porky88
  • porky88
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
10 years ago
In front of a record crowd at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots 26-21 in one of the most thrilling regular-season games you could ask for. The win cements the Pack as Super Bowl contenders, and reinforces their dominance at home.

The Packers scored in each of their first five drives, producing first-half yardage numbers (347) that compared favorably with their first-half performances against Chicago (401) and Philadelphia (323). Unlike Chicago and Philadelphia, New England hunkered down in the red zone, and held the Pack to four field goals. Both of Green Bay‘s touchdowns occurred outside the 20s.

You can bet their bend but don’t break style was part of their game plan. They decided to play coverage, and rush quarterback Aaron Rodgers with three and four men. This approach only works if the defense is able to generate pressure with its down lineman. The Patriots couldn’t, and Rodgers picked them apart.

New England’s offense also didn’t overwhelm Dom Capers’ defense, as many expected. Their 21 points was their lowest since week four, when they put up 14 against the Chiefs. The running game lacked consistency, and their receiving corps failed to generate the explosive plays that Green Bay’s did.

In the end, the game goes down in history as a five-point win for the Packers. Dive a bit deeper, though, and you’ll see just how fortunate the Patriots were to make the game that close.

Turning Point

Prior to this game, opponents hadn’t sacked quarterback Tom Brady in three weeks. It took nearly 57 minutes into Sunday’s game, but linebacker Mike Neal and defensive lineman Mike Daniels combined to get him. On a pivotal third-and-9, Neal beat New England left tackle Nate Solder around the edge and pounced on Brady. Just when it looked as if the two-time MVP may escape, Daniels was there to help finish the sack. The play resulted in a nine-yard loss, forcing New England to attempt a 47-yard field goal with less than three minutes remaining. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed. The Patriots never held the ball again.

Stud of the Game

Did you see New England coach Bill Belichick seek out Rodgers after the game? He clearly wanted to show his respect to the man who torched his defense for 368 yards and two touchdowns. The fact Belichick would go out of his way to speak to Rodgers following the game speaks volumes about his performance.

Play of the Game

Good teams score in the closing moments of the half, and that’s exactly what New England did when they scored a touchdown with 1:14 remaining in the first half. Better teams respond. Receiver Jordy Nelson’s 45-yard catch-and-run sucked all the momentum New England had just gained out of them. Cornerback Darrelle Revis made just one mistake on the night, and it came on this play, when he allowed Nelson to get the inside advantage on him. New England also brought pressure on the play, so the middle of the field was open. Rodgers and Nelson made them pay.

Looking Ahead

The Packers are looking to push for home-field advantage, while holding off Detroit in the NFC North.

Arizona currently sits atop the NFC with a 9-3 record, but they’re falling fast, and unlikely to win their division. Meanwhile, Seattle is beginning to hit their stride. They’re healthy, and they’ve returned to their identity on offense. Instead of worrying about getting Percy Harvin touches, they can grind out wins with running back Marshawn Lynch, and have quarterback Russell Wilson contribute with his legs and efficiency.

If the Seahawks don’t lose again this season, then Green Bay must win out to avoid losing the top seed to the defending Super Bowl champions. Therefore, along with the Lions, keep your eyes on Seattle going forward. They need to slip up at least once to give the Packers some breathing room.

Please visit Row12.com  for weekly articles done by myself on college and fantasy football.
Dulak
10 years ago
That was a Great game ...

the pats had nelson and cobb blanketed pretty much the whole 1st 1/2 - their corners are quite good - tall and physical.

Got to admit we played quite well - in all aspects of the game. Surprised MM had some 'trickier' plays with TEs and Cobb etc lining up in the backfield - hey whatever works.

Im actually liking how they are using matthews - thought it might be a waste of talent but he's doing real well mixing it up.

barrington had a good game too

sorry to see lattimore go down - liked his play at ILB also (previously)


-edit- was going to add ... was a bit nervous after watching some pats games this year to see us up against Edelman Amendola and LaFell - nice group of receivers there
Zero2Cool
10 years ago
Matt never disappoints, always gives us a good read. Thank you!
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beast (5h) : Wow, 95% drop in investment revenue? Would be interesting to hear the details of why...
dfosterf (25-Jul) : It's my one day deal complaint dept. on shareholder meeting day
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Probably a homer access credential intimidation kinda thing
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Meathead "journalists" skip this, concentrating on operational revenue when convenient. They switch when net revenue is more favorable.
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Resulting in an actual drop of net revenue of 12.5%. She is from Minnesota. Just sayin'
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Any plans to hold Maureen Smith (CFO) accountable for a 95% drop in investment revenue?
Mucky Tundra (25-Jul) : In your face, HBO!
Mucky Tundra (25-Jul) : @ByRyanWood Mark Murphy: “A great source of pride of mine is that we were never on Hard Knocks.”
Mucky Tundra (25-Jul) : *years
Mucky Tundra (25-Jul) : @mattschneidman Mark Murphy says he anticipates “many Packers games” being played in Germany, Ireland and/or the U.K. over the next 5-10 yea
dfosterf (25-Jul) : *cafeteria* I have hit my head also, so I sympathize
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Possibly hit his head leaning into the glass protecting the food in the cafateria
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Maybe a low flying drone
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Did Savion Williams run into a goalpost or something?
Mucky Tundra (25-Jul) : also, no bueno when a guy starts getting concussions right off the bat in his career
Zero2Cool (25-Jul) : Concussion is worse. Banks probably vet off day via back booboo claim
Mucky Tundra (25-Jul) : @AndyHermanNFL Jordy Nelson out at camp today. No word if he’s in play for one of the two open roster spots ; )
dfosterf (25-Jul) : Is that better or worse than Banks bad back?
Zero2Cool (25-Jul) : Savion concussion ... not good.
packerfanoutwest (24-Jul) : Aaron Rodgers’s first pass of first team period was picked off
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : tbh I didn't hear of his passing
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Cosby Show. Malcom Jamal Warner I think is real name
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : I was thinking of Ozzy and Hulk
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : Who's Theo?
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : How is Theo alliteration?
Mucky Tundra (24-Jul) : Bad week for people whose names are alliterations
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Hulk Hogan gone too.
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Oh, it's toe injury
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Hope it's not serious. that would stink
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Sounds like an ankle not a knee for Fields
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Ya Flaccp on Browns
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Maybe Tyrod Taylor instead
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : He's on Browns, right?
dfosterf (24-Jul) : They would probably go with Flacco is my guess if Fields out
dfosterf (24-Jul) : Fleece 'em again!
Zero2Cool (24-Jul) : Malik Willis might be someone Jets come after
packerfanoutwest (24-Jul) : Packers introduce 1923-inspired classic uniform, leather-look helmet
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Both LB Quay Walker and Rookie DB Micah Robinson have passed their physicals
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Happy to see site feels more snappy snappy
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : No sir. I did not.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : You didn't get free childcare when you were at work?
wpr (23-Jul) : These guys make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Pay for their own childcare.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : 2nd issue. Number 1 issue was no gameday childcare. 1 of 3 teams not providing it
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Suppose if locker room is main issue, we sitting pretty
wpr (23-Jul) : I thought so Mucky. In those useless player polls GB always rates high overall. Locker is a part of it.
Mucky Tundra (23-Jul) : Wasn't the locker room just updated like 6 or 7 years ago?
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I have forum updated on different site. We'll see how this one goes before going to that
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Elgton Jenkins has a back injury, is expect to end contract dispute
wpr (23-Jul) : It's funny the PA complained about the locker room. It wasn't that long ago it was top shelf. Things change in a hurry.
wpr (23-Jul) : The site is much more better.
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