Jordan Love, Tucker Kraft Power Packers Past Commanders 27-18/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jordan Love threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns while tight end Tucker Kraft posted a career-high 124 receiving yards, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 27-18 win over the Washington Commanders. Green Bay improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2020. Washington struggled offensively and suffered key injuries, adding to the sting of defeat.
Packers vs. Commanders 27-18: Quick Looks
- Jordan Love: 292 passing yards, 2 TDs, 19-of-31 completions.
- Tucker Kraft: 6 catches, career-high 124 yards, 1 TD.
- Packers start season 2-0 for first time since 2020.
- Defense held Washington to 11 yards in first quarter.
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels: 24-of-42, 200 yards, 2 TDs, 4 sacks.
- Packers RB Josh Jacobs: 84 yards on 23 carries, 1 TD.
- Commanders lost RB Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (quad).
- Packers WR Jayden Reed broke collarbone, out indefinitely.
- Green Bay extends home win streak vs. Washington to seven games.
- Sterling Sharpe honored at halftime for Hall of Fame induction.
Jordan Love, Tucker Kraft Power Packers Past Commanders 27-18
Deep Look
The Green Bay Packers made a loud statement Thursday night at Lambeau Field, securing a 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders behind the sharp play of quarterback Jordan Love and the breakout performance of tight end Tucker Kraft. The win pushes Green Bay to 2-0, their best season start since 2020, and reinforces the notion that Love is growing into his role as the franchise leader.
Love and Kraft Shine in Primetime
Love completed 19 of 31 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, consistently finding ways to extend drives despite a depleted offensive line missing Zach Tom and Aaron Banks. His top target was Tucker Kraft, who delivered a career night with six receptions for 124 yards, including a crucial 8-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to stifle Washington’s comeback bid.
“This is the first time I’ve ever gone over 100 yards, even in college,” Kraft said, beaming after his performance. Love praised his teammates’ resilience, saying: “We couldn’t have started the season off on a better note. We’ve just got to keep building.”
Love’s other touchdown came in the first quarter on a 5-yard strike to Romeo Doubs, capping a 96-yard drive that also featured a 57-yard connection to Kraft and a key third-down scramble.
Green Bay’s Balanced Attack
Running back Josh Jacobs added power on the ground, rushing for 84 yards on 23 carries and punching in a 2-yard score during a 92-yard drive. With both the passing and rushing game clicking, the Packers controlled the tempo for much of the night.
Meanwhile, the defense was relentless. Washington managed just 11 total yards in the first quarter and didn’t reach the end zone until the fourth. Defensive end Micah Parsons contributed a half-sack and three quarterback hurries, while the Packers’ pass rush tallied four sacks on Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Commanders Struggle and Suffer Injuries
Washington (1-1) couldn’t find rhythm on offense. Daniels finished 24-of-42 for 200 yards and two touchdowns, hitting Zach Ertz on a 20-yard score and Deebo Samuel on a 10-yarder late in the fourth quarter. Despite those bright spots, Daniels was under constant pressure, and head coach Dan Quinn admitted: “We didn’t find the rhythm we needed from the start.”
The Commanders’ night worsened with a series of costly injuries. Running back Austin Ekeler exited with a right Achilles injury, while defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was carted off with a quadriceps injury. Tight end John Bates, wide receiver Noah Brown, and cornerback Jonathan Jones also left with various ailments. Quinn said updates would come after further evaluation.
Packers’ Home Dominance Over Washington
The victory extended Green Bay’s home winning streak against Washington to seven games, with Washington’s last road win over the Packers dating back to 1988 in Milwaukee. Washington’s last victory at Lambeau Field came in 1986, underscoring the Packers’ long-standing home dominance in this matchup.
Emotional Night and Halftime Tribute
Injuries also hit the Packers, as receiver Jayden Reed broke his collarbone in the first quarter while making a 33-yard catch that was erased by penalty. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Reed will be out “quite some time,” though he expects him back later in the season.
Adding to the night’s emotion, Green Bay honored Sterling Sharpe at halftime. The former Packers wideout, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025, was celebrated by fans for his stellar career from 1988 to 1994.
Looking Ahead
The Packers, brimming with confidence after two wins against playoff teams from last year, will travel to Cleveland for a Sept. 21 matchup. The Commanders, reeling from injuries and offensive struggles, will regroup at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on the same date.
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