The Green Bay Packers crucially defeated the Minnesota Vikings 33-10 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota. With the win, the Packers control their destiny thanks to losses from various other NFC teams. The Packers will have to beat the Chicago Bears at home in week 18 at Lambeau Field.
However, the game’s true story comes from second-year receiver Bo Melton who spent time on the Packers practice squad for most of the year and was activated just two days before Christmas. The Packers were going into the game without 2 of their usual receivers (Christian Watson and rookie Dontayvion Wicks). Instead, Packers’ quarterback Jordan Love started with Jayden Reed, Bo Melton and Romeo Doubs, all wide receivers who are in their sophomore season or in Jayden Reed’s case, his rookie season.
The Packers annihilated their NFC North rivals in purple. Love found Melton 6 times on 9 targets for 105 yards and a touchdown. The other receivers would also make huge contributions as rookie Jayden Reed also made 6 catches for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. Reed would exit the game prematurely with a chest injury. Tucker Kraft also made 6 receptions for 48 yards. Romeo Doubs would provide 3 catches for 28 yards. Love finished the 24/33 with 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Packers won so comfortably that backup Sean Clifford entered the game and threw a 37-yard pass.
This Game Also Demonstrated How Deep The Green Bay Packers Are At Receiver With Bo Melton and Jayden Reed.
Once all the receivers are healthy again, the Packers will have four reliable targets for the young quarterback in Melton, Wicks, Watson and Reed as well as Tucker Kraft, the tight end. Once thing we have seen is how well Love has built chemistry with his teammates and his receivers, in particular. This was exemplified by the reactions to Melton’s 100-yard game last night.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs losing their shit for Bo Melton as he enters the locker room. Watson picked Melton up. Melton, a practice squad elevation, became the Packers’ first 100-yard receiver of the season tonight.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 1, 2024
Romeo Doubs filming Bo Melton’s interview scrum. Never seen Doubs this giddy. pic.twitter.com/kL4a8Hm7EO
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 1, 2024
This type of atmosphere would not have been possible if it weren’t for Jordan Love understanding that the younger players may have a higher level of enjoyment and that they aren’t just in it for money. It has certainly been evident when the Packers take the field each week.
Despite the rocky season so far, the Packers have a chance at the playoffs as a wild card team. As they are currently slated, they would be the 7-seed and play the 2-seed, the Dallas Cowboys. It would be a battle of classic NFC franchises, who have met 8 times prior in the playoffs.
First, the Packers have to beat another team from the NFC North, the team they dislike more than anyone else: the Chicago Bears. While some teams will be resting their starters in Week 18, the Packers and Bears will be having a slugfest in Green Bay, one to make the playoffs, one to keep the other out of the playoffs.
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