The Green Bay Packers came out with a solid game plan headed into their throw down with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. In the first half, everyone fired on all cylinders, and Matt LaFleur’s strategy made itself apparent in the opening drives.
At halftime, Green Bay held a 14-6 lead over the reigning Superbowl champs, keeping Patrick Mahomes limited to no touchdowns and under 150 yards. Before the delay, the Packers also racked up 3 sacks and have constantly put the hurt on Mahomes in the pocket- just like they wanted to do.
Two Solid Drives Push Green Bay Packers To Halftime Lead
The Packers demonstrated the simplest way to beat out the lightning-fast Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of their matchup by slowing the tempo and taking control with the clock. Draining the first half of the first quarter on a 13 play 75 yard capped off by a touchdown pass from Jordan Love set the tone before the Chiefs’ first offensive snap.
Their next drive only ate up 4 minutes off the clock, but the defense was able to rest and regroup with the addition of the break between quarters. Jordan Love has been able to maintain his cool in the pocket and find his targets quickly to keep his defense ready to rock come next drive.
2 impressive drives to start the game. Methodical. Control the clock and LOS. While letting the hunters (defense) rest up fully. That’s the recipe. 👨🏻🍳
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) December 4, 2023
Finding rookie TE Ben Sims and favored receiver Christian Watson for a pair of passing TDs displays Love’s ability to get the ball where it needs to go. He’s found 8 unique targets so far to keep the Chiefs guessing and on their heels.
When facing the Kansas City Chiefs carrying their momentum from last year, picking them apart to find a weakness can be near impossible. However, the Packers seem to have found the chink in their armor during the first 30 minutes of play by getting in Mahomes’ face, allowing the defense to handle the Chiefs’ offensive onslaught in small doses, and by giving Jordan Love time to make plays with his superstars downfield.
If they manage to get find a win here, that’ll be 3 in a row against future heavy hitters in the postseason. A shaky Packers team at the start of the season has matured into a playoff contender should they be able to squeeze in with their hot streak in the late part of the regular season.
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