Polzin: What I liked and didn't like about the Packers' win over Rams

This one was closer than it had to be, but the Green Bay Packers survived Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

A late defensive stand helped the Packers leave California with a 24-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Here are some of my thoughts on the game:

What I liked

It's days like Sunday when it's not hard to imagine tight end Tucker Kraft eventually becoming a star.

Kraft's 66-yard catch and run for a touchdown on Green Bay's opening possession of the second half was just a fabulous play that showed off his athleticism and tenacity.

That effort was on display on the Packers' next series when Kraft fought his way into the end zone for a 7-yard score on a screen pass.

Kraft finished with four catches for 88 yards. We already know how important he is in Green Bay's running game, but he's showing more and more how he can be a consistent playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball.

• We might as well give Xavier McKinney a permanent spot in this section.

The Green Bay safety intercepted a pass for a fifth consecutive game, returning it 28 yards to boot.

That came one series after McKinney recovered a fumble that was caused by Packers outside linebacker Kingsley Enagbare.

McKinney just keeps making big plays when the Packers need them. What a free-agent signing by general manager Brian Gutekunst.

• That 46-yard field goal on the final play of the second quarter was a big kick by Brayden Narveson, not only because it gave the Packers some points heading into half but also for the rookie's confidence.

I really thought Narveson's two missed field goals last week against Minnesota would be the end of his time in Green Bay. But the Packers are sticking with him, and he rewarded that faith Sunday.

What I didn't like

The first pick-six of Jordan Love's career was about as ugly as you could have drawn up.

It didn't help that Love was under immense pressure thanks to left tackle Rasheed Walker whiffing on a block. But Love has to show more poise in that position.

Love panicked, put the ball up for grabs and it was intercepted at the 4 by Jaylen McCollough. It was a gift to the Rams and the type of poor decision Love simply can't make.

To his credit, he showed some moxie by bouncing back from that mistake.

• The Packers had some costly drops for the second week in a row.

Jayden Reed made a brilliant catch for a big gain early in the game, but his drop on third down on Green Bay's third possession set up Los Angeles with good field position.

And Dontayvion Wicks added to his drop total with a big one in the fourth quarter as the Packers were trying to run out the clock.

Reed and Wicks are young and will only get better. But those are plays they have to make.

• Packers punter Daniel Whelan has gotten a lot of deserved praise this season, but he had a rough day against the Rams.

Whelan made a highlight-reel catch to snag a high snap on a play that wouldn't have counted anyway due to a clock issue. But his actual punting? Whelan was pretty ordinary, averaging 37.2 yards on five attempts.

What it means

Falling to 2-3 wouldn't have been a season-killer, but it would have been a shame to blow a chance to beat the battered Rams.

This is a big win, even if it was a little too close for comfort at the end.