The Green Bay Packers showcased their strength with a dominant 30-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving Night at Lambeau Field. Capitalizing on the advantage of playing in colder conditions, the Packers controlled the game’s tempo and handed the warm-weather Dolphins a tough loss.
Now 9-3, the Packers have won three straight games and seven of their last eight. They’ll face a significant test on Thursday when they travel to Detroit to take on the NFC North-leading Lions (11-1). While Detroit is determined to make its first Super Bowl appearance, their defense has been hampered by injuries, potentially giving Green Bay an opportunity.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur Matt LaFleur has high confidence in his team, particularly in power running back Josh Jacobs. The former Raider has proven he can handle a heavy workload and deliver in physical situations. Jacobs, who had 26 carries in the Week 12 win over the San Francisco 49ers, continued to be a workhorse against the Dolphins. Despite Miami’s defensive focus on stopping the run, Jacobs still managed 19 carries for 43 yards, adding 4 receptions for 74 yards, including a 49-yard catch that highlighted his athleticism and ability to change direction.
LaFleur praised Jacobs’ resilience and ability to take on heavy contact, responding to a question about how many running backs could handle 49 touches in five days: “Probably only one,” LaFleur said, according to Pro Football Talk.
Green Bay has displayed offensive versatility, especially since Jordan Love took over as quarterback following Aaron Rodgers’ departure. Though the Packers had an up-and-down season in 2023, they finished strong, including an impressive playoff victory against the Cowboys. Green Bay has continued to build on that momentum this year, with Love completing 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions in the win over Miami. Through 12 games, Love has thrown for 2,518 yards, with a 20-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Jacobs, who stepped in for Aaron Jones after Jones’ free-agent move to the Minnesota Vikings, has been a standout performer. With 987 rushing yards on 221 carries and 8 touchdowns, Jacobs has been integral to Green Bay’s offense. While not as much of a receiving threat as Jones, he has still caught 27 passes for 260 yards and 1 touchdown.