The Green Bay Packers defeated the Miami Dolphins by the score of 30-17 on Thanksgiving night. Despite the 13-point differential, the game was not nearly as close as the final score would indicate. The Dolphins scored a garbage time touchdown on a tipped pass that just happened to land in the hands of Tyreek Hill in the end zone.
As far as their games go for the 2024 NFL season, this win over Miami was truly one of the more complete games Green Bay has played. There were mistakes, obviously, but each phase of the game complimented the others in a way that they had not all year long.
Green Bay Packers Stars From Each Phase vs the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving
Dan Powers
Offense
The Packers offense was led by the brilliant quarterback play of Jordan Love, who looked fully healthy for the first time this season. He completed 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. His 129.9 passer rating was his highest of the season, and marked his third straight game with a rating over 100.
Running back Josh Jacobs carried the ball 19 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. But while his yards per carry was down, he nevertheless wore down the Miami defense and opened up big plays in the passing game. Additionally, he added four receptions for 74 yards, giving him 117 total yards on the day.
Tight end Tucker Kraft led the team in both receptions (six) and receiving yards (78). He now has 36 receptions for 480 yards and six touchdowns on the season.
Defense
Green Bay’s defense went into Thanksgiving day uncertain as to whether or not Isaiah McDuffie would be able to play due to an ankle injury. He ended up playing despite the pain, and it sure was a good thing he did. McDuffie led the team with 10 tackles, broke up a pass on defense, and forced a fumble.
Quay Walker also had a strong performance, his second straight game of stellar play. He also had 10 tackles, two for a loss, and sacked Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on a key goal line stand.
Special Teams
After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur gave the only game ball to special teamer Robert Rochell, who was playing despite losing two of his partners tragically just a few days before. Rochell recovered a fumble on special teams early in the first quarter that set up the Packers’ first touchdown.
Brandon McManus was perfect on his field goals and extra points despite the cold weather, and made a nice tackle in the open field during a kickoff return.
Green Bay Packers Stars Tucker Kraft and Jordan Love Get Include in Jimmy Fallon’s Thanksgiving Monologue
During his monologue on The Tonight Show on Thanksgiving night, host Jimmy Fallon had several NFL players pictures displayed as he made puns about family Thanksgiving dinner using their names.
When Love’s picture came up, Fallon said, “Hey, I like this game, cuz at the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about family, friends and above all, well … my last name.”
For Kraft, Fallon quipped, “My sister brags about her ‘homemade’ mac and cheese every year, but we all know it’s just, well … my last name.”
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