A game-changing three-play sequence has the Green Bay Packers leading the Arizona Cardinals 24-0 in the first half of Sunday’s showdown at Lambeau Field.
What could have been a momentum-turning play for the Cardinals in the second quarter turned into a quick scoring strike for the Packers.
Jayden Reed fumbled on a punt return and the Cardinals recovered. The problem? Offsetting penalties, requiring a re-kick. On the next play, Keisean Nixon returned the punt 39 yards to the Arizona 44-yard line. On the first play of the next series, Jordan Love hit Christian Watson for a 44-yard touchdown.
The Cardinals had a chance to take a bite of the Packers’ 17-0 lead. Instead, Matt LaFleur’s team extended the advantage to 24 points.
On the touchdown, Watson ran a deep post against the single coverage of Budda Baker, and Love made the easy throw for the score.
Here’s the touchdown:
Love to Watson for the deep TD! 😮💨#AZvsGB pic.twitter.com/7bH43tDA4e
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 13, 2024
Watson has a pair of catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. His first catch converted a fourth down.
Love has completed 14 of 19 passes for 184 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Watson, Reed and Romeo Doubs have touchdown catches in the first half.
On the punt return sequence, Reed was replaced by Nixon. The Packers announced Reed has an ankle injury and is questionable to return.