Krafty tight end impresses Packers, ESPN’s Berman

ESPN’s Chris Berman summarized Green Bay’s road win over the Rams in a way only Berman could. In his Fastest 3 Minutes segment during Monday Night Football, Berman focused on the Packers’ newest offensive weapon

“Jordan Love to Tucker Kraft,” Berman voiced over a highlight of the tight end, stiff-arming Darious Williams and breaking a Quentin Lake tackle on the way to a 66-yard touchdown. “Boy, you know the Cheesheads love Kraft cheese! Cheez Whiz for everybody! Packers beat the Rams. They’re 3-2.”

Indeed they are, and Kraft played a significant role in getting them to the 24-19 win. He filled a big void left by the injury to wide receiver Christian Watson and suspension of disgruntled Romeo Doubs.

Kraft, in his second season out of South Dakota State, established career highs in both yards (88) and touchdowns (two). Half of his four catches were touchdowns, including a 7-yard score that followed his 66-yard touchdown and extended the Packers’ lead to 24-13 with three-plus minutes left in the third quarter.

After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur said Kraft’s work ethic separates him from other players.

“He loves ball,” said LaFleur, who posted a fifth straight win over former boss Sean McVay. “He works nonstop. He’s relentless and he’s got a great mindset. That’s all he does. He just shows up, he works, he gets better. It’s been really cool to see him blossom. I think the more confidence he’s gotten, the better he’s done. He’s just a tough-minded dude and it’s been really cool to watch the guy and see the growth and development.”

Obviously, Berman didn’t have enough time to squeeze in Green Bay’s Xavier McKinney, probably because the safety filled up the defensive stat sheet. Arguably the league’s best unrestricted free-agent signing this past offseason, McKinney extended his personal streak of games with an interception to six, including his last game with the Giants in 2023.

McKinney is now the fourth player since 1990 with an interception in six straight games, joining Trevon Diggs (2021 with Dallas), Brian Russell (2003 with Minnesota) and Doug Evans (2001 with Carolina).

He’s also the fourth player since the 1970 merger with a takeaway in each of his team’s first five games of a season, joining Diggs (2021), Russell (2003) and Lemar Parrish (1979).

Green Bay hosts Arizona (2-3) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX).