Packers visit Jaguars in search of fourth consecutive win
The Green Bay Packers have permitted a mere 54 points during a three-game winning streak that has helped them stay within striking distance in a solid NFC North.
Maintaining that edge will be crucial during their visit Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Packers like their chances.
“We got smart guys, we got instinctual guys, we got guys that can play in different spots, and it’s no lapse,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. “When you’re able to move around all these pieces, you’re able to get creative with the calls and do different things, and it’s been helpful for us.”
All but two of Green Bay’s games have been decided by one possession, including last week’s 24-22 home win against Houston.
New acquisition Brandon McManus sealed the result with a 45-yard field goal as the Packers (5-2) overcame three turnovers.
Green Bay sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times while limiting him to 10-for-21 passing for a career-low 86 yards.
Packers counterpart Jordan Love passed for 220 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions. Increased production from Romeo Doubs, who had eight catches for 94 yards, has helped spark the offense.
“He made some very tough, difficult catches in this last game,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “That’s what we expect from him, and it’s not a surprise. Because we see it all the time in practice, the hours he puts in that nobody sees.”
Packers linebacker Quay Walker (concussion), defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle) and center Josh Myers (wrist) are questionable but it’s unlikely cornerback Corey Ballentine will play. He’s slowed by an ankle injury.
Back at EverBank Stadium for the first time since a narrow win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, the Jaguars (2-5) are eager for familiarity after splitting a pair of games in London.
Jacksonville expects reinforcements on defense. Inside linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (foot) and safety Andrew Wingard (knee) returned to practice from injured reserve and head coach Doug Pederson indicated all signs point to them playing this week. Both players were listed as questionable.
Starting the same five players on the offensive line to begin the season has helped with continuity, even as left tackle Cam Robinson (concussion) was ruled out in the first half of a 32-16 win against the New England Patriots last Sunday.
With Travis Etienne (hamstring) sidelined, the unit helped Tank Bigsby rush for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Etienne was limited in all three practices this week. Jacksonville’s starting running back for the first six games this season, Pederson said Etienne would be a game-time decision and is listed as questionable.
“I think when we’re all on the same page, we’re all seeing the same thing,” center Mitch Morse said. “It helps.”
Robinson was able to return to practice Thursday and again Friday. He’s officially questionable.
“It’s a gradual process,” Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson said. “I do tell the guys we have to coach better and we have to play better. For them it’s repetition. The same five guys playing together and getting more continuity.”
Trevor Lawrence was not sacked while completing 15 of 20 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. He’ll aim for the same efficiency against the Packers.
“I also feel like as an offense we’ve been settling in,” Lawrence said.
Scoring an average of 27.3 points during its winning streak, Green Bay can attest. Still, the Packers appreciate a fresh perspective.
Former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, a longtime friend of LaFleur’s who was fired this month after a 2-3 start, watched Green Bay practice this week and will offer input in a part-time role.
LaFleur called Saleh an “elite defensive mind” but said he will help on the offensive side of the ball.
Green Bay leads the all-time series with Jacksonville 5-2, with wins in three straight meetings. The past six games have been decided by single digits.
–Field Level Media