GREEN BAY – Robert Rochell had a job to do and wasn't about to let Siran Neal prevent him from doing it.
After the Packers' offense went three-and-out to start Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup with Miami, Rochell manned his post as the left flyer on Green Bay's punt coverage unit.
Beating a double team, the fourth-year cornerback spun through Neal's block in pursuit of Dolphins punt returner Malik Washington. It was only after Rochell fell to the ground he realized Washington muffed Daniel Whelan's 45-yard punt.
The ball? Firmly in Rochell's grasp at the Dolphins' 9-yard line.
Three plays later, Jordan Love connected with Jayden Reed on a 3-yard touchdown pass for the opening score in the Packers' emphatic 30-17 win over Miami.
"It was like God-given, it feels like," Rochell said. "Just doing what I'm supposed to do and being where I need to be, keeping my leverage on the ball and the ball bounced to me."
Rochell played nine games for Green Bay last year before starting the 2024 season on the team's practice squad. After exhausting his three gameday elevations, Rochell was signed back to the active roster two weeks ago.
A popular member of Green Bay's locker room, Rochell was quickly mobbed after his recovery of Washington's muffed punt. His play also reflected how the Packers dominated the pace of Thursday's game due in large part to complementary football.
After spinning a regrettable three-and-out into seven points thanks to Rochell's heroics, the Packers scored a touchdown or field goal on four of their next five possessions to take a commanding 27-3 lead over the Dolphins midway through the third quarter.
The Packers rushed for 102 yards in the first half, the fourth time this season Green Bay has tallied at least 100 rushing yards through the first two quarters this season.
If you ask running back Josh Jacobs, it's no secret how that early momentum was generated – the mulligan Rochell afforded the offense after going three-and-out on its first drive.
"That was big because I felt like we started off a little slow," said Jacobs, who finished with 117 total yards and a touchdown. "I feel like the first run I kind of misplaced where I wanted to run. That was like the only run I wish I could've had back today. That (fumble recovery) was a huge momentum-changer."
Offensively, Miami struggled to find its rhythm after the turnover. The Dolphins scored just three points on their first five possessions, turning the ball over on downs just before halftime.
Green Bay still had three timeouts at the time, allowing the offense to drive down and set up kicker Brandon McManus for a 46-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.
Who's to say if it would have been possible without Rochell turning the tide in the opening minutes of the game.
"I was jumping up and down on the sidelines," cornerback Eric Stokes said. "We already know what type of person 'Scooter' is. He comes in here and works every day and when his opportunity comes, he's gonna make it. It was unbelievable. I just love seeing him ball and take full advantage of everything."
Chasing points, Miami had to go to a pass-heavy attack in the second half. While quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 365 yards, Miami finished with just 39 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Rochell's fumble recovery was the only turnover during Thursday's game. Head Coach Matt LaFleur awarded the 26-year-old cornerback a game ball afterwards while praising Rochell for playing with a heavy heart.
In a postgame video, Rochell told his teammates he lost "two partners" close to him on Thursday but played because "I love my teammates and I'm gonna be here every day." In reply, cornerback Keisean Nixon shouted: "And we love you!"
While the tragedy Rochell suffered wasn't yet public when the media interviewed him immediately after the game, Rochell said he was grateful for the support of his teammates and the response from fans in attendance at Lambeau Field on Thursday.
"All the guys were excited for me – teammates, coaches, the stands, everybody," Rochell said. "It was a lot of love out there and I appreciate all of it."
