FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quarterback Jordan Love threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score as the Green Bay Packers dominated the New England Patriots 45-27 on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Love completed 23 passes for 372 yards without committing a turnover, guiding an explosive Green Bay offense that amassed 478 total yards. The Packers capitalized on four New England turnovers, turning those miscues into more than 20 points, according to reports from Packers Wire and Boston television station WFXT.
Dominant Day for Green Bay Receivers
Green Bay’s passing attack proved unstoppable behind massive performances from Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Watson hauled in seven receptions for 171 yards and a touchdown, while Golden caught 10 passes for 164 yards and a score. According to WFXT, the pair became the first Green Bay teammates to each record at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in the same game since Don Hutson and Andy Uram accomplished the feat in 1942.
Savion Williams added a 10-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive of the third quarter, and running back Kaleb Johnson scored on the ground. Green Bay, which entered the contest ranked last in the league in rushing, produced 129 yards rushing on Sunday, WFXT reported.
The Packers put the game out of reach in the third quarter. Following a takeaway by linebacker Isaiah McDuffie on a fumble by New England running back Rhamondre Stevenson, Love connected with Watson on a 39-yard touchdown strike to stretch Green Bay’s advantage to 42-14.
Costly Miscues Plague New England
The afternoon began on a celebratory note for New England, as the franchise honored members of its 2016 championship squad before kickoff, with former quarterback Tom Brady visiting the broadcast booth. However, the mood shifted rapidly on the Patriots’ first offensive snap when Drake Maye threw an interception to safety Xavier McKinney.
Love scored on a scramble two plays later to take a 7-0 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game. McKinney finished the contest with two interceptions, while Evan Williams added another pick. Karl Brooks led the defensive front with two of Green Bay’s four sacks.
Maye finished 21 of 38 for 299 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. The outing marked a sharp turn for the young passer, who had thrown only one interception across his prior four appearances, according to Stadium Rant.
“Just throwing the football in spots that I don’t think I should’ve thrown it,” Maye said after the contest, as reported by Stadium Rant.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel lamented the mistakes that doomed his squad against Green Bay’s opportunistic defense.
“The turnovers are disappointing,” Vrabel said, according to Stadium Rant. “Between the pressure and, probably, the scheme and a lot of execution on their end. I mean, guys made plays.”
New England conceded 45 points, establishing a new franchise high for points allowed in a game at Gillette Stadium since the venue opened in 2002, WFXT reported.
Injury Concerns and What Comes Next
Both teams suffered injuries during the contest. Green Bay linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper exited during the opening quarter because of a chest injury, while running back Josh Jacobs departed with a hand injury. Receiver Bo Melton underwent an evaluation for a concussion.
The Patriots lost cornerback Carlton Davis III and guard Ben Brown to knee injuries during the second quarter, while Stevenson left with a knee injury late in the third quarter. Left tackle Will Campbell also exited with a knee injury in the fourth quarter, and Brenden Schooler sustained a hamstring injury.
The victory moved Green Bay to 6-3 on the season, representing their fifth victory in six games. The Packers return home next Sunday to host the Minnesota Vikings. New England fell to 5-4 and will travel to Munich, Germany, to face the Detroit Lions next week.
