Packers in control vs Commanders

Kraft Leads Pack Over Commanders 27-18

Many Green Bay Packer fans have felt an angst about the lack of a “wide receiver one” in the Jordan Love Era. Few, however, have noticed that a “tight end one” emerged. Tucker Kraft announced his presence as a legitimate, do-it-all tight end with authority in Thursday night’s win over the Washington Commanders, 27-18.

“He’s a guy that approaches the game the right way,” coach Matt Lafleur said, citing Kraft’s growth. “It’s not only on the football field, it’s in every facet of life. He’s a real leader for us.”

Kraft ignited the Packer offense with a 57-yard catch and run which set up the team’s first end zone visit, and effectively sealed the victory by catching Green Bay’s final touchdown of the game. In between those bookend plays, the third-year pro from South Dakota State caught contested third down passes, threw off pesky defensive backs for big run-after-the-catch gains, and buried them into the Lambeau Field turf while run blocking in the open field.

On defense, the Packers once again proved stingy.

The Commanders – led by second year phenom quarterback Jayden Daniels – only had three points entering the fourth quarter. They found some rhythm in the final frame as Green Bay played aginst the clock as much as it did the offense.

“The play style is exactly what we want from these guys,” LaFleur said. “It always starts with the energy and effort – that’s going to get you through and overcome some of the mistakes. I think our players are doing a great job feeding off one another and it’s definitely exciting to watch our defense go out there and perform. They allow us to get up on somebody.”

Micah Parsons led the way in tormenting Daniels as he accounted for eight pressures on 37 pass rushes and a half sack. In total, the Pack sacked Daniels four times, delivered a punishing 12 quarterback hits, and forced more errant throws with its relentless pressure.

Be sure to check out our full game recap!

Gut Reactions: Packers dispatch Commanders with relative ease

CHTV co-founder Aaron Nagler chat with Packers fans worldwide after the team's 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football.

Packers 27 Commanders 18 Game Balls & Lame Calls

Your Green Bay Packers are 2-0, having defeated the 15 win NFC North Champion Detroit Lions and NFC runner up Washington Commanders, and never even really looked tested through any of it. Another dominant performance for the green and gold (or green and white, on Thursday), predicated on a fast start from the passing attack, clock chewing from an effective running game, and a defensive front that, so far, looks like a group of world beaters. That's a formula for an extremely hard team to beat.

It's been as ideal of a start as even the most optimistic fans among us could have expected. The team is on the road for four out of the next five games that they will play, and did exactly what they had to do in order to put themselves in the most ideal position for this road stretch.

Take a look at this week’s Game Balls & Lame Calls. 

Packers Snap Counts Vs. Washington: Week 2, 2025

The Packers elevated OT Brant Banks and CB Micah Robinson from the practice squad. It is the second elevation for Robinson. Brenton Cox was placed on injured reserve. The Packers have an open roster spot. Zach Tom, Aaron Banks, Zayne Anderson, and Bo Melton were inactive due to injury. Brinson and Sims were healthy scratches. Robinson, Donovan Jennings, and Malik Willis did not play. Jayden Reed broke his collar bone early in the game and is expected to be out for 6 weeks or more.

Be sure to find out who played and how much in the latest Packers Snap Counts.

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The Lass Word: Packers Reclaim Lambeau

The Green Bay Packers have now begun the 2025 season with convincing, if not dominating, wins over two of the best teams in the NFC.  A clear shot has been fired across the bow of the conference.  A message has been sent.  An announcement has been made.  The Packers are the team to beat.   

The Washington Commanders are not chopped liver.  They were one game away from the Super Bowl last year, and they added several key pieces in the offseason.  But Green Bay handled them with efficiency and authority, despite missing two starters on the offensive line, and losing one of their best receivers to a shoulder injury on the game’s first drive. 

It is getting harder to find an area of vulnerability on this team.  The defense has been elite.  The Commanders didn’t achieve so much as a first down until the second quarter.  All world quarterback Jayden Daniels felt constant heat and the containment kept him from making big plays with his legs.  Jordan Love threw for just under 300 yards and two scores and led two drives of more than 90 yards.  It was great to see Love play smart, mature football.  He threw the ball away to avoid sacks, he didn’t panic and make bonehead throws, and he had the awareness to take a big sack late in the game to keep the clock running, instead of throwing the ball away which would have stopped the clock. 

The Packers just threw too many weapons at their beleaguered opponent, led by tight end Tucker Kraft’s career high 6 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.  There were big plays up and down the roster.  Perhaps most encouraging was how the offense was able to step back on the gas when Washington closed to within one score in the fourth quarter.  The response was a ten play drive and a touchdown that essentially put the game away.   

The Packers have reclaimed Lambeau Field as their fortress.  The next test is to do it on the road.  Four of the next five games are away from home.  Let’s see if the poise and the passion get on the plane with them…

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