Packers score 45, force 4 turnovers in win over Patriots
Green Bay built a 24-7 halftime lead after a first-half interception, while New England set a stadium record for points allowed.
By Bianca Herrera ·
The Green Bay Packers outscored the New England Patriots 45-27 on Sunday, scoring 21 points off four turnovers by the home team. Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score. The victory marks the fifth win in the Packers' last six games.
The defense controlled the first half. Packers safety Xavier McKinney intercepted Drake Maye at the New England 14-yard line on the second play of the game. Love scrambled into the end zone two plays later to put Green Bay up 7-0. The lead grew to 24-7 by halftime after two more Patriots turnovers led to Packers scores. McKinney also recorded a second interception, and Evan Williams had a pick as well.
The offense balanced the air and ground attack. Christian Watson caught seven passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Matthew Golden had 10 receptions for 164 yards and a score. The Packers finished with 478 total yards, their highest output since November 11, 1962. They also rushed for 129 yards, improving on their league-worst average of 60.6 yards per game coming into the contest.
New England fell short despite a strong passing effort from Maye. He completed 21 of 38 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns but threw three interceptions. All three turnovers occurred in the first half. Rhamondre Stevenson, Efton Chism, and Mack Hollins each caught a touchdown pass for the Patriots. Stevenson left the game late in the third quarter with a knee injury after fumbling a ball that set up a Watson score.
The loss set a franchise record for points allowed at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots had not surrendered 45 points in a regular season game since a 45-7 loss to the New York Jets on September 26, 1993. The stadium was packed for a pregame celebration of the 10th anniversary of the team's 2016 Super Bowl win, an event that included a visit from Tom Brady in the broadcast booth.
The game featured several injuries. For Green Bay, linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper left early with a chest injury, and running back Josh Jacobs exited with a hand injury. Wide receiver Bo Melton was evaluated for a concussion. For New England, left guard Ben Brown and left tackle Will Campbell both left with knee injuries, and special teamer Brenden Schooler exited with a hamstring issue.
Watson and Golden became the first Packers teammates to both have 150 or more receiving yards and a touchdown catch since Don Hutson and Andy Uram did so in 1942. The Packers will host Minnesota next Sunday. The Patriots will travel to Germany to play Detroit in Munich next Sunday.
