Many Green Bay Packer fans have felt an angst about the lack of a “wide receiver one” in the Jordan Love Era. Few, however, have noticed that a “tight end one” emerged. Tucker Kraft announced his presence as a legitimate, do-it-all tight end with authority in Thursday night’s win over the Washington Commanders, 27-18.

“He’s a guy that approaches the game the right way,” coach Matt Lafleur said via packers.com, citing Kraft’s growth. “It’s not only on the football field, it’s in every facet of life. He’s a real leader for us.”

Kraft ignited the Packer offense with a 57-yard catch and run which set up the team’s first end zone visit, and effectively sealed the victory by catching Green Bay’s final touchdown of the game. In between those bookend plays, the third-year pro from South Dakota State caught contested third down passes, threw off pesky defensive backs for big run-after-the-catch gains, and buried them into the Lambeau Field turf while run blocking in the open field.

Kraft finished with six catches on seven targets for 124 yards and the score. It was the first 100-yard receiving game by a Green Bay tight end since Richard Rodgers (146) in the “Miracle in Motown” at Detroit in 2015. 

Despite Kraft’s play, the offense still stubbed its toe some and failed to put the game out of reach sooner just as it did last week. And just as it did last week, the Packer defense dominated for stretches against a top offense from the previous season and never let the game feel as close as the scoreboard may have suggested.

The Commanders – led by second year phenom quarterback Jayden Daniels – only had three points entering the fourth quarter. They found some rhythm in the final frame as Green Bay played aginst the clock as much as it did the offense.

“The play style is exactly what we want from these guys,” LaFleur said. “It always starts with the energy and effort – that’s going to get you through and overcome some of the mistakes. I think our players are doing a great job feeding off one another and it’s definitely exciting to watch our defense go out there and perform. They allow us to get up on somebody.”

Micah Parsons led the way in tormenting Daniels as he accounted for eight pressures on 37 pass rushes and a half sack. In total, the Pack sacked Daniels four times, delivered a punishing 12 quarterback hits, and forced more errant throws with its relentless pressure.

When the front didn’t get home, the secondary proved it was game. Polarizing cornerback Keisean Nixon had an astounding five pass breakups, including ones on critical third and fourth downs.

After Green Bay entered the red zone on its second drive – thanks to the aforementioned Kraft catch-and-run – Jordan Love connected with Romeo Doubs for a five-yard touchdown to take the 7-0 lead. Doubs, who was one-on-one with a corner, sold the fade before quickly breaking across the corner’s face on a slant for an easy pitch and catch.

The Packers pushed the lead to 14-0 halfway through the second quarter on a Josh Jacobs two-yard plunge. Both first-half touchdown drives were over 90 yards.

Washington answered with a field goal to make it 14-3, then September Thursday Night Football ensued.

The Packers responded with a three-and-out, Washington kicker Matt Gay then missed a field goal from 58, and Brandon McManus returned the favor by hitting the left upright from 48 at the end of the half. Gay then drilled the right upright to start the second half.

The Commanders settled down first and closed the gap to 17-10 on a 20-yard touchdown toss from Daniels to tight end Zach Ertz.

Love and the offense provided the needed response with a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. The march included Kraft busting free for a third-and-six conversion, and a Savion Williams wildcat quarterback run play, which he scampered around the left side for 16. Love ended the drive with a play action that fooled the defense as he found his wide-open tight end for the eight-yard score, 24-10.

McManus atoned for his miss on the next drive with a 56-yard field goal. The Commanders then added to the accounting stats with a touchdown and two-point conversion, 27-18.

Love finished 19/31 for 292 yards and the two touchdowns. Jacobs pounded away for 84 yards on 23 carries and Dontayvion Wicks added four catches for 44 yards.

Daniels ended with a pedestrian 24/42 for 200 yards and two scores. The Washington ground game totaled 51 yards on 19 carries.

Other Notes

• The worst outcome for the Packers in the game is wide receiver Jayden Reed’s injury. LaFleur confirmed Reed broke his right collarbone when he landed straight down on his elbow.
• Reed scored a touchdown on the play with an incredible throw from Love, but it was negated by an Anthony Belton holding. Belton initially rotated series with Darian Kinnard at right tackle for an injured Zach Tom, however LaFleur confirmed the coaches decided midgame to give more snaps to Belton.
• Edgerrin Cooper again led the team with tackles (10), and Quay Walker again finished second to his running mate (eight).
• The Packers’ next home game is in month on 10/12 vs. Cincinnati. They travel to Cleveland and Dallas before their week-five bye.