GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers delivered another strong defensive performance Thursday night, overcoming three turnovers and a late Carolina rally to secure a 27-19 victory over the Panthers at Lambeau Field.
Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes, Josh Jacobs scored twice, and Green Bay improved to 5-3. Although the Packers controlled much of the contest, their inability to close out the game cleanly remained a concern for Love and the offense.
“We weren’t able to finish the way we wanted,” Love said. “That’s something we’ve got to improve on, clean up as an offense and be better there.”
Love completed 30 of 41 attempts for 288 yards, connecting with Tucker Kraft, Matthew Golden and Jacobs for touchdowns. He also threw an interception as Green Bay worked through an uneven offensive performance.
Jacobs finished with just 39 rushing yards on 21 attempts against a Carolina defense ranked last in the NFL against the run. However, he made his opportunities count in the scoring column, catching a 4-yard touchdown pass and adding a 1-yard rushing score.
Green Bay’s defense once again proved to be the difference. The Packers recorded six sacks of Bryce Young and continued a remarkable stretch in which none of their last five opponents has scored more than 20 points.
“This defense is really special,” safety Javon Bullard said.
Carolina, now 3-4, refused to go quietly. Trailing 27-10 in the third quarter, the Panthers gradually worked their way back into the game. Young connected with Jalen Coker for a 26-yard touchdown on fourth-and-3 with 5:37 remaining, cutting the deficit to 27-19. The Panthers failed to convert the ensuing two-point attempt.
Carolina had another opportunity after getting the ball at its own 45-yard line, but the Packers defense forced a turnover on downs near midfield with 2:41 left.
The Panthers received one final possession at their own 20 with 22 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Dani Dennis-Sutton brought Young down for a sack, effectively ending Carolina’s hopes of completing the comeback.
Panthers coach Dave Canales praised his team’s determination despite the defeat.
“I love the fight in the group,” Canales said. “The guys kept battling all the way through, gave us some opportunities at the end.”
Young completed 23 of 41 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Chuba Hubbard led Carolina’s ground attack with 81 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. He also contributed seven receptions for 38 yards.
Christian Watson provided one of the game’s biggest offensive plays while delivering a frightening moment for the Packers. The receiver returned to action after being taken to the hospital following a 53-yard reception in the second quarter.
Watson was injured during the play and underwent a CT scan. He said doctors cleared him to return after the examination showed no internal bleeding, although he confirmed that he had broken a rib.
Watson finished with eight catches for 113 yards.
“I felt like I was watching ‘WWE Smackdown vs. Raw’ or something, seeing the cameras on me when I was coming out of the ambulance,” Watson said. “That was a little crazy. It was a surreal experience, no doubt.”
Carolina also lost cornerback Will Lee on the same play. Lee injured his hamstring while attempting to make a tackle and was taken to the locker room on a cart. The Panthers were already dealing with significant depth issues in the secondary, with Akayleb Evans, Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn on injured reserve.
The Packers overcame a difficult opening sequence to take control. Green Bay fumbled the opening kickoff, giving Carolina an opportunity to score a field goal, and then went three-and-out on its first offensive possession.
Love and the offense responded by finding the end zone on three of their next four drives.
A 12-yard touchdown connection between Love and Kraft on third-and-8 put Green Bay ahead 6-3. The extra-point attempt by rookie Trey Smack struck the left upright.
Watson’s 53-yard reception helped set up Jacobs’ 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Packers a 13-10 advantage early in the second quarter. Golden later made up for a dropped potential touchdown by hauling in a 24-yard scoring pass in the left corner of the end zone on third-and-13. Green Bay carried a 20-10 lead.
Carolina had an opportunity to gain momentum after halftime, but Hubbard was stopped short of the first-down marker on fourth-and-2 near midfield. Chris McClellan and Evan Williams combined to make the stop.
Green Bay capitalized on the defensive stand. Love found Jacobs for a touchdown on the ensuing possession, stretching the Packers’ advantage to 27-10.
The Packers appeared positioned to put the game away early in the fourth quarter. With Green Bay leading 27-13 and threatening from Carolina’s 28-yard line, Love attempted to connect with Golden in the end zone. Zakee Wheatley intercepted the pass, giving the Panthers an opening to mount their late charge.
Carolina eventually made it a one-score game, but Green Bay’s defense delivered when it mattered most.
Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie remains confident in the unit’s potential.
“I said at the beginning of the year, and I still feel this way: I think the sky is the limit for this defense,” McDuffie said.
Brewers Receive Warm Welcome at Lambeau Field
The evening also featured a celebration of Milwaukee baseball history. Several members of the Milwaukee Brewers received a standing ovation when they arrived at Lambeau Field, one night after capturing the first World Series championship in franchise history.
Team captain Christian Yelich and pitcher Jacob Misiorowski were among those recognized. Brandon Woodruff carried the Commissioner’s Trophy onto the field during a timeout before the second quarter.
Some of the players attempted the traditional Lambeau Leap into the stands, with outfielder Sal Frelick making the most successful attempt.
The Brewers were later shown on the stadium video board celebrating in cheeseheads bearing the message, “2026 WS Champions.”
Packers Remember Former President Bob Harlan
Green Bay also honored former president and CEO Bob Harlan during a halftime ceremony. Harlan’s name was unveiled on the northeast façade of Lambeau Field alongside that of former general manager Ted Thompson.
Harlan led the Packers’ organization from 1989 through 2008. He died March 5 at the age of 89.
Injury Report
Panthers: Offensive guard Corey Bullock suffered a quadriceps injury in the second half.
Packers: Tight end Josh Whyle was evaluated for a concussion during the first half.
What’s Next:
The Panthers return home to host the Denver Broncos on Nov. 8.
