Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love finally got his Thanksgiving moment. After leading the Packers to a convincing 30-17 win over the Miami Dolphins, Love celebrated by biting into a turkey leg during his postgame interview, a tradition he missed out on last year despite leading Green Bay to a holiday win in Detroit. This year, his teammates made sure he got his due—and he earned it.
Love threw for two touchdown passes to rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed, propelling the Packers to their third consecutive win and solidifying their hold on the NFC playoff race. The victory improved Green Bay to 9-3, marking their seventh win in their last eight games. For the Dolphins, the loss dropped them to 5-7 and continued their struggles in cold-weather games. Miami has now lost 12 straight games when the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees, a streak dating back to 2016.
Green Bay set the tone early, jumping to a 27-3 lead midway through the third quarter. The Packers capitalized on a Miami miscue when Malik Washington muffed a punt, allowing Robert Rochell to recover at the Dolphins’ 9-yard line. Three plays later, Love connected with Reed on a 3-yard touchdown pass.
On their next possession, the Packers extended their lead with a 12-play, 76-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs. Brandon McManus added two field goals, including a 46-yarder as time expired in the first half, giving Green Bay a commanding 24-3 lead at the break.
Miami’s offense, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, found some rhythm in the second half. Tagovailoa, who finished 37 of 46 for 365 yards and two touchdowns, connected with De’Von Achane on a 14-yard score late in the third quarter. A successful 2-point conversion to Jaylen Waddle cut the deficit to 27-11. The Dolphins had a chance to further close the gap early in the fourth quarter but were stopped at the goal line. Rashan Gary and Quay Walker spearheaded Green Bay’s defensive stand, with Walker sacking Tagovailoa on fourth down.
Following the goal-line stand, Love found Jacobs for a 49-yard completion, setting up McManus’ 33-yard field goal to extend the Packers’ lead to 30-11 with just over five minutes remaining. Miami added a late touchdown on a deflected 12-yard pass from Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill, but the Packers’ early dominance proved too much to overcome.
Reed played a pivotal role for Green Bay, scoring two touchdowns and showcasing his versatility. Love’s performance, highlighted by clutch throws and efficient drives, demonstrated his continued growth as the Packers’ leader. Defensively, Green Bay’s pass rush, led by Gary, recorded five sacks, disrupting Tagovailoa throughout the game.
The chilly Lambeau Field conditions—27 degrees at kickoff with light flurries and a wind chill of 18—further highlighted Miami’s cold-weather struggles. The Dolphins haven’t won a game with a kickoff temperature below 40 degrees since a 2016 overtime victory in Buffalo.
Despite the loss, Tagovailoa and Hill continued to produce, but costly mistakes and an inability to capitalize in key moments doomed the Dolphins.
The Packers face a quick turnaround as they prepare for a critical NFC North showdown against the Detroit Lions next Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Dolphins will look to rebound when they host the New York Jets on Dec. 8.
For Green Bay, Thanksgiving provided more than just a win—it was a celebration of a team hitting its stride. And for Jordan Love, it was a feast long overdue.
