They did what they had to do. And yes, it got more tense than it needed to be.

The Packers’ 24-19 victory over the Rams Sunday in California turned in the third quarter because of a pair of big plays each by safety Xavier McKinney and tight end Tucker Kraft.

McKinney recovered a fumble and came up with his weekly interception. He now has five picks in five games with the Packers. That’s a franchise record and he’s the first player to achieve that in the NFL at least since 1970.

Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Kraft got touchdown receptions after both of those turnovers, from 66 (the longest Packers TD for a tight end since Tom Crabtree in 2012) and seven yards. The second-year tight end is really emerging for the Packers.

After a weekend that featured the messy suspension of Romeo Doubs and the absence of Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson because of injuries, the victory was sweet tonic for the Packers.

The Packers are now 3-2 with the next two games at home against the Cardinals and Texans.

They then go to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars.

October could be a pivotal month for the Packers. I don’t know who they are yet. I think we’ll find out over the next three weeks.