Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers delivered an early-season statement on Thursday night, combining sharp execution on offense with relentless defensive pressure to claim a 27-18 win over the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field.
Love threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball around to overcome injuries on the offensive line and help the Packers improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2020. Coming off a 27-13 victory over the Detroit Lions just four days earlier, Green Bay already owns two wins over playoff teams from last season.
“It’s about starting fast and finishing strong,” Love said after the game. “We know what kind of defense we have, and if we’re efficient on offense, we’re going to be tough to beat.”
The biggest offensive spark came from tight end Tucker Kraft, who had a career night with six catches for 124 yards. Love and Kraft linked up on a game-sealing 8-yard touchdown with 8:57 remaining, stopping Washington’s late push.
Love completed 19 of 31 passes while working behind a shuffled offensive line that was missing starters Zach Tom and Aaron Banks. He also threw a 5-yard touchdown to Romeo Doubs in the first quarter, capping a 96-yard drive that featured a 57-yard strike to Kraft and a 14-yard scramble by Love on third down.
Josh Jacobs added balance in the ground game, rushing 23 times for 84 yards and a 2-yard touchdown. His score finished another long march — this one 92 yards in 10 plays — to stake Green Bay to a 14-0 advantage in the first half.
While Green Bay’s offense delivered timely plays, its defense set the tone. Washington managed only 11 yards in the first quarter and didn’t reach the end zone until the fourth. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was under constant duress, going 24 of 42 for 200 yards with two late touchdown passes — 20 yards to Zach Ertz and 10 yards to Deebo Samuel.
Daniels was sacked four times and pressured throughout, struggling against a Packers front that has made life miserable for opposing passers through two games.
“They were in my face all night,” Daniels admitted. “We didn’t execute the way we needed to, and I’ve got to be better.”
The Commanders not only left with a loss but also with injury concerns. Running back Austin Ekeler injured his right Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter, while defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was carted off with a quadriceps injury in the second. Coach Dan Quinn said afterward he had no immediate update on either player.
Washington also missed opportunities on special teams. Kicker Matt Gay hit a 51-yard field goal but missed from 58 and 52 yards.
The Commanders’ loss extended a decades-long drought in Wisconsin. Washington hasn’t won at Lambeau Field since 1986 and last beat the Packers on the road in 1988 at Milwaukee County Stadium. Green Bay has now won seven straight home matchups in the series.
The Packers will take their unbeaten record on the road when they visit the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 21. The Commanders return home to face the Las Vegas Raiders the same day, hoping to rebound and regroup after a setback that may linger beyond the scoreboard.
