Cory's Corner: Wilson Showed The Packers How To Win
The undrafted free agent proved that the Packers do in fact have a running game that needs to be trusted.
GREEN BAY — Many folks probably didn’t know who Emanuel Wilson was before Sunday, but they sure as heck know him now.
“He’s kind of unassuming at times, but he’s powerful and when you run with the right pad level, it just shows you what he’s capable of doing,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Wilson rushed 28 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers bullied their way to a 23-6 win over the Vikings on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Wilson proved that he’s capable of doing amazing things. He was making his first start as a pro and the undrafted free agent out of Division II Fort Valley State looked like he had been a starter for years. He earned 94 yards after contact and tallied four runs of 10 yards or more.
“I approached it today just like it’s another game,” said Wilson. “This is my first start since, what, college, so I just tried to go out there and take advantage of it.”
This was a game the Packers had to have and with a quarterback that was still feeling the effects of a banged-up shoulder, the Packers had to keep it simple. It was unclear if Josh Jacobs would get the nod due to his knee injury, but when he was ruled out before kickoff, it became Wilson’s time.
And he didn’t disappoint.
“He came out with a chip on his shoulder and something to continue to prove,” said wideout Christian Watson. “He did everything we asked of him. Props to him, he was out there balling.”
Now with the Packers sitting at 7-3-1, having two capable running backs is a luxury. It’s imperative to make sure that Jacobs is healthy heading toward the playoffs. Even if Jacobs plays at Detroit on Thanksgiving, that could mean that he could rest a spell later in the season just to make sure he’s 100 percent heading into January.
And when both backs are healthy, I wouldn’t mind seeing Jacobs and Wilson on the field at the same time. Both are capable, both are hard to tackle and both will keep this offense on the field — even with the injuries on the offensive line.
It isn’t sexy, but Sunday’s game is a blueprint as to how this team is going to win moving forward. Thanks to the great defense that Micah Parsons and Co. are playing, all the offense really has to do is keep the chains moving. They don’t need explosive plays or amazing catches. Just grinding out wins by making opposing defenses tackle them.
That sounds easy right?
Well, I don’t want to tackle the 5-foot-10, 226-pound Wilson anytime soon. When a defensive player is in his way, No. 23 licks his chops and runs right through them.
As the weather begins to turn, running the football will become even more important. And now the Packers know they have not one, but two running backs that have proven that they can do it.
“When Josh comes back, when he gets going I will try to match his energy,” Wilson said. “Today, I just tried to do that.”
Emanuel Wilson scores through nothing more than determination, because Blake Cashman wasn't blocked. pic.twitter.com/pXz9Ythqi3
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) November 24, 2025
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (37)
T7Steve
November 25, 2025 at 07:09 am
I think they have 3 good backs. Let's not forget the unselfish play of Brookes, and when asked he comes up with some plays too.
I haven't thought about a 2-back offense since the days of AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones and even then, they used the TE/fullback alignment more often. This may help to alleviate the hole left by the Kraft injury and open other things up for sure.
Rory P Scrotem
November 25, 2025 at 08:49 am
AJ Dillon & Aaron Jones...I always hoped for Jamaal Williams & Aaron Jones.
T7Steve
November 25, 2025 at 08:54 am
Me too. Except they just used those two on alternating drives or when Jones got hurt. I was really upset when they had to let Jamaal walk.
LambeauPlain
November 25, 2025 at 08:03 am
I don't expect Jacobs and Wilson on the field at the same time...they'd have to "practice" the alignment with Love and OL in a meeting room using a computer and projector because Jacobs is barely practicing this week on the field, even in walk throughs.
Lloyd would have been the obvious choice in a two back set, but he's an enigma, surrounded by a mystery, wrapped in a shroud.
TXCHEESE
November 25, 2025 at 08:14 am
"Lloyd would have been the obvious choice in a two back set, but he's an enigma, surrounded by a mystery, wrapped in a shroud."
I'm wondering if we see him get much action this season. Mid-November and he still hasn't even come off IR. Snake bit, or injury prone? I think the jury is still out. I'm not overly concerned as long as Jacobs can bounce back and Wilson and Brooks stay healthy. That's a pretty good running back group.
T7Steve
November 25, 2025 at 08:19 am
"because Jacobs is barely practicing this week on the field, even in walk throughs."
There you go again. LOL! Always have to be practical and burst my bubble. Too bad you make so much sense.
GregC
November 25, 2025 at 09:34 am
I would love to see Lloyd in there at least once in awhile, as he could be the big play threat that they don't really have at the RB position, but it's not looking good for him.
As for Wilson, he was basically a plug and play sub for Jacobs all last season. No surprise that he played so well on Sunday. He may even be doing a little better with his blitz pickups.
TOMMY'63
November 25, 2025 at 09:46 am
Whats up with lloyd? Hasn't played in two years? Another of gutenshites wasted picks! Maybe he'll reinjure his legs next training camp and out next year as well!
marpag1
November 25, 2025 at 11:10 am
^ possibly the stupidest comment in the history of CHTV...
Leatherhead
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I don't know. It's a crowded room.
For all the people who are disappointed with Marshawn Lloyd, I have two words for you: Alex Green.
marpag1
November 25, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Nah.... Darrell Thompson. Green was 3rd round. Thompson was 19th overall...
GregC
November 25, 2025 at 11:54 am
Lloyd was drafted right about where most people thought he would be drafted.
NFLfan
November 25, 2025 at 08:04 am
Wilson has the heart and drive of players like Kraft, Williams, Jacobs, Watson. Belton came in later in the game-did he open some lanes for Wilson?
TXCHEESE
November 25, 2025 at 08:10 am
Yes, a good run game is imperative in the late season and playoffs, but you still have to have a passing game that gets the explosive gains. Otherwise you're counting on 10 - 15 play drives to get the score. Explosive plays not only gain yards, they put the defense back on it's heels a bit, and pulls the safeties back away from the LOS. Plus not all teams are going to be as inept as the Purples in the passing game.
I've always thought Wilson was the real deal. He just needed an opportunity to shine. Players like him and McDuffie are invaluable assets as a season progresses, and injuries and fatigue pop up.
GPG
Coldworld
November 25, 2025 at 08:19 am
With the state of our TEs, 2 running backs out there should be a thing. We aren’t going to lose much blocking or in receiving options and potential. Whyle could be a part of that as a fullback, as he was at times on Sunday, but neither he nor Fitzpatrick have shown me any reason to play them as TEs.
2 RBs, in various combinations, and 4 WRs and a 6th OL (possibly including Musgrave) should be the default formations. Kraft is gone. The landscape has changed. The offensive thinking needs to adapt.
stockholder
November 25, 2025 at 11:19 am
Your just plan wrong again.
Do you remember Gute drafting
Aj Dillion RB SiZE
Josiah Deguara TE
The offense needs that 6 OL
instead of the TE blocking Outside -
And the perfect man is Morgan.
Especially on that Left side!
No one helped Walker.
No one will help Walker now.
Either he sinks or swims.
Or Morgan;
gets his last shot with Walker being the 6th OL.
Alberta_Packer
November 25, 2025 at 11:25 am
Why not? It certainly would be a change from the usual generic game plan - which could reduce its predictability.
HarryHodag
November 25, 2025 at 08:37 am
Not much said about the offensive line which had an above average day. Folks can sometimes forget that quarterbacks, running backs and ends don't get very far without the largely unsung heroes in front of them.
Wilson is hardly new to this. With the help of the line he showed what he could do. He's had flashes in the past but Sunday he put together a complete game. Great to have three good running backs!
T7Steve
November 25, 2025 at 08:56 am
"offensive line which had an above average day"
Above average for them, maybe. They still have time to get going. This weekend with Belton (I hope) would be a good time for them to shine.
LambeauPlain
November 25, 2025 at 11:57 am
I don't believe the OL had an above average day, Harry. Given how little room Wilson had to run, he definitely had an above average day. 3.8 yd/carry was mostly due to Wilson breaking tackles after being hit at the LOS.
The OL remains the weak link. Hopefully Belton develops into a G at this late date. He should have been at G in training camp and left Morgan practice as the swing tackle.
Bottom 5 offense per PFF
RG Jordan Morgan: 38.9
RG Anthony Belton: 44.8
OL Darian Kinnard: 54.1
C Sean Rhyan: 56.3
WR Malik Heath: 57.6
HarryHodag
November 25, 2025 at 02:14 pm
Numbers can't show the whole picture of human behavior.
"Above average day" means the line was average before(how do you account for seven wins with a poor line?) and did MORE to help Wilson. That's all.
Here's a little NFL riddle to consider. One team has the best defense in the history of the NFL, shutting out ever opponent. But the same team has the worst offense in the history of the NFL, scoring only three points per game over the entire season. So this team wins the Super Bowl with 20/21 wins yet scores only 60/63 points all year. So the stat geeks would say this is an awful statistical offense yet they're Super Bowl champs. It is theoretically possible. I wonder what the geeks at PFF would say about that?
LeotisHarris
November 25, 2025 at 08:38 am
Good for Wilson.
This edition of The Corner had it all; a pad level reference, a player no one had ever heard of, a chip on a shoulder, and a game approached as just another game. My day, I think, is complete. GPG
T7Steve
November 25, 2025 at 08:58 am
Complete once you see a post from Stockholder.
TXCHEESE
November 25, 2025 at 10:21 am
But no one gave a 110 percent, or had the sky as the limit.
LambeauPlain
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 pm
I was also in great anticipation to read somewhere in the article, from some coach or player to declare: "just practicing to get better each and every day".
For a team that barely practices all 11 starters on O, D, and STs during the week with many starters labeled "DNP", or "limited"... I needed to read that! Dang!
T7Steve
November 25, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Don't forget my favorite; "Vet Rest"
marpag1
November 25, 2025 at 11:16 am
Don't forget about the definition of insanity. Or the lame story title... because this author is the Swiss Army Knife of lame title writers.
NFLfan
November 25, 2025 at 09:55 am
I wouldn't count on Lloyd returning. His latest injury was a hamstring in August. think he's being evaluated for 'imbalances' which may be causing his 2 hamstring injuries, groin, ankle, etc.
Alberta_Packer
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 pm
So a little "I told you so" to Gutekunst and his scouts. Back in the 2024 draft - when Lloyd was drafted in the 3rd round (88) - my draft crush was Tyrone Tracey Jr. (5th - 166). I was pleasantly engaged with another commenter (golfpacker1 ?) - who very much liked Bucky Irving (4th - 125). As it turned out - gp1 and myself were both right - as Tracey Jr. and Irving have become fine NFL running backs.
Why I bypassed Lloyd was entirely due to his physical conformation. I thought that he was over-muscled and proportionately imbalanced to endure the rigors of the NFL game. Unfortunately for Lloyd my assessment was correct. Nor do I think that he will ever not be injury prone.
Lloyd has been a miss for Gutekunst - just like Musgrave. However it does make for some stimulating discussions.
jannesbjornson
November 25, 2025 at 02:22 pm
I preferred Bucky Irving in the Third Rd. He was good for the Gophers then he took the portal to Oregon.
Dynamic in space. Same read on Lloyd. So it Goes.
marpag1
November 25, 2025 at 11:27 am
Yeah, Wilson gave great effort and got the Packers through a rough spot, which is all you can ask from a second-stringer. But let's not get stupid. If Emmanuel Wilson were an NFL team, his 3.8 yards per carry would rank him 28th in the league, just ahead of such powerhouses as the Raiders and the Saints. And 3.8 is exactly the same (disappointing) number as Josh Jacobs has averaged thus far.
Wilson's per carry average went DOWN in this game. On the season, he's 4.0 per carry. This game was 3.8. League averge is 4.3.
Meanwhile, Micah is demolishing pro bowl tackles and making them look like drunken donkeys stumbling back from the bar. But Wilson showed the Packers how to win. Got it.
Waiting for the same weird article about Daniel Whelan teaching the Packers to win...
Coldworld
November 25, 2025 at 12:09 pm
Josh Jacob’s ypc for this season: 3.8.
Yes, let’s denigrate Wilson’s efforts for no reason whatsoever, instead celebrate when our depth proves its real.
marpag1
November 25, 2025 at 12:17 pm
Yes, that's why I specifically said that Josh Jacobs ypc for this season is 3.8. Thanks.
I didn't 'denigrate Wilson's efforts for no reason whatsoever.' I said he "did everything you could ask of a second-stringer." But rushing for 3.8 per is not a great recipe for winning.
Did you read the comment?
Coldworld
November 25, 2025 at 12:25 pm
It was last week apparently, 50% of our yards ran through him and half of your comment focused on him not having led us. If you are trying to make a wider point about the offense, then I can’t see it in what you wrote. So what is your point?
dblbogey
November 25, 2025 at 11:53 am
"The Vikings' run defense is ranked poorly in the 2025 NFL season, struggling to stop the run and is considered a significant weakness. While specific rankings vary depending on the metric, the team is generally in the bottom quarter of the league, allowing a high number of rushing yards and having a low success rate against the run"
So, take that into consideration. Hopefully the Morgan as a guard experiment is done. It would be great if Belton is a nice upgrade over Morgan, and Banks starts earning his money. IMHO, inside OL has been the main problem for our offensive struggles.
Coldworld
November 25, 2025 at 12:23 pm
We’ve already played against the Cowboys and Giants, whose run defenses are significantly worse over the season. Therefore I’m not sure how much or why we should view our play in the last game with elevated caution.
vin0770
November 25, 2025 at 01:04 pm
I’m glad Wilson is ours and got a couple TD’s but I’m not a positive O line champion. 3.5 yards a carry last game and couldn’t run it when needed to close out the game, three and out twice 🤔