GREEN BAY, Wis. -- A few thoughts on the Green Bay Packers' 31-24 win over the New York Jets on Sunday at Lambeau Field:
What it means: At this point, all we can say for sure is the Packers avoided what would have been a disastrous start to the season. Down 21-3 in the second quarter, 0-2 was looking like a distinct possibility. Maybe the comeback just masked some greater defensive problems that will plague the Packers all season long, but it could be the kind of early-season momentum changer that sends them on a run to another playoff appearance. Either way, for now, disaster has been averted.
Stock watch: Coach Mike McCarthy doesn't like undisciplined penalties from his players. You can believe he won't be happy about the one on his sideline in the second quarter. That's what happened to at the end of a 17-yard catch by Jordy Nelson in the second quarter. The Packers' sideline was upset that there was not a late-hit called against the Jets after it appeared Nelson was hit late out of bounds and after arguing the no-call, it was the Packers' bench that got penalized for unsportsman-like conduct. Referee Walt Anderson did not say who the penalty was on, but Rob Davis, the team's director of player engagement, appeared to be vehemently arguing with the nearest official. The Packers still got a field goal on that drive.
Unpopular call: When the Packers ran the ball on third-and-goal from the 5 -- and got 3 yards from Eddie Lacy -- in the second quarter while trailing 21-3, that seemed to be a precursor to going for it on fourth down. Not so. Instead, coach Mike McCarthy opted to kick the field goal anyway, drawing boos from the crowd.
Injury report: Starting safety Micah Hyde and backup linebacker Andy Mulumba both left the game with knee injuries and did not return.
Game ball: Nelson is the best thing the Packers have going for them on offense, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows it. Time after time, Rodgers looked to Nelson, who delivered with nine catches for a career-high 209 yards and a touchdown.
What’s next: The Packers play their first NFC North game next Sunday at the Detroit Lions.