Love, relentless Packers defense overwhelm Commanders for 2-0 start

by · UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Jordan Love threw two touchdowns, while the Green Bay Packers defense unleashed a dozen hits on quarterback Jayden Daniels in a dominant win over the Washington Commanders.

The Packers out-gained the Commanders 404-230, including 135-51 on the ground, in the 27-18 triumph Thursday in Green Bay, Wis.

"We had a goal coming into the season to start the season off fast and build on the things we did last year," Love told reporters. "Obviously, I think we've got a really good offense. We've been talking about how the sky is the limit."

The Packers held a 22-15 advantage in first downs and sacked Daniels four times to improve to 2-0 to start their 2025 campaign.

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"We made them earn everything," Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons said. "No big plays. We made them earn everything. That's the good part."

Love hit Romeo Doubs with a 5-yard touchdown toss for the first points of the night about 10 minutes into the first quarter. The Packers later doubled their lead with a 10-play, 92-yard scoring drive. Running back Josh Jacobs found the end zone on a 2-yard score to end that possession.

Kicker Matt Gay made a 51-yard attempt about three minutes later for the Commanders' only points of the first half. Packers kicker Brandon McManus answered with a 22-yard kick midway through the third quarter for a 17-3 Packers lead.

Daniels found tight end Zach Ertz with a 20-yard touchdown toss about a minute into the fourth quarter to cut into the deficit. But Love orchestrated a 9-play, 65-yard drive and connected with tight end Tucker Kraft on an 8-yard touchdown toss about five minutes later.

McManus added a 56-yard field goal to push the Packers lead to 17 points midway through the fourth quarter. Daniels connected with wide receiver Deebo Samuel on a 10-yard touchdown pass with about three minutes remaining. He followed that with a successful two-point conversion pass to Luke McCaffrey, but the Commanders failed to recover an onside kick on the resulting kickoff.

Love completed 19 of 31 passes for 292 yards and two scores. Jacobs totaled 84 yards and a score on 23 carries. Kraft caught six passes for a career-high 124 yards and a score.

Defensive linemen Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt logged sacks for the Packers. Parsons, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, edge rusher Barryn Sorrell and defensive lineman Karl Brooks each earned half-sacks for the Packers.

Daniels completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards and two scores for the Commanders. Ertz caught six passes for 64 yards and a score.

The Commanders (1-1) will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. The Packers (2-0) will battle the Cleveland Browns.