Green Bay Packers v. Chiefs: Instant Takeaways from Jordan Love’s 1st Start

Outside of the Green Bay Packers defense, it was a very sloppy performance all-around as they suffered their second loss of the season, this time to the Kansas City Chiefs.

As always, here are my instant takeaways from what we just saw from the Green Bay Packers.

– Definitely some jitters and nerves early on for Joran Love. He certainly looked like a deer in the headlights at times as I imagine things were moving quickly–which to some degree should have been expected.

– Where Love did find some success was off play-action and on boot-legs. He also really found a rhythm in the fourth quarter and it’s not a coincidence that the offensive line was holding up better at that time as well.

– Love tried to target Davante Adams on a few occasions but the two were not on the same page often. They’ve likely had very little practice time together.

– Special teams was an absolute disaster. The Green Bay Packers just cannot find a way to improve in this area. Without those first-half blunders, there is the possibility that at half, the Packers only trail 7-6 or at worse, 10-6. These mistakes played a major role in deciding the outcome of this game.

– For whatever reason, Corey Bojorquez was not spinning the laces away on Mason Crosby’s field goal attempts. Crosby was visibly frustrated.

– With Kylin Hill out, it was Malik Taylor returning kicks and Amari Rodgers was still returning punts–although he shouldn’t be anymore. On that fumble that bounced off Taylor’s foot, Rodgers should have called for a fair catch and he then muffed another attempt. Rodgers has looked uncomfortable returning punts since the preseason.

– The Green Bay Packers’ offense struggled to move the ball for the most part, but one player who did not struggle was AJ Dillon., who averaged almost six yards per rush. Green Bay should have used him more.

– When the offense found success on first and second downs, they were able to move the ball. But on third and longs, Love and the offense was outmatched by this blitzing Chiefs defense.

– Sticking with blitzes, as I just alluded to, Green Bay had no answer for Kansas City’s blitzes–and goodness, did they blitz a lot. But overall, the offensive line did not play well either.

– The Chiefs’ defense knew Green Bay wanted to run the ball and to rely on the quick passing game, so they loaded the box for much of the game.

– What a performance by the Green Bay Packers’ defense. They were the only reason that this game was somewhat close. The Chiefs’ offense averaged less than 4.0 yards per play. This unit was playing fast!

– The linebacker play from Campbell, Barnes, and Burks was fantastic.

– The injuries just keep coming for the Green Bay Packers. Kenny Clark left the game with a back injury while Eric Stokes never played after injuring his knee during warmups.

– The Green Bay offense would convert only two third-down opportunities the entire game, and they didn’t occur until the fourth quarter.

– Kansas City entered the game with the most giveaways in football while Green Bay was tied for third in takeaways. However, they were unable to capitalize on a few opportunities.

– Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill each made plays, but neither took the game over. Hill entered the game fifth among WRs in yards and Kelce first among TEs. Chandon Sullivan continues to play well; he was matched up on Hill often. Kevin King and Rasul Douglas were solid as well.

– Certainly a lot of improvement and room for growth from Love, but it’s only one game in the grand scheme of things.