Each Packer win has plays that as a fan make you stand and cheer, high five the person next to you, or just shout at your television. There are also plays that make you want to pull your hair out. Sunday night’s game had some gems. Here are my favorites. And my least favorite.
My Favorites From Packers vs Chiefs 2023
Corey Ballentine’s Tackle of Isaiah Pacheco.
It was the Chiefs 4th offensive play, a second and three at the K.C. 48. Mahomes dumped a short pass to Pacheco. He was immediately hammered by Ballentine.
Pacheco had dragged inside linebacker Quay Walker four extra yards on Walker’s open field tackle on the previous play. Ballentine’s tackle was fierce. It rocked Pacheco backward and resulted in a 1-yard gain. The type of pop we don’t usually see by our corners. Loved it.
The Catches by Doubs & Watson.
Fourth and one, that pass to Doubs at first looked like it was floating too much and might be intercepted. It was thrown before Doubs even looked back. Somehow Doubs found it and tracked it into his arms as what seemed like every member of the Chiefs secondary converged on him. He got rocked but hung on. Watson’s leap on the next Love pass was perfectly timed. Great throw and catch.
T.J. Slayton’s Swat of Mahomes Shuttle Pass.
At the opening of the third quarter the Chiefs were knocking on the door after driving the ball 60 plus yard to the two yard line. Mahomes tried an underhand side-spiraled shuttle pass to Edwards-Helaire.
Slayton was being blocked by an offensive lineman but had his eyes up and reached over to swat the pass away, almost causing an interception, Rashan Gary was very close. Although Kansas City scored on the next play, it was a remarkable play that could have swung the game early.
The Bruising Running of Dillon.
On the first drives of the game two Chiefs did not get up after trying to tackle Quadzilla. Later, on a run after the catch, he seemed to literally break the ankle of Bryan Cook during Cook’s tackle. Dillon and the Packers converted all three of their third down short yardage runs.
The Red Zone Sacks of Mahomes
First a solo sack by Van Ness. Next, a D-line team meeting at the quarterback called by Rashan Gary. So clutch. Then Preston Smith got him on third down on the next drive, again forcing a field goal. Those sacks saved 8 points in an 8-point win.
The Jump Cut by Malik Heath
Heath catches a short bullet from Love and turns to run. Before the closing defender can lay him out, Heath jumps sideways completely fooling the defender. He picks up 8 more yards and drew an explosion of cheers from the Lambeau crowd.
The Pick by Nixon
What an outstanding play by Nixon. He said after the game he had seen the formation on film and knew what was coming. That was a game changing play.
My Least Favorite
Third and Eighteen Conversion by K.C.
On what resulted in a touchdown drive, the Packers failed to stop Mahomes on third and 18 at the Kansas City 38 yard line. First, frustration with the defense called. Green Bay elected to rush only three and try to play coverage.
Against Mahomes, that is asking for trouble. Mahomes was able to scramble away from the three rushers and then many of you probably heard my screaming. Before Mahomes reaches the line of scrimmage, Quay Walker and Anthony Johnson leave their assigned coverage areas to advance toward Mahomes.
That should never have happened. It allowed the good coverage to break down and Mahomes easily tossed a pass to Kelce to convert the down. If they held their position until Mahomes is over the line, he doesn’t get close to 18 yards. I’d still be griping about that…but we won folks. It’s time to enjoy another week blessed with a Packer win.
Heath’s jump cut was so vicious that the attempt of a trip, or leg whip by #35 did not connect. If the attempted trip, or leg whip had connected the Packers would have been close to or inside the Chiefs 10 yard line.
A love hate affair/play was the hit on Mahomes by Owens at the sideline. The hit was clean and aggressive. Loved that part, but situational awareness may have told Owens to extend his arms and push Mahomes out rather than deliver the hard body blow. No matter what it was a clean hit by Owens.
So many times NFL games comes down to a field goal. The young Packers have made their share of mistakes, and have been improving to correct those mistakes. The pre snap motion penalty by Reed at the end of the half, 1st and 10 at the Chiefs 32 yard line with approximately 30 seconds left may have taken an extra 3 points off the board for the Packers. It clearly changed the next series of play calls. Odd sequence of plays after the penalty.
Overall the offense was very methodical against a good Chiefs defense. The most points scored against the Chiefs this year. Good job.
All plays listed are the result of players drafted or signed by Brian Gutekunst. One of the best GM’s in the NFL today. Of course none of you ladies will acknowledge that. The same way you refuse to acknowledge Mike McCarthy is a top notch HC. Just look how Aaron Rodgers elevated the careers of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh.
YEAH! That’s NOT bearing out tonight on MNF though . . . do you have any shame at all?
Cheese can you hook me up with the ‘down the hall’ site? I’ve seen it mentioned a million times but I don’t know what it is and I can’t stand to read another one of Tom’s ridiculous comments.
cheesehead tv. You’ll recognize some “familiar” usernames/writing styles there.