Love Connects on Three Scores as Packers Halt Panthers at Lambeau
Green Bay's defense held Carolina to 19 points despite a late surge, securing a 27-19 victory on October 29.
By Giulia Marshall ·
Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes to lead the Green Bay Packers past the Carolina Panthers 27-19 on Thursday night at Lambeau Field. The Packers improved their record to 5-3, while the Panthers fell to 3-4. Green Bay allowed three turnovers during the contest but limited the Panthers to 19 points, capping a five-game streak where opponents have failed to score more than 20.
The game began poorly for Green Bay. The Packers fumbled the opening kickoff, which set up a Carolina field goal. Their first offensive drive resulted in a three-and-out. However, Green Bay scored touchdowns on three of their next four possessions to build a commanding lead. Love hit Tucker Kraft for a 12-yard score on a third-and-8 play to take a 6-3 lead after a missed extra point by rookie kicker Trey Smack.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter when Christian Watson made a 53-yard catch that set up a Josh Jacobs touchdown run. Green Bay led 13-10 early in that period. Matthew Golden then caught a 24-yard pass in the left corner of the end zone on third-and-13 to extend the lead to 20-10. Love found Jacobs again at the start of the third quarter to make the score 27-10.
Carolina responded in the fourth quarter. After trailing 27-10 in the third, the Panthers cut the deficit to 27-19 with 5:37 remaining. Bryce Young threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker on a fourth-and-3 play. Young’s subsequent 2-point conversion attempt was incomplete. Carolina regained possession at its own 45-yard line but lost the ball on downs at midfield with 2:41 left on the clock.
The Panthers faced their final chance from their own 20-yard line with 22 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton sacked Young, ending the comeback bid. Love finished the game 30 of 41 for 288 yards. Jacobs rushed for 39 yards on 21 carries and scored on a 4-yard catch and a 1-yard run.
The Packers’ defensive unit sacked Young six times. Safety Javon Bullard called the group special. Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie stated that he believes the sky is the limit for this defense. Young went 23 of 41 for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 81 yards on 22 carries and added a touchdown.
Watson returned to the game after suffering a chest injury during the second quarter. He was taken to the hospital for a CT scan, which showed no internal bleeding, though he did break a rib. Watson recorded eight receptions for 113 yards. Carolina cornerback Will Lee injured his hamstring while diving to make a tackle on the same play and was carried to the locker room. The Panthers already had three other cornerbacks on injured reserve.
The Packers honored former president and CEO Bob Harlan during halftime. His name was unveiled on the northeast façade of Lambeau Field alongside former general manager Ted Thompson. Harlan served as the team’s leader from 1989 to 2008 and died on March 5 at age 89. Several members of the Milwaukee Brewers, including captain Christian Yelich, received an ovation upon arrival at the stadium one day after winning the World Series.
The Panthers will host Denver on November 8. The Packers will play at New England on the same date.
