Jacksonville and had a great time. The accommodations and the tail gate were fabulous. If only the Packer team we were hoping for had made the trip. Thank you Event USA and in particular Amy Flores."

-Tom Sohrweide, White Bear Lake, MN

"Thank you for all your help. I had a great time at the Packer-Raider game opening day. I have already begun telling interested Packer fans in Sacramento about your service. The next time I come to Green Bay for a game, I’ll be sure to ask for your help. God bless you and God bless the Green Bay Packers."

-Frank Chavez, Sacramento

"I just wanted to say that I had such a great time. The whole weekend was so much fun. I enjoyed the Player Autograph Party and the tailgate party was just the best. After coming from a country that loves soccer, it was nice to mix with people who have the same interests as me. Thank you once again, Green Bay is one very special place."

-Beverley Moore, Lancaster

"My accommodations at the Best Western Midway were excellent. I was picked up at the airport and returned promptly. No problems at all. Your representative at the hotel on game day was very pleasant and helpful. The tailgate party was super, great food, great drinks and lots of fun. Obviously, Lambeau Field and the game itself was great. I will continue to use Event USA in the future, and I will definitely tell anyone who I come across to give you a call. One last thing, the hospitality I experienced in Green Bay was incredible. I have traveled to many places, and I don’t think there are more friendly people than the people of Green Bay. Thank you again and see you next year!"

-David Anastas, Worchester

"My wife and I booked the tour to Tampa. The trip was so well organized from start to finish. It started with the people in the office with their friendly help over the phone, to receiving the tickets in the mail, and meeting the tour guides with their upbeat personalities. Signs guided us in the airport and information was posted in our motel lobbies to keep us posted. Your people had everything in order. Talk about organization, you had it. Event USA made this a most memorable trip. Thanks for all involved."

-Dick Koerner, Neenah

"I wish to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude for providing my husband and I with, what he refers to as the greatest experience of my life, apart from my wedding day."

-Lara and Matt Appleton, Thornhill, Ontario

"Thanks for all your help, the great tickets and service, and the chance to help me make one of my son’s dreams come true, seeing the Packers playing at home in Lambeau Field."

-Sam Jones, Sedalia

"I just want to thank you for the wonderful job your staff did last weekend for the Packers vs. Lions game. This was our first time utilizing your program and we were not disappointed at all. In fact, we can’t wait to schedule and event for next season’s games. From my first experience with your staff placing my order until the very end at checkout of the hotel, everything was perfect. You truly out-do yourselves to please everyone. Thanks again for making our stay in Green Bay one of the best."

-Kim Ewing and Bruce DeMaine, Ann Arbor

"Thanks so much for the best weekend ever! You not only got us in all the Magazines, TV, WWW pages and even the big screen at Lambeau Field, but Disney World on the side? Nice job – You and your family are top notch – we were on the best tour for the Super Bowl! Seeing the Green Bay Packers win back the Lombardi Trophy was a life long dream of this Packer fan, and you all were so dedicated to the job of taking care of us that, like the Packers, we were a winning team! Keep me on your list."

-William D Lorge, Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly