The Green Bay Packers delivered one of their best performances on Thanksgiving, defeating the Miami Dolphins 30-17. All phases of the team—offense, defense, and special teams—contributed to the win, with several standout individual efforts.
Quarterback Jordan Love completed 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, achieving a 129.9 passer rating. It marked his second straight game without a pick and third consecutive game with a passer rating over 100.
Linebackers Isaiah McDuffie and Quay Walker were key on defense, dispelling pregame doubts about their ability to impact the game. Together, they tallied 20 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss.
On special teams, Robert Rochell recovered a fumble in the first quarter, setting up Green Bay’s opening touchdown, while kicker Brandon McManus was flawless on field goals and extra points despite challenging weather conditions.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur Expresses Frustration Over Persistent Problem
Despite the impressive win, it wasn’t a flawless game for Green Bay. The Packers committed seven penalties for 44 yards, several of which reflected a recurring issue plaguing the team all season.
Green Bay’s defensive line continues to struggle with lining up onsides.
According to NFL Penalties, the Packers have been called for defensive offsides eight times this season, leading the league. The average per team is just 3.16. On Thanksgiving, both TJ Slaton (neutral-zone infraction) and Devonte Wyatt (encroachment) were penalized.
Head coach Matt LaFleur, speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber, expressed frustration over the team’s inability to correct this recurring mistake.
“The only thing I would say we have to do a much better job on is we have to make sure we line up onsides. It feels like it’s Groundhog Day,” LaFleur said after the game.
On Monday, he elaborated, saying, “No, it’s really annoying. You’ve got to be conscious. I guess we’ve got to drill it more. I got to get refs out there at practice to tell when a guy’s offsides. I told those guys and, obviously, just telling isn’t enough. We’ve got to start checking with the officials. It’s become such a problem and it’s going to kill us.
“It hurt us yesterday. That is one thing from the defensive side of the ball that we absolutely have to get corrected. Shoot, it gave them an opportunity on the field goal
