Jordan Love's 2023 Lambeau debut was three quarters of disappointment, followed by one quarter of stunning dominance, as the Green Bay Packers rallied from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the New Orleans Saints, 18-17 on Sunday afternoon.
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The comeback tied the largest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history. That was back in 2018 against the Chicago Bears, when they trailed 20-3 after three quarters. Overall, the comeback is tied for the eighth largest deficit overcome in Green Bay history.
The Packers began their day with four punts, two turnovers on downs and an interception, as Green Bay dug themselves a 17-0 hole. However, New Orleans quarterback Derrek Carr went down with an injury, and the Saints stalled offensively, opening a door for Love. He did enough on a 7-play, 46-yard drive to lead Green Bay to a field goal and cut the deficit to two possessions. The Packers defense continued to stonewall New Orleans, who couldn't get anything going under backup quarterback Jameis Winston.
After one first down, the Saints punted, and Love went to work. The Packers marched 80 yards in just 1:29, with back-to-back deep shots drawing defensive pass interference calls and bringing the Packers into the red zone. Several plays later, on 4th and Goal from the one-yard line, Love took matters into his own hands, using his legs to score Green Bay's first touchdown. In a gutsy call, the Packers went for two, and Love dodged a few pass-rushers and found Samori Toure for two points, bringing the score to 17-11.
.@jordan3love takes it himself on 4th down!
TOUCHDOWN! 🙌#NOvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/9vZuuG025N
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 24, 2023
The Green Bay defense did their job once more, forcing a three-and-out, giving Love a shot with 5:21 to play. And yet again, Love directed the packers 80 yards, this time in 2:27 and nine plays. Love made one big play with his legs and one with his arm to put the Packer in position. First he scrambled around the left side for a 24-yard gain to bring Green Bay into Saints' territory. Then, one play later, Love found rookie receiver Jayden Reed for 30 yards, setting Green Bay up at the New Orleans 15. On third down from the eight-yard line, Love found Romeo Doubs for the eventual game-winning touchdown, giving Green Bay an 18-17 lead.
.@jordan3love ➡️ @RomeoDoubs 🫶
TOUCHDOWN! 🙌 #NOvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/7THJuT36gQ
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 24, 2023
The Packers defense did just enough on the final drive and completed their second-half shutout. Green Bay stopped Winston & Co. at the 30, forcing a 46-yard effort from rookie kicker Blake Grupe. Grupe was previously 6-for-6 in his NFL career, including a 52-yarder in Week 1, but he missed this one, and the Packers prevailed.
Jordan Love finished 22-for-44 through the air for 259 yards, adding 39 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Rookie tight end Luke Musgrave led the Packers with six receptions, while Doubs led the hosts with 73 receiving yards. Green Bay improves to 2-1 with the comeback win, and the Saints drop their first game of the year, falling to 2-1.
