Week 1 of the NFL season has essentially become the preseason finale with as many starters across the league that play limited or no snaps at all during the official preseason. That was certainly the case for the Green Bay Packers, who did let their starters see about half a quarter of action in the preseason but largely held out anyone who was important and not on the roster bubble.
That's what makes what Jordan Love and the Packers' offense did against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 so impressive.
This was far from a polished offensive unit that came out of the tunnel at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon, but the Packers were still able to route the Lions to the tune of a 27-13 win.
Love looked great, but not elite, but for his first extended play of 2025 and coming off an injury-filled 2024 season — he was everything the Packers could have wanted.
The fifth-year quarterback from Utah State completed 16-of-22 passes against the Lions for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw an interception, but that was called back due to a defensive holding call on the Lions.
Love's completion percentage was 72.7% and his passer rating was 128.6.
His touchdowns included this lazer to tight end Tucker Kraft:
Love also throw a perfect dime to Jayden Reed in the second quarter:
In all, Love hit 10 different receivers on the afternoon and five of those players caught more than one ball. Romeo Doubs led the way with two catches for 68 yards, averaging 34 yards per catch. Dontayvion Wicks caught both of his targets for 30 yards and rookie Matthew Golden got in on the fun with two catches for 16 yards.
The Packers offense was good, but not great, but it was a sneak peak into what this thing may look like in a couple of weeks once things really start gelling.
"We've got playmakers all around and guys that can all come in here and catch the rock and make plays," Love said after the game, according to Mike Spofford of the team website. "I think that's what you want as an offense, be able to spread the wealth around and keep their defense on their heels on who we're going to be targeting."
The Packers finished the game with just 266 yards of total offense and they lost the time of possession battle by over ten minutes, but they made the most of the opportunities that were presented to them.
They went 4-of-10 on third down, 1-for-1 on fourth down and they converted 3-of-5 red zone opportunities for touchdowns.
You couldn't ask for a better start for Green Bay, but the Packers are truly just scratching the surface of their potential in 2025 — especially on offense.