Insiders Blog: Packers Win 27-24
Posted by Kareem Copeland
August 22nd, 2010, 12:56 am
The Green Bay Packers finished its 27-24 exhibition win over Seattle around midnight central standard time.
So what did we learn from the game?
The No. 1 offense is good: Really good. QB Aaron Rodgers came out gunning and went 8-for-11 with 116 yards and two touchdowns. The first play of the game was a 56-yard deep ball to Greg Jennings. The passing game has been efficient for both exhibition games. Jermichael Finley continued to shine with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. He was too big for cornerbacks and ran past linebackers.
The No. 1 unit was scheduled to play 20 snaps, but coach Mike McCarthy said he was happy with the production after 18 plays.
Two possessions, two scores, Rodgers said. Gotta be happy with that. Our biggest thing is getting in a rhythm. Were tough to stop when thats happening.
We have a lot of playmakers. Even without (Driver) tonight. The line has done a great job.
(Finley has) trained me to throw him the ball in certain situations. He really understands the scheme now. Hes tough to stop.
The defense needs its starters: CB Charles Woodson, ILB Nick Barnett, ILB A.J. Hawk, OLB Brad Jones and OLB Clay Matthewsf all sat out. It showed early. Brandon Underwood started and struggled. Jarrett Bush had a rough outing. Derrick Martin was kicked out of the game for punching a player during a punt return.
Matt Hasselbeck was 11-for-15 with 127 yards and a touchdown.
Sam Shields and Spencer Havner did have interceptions of Charlie Whitehurst.
I thought there was a lot of positive film, coach Mike McCarthy said. Defensively was able to play a lot of new guys.
Banged up: The Packers made it through fairly healthy Saturday, but a one of two injuries came at a thin position. WR Brett Swain had the wind knocked out of him, but returned. Undrafted rookie RB Quinn Porter suffered an ankle sprain and did not return. That left Brandon Jackson and FB John Kuhn running the ball in the fourth quarter. The position is already hurting with Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring) and sixth-round draft pick James Starks (hamstring) out.
Special teams not so special: Undrafted rookie Sam Shields dropped a kickoff this week and lost a fumble for the second consecutive week. The team was pinned inside its own 5-yard line twice on Jon Bryan punts. Oh, and there were the penalties.
(Yes, the former Packers punter Bryan. And yes, the Packers are still searching for its punter.)
Seattle put up kickoff returns of 24, 27 and 37 yards.
Mason Crosby was the star of the unit with field goals of 34 and 51 yards.
In the end: McCarthy had these words Anytime you win a football game, its a positive for your football team.