Thanksgiving Victory: Jordan Love’s Breakout Performance Powers Packers Past Dolphins
On the Thanksgiving matchup Thursday, Jordan Love finally got his turkey leg as the Packers rolled past Miami 30-17. Let’s take a look at the highlights that propelled Green Bay past Miami.
Early Special Teams Magic
Green Bay began the game by receiving the opening kickoff. The Packers went three-and-out and were forced to punt on the first drive of the game. Daniel Wheelan launched a 45-yard punt and flipped the field.
Despite it looking like Miami would begin on offense with a chance to go up early, Green Bay cornerback Robert Rochell had other plans. Rochell plays a key role on special teams for the Packers and found himself on top of a muffed punt at the Dolphin’s 9-yard line.
Rochell was originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft in the fourth round. Rochell played in many games for Green Bay last year but was placed on the practice squad to start the 2024 season. He then reached three game elevations and was then signed back to the active roster.
The recovery gave the offense a second chance to go up early and they wasted no time. Jordan Love went on to find Jayden Reed for the touchdown a few plays later. Rochell’s recovery was the only turnover between the two teams all game.
Rochell was awarded with the lone game ball. Matt LaFleur announced in the locker room that Rochell was playing with a “heavy heart” on Thursday. Rochell later revealed “I lost two of my partners early today.” He finished by saying “I still showed up because I love my teammates” to which cornerback Keisean Nixon replied, “and we love you.”
It was evident the fumble recovery got the ball rolling for Green Bay as they scored a field goal or a touchdown on four of their next five possessions.
