4 winners (and 2 losers) for Packers in Week 5 win over Rams

It wasn't perfect, but winning on the road rarely is. The Green Bay Packers overcame a frustrating first half to overcome the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 5. It's a crucial victory for Matt LaFleur's squad, who bounced back after a disappointing home loss to the Minnesota Vikings seven days earlier.

We saw the good and bad from Jordan Love again. He made some wow throws, as he always does, including arguably the best of his career on a 53-yard connection with Jayden Reed.

Love also threw probably his worst pass that turned a potential Rams safety into a pick-six. However, he bounced back after going full Brett Favre, helping the Packers take control of the game in the third quarter.

After an important win, here are the biggest winners and losers for the Packers.

Winners and losers for Packers in important win over Rams

Winner: Tucker Kraft

The Packers have a superstar at tight end. It feels strange to even type those words. Second-year Tucker Kraft just keeps getting better.

With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs out of the lineup, Kraft stepped up with a huge game, catching four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers have found their George Kittle. He shares so many similarities. Kraft plays the game the right way, is phenomenal after the catch, and has become an elite blocker.

Per Next Gen Stats, Kraft leads all tight ends after the catch this season and topped 19.7 mph on his 66-yard touchdown. No other tight end has reached that speed this year.

Loser: Dontayvion Wicks

Without Watson and Doubs, the Packers needed their other pass-catchers to make an impact. They got big-time plays from Reed and Kraft, but Dontayvion Wicks struggled with drops again.

Love targeted Wicks seven times, but they connected only twice for 20 yards. He has the ability to consistently get open, but the chemistry just isn't there between Love and Wicks at the moment. And when they are on the same page, drops are an issue. It's not time to panic. Wicks is doing the hard part and keeps getting targets—it's just about getting the timing right with Love and making the play.

It will come, but it was another frustrating afternoon for the second-year wide receiver.

Winner: Evan Williams

There's something about the No. 33 jersey in Green Bay. From Micah Hyde to Aaron Jones to Evan Williams?

With Javon Bullard spending time in the slot, Williams saw extended playing time at safety alongside Xavier McKinney. And the rookie delivered, making a team-best 10 tackles and two pass breakups, including the game-winning play on a fourth-down pass intended for Colby Parkinson.

Williams impressed all summer. Finally given a chance to prove himself in the regular season, he made an impact.

Loser: Pass rush

The Packers' pass rush remains a problem. They got the matchup they needed against a Rams offensive line missing three starters, but Jeff Hafley's unit produced next to nothing off the edge. They finished with three sacks, but Matthew Stafford had far too much time to throw throughout the afternoon.

When Hafley doesn't send more than four rushers, the Packers struggle to hurry opposing quarterbacks. Rashan Gary had another quiet game, finishing with zero sacks and quarterback hits. He pressured Stafford on occasion, but not enough to slow down the Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Kenny Clark had two quarterback hits, which is hopefully a sign he is regaining some confidence.

Championship teams can rush the passer. The Packers have the talent, but the pass rush failed again in Week 5.

Winner: Edgerrin Cooper

When the Packers do generate pressure, it's often because Hafley has sent extra players. Edgerrin Cooper made a ton of plays as a pass-rusher at Texas A&M, registering eight sacks in his final season. He made an impact in a similar role on Sunday, finishing the game with one sack, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.

The Packers have to get their second-round pick on the field. Sure, they will have to live with his mistakes, but he will learn through experience. Cooper makes an impact.

Hafley blitzed Cooper on the game-winning fourth-down play, and his pressure hurried Stafford into an incompletion. He needs to play more.

Winner: Karl Brooks

Overall, the Packers' pass rush disappointed in Week 5, but not Karl Brooks. The second-year pro had an outstanding game, finishing with 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss. He put Stafford under pressure on his interception to McKinney.

It's a reminder of the pass-rushing ability Brooks showed as a rookie. With Devonte Wyatt out, the Packers needed Brooks to step up, and he did exactly that with his first 1.5 sacks of the season.

More Packers news and analysis