Phew. It was ugly. It was a tough watch. But the Green Bay Packers found a way to win, snapping a six-game losing streak that dates back to December 14.
It required overtime, but the Packers overcame a two-score deficit to take down the New York Jets, with rookie Trey Smack converting a 28-yard field goal for the win. We'll take it.
It's fair to say the Packers leave this game with more questions than answers, but they come away with their first win of the season. What did we learn?
Instant takeaways from the Packers' overtime win over Jets in Week 2
1. Packers endure a brutal day of injuries
It started on the Packers' opening drive, losing wide receiver Jayden Reed and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to scary injuries. Reed was taken off on a stretcher and ruled out with a neck injury. One play later, Bako-Bewele was carted off with a knee injury. His right leg was put in an air cast. Hopefully, both are OK.
Left guard Aaron Banks left the game and was replaced by Donovan Jennings, and then Jennings had to leave early, which led to rookie Jager Burton entering the game. Jordan Love was also seen stretching out his throwing hand but played through it.
Just a brutal day, especially with another game to come in four days. The main concern is with Reed. We hope for an encouraging update.
2. Penalties are a problem yet again
It's a common theme of Matt LaFleur's teams, year after year. Where is the discipline? It began with Javon Bullard, who broke up a pass on third down but was hit with a taunting penalty to extend the Jets' drive. It was the story of the Packers' game.
Green Bay had 13 penalties accepted for 129 yards, with New York declining another three. It's unacceptable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Three drive-extending penalties cost them against the Minnesota Vikings last week, and the same problems continue to haunt the Packers.
3. Lukas Van Ness shows more signs of a breakout season
The Packers needed Lukas Van Ness to make a fast start to the season with Micah Parsons still sidelined, and he dominated on Sunday.
Van Ness recorded 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and a team-high 10 tackles, including seven solo tackles. By PFF's early count, he generated six total pressures and had two run stops – just an outstanding game. Van Ness impressed last week against the Vikings, too, with one sack and three pressures.
4. Signing Skyy Moore might be the Packers' best offseason decision
What a difference a real returner can make. Skyy Moore was phenomenal on Sunday, returning four punts for 92 yards, including a big 63-yard return. He also averaged 29 yards on his four kick returns with a long of 43 yards. Moore made a game-changing contribution.
He also stepped in on offense following Jayden Reed's injury, catching two passes. Don't be surprised if his role increases on offense.
5. The Packers need to be a lot better
A win is a win, and the Packers will take it. The rainy conditions made it tough, as did the injuries, but the Packers need to be so much better. The unforced errors. The penalties. It just can't go on like this.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that you can't throw away a fourth-quarter lead if you never have one! That's a positive, I guess.
The Packers will celeberate the win, but they'll need to make some big improvements to sustain a threat in the NFC North, starting on Thursday Night Football in the home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
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