After two straight losses to the Lions and Patriots, the Packers playoff hopes were dwindling. Not only did they lose to a team who hadn’t won a game against an NFC North opponent in almost three years, they were without their starting QB Aaron Rodgers (concussion). While back-up QB Matt Flynn filled in more than admirably against the Patriots, it was evident on the last drive of the game that the Packers were in dire need to get their leader back. The Packers got that and then some Sunday afternoon. Rodgers and co. earned quite possibly their biggest win of the season against the New York football Giants, winning 45-17.
By Justin Mertes-Mistretta
It was evident from the start of the game just how much the Packers missed Rodgers. He finished the first quarter throwing for over 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns, which had the Giants playing catchup for the rest of the game. We all knew how important Rodgers was to the offensive side of the ball, but it was the defense that really gained a boost from his return, forcing six turnovers.
On the offensive, the Packers were nearly flawless. It was as if Rodgers hadn’t missed a beat. In fact, he was better than he was before he got hurt. Remember back to the game against the Lions, when Rodgers failed to lead the team to a single point in the first half. It was especially nice to see WR Greg Jennings get back on track with a huge game (7 catches for 142 yards).
However, it is still disconcerting, and becoming a broken record, that the running game is non-existent. With the incapability to run the ball along with the knack to lose close games (whether you want to blame the coach or not), the Packers still have huge red flags.
They did just beat the Giants, no wait EMBARRASSED them. But, this is the same Giant team that was embarrassed the week before against the Eagles. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great win, but can Packer fans really expect the defense to force six turnovers and have Rodgers carry the team on his back every game?
The Packers have a match-up looming with the Chicago Bears, which, barring a crazy scenario, will be a do-or-die game for Green Bay. The Bears beat the Packers back in Week Three 20-17, thanks in large part to James Jones’ fumble with less than three minutes to play. While many labeled this game as a fluky win for the Bears, it was just another example of a game where the Packers failed to close the deal late.
This Bears team is much improved from earlier in the season. With an 11-2 TD/INT ratio since Week 11, Jay Cutler is playing the most efficient football of his career. It will be crucial for the Packers to get constant pressure on Cutler, just as they did Eli Manning. Packer fans should get used to hearing about the Bears, as there may be a third match-up between the two if the Packers win this Sunday.
While Rodgers is coming off one of his best games of his career and the defense is in top form, it will be a tough task to beat the division-leaders two weeks in a row. It can be done, especially if Rodgers plays the way he did against the Giants. We also know what happens to Cutler when he is pressured and forced to throw early. If you need a refresher, go back to week seven against the Redskins (four picks).
My guess is that one of the games against Chicago will be close in the next two weeks (if the Pack win the first). So the question is, can Green Bay get over the hump in the clutch? I have a feeling that the answer will rest on the shoulders of Rodgers. May the force be with you, Mr. Rodgers. Packers fans need you now more than ever.
Follow Justin Mertes-Mistretta at MertesMist_tsb. You can also read more articles from Justin at percysperspective.com.