×

Green Bay Packers now packing for trip to London on Sunday

The Packers’ Mason Crosby takes a selfie after kicking the game-winning field goal at the end of overtime against the New England Patriots on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. (AP photo)

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is relying on his NFL overseas experience as his team prepares to play the first international game in franchise history.

After edging the New England Patriots 27-24 in overtime on Sunday, the Packers (3-1) began getting ready to play the New York Giants (3-1) at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. LaFleur has coached in London twice before and plenty of his assistants also have worked NFL games in Europe.

“It’s such an adjustment, and I think a lot of it is who handles this trip the best is going to be able to play to the best of their abilities,” LaFleur said Monday.

Because of a demanding schedule, the Packers understand they have to play better to maintain their impressive record.

New England had to rely on rookie fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe at quarterback Sunday because of injuries to Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer, yet the Packers couldn’t put the Patriots away until Mason Crosby kicked a 31-yard field goal in overtime.

The Packers' Randall Cobb reacts to a first down catch during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 3, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP file photo)

The Packers are scoring 18.8 points per game, down from 26.5 last season and a league-high 31.8 in 2020.

Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers reached a career milestone by throwing his 500th career touchdown pass, a total that includes the playoffs.

The only other players with more than 500 are Tom Brady (716), Drew Brees (608), Peyton Manning (579) and Brett Favre (552).

After the game, Rodgers acknowledged the offense needs to improve.

“This way of winning I don’t think is sustainable because it just puts too much pressure on our defense,” Rodgers said.

——————

WHAT’S WORKING

The defense produced four sacks and has 11 this season. … Green Bay’s receiving corps showed signs of growth as the Packers adjust to life without All-Pro Davante Adams. Allen Lazard had six catches for 116 yards. Rookies Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson each scored, though Doubs also couldn’t maintain control of a catch that would have put Green Bay ahead late in the fourth quarter and Watson’s score came on an end-around.

——————

WHAT NEEDS WORK

The offense still hasn’t put together a complete game. Green Bay lost 23-7 at Minnesota in its opener. The Packers had three second-half points in a 27-10 victory over Chicago and went scoreless after reaching the end zone on their first two drives of a 14-12 triumph at Tampa Bay. This time, Green Bay scored seven points in the first two periods before awakening in the second half and overtime. … The defense allowed New England to rush for 167 yards on 33 carries.

——————

STOCK UP

OLB Rashan Gary had two sacks to increase his season total to five. Gary has at least one sack in each of the Packers’ four games. … Aaron Jones rushed for 110 yards on 16 attempts. Jones is averaging 6.8 yards per carry. … DT Jarran Reed had a team-high eight tackles and got his first sack as a Packer.

——————

STOCK DOWN

OT Yosh Nijman, who performed capably at left tackle when David Bakhtiari was recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, was on the field for three offensive snaps Sunday as Bakhtiari played virtually the entire game. Nijman has made enough of an impression that the Packers could explore trying him at right tackle and making other changes along the line. “That has definitely been something we’ve talked about,” LaFleur said. “Haven’t made a decision on it yet.”

——————

INJURED

S Adrian Amos left with a head injury in the first quarter. … CB Jaire Alexander didn’t play Sunday after missing most of the Tampa Bay game with a groin injury.

——————

KEY NUMBER

785 — This was the 785th regular-season victory in Packers history, tying the Chicago Bears for the most regular-season wins by an NFL franchise. It was the Packers’ 250th regular-season win at Lambeau Field.

——————

NEXT STEPS

The Packers get ready to go overseas.

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today