Packers storm back against the Steelers

Love Outguns Rodgers in 35-25 Win Over Pittsburgh

Aaron Rodgers delivered a stellar performance against his old team on Sunday Night Football, as if there were any doubt he would. Jordan Love delivered a performance reminiscent of early-career, MVP-level Rodgers for a 35-25 Green Bay Packer victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and his former mentor.

“Jordan has worked his ass off to get here,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “He was patient throughout the process. It’s been cool to watch how he’s matured as a young guy coming in here at 21 years old . . . he’s a grown ass man now. You see it in how he carries himself. He’s so confident, a great teammate, encourages other guys, hell of a leader, and has really grown as a football player. He’s so consistent in who he is through good times and bad times.”

The Packers outscored Pittsburgh 28-9 in the second half after trailing 16-7. Green Bay had points on every second-half drive, save for a final possession kneel down.

Love came out of the locker room on another level. He completed 16 straight passes (20 total going back to the first half) and led three straight touchdown drives to flip the game from a two-score deficit to a two-score lead. The third-year starter finished 29-of-37 for 360 yards and three touchdowns – good for a 134.2 passer rating.

“He was on fire, that’s why I kept wanting to throw the football,” LaFleur said.

The first scoring drive nearly ended in a three-and-out, but Tucker Kraft made his biggest play in a career night to keep it alive. The Packers’ four drives to end the first half included two three-and-outs and two missed field goals as another three-and-out from their own 15 down 16-7 stared them straight in the face.

A quick punt appeared certain when Love threw a high, wobbly pass to Kraft, thanks to being tackled when he released the ball. However, Kraft found the ball in the air before the safety guarding him to make the catch, and then rumbled for 44 yards to get the Packers in business. Love connected with Savion Williams on a swing screen for an eight-yard touchdown six plays later, 16-14.

“He (Kraft) was a beast, he was a man possessed,” LaFleur said. “You have to find ways to get him the ball.” Kraft ended the night with seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns for the capstone performance on “National Tight Ends Day.” Next Gen Stats credited Kraft with 131 yards after the catch as he continues to be one of the most lethal players in the league with the ball in his hands.

Be sure to read our full game recap of all of last night’s action!

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Gut Reactions: Packers storm back against the Steelers

CHTV cofounder Aaron Nagler chats with Packers fans worldwide after the team's 35-25 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Packers-Steelers: Game Balls & Lame Calls

For the first time since 1970 (Bart Starr was the QB), the Packers leave Pittsburg with a win. After a half of football that ranked amongst the most frustrating that Green Bay has played all season (which is saying something), Green Bay followed it up with the most dominant all around half of football that we've seen from them since week 2.

The first half was, as we've been used to seeing from Green Bay, a slog. There were offensive line struggles, a cornerback getting picked on, special teams miscues, and a lack of overall cohesion. The Packers were lucky to enter halftime only down nine.The second half really seemed like the moment we've all been waiting for. It all came together. The defense was suffocating, the offense was surgical, and Primetime Packers are still undefeated in the spotlight this season.

This was a hard game to try to pick out individual players from, because the half to half swing was so positively impactful that it wiped out a lot of really, really sloppy performances in that first half (looking at Keisean...). This game will produce a lot of positive momentum moving forward, but it's on the team to make sure it's the second half team that continues to show up, not the first.

Don’t miss this week’s installment of Game Balls and Lame Calls!

Packers Snap Counts Vs. Pittsburgh: Week 8, 2025

The Packers activated WR Christian Watson from injured reserve. They released TE Ben Sims to make room on the roster for Watson. The Packers elevated DE Aron Mosby from the PS for the second time this season. DE Lucas Van Ness (foot), DT Warren Brinson (hamstring), and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) were inactive due to injury. OL Donovan Jennings, OL Jacob Monk, and Kicker Lucas Havrisik were healthy scratches. QB Malik Willis and CB Kamal Hadden were active but did not play.

See who played and how much in the latest Packers Snap Counts.

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The Lass Word: Love Upstages Rodgers

One day, quite possibly in the not too distant future, Aaron Rodgers will stand on the fifty yard line at Lambeau Field, dressed in street clothes, and stare up in the stands as the canvas is lifted to reveal his name on the Green Bay Packers ring of honor.  The crowd will explode in cheers of appreciation for his eighteen year, Hall of Fame, Packer career.  Not every Green Bay fan loves Aaron Rodgers, but you’d be hard pressed to find a fan of the green and gold that does not at least acknowledge he is one of the greatest ever to put on the jersey. 

Heading into Sunday night’s showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, every Packer player expressed nothing but great respect for Rodgers.  Until the game started.  Under constant, intense pressure from the Green Bay pass rush, Rodgers was forced to play little more than checkdown ball.  He was sacked three times, and almost never had a clean pocket.  It was a tribute to his lingering talent that he somehow managed to throw for 219 yards, two touchdowns, and 101.3 rating.  

On this night, in what was supposed to be his night, it was not near good enough.  The center of the stage was stolen by the kid he mentored for three years.  Rodgers was trying to beat the only team in the NFL he had never defeated.  But it turned out to be Jordan Love who had something more important to prove.  And his career night made the statement loudly and clearly.  It’s his legacy now.  His era.  360 yards, three scores, and a 134.2 rating.  At one point, he tied a franchise record by completing 20 passes in a row.   

To be sure, there were times when his receivers made him look good, as when both Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft adjusted their routes to haul in Hail Mary throws downfield.  But Love looked elite in leading his team to five consecutive scoring drives after a sluggish first half.  The Steelers brought a steady diet of blitzes, and Love was constantly making them pay, finding hot receivers for back-breaking gains.  He played with a cool and savvy that reminded you of.....well....Aaron Rodgers.  If Love continues to play like this, he may one day see his own name up on the stadium, next to his mentor. 

The victory assures the Packers of the best record in the NFC for another week.  Losses by the Vikings and Bears provided a little separation within the division…

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