Packers use fast start to stifle Dolphins, winning 30-17 and halting Miami’s three-game winning streak on Thursday night. Jordan Love showcased his skills by throwing two touchdown passes to Jayden Reed, leading the Green Bay Packers to a decisive victory.
With this win, Green Bay (9-3) extended its impressive run to three consecutive victories and has now won seven of its last eight games.
On the other hand, Miami (5-7) struggled in the frigid conditions at Lambeau Field, where the kickoff temperature was a chilly 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-2.7 Celsius). The game featured 10-mph winds and light flurries, creating a wind chill of 18 degrees.
The Dolphins have now lost 11 consecutive regular-season or postseason games when the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 Celsius). Their last victory in such conditions was a thrilling 34-31 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills on December 24, 2016.
Green Bay is currently in the midst of a demanding schedule, playing three games within a 12-day period. They previously defeated the San Francisco 49ers 38-10 and are set to visit the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions next Thursday night.
Jordan Love completed 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards, demonstrating his growing confidence and effectiveness as the Packers’ quarterback.
In contrast, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa had a strong performance, completing 37 of 46 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns, but he faced significant pressure and was sacked five times.
Love and Reed connected for touchdown passes of 3 and 12 yards, while Josh Jacobs added a 1-yard touchdown run. Brandon McManus contributed with two field goals, allowing Green Bay to establish a commanding 27-3 lead.
Despite the early deficit, Miami attempted to mount a comeback.
Tagovailoa connected with De’Von Achane for a 14-yard touchdown and followed up with a successful 2-point conversion pass to Jaylen Waddle, narrowing Green Bay’s lead to 27-11 with just 2:43 left in the third quarter. After the Dolphins stopped Jacobs for a loss, they advanced to second-and-goal at the 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter.
However, the Packers’ defense made a crucial goal-line stand to prevent a score. Rashan Gary halted Achane on second down, and Tagovailoa’s pass to Jonnu Smith fell incomplete on third down. Quay Walker then delivered a decisive sack on fourth down with 9:33 remaining.
A 49-yard completion from Love to Jacobs set up McManus for a 33-yard field goal with 5:02 left on the clock. Miami managed to score once more with a deflected 14-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill, making it 30-17 with 3:04 remaining.
The Dolphins’ slow start proved to be detrimental, allowing the Packers to seize control early in the game.
After forcing a three-and-out on the opening drive, Miami gave Green Bay a golden opportunity when Malik Washington muffed a punt, leading to Robert Rochell’s recovery at the 9-yard line.
This turnover set the stage for Love’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Reed on third-and-goal.
Green Bay scored again on its next possession, with Jacobs’ touchdown concluding a 12-play, 76-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes.
In the second quarter, Miami reached first-and-goal at the 9 but settled for a 33-yard field goal from Jason Sanders.
Green Bay then added 10 points in the final 96 seconds of the first half, extending the lead to 24-3.
Reed caught a pass on third-and-2 from the 12, using a block from Dontayvion Wicks to score. After Tagovailoa’s overthrown pass on fourth-and-5 from Green Bay’s 38, Love connected with Tucker Kraft, setting up McManus for a 46-yard field goal as time expired.
Injuries
Injuries affected both teams during the match. Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine injured his knee on the opening kickoff, while defensive lineman Arron Mosby was evaluated for a concussion.
Dolphins defensive back Kader Kohou sustained a back injury after colliding with Packers wide receiver Christian Watson. Additionally, cornerback Cam Smith suffered a shoulder injury.
Up next
Looking ahead, the Dolphins will host the New York Jets on December 8. Meanwhile, the Packers will face the Detroit Lions next Thursday night.
