Thursday Night Football is supposed to showcase the NFL at its finest — a stage where two teams bring their best for the nation to see. But in Week 2 of the 2025 season, only one team showed up.

The Green Bay Packers humiliated the Washington Commanders in a 27-8 demolition at Lambeau Field, turning what was billed as a competitive matchup into a one-sided beatdown. Jordan Love looked like a franchise quarterback in command of every throw, Tucker Craft bulldozed defenders like a runaway truck, and the Commanders looked completely lost in all three phases of the game.

Early Drama: Touchdown Wiped Away, Jaden Reed Injured

The night began with chaos. On the Packers’ opening drive, Love connected with Jaden Reed for what looked like a highlight-reel touchdown. Lambeau erupted — only to have the score called back due to a holding penalty.

The pain didn’t stop there. Reed, one of Green Bay’s brightest young receivers, left the game moments later with a broken collarbone. Early reports suggest he could be sidelined until December, a devastating blow for a budding offense.

Yet the setback didn’t derail the Packers.

Love in Control, Commanders Out of Answers

Jordan Love quickly settled in, attacking Washington’s secondary with poise and confidence. On one play, he lowered his shoulder and trucked through a defender, drawing roars from the Lambeau crowd. Minutes later, he found Romeo Doubs in the end zone for Green Bay’s first official touchdown of the night.

Washington, meanwhile, couldn’t get anything going. Their first four possessions ended in punts, with quarterback Jayden Daniels facing constant pressure. Even when receivers like Noah Brown or Terry McLaurin found space, the passes were off-target or dropped.

The Commanders’ offense was in quicksand.

Tucker Craft’s Breakout Game

The unsung hero of the night was tight end Tucker Craft. Nicknamed “Mac and Cheese” by some fans, Craft turned Washington’s defense into his personal playground. He rumbled 60 yards downfield early in the second quarter, shedding defenders like they were paper dolls. By the end of the game, he had six catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.

Every time Washington thought they had the Packers contained, Craft broke loose again. His physical style epitomized the Packers’ dominance — tough, relentless, and humiliating for the opposition.

Commanders’ Brief Flicker of Hope

Late in the third quarter, Washington finally showed signs of life. Veteran back Zack Z slipped behind the line and darted 20 yards for a touchdown, bringing the deficit to two scores. Moments later, Debo Samuel added a touchdown of his own, cutting the Packers’ lead to single digits.

For a brief moment, Commanders fans allowed themselves to believe. Could this be a comeback?

No.

Packers Slam the Door

Green Bay responded with authority. Love orchestrated another methodical drive, capped off by — who else? — Tucker Craft powering into the end zone. Any hope of a Washington miracle vanished.

From there, the Packers simply bled the clock, chewing up time and daring Washington to find an answer. They never did.

Final Score: Packers 27, Commanders 8

The stat sheet told the story. Love threw for nearly 300 yards, Doubs and Craft dominated the passing game, and the Packers’ ground attack complemented the aerial assault. On defense, Green Bay swarmed Daniels all night, sacking him repeatedly and holding the Commanders to just eight points — most of which came in garbage time.

What This Means for Green Bay

For the Packers, this game was a statement. After years of transition following Aaron Rodgers’ departure, Jordan Love looks ready to be the guy. He played with swagger, toughness, and precision, reminding fans why the organization committed to him as the franchise quarterback.

Craft’s emergence adds another weapon to an already promising young core. If Reed can return by late season, Green Bay could suddenly be one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams.

What This Means for Washington

The Commanders, on the other hand, are in trouble. Their offense looked disorganized, their defense got manhandled, and their special teams missed crucial kicks. Jayden Daniels remains a work in progress, but the lack of protection up front leaves him vulnerable on every snap.

If things don’t change quickly, Washington’s season could spiral before October.

Fans React

On social media, reactions poured in. Packers fans celebrated Love’s dominance, with one writing: “We’ve got our quarterback. Rodgers who?” Another joked: “Tucker Craft just became the new Gronk. Somebody check on Washington’s linebackers.”

Commanders fans, however, were furious. “This is the most pathetic TNF performance I’ve seen in years,” one fan tweeted. “Fire everyone. Start over.”

The Bigger Picture

Thursday Night Football often produces sloppy games, but this was more than that — it was a showcase of one team’s rise and another’s collapse. The Packers are growing into a legitimate contender, while the Commanders are left searching for answers to problems that look systemic.

As the season moves forward, Green Bay carries momentum and confidence, while Washington faces questions of identity, competence, and leadership.

The NFL thrives on drama, and this game delivered in spades — but only for one side.