The Japan Times - Packers' Love tames the Lions, Cowboys crush Commanders

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland set a new NFL record for 'pick sixes' when he ran in an interception for a touchdown in his team's 45-10 blowout win over the Washington Commanders.

The Lions had gone into the NFC North divisional clash with an 8-2 record and were heavily favoured against a Packers team with just four wins in the season.

But Green Bay quarterback Love produced his most accomplished performance since taking over from Aaron Rodgers for this season, throwing for three touchdowns and 268 yards as he connected on 22 of 32 passes.

The Packers scored three touchdowns in the opening quarter and went in 23-6 up at half-time with their offense firing and their defence applying pressure to Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

The Packers scored on the first drive of the game, with Love passing short left to Jayden Reed at the end of a five play, 75 yard drive which began with a superb 53 yard pass to Christian Watson on the first play.

The Lions responded immediately with Goff connecting with Sam LaPorta with a pinpoint pass through coverage into the end-zone.

But Love, who spent three years on the bench as back-up to Rodgers, was in the mood and replied by leading his team on a ten play, 75 yard drive which concluded with a nine yard pass, short right to Tucker Kraft.

The game turned decisively in Green Bay's direction when Rashan Gary got to Goff, forcing a fumble as the quarterback threw, the loose ball being recovered by Jonathan Owens, who dashed 27 yards for a touchdown.

After a third quarter field goal from Anders Carlson gave Green Bay a 17-point lead at the break, the Lions narrowed the gap in the third quarter with a six yard rushing touchdown from David Montgomery.

But Love produced a 16 yard touchdown pass to Watson and although Detroit scored with 41 seconds remaining, with Goff finding Josh Reynolds in the end-zone, their attempt to retrieve an onside kick failed.

Love credited the growing understanding on offense for the explosive start that Green Bay's win was built upon.

"I think just the chemistry we're building on offense, just the way we work every day throughout the week, it's helping us come out here and just play fast, start fast, and just get in that rhythm and be comfortable doing it," he said.

But he also credited the defense for the pressure they put on Goff, particularly Gary who delivered three sacks and two forced fumbles.

"They're putting up a lot of pressure. RG was at the quarterback every time. They got some big-time turnovers so it was a huge performance by them," he said.

- Home streak -

The Cowboys extended their home winning streak to 13 games with a convincing victory over Washington with quarterback Dak Prescott throwing for 331 yards and four touchdowns.

Dallas led 20-10 at the half thanks to Prescott's touchdown passes to Rico Dowdle and Brandin Cooks and a seven-yard rush from running-back Tony Pollard.

But Dallas ran away with the game in the fourth quarter and crowned their victory with Bland's record-breaking interception return.

Bland had equalled the record of four 'pick sixes' in a single season in last week's win over Carolina, joining Philadelphia’s Eric Allen (1993), Kansas City’s Jim Kearney (1972) and Houston’s Ken Houston (1971).

But he anticipated Sam Howell's pass intended for Jahan Dotson and then raced into the endzone for a 63-yard score.

"It just means everything, to have the fans, family, coaches there. Doing it on Thanksgiving Day is another day to be thankful for," said Bland.

The win moves the Cowboys to 8-3 on the season while divisional rivals Washington slump to 4-8. The Philadelphia Eagles led the NFC East on 9-1.

Later on Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers faced the Seattle Seahawks.

H.Takahashi--JT