Finally… the Green Bay Packers are done with their late games (for now) and I can get back to writing these post-game articles the day after. I’m so, so sleepy and also SO, SO IN THE PLAYOFFS. After a 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints, the Packers are back in the playoffs for the second year in a row. I can’t in good conscience pick a loser after such a complete Packers game, so let’s take a look at some of last night’s winners.

Winner: The RB Room

The Packers had three active RBs yesterday and all three scored a rushing touchdown. After it became clear that the Packers were going to win the game handily (about midway through the second quarter), Josh Jacobs was removed from the running game, seemingly out of precaution. Taking his place were Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson, who combined for 449 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD in the 2024 season prior to this game. Last night, these two combined for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries, including Chris Brooks’ first-ever NFL score. Overall, the RB trio finished the night with 144 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 carries (4.8 yards average). Plus, Josh Jacobs ended the night with a player standing stiffly in front of Jesus; No official statistics (yet).

Interesting fact: Nine There were different packers at the ball last night! Imagine saying that to a Packers fan in 2012. HC Matt LaFleur has been able to do some pretty special things with the team’s running game this season, and it has really made a difference on offense as QB Jordan Love struggled with multiple injuries early in the season.

Winner: Tucker Kraft

There isn’t much to say about Tucker Kraft that hasn’t already been said. He has shown the ability to make explosive plays out of nothing but his powerful little legs. He fights for every meter. His hands have become football magnets, so to speak. And now he has a trick up his sleeve. Kraft finished the night going three of four for 63 yards.

With so many young and talented names catching passes on this Packers roster, it almost feels like Kraft’s name gets lost in the shuffle when it comes to playmakers in the NFL. If he were on a roster with less pass-catching talent, he would likely get closer to 1,000 yards this season. We are fortunate to have him in Green Bay.

Winner: Edgerrin Cooper

At some point this season, Edgerrin Cooper made the leap from “promising rookie” to “real stud.” I can’t say exactly when this happened (I told you I was very tired), but brother, I’m glad we’re here.

Cooper was absolutely everywhere on the field last night, leading the team with 10 total tackles, including a big tackle for a loss early in the game. He is one of the fastest players on the field and it is literally mind-boggling how quickly he can make a play. The flashes of talent we are seeing at this early point in his career suggest a very bright future at the position in Green Bay.

Winner: Keisean Nixon

One of my favorite Packers has quietly had a really nice second half of the season. Last night, Nixon managed to quickly get to Saints QB Spencer Rattler and force a fumble that was recovered by Rashan Gary. While the Packers were already dominating at this point in the game, defensive statement plays like this are the perfect way to keep the momentum on your side. This was Nixon’s third forced fumble of the season and his second in five weeks. He also had a nice 38 yard kick return early in the game (I would have sworn he would take that home).

Winner: Zayne Anderson

I can’t not talk about this guy. After four seasons in the NFL, during which he played primarily on special teams, Anderson recorded his first interception as a pro last night. And then he almost did it again! We’ve been joking for the last two seasons about this guy not being real, and then he shows a flash of athleticism that’s so random I wonder if he did it by accident. Before anyone says anything, I realize that the New Orleans Saints are a smelly, smelly, bad football team. However, there are career firsts here, and Zayne: You’re a winner!

With the NFC North officially out of reach for the Packers, the battle for fifth place has begun. Next week, the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at the new local kickoff time of 3:25 p.m. The Vikings narrowly defeated the Packers 31:29 in their last meeting; will part 2 also be near? Looking at the rest of the Vikings’ 2024 schedule…probably. Buckle up, people!