Green Bay needs to spend some extra time this week on its fourth down plays.
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) September 24, 2023
Facing a fourth-and-two from the Saints' 44-yard line on their opening drive, the Packers failed to convert when their trick play didn't go as planned.
Love tossed the ball to running back Emmanuel Wilson, who tossed it back to Love, who mishandled the ball before awkwardly falling into a split and overthrowing his intended receiver, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Color commentator Jonathan Vilma was initially critical of head coach Matt LaFleur's decision to go for it, noting Green Bay's defense held New Orleans to a three-and-out on its first offensive possession and could have pinned the unit deep with a punt.
Instead, the Saints got the ball near midfield and scored their first first-half touchdown of the season nine plays later.
Jimmy Graham scores in Lambeau!
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023
: #NOvsGB on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05hqXN pic.twitter.com/IzvOkTjUZU
Quarterback Derek Carr connected with Jimmy Graham, who scored his first touchdown since Dec. 26, 2021.
That was Jimmy Graham's first TD since Dec. 26, 2021
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) September 24, 2023
The Packers are without several key starters in their Week 3 game. Running back Aaron Jones (ankle), wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring), left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (back) are inactive for Love's first start at Lambeau Field, and LaFleur's call didn't put his defense in a position to succeed.
However, for a team as shorthanded as Green Bay is, it will have to take risks to stay competitive against New Orleans. It's execution going forward must be much better.
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