3. The defense also took advantage of the opportunity at other times.

On the Rams’ second drive of the game, with the Packers already up 7-0, they went for it on fourth down from the 4-yard line, but Green Bay got the stop.

Also late in the second quarter, the Rams were in field goal range until linebacker Quay Walker and Williams combined for a loss of six yards on a throw to running back Kyren Williams (22 carries, 102 yards). Two plays later, rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper had a sack and the Rams punted.

Those missed points certainly mattered as the match progressed.

Williams played most of the game at safety after the Packers switched up their secondary in cornerback Jaire Alexander’s absence. Fellow rookie Javon Bullard moved to the slot, while veteran corner Keisean Nixon moved outside, while cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine (returning from injury) also got their share of snaps.

“He’s another guy who’s very smart and instinctive and has a talent for football,” LaFleur said of Williams.

“Right now we have a good problem. We have a lot of people that we think can play for us in the secondary, and the challenge is, if we get everyone healthy, how do we get them all involved?”

4. The first half was a tough sleigh ride.

Running back Josh Jacobs (19 carries, 73 yards) got his first touchdown as a Packer in the first quarter, set up by a 53-yard bomb to receiver Jayden Reed that he somehow caught with three defenders around him.

“Not a great decision on my part, but when you have a playmaker like J-Reed, he’s going to step up and prove you right,” said Love, who finished 15 of 26 for 224 yards.

But other than that, the offense went three-and-out in the first half, and Love threw a pick-six while trying to avoid going into the end zone for a safety. His off-balance throw was intercepted by safety Jaylen McCollough at the 4-yard line for an easy score and gave the Rams a 13–7 lead.

“Bad decision,” Love said matter-of-factly. “It’s all about how you respond and bounce back.”

To his credit, he responded and drove the Packers to a field goal just before halftime to make it 13-10.