Love, Kraft second-half heroics help Packers win over Steelers, 35-25

 

PITTSBURGH -- A brisk night welcomed fans at Acrisure Stadium. The chill in the air didn’t stop fans from waving their Terrible Towels. Excitement was in the air. Pittsburgh hosting a primetime matchup against Aaron Rodgers’ former team. The stadium pulsed with intensity as fans were eager to witness history.

The Packers beat the Steelers with a dominant second-half performance, 35-25, at Acrisure Stadium during Sunday night football. Green Bay came back from a 16-7 halftime deficit behind quarterback Jordan Love and tight end Tucker Kraft, whose explosive throws and big-yardage receptions changed the outcome of the game.

A once rocking stadium silent shortly after Steelers' loss

Love finished with 360 passing yards and three touchdowns, completing 29 of 37 attempts without an interception. Kraft caught seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns, which was a game high in both yards and touchdown catches. Kraft’s big-time plays wore down Pittsburgh’s struggling secondary, as the Steelers lost their star safety, DeShon Elliott early in the second half.

Kraft’s dominance highlighted the shift in momentum as Green Bay began to take control in the third quarter.

“He’s a beast. He was a man possessed,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said about Kraft after the win. “We just got to find ways to get him the ball.”

Green Bay’s scoring surge began early in the third quarter with a 59-yard catch-and-run from Love to Kraft, setting up a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver, Savion Williams. The Packers’ offense had balance and tempo, forcing Pittsburgh to defend deep balls, which created opportunities on the ground with running back Josh Jacobs. Chris Boswell’s 56-yard field goal briefly kept the Steelers within reach, but Green Bay’s big plays continued to be the story of the evening.

Rodgers was visibly frustrated at the officials after a no-call offsides penalty.

“The one play it seemed like the guy was offsides on third and eight and our guy didn’t come up with the catch and they didn’t make a penalty call. We punted then had a wild play to 85 (Kraft) to kind of get back in the game,” Rodgers said.

From then on, Green Bay never looked back. Jacobs’ 3-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion to Romeo Doubs gave the Packers a 22-19 lead in the fourth quarter. Love then found Kraft again for a 24-yard touchdown reception. Brandon McManus added field goals of 28 and 25 yards following a key fumble by Pittsburgh’s Kenneth Gainwell, widening the gap to 35-25 to close it out.

The Steelers, meanwhile, showed hope despite the loss. Rodgers started strong, contributing a 45-yard heave to Roman Wilson on the opening drive, setting up Boswell’s 56-yard field goal. DK Metcalf scored a 2-yard touchdown, and Boswell added two more long-range kicks, keeping Pittsburgh competitive in the first half.

Pittsburgh’s offense struggled to maintain consistency. Green Bay’s strategic game plan and multiple costly penalties allowed the Packers to take control. The Packers’ defensive pressure forced key turnovers preventing the Steelers from retaking any momentum they once had. While Wilson and Metcalf provided sparks, Pittsburgh could not convert critical third downs into prolonged drives.

Green Bay’s success proved the potential of Love and Kraft as a high-powered duo. Pittsburgh will need to address coverage breakdowns, penalties, and turnovers to remain competitive in this league.

“You know, we all have to own it,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “Certainly you start with the schematics because that’s the leadership component of it. Some of these problems are repetitive, and we’re not getting better fast enough.”

Sunday’s matchup ultimately was a study in momentum swings. Green Bay capitalized on explosive plays while Pittsburgh struggled to sustain offense in key situations. The Steelers have a lot to work on as they get ready to play another good team at home next Sunday in the Indianapolis Colts.