5 takeaways from Packers’ 17-14 win over Buccaneers: The OL steps up

By admin — In News — October 4, 2026

   ​The Green Bay Packers picked up their second win of the season to get to 2-2 after defeating the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday. It was a game which threatened to get away from Green Bay late but for the most part was a step in the right direction.Here are five takeaways from the Packers’ 17-14 victory:The offensive line steps upThe hope was that against a Buccaneers defense which has struggled to impact the quarterback, the Packers offensive line could finally look competent whether Kevin Zeitler played or not. The veteran was not ready to make his debut, but Travis Glover – who surprisingly got the start at right guard – put in a very solid performance along with the rest of his O-line comrades.According to PFF, the offensive line gave up just one quarterback hit and one hurry throughout the entire game.There were also more generous lanes in the run game and Green Bay’s backs rushed for a season-high 87 yards as a result. Laken Tomlinson started his first game for the Packers at left guard and brought something to the run game.This was an important day for the offensive line and should build some confidence for the rest of the season.Victory comes at a costJust like the Packers’ win against the Jets two weeks ago, Sunday’s game was costly for their long-term hopes this year, as Edgerrin Cooper went down with what looked like a season-ending Achilles injury.The defense has arguably been built around Cooper’s skillset, and he was having a terrific game before the injury, including an interception. It is a cruel blow for a talented player and to the Packers, who have already lost Zach Bako-Bewele and Jayden Reed for the season.Brandon Cisse also left the game, so the injury damage may not be over.Defense saves the day againAnother similarity to the Jets game was Jonathan Gannon’s defense being crucial to sealing the win. They were regularly put in positions where they absolutely had to prevent a score, and responded by shutting down Jalon Daniels and the Buccaneers defense.Evan Williams was everywhere in both the run and the pass game with four tackles including two stops, a pass break up and a diving interception. He was also clinging on to Daniels’ ankles on Tampa’s final offensive play, not allowing him to escape and helping force an incompletion.It will be tough without Cooper going forward, but it was encouraging to see Gannon’s defense rebound from an uncharacteristic performance against the Falcons last week.Offense cannot stop the self inflicted woundsMissed assignments on the offensive line were few and far between this week, but there were still too many unforced errors from the offense.The Packers started drives on 1st-and-19 or -20 four separate times due to penalties and there were key drops from Bo Melton and Matthew Golden which ruined potential big plays on third down.Worst of all, late in the game with the chance to put the game beyond doubt, Green Bay turned it over twice in the red zone, one of them at t  

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