The Green Bay Packers turned one of their worst performances under head coach Matt LaFleur into a win. There’s bad and good from the game, but at least the team beat the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime to improve to 1-1 in the regular season.

The game exposed familiar problems for Green Bay, from offensive line struggles to mounting injuries, but a handful of players provided silver linings. Now, the Packers are back in the hunt to improve and have a short week ahead of a “Thursday Night Football” game in Week 3.

Winners

Edge defender Lukas Van Ness

Van Ness has been one of the best players on the roster through two weeks, probably the best defender on the field against the Jets. He recorded 1.5 sacks (including one in overtime) and generated pressure several times on quarterback Geno Smith.

Van Ness is probably not the ideal primary edge rusher for a contending team, but he’s been passable in that role. The exciting part is the prognostic of having him and Micah Parsons on the field at the same time once Parsons returns. Based on how Van Ness has developed and played in Year 4 of his NFL career, that pairing could give Green Bay a legitimate pass-rushing tandem.

Additionally, Van Ness brings a lot of value as a run defender. That was on display on a big fourth-down stop late in the fourth quarter.

Running back Kaleb Johnson

He wasn’t spectacular, carrying the ball eight times for 32 yards, and he did fumble once (recovered by the Packers). But the difference in workload from the previous week is notable. Johnson had zero offensive snaps and just two special teams snaps in Week 1. Against the Jets, his role grew dramatically, producing a similar workload to MarShawn Lloyd. And he was the back on the field to start overtime.

With Josh Jacobs out, the Packers will likely lean on Johnson more as a secondary or even primary runner, given that Lloyd hasn’t performed at the level Green Bay expects. The running game has been underwhelming, mostly because of the offensive line, but Johnson showed early signs of life.

Right tackle Anthony Belton

Belton stepped in after Zach Bako-Bewele left the game with a knee injury. Even though Bako-Bewele is the best offensive lineman on the Packers, Belton played at a reasonable level and was arguably the best offensive lineman on the field. That matters because if Bako-Bewele’s injury is as serious as it appeared, Belton will serve as the long-term starter at right tackle.

Returner Skyy Moore

The Packers have a great returner once again, and Moore was huge in the Jets game. He had a 44-yard kickoff return early in the the game, which the offensive didn’t take advantage of, and a monster 66-yard punt return in the fourth quarter. Without Jayden Reed injured on the first drive, the Packers also leaned on Moore as a depth option at wide receiver.

Losers

Head coach Matt LaFleur

LaFleur shoulders the blame for one of the worst offensive performances of his tenure, despite the win. The Packers are trying to be a ground-and-pound operation built around the running game and big plays, but both are unrealistic with this offensive line. LaFleur hasn’t adapted to allow quarterback Jordan Love to operate as the rhythm thrower the Packers probably need given their circumstances. Beyond the offensive structure, the Packers have racked up nearly 30 penalties through two weeks. That volume of mistakes shouldn’t happen for a well-coached team.

Roster health status

The health situation is spiraling. Bako-Bewele’s knee injury looked serious. Wide receiver Jayden Reed suffered a neck injury that also appeared serious. Left guard Aaron Banks returned but left the game with a toe injury, forcing Donovan Jennings into extended action until his own injury. The injury situation appears headed to a difficult place, similar to last season.

Guard play was another problem

Banks was fine when he was on the field, even though Jacob Monk again wasn’t good enough. When Jennings entered the lineup, things went sideways. It’s puzzling that the Packers aren’t giving fifth-round rookie Jager Burton more chances, considering his solid preseason. The coaching staff indicated throughout the week that Jennings had been better in practice, but if the results aren’t translating on game day, Burton deserves an opportunity.

Cornerback Keisean Nixon

Nixon had a rough outing after playing fine against the Vikings in Week 1. Against the Jets, Nixon allowed multiple third-down conversions and drew a defensive pass interference penalty on the Jets’ first touchdown drive. The Jets targeted Nixon on big plays and conversion situations, and they usually got what they wanted. Green Bay appears to trust rookie Brandon Cisse more than Nixon at this point, which speaks to how poorly the veteran cornerback performed.