CLOSING CREDIT BELONGS TO LOVE
QB throws clutch TD pass to Doubs to help Packers finally get a ‘W’ in a tight game
GREEN BAY, Wis. — With the Packers down to one healthy running back, quarterback Jordan Love realized Green Bay’s hopes likely rested on his right arm.
Love responded with the best performance of his young career. He threw for 322 yards and found Romeo Doubs for a 24-yard touchdown with 2:33 left to give Green Bay a 23-20 victory over the Chargers on Sunday. It was a milestone rally for a young Packers team that continually had come up just short late in games.
“That’s always in the back of my head, just the past experiences that we’ve had, being in this situation and not capitalizing,” Love said. “Our message was just, ‘Go finish. Go compete. And go be great.’ I think we did that.”
Love went 27-for-40 and became the first Packer to throw for more than 300 yards since Aaron Rodgers had a 341-yard day against the Bears on Dec. 12, 2021.
“I wasn’t aware of that,” Love said. “That’s a pretty crazy stat, to be honest.”
Both teams have struggled in close games. Four of the Packers’ six losses have been decided by a total of 11 points. Five of the Chargers’ six defeats have a combined margin of 14 points.
“It’s tough,” Chargers safety Derwin James said. “We’re playing hard. We’re one or two plays away. Gotta find a way to get it done.”
Chargers coach Brandon Staley bristled when asked again after the game whether he has considered giving up the defensive playcalling responsibilities.
“I have full confidence in our way of playing,” Staley said. “Full confidence in myself as the play-caller and the way that we teach and the way that we scheme. Full confidence in that. We’ve got to bring this group together and do it consistently, and that’s where it’s at. You can stop asking that question. I’m going to be calling the defenses, so we’re clear. So you don’t have to ask that again.”
Both teams suffered significant injuries. Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa was carted off the field with a foot injury on the game’s opening series. Packers running backs Aaron Jones and Emanuel Wilson were carted off the field late in the second quarter, leaving AJ Dillon as Green Bay’s only ballcarrier.
Staley had no update on Bosa’s condition after the game. Jones said initial reports regarding his anterior cruciate ligament were good, though he was awaiting an MRI exam.
“I was feeling like, ‘Man, I can’t catch a break,’’’ Jones said. “But caught a break. Hopefully it’s not anything serious, and I’m back here pretty soon.”
Justin Herbert threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen on third-and-nine to give the Chargers (4-6) a 20-16 lead with 5:24 left. The Packers (4-6) answered on their next series, getting a boost when Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was called for pass interference on a third-and-20 incompletion.
Two plays later, Love found Dontayvion Wicks for a 35-yard gain. Doubs made his touchdown catch two plays after that, snaring the ball as cornerback Michael Davis tried to break up the pass.
Love’s other touchdown pass was an 11-yarder to Christian Watson with four seconds left in the third quarter.
“He showed great poise,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “I think he showed that all game long.”