The Green Bay Packers saw their three-game winning streak come to a screeching halt on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 14. It wasn’t the best performance the Packers have put forth this season, but enough was done to put the team in a position to win the game late.
Jordan Love and the offense drove the ball down the field for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:33 remaining in the game. A failed two-point conversion left them ahead by only one point, 22-21, as their defense needed only one stop.
As Packers fans have seen way too often, their defense came up short when they were needed most. The Giants moved right down the field, led by undrafted rookie free agent Tommy DeVito, and Randy Bullock knocked through a game-winning 37-yard field goal as time expired.
NFL News & Rumors: Christian Watson, Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers Updates
The scheme that defensive coordinator Joe Barry used on the final drive has come under fire. The Packers played a lot of soft zone and off coverage, allowing the Giants to move the ball freely and get into field goal position.
The inconsistent performances defensively have been frustrating, but the offense also had its shortcomings against New York. Love had been finding his stride the last few weeks, but the injury to wide receiver Christian Watson set things back.
While Love and the team have not blamed injuries for their struggles this season, it is hard to ignore the impact Watson’s absence had on the team. The starting quarterback spoke about it this week, addressing the absence of his No. 1 receiver.
“I think any time you don’t have your best guys out there, it is tough,” Love said when asked about the Christian Watson injury. “But we have had so many reps with other guys in our offense that, I’m comfortable, those guys are comfortable. But like you said, it is really that next man up mentality. But obviously, it’s tough. You always want to have your best guys out there.
“But things happen. It’s football. Injuries happen. You just have to move on, not make excuses about anything. Obviously, get as comfortable as you can throughout the week, repetitions, things like that. Make sure we’re going out there to perform our best.” (H/T Heavy)
NFL News & Rumors: Christian Watson, Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers Updates
The injury could not have come at a worse time. Watson was playing at a high level, catching a touchdown in three straight games and putting together his two best performances of the season.
On top of Watson being out, the Packers were still without starting running back Aaron Jones. He is dealing with an MCL injury and has missed three straight games. Not having him and Watson in the lineup together has limited the upside of Green Bay’s offensive attack this season.
The skill position groups will be something to keep an eye on heading into Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition to Watson and Jones, wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed are banged up. Tight end Luke Musgrave is already on IR, leaving the Packers potentially dangerously short in a must-win game against Tampa Bay.
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