Tucker Kraft shines in Career Night as Packers beat Commanders 27-18
Tucker Kraft celebrates his touchdown catch in Packers’ 27-18 win over Commanders. Credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
The Green Bay Packers showcased their defensive dominance and offensive firepower in a 27-18 win over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. At the center of it all was tight end Tucker Kraft, who delivered the best game of his young career with six receptions, 124 yards, and a touchdown at Lambeau Field.
Kraft’s Breakout Performance
Kraft’s night was a statement. His 124 receiving yards marked the most by a Packers tight end since 2015. The highlight came in the fourth quarter when he sold a block before slipping into the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown catch from Jordan Love, extending Green Bay’s lead to 27-13.
The performance cements Tucker Kraft as a rising star in the Packers’ offense, drawing early comparisons to George Kittle for his ability to block, stretch the field, and come up big in prime-time moments.
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Jordan Love Efficient, Packers Offense Balanced
Quarterback Jordan Love managed the game with poise, throwing touchdowns to Romeo Doubs and Tucker Kraft while handing off to Josh Jacobs, who powered in for a rushing score. Love finished with 269 passing yards, spreading the ball effectively across his receiving corps.
The Packers racked up 404 total yards, with 135 on the ground, keeping Washington’s defense on its heels throughout the night.
Micah Parsons Proves His Worth
Defensive star Micah Parsons, in just his second game with Green Bay after signing a record-breaking $188 million deal, once again showed why the Packers made the bold move to acquire him.
Parsons generated eight pressures, shared a sack with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, and consistently forced Washington into unfavorable situations. His disruptive presence drew penalties and gave the Packers defense momentum all evening.
Commanders’ Offense Falters Under Pressure
The Commanders struggled to establish rhythm. Quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards and two late touchdowns, one to veteran tight end Zach Ertz and another to Deebo Samuel, but most of his production came after the game was out of reach.
Washington’s rushing attack was nearly nonexistent, totaling just 51 yards. Injuries only made matters worse, with Austin Ekeler, John Bates, Noah Brown, and Deatrich Wise all leaving the game.
Packers Start Season 2-0
With the win, the Packers moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2020, while the Commanders dropped to 1-1. Green Bay’s defense allowed just 230 total yards and smothered Washington at every turn.
For fans, the combination of a balanced offense, emerging stars like Kraft, and the dominance of Parsons signals a team with the tools to contend deep into the season.
As linebacker Micah Parsons put it postgame:
“We can do great things. It just goes week by week… We have to constantly put in that effort, and then great things can happen. We can get back to that Bowl.”
