Cory's Corner: Wilson Showed The Packers How To Win
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
Filed Under: Packers NewsFeaturedGreen Bay PackersCory JennerjohnCory's Corner
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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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NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersMinnesota VikingsTags: Emanuel WilsonGreen Bay PackersJordan LoveChristian WatsonMatt LaFleur
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