Looking Ahead to San Francisco
Like all NFL clubs, the Packers have strengths, flaws and question marks. A closer look at those advantages, imperfections and uncertainties provides a glimpse into the chances of the Packers winning their second Super Bowl in the past three seasons.
Positives
Sam Shields and Charles Woodson are both healthy and playing dominant football. Bouncing back after a lackluster 2011 season, Shields’ star has risen dramatically. During Saturday’s playoff victory over the Vikings, he pulled in an interception and posted a team-high seven tackles.
Charles Woodson returned from a collarbone injury that kept him out for most of the season. Despite the absence, it didn’t take long for Woodson to make his presence known. Seemingly in or around every play, the leader of the Packers’ locker room lifted the defense – both physically and metaphorically – and gave the unit the spark they needed to be dominant.
The culmination of individual players peaking and the defense steadily improving led Aaron Rodgers to claim his defense is playing at a “championship level” in a post-game interview. Whether or not Rodgers’ proclamation proves true or not remains to be seen, but if Rodgers continues his superb play, he may not need a championship defense.
The Packers quarterback is in the prime of his career and has some of the best pass catchers in the game at his disposal. Add in the emergence of running back DuJuan Harris and Rodgers’ return path to the Super Bowl is beginning to take shape.
Negatives
The 49ers destroyed the Packers in Week One of the regular season. The final score was much closer than the actual game, and the Packers were outplayed and out coached.
Two completely different teams will take the field on Saturday at Candlestick Park, but Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff will need to perform at a much higher-level to escape San Francisco with a victory.
In addition to being well coached, the 49ers execute their game plan very well. Frank Gore is a talented back who will test the Packers’ linebackers and the 49ers’ defense plays fast and delivers unforgiving hits.
If the Packers are able to get off to a fast start on Saturday evening – something that has eluded the offense on many occasions this year – the team should be able to equalize San Francisco’s rushing attack. Green Bay is capable of coming back from behind but a slow start makes matters much more difficult for both the offense and the defense.
The Packers will need to be at the top of their game in every aspect – coaching and execution – if they expect to move on to the NFC Championship Game.
Question Marks
A season long question mark, Mason Crosby seems to have regained his form as of late. The sixth-year kicker has converted his last five field-goal attempts and appears to have recaptured the swagger that led the Packers to spend a sixth-round draft choice on the kicker back in 2007.
Crosby’s missteps this season have not derailed the Packers, but the stakes are elevated in postseason football. Mike McCarthy’s decision to stay with Crosby all year could pay dividends or it could spell defeat.
Aside from the final regular-season game in Minnesota, the Packers defense has played extremely well in final month of the season.
The question remains, however, which defense will show up in San Francisco? The unit that allowed Adrian Peterson to run for almost 200 yards and Christian Ponder to throw for three touchdowns or the group that stymied Jay Cutler and Matt Forte?
Perhaps more important than kickers and defensive play is the turnover battle. The second most important statistic in almost every game, the team that creates more turnovers usually wins.
Fortunately for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers and the offense rarely turn the ball over. Unfortunately for the Packers, neither do the 49ers. Both teams gave away the ball 16 times this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers created 23 turnovers and the 49ers fashioned 25. Relatively mistake-free football has been an asset to both teams this season.
Playing clean, efficient football helped both the Packers and 49ers claim 11 wins during the regular season. The team that continues that trend will likely come out victorious on Saturday.
Packers vs. Vikings: The Aftermath
The Vikings handed the Packers their first defeat in NFC North play in almost two full seasons by beating Green Bay 37-34.
No Answer for Adrian
The only thing Adrian Peterson didn’t do on Sunday was break Erik Dickerson’s single season rushing record; he fell eight yards short.
The Packers couldn’t find a way to stop the dynamic back as he rumbled for 199 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown.
Green Bay’s defenders looked meek as Peterson broke arm tackles and willed his way through the defense all afternoon.
Turnovers Tell the Tale
As is the case in most contests, the winner of the turnover battle won the game.
Aaron Rodgers coughed up the ball in the third quarter when Vikings’ defensive end Brian Robison stripped Rodgers as he attempted to throw while on the run.
The turnover marked a shift in momentum as Minnesota converted Rodgers’ turnover into a touchdown when, ten plays later, Christian Ponder found a wide-open Adrian Peterson in the end zone for the score.
Unlike the first meeting between these two clubs, where Ponder threw two interceptions, the Vikings did not record a turnover on Sunday.
The Packers’ secondary had their chances, but the defensive unit could not come up with a big play as the Vikings’ offense racked up 444 total yards.
Third Downs
The Vikings converted six of their 12 third-downs as well as their only fourth-down attempt.
The Vikings controlled most of the first half, and the Packers’ defense was on their heels for much of the day. The Packers defense did not force the Vikings into a three-and-out until the 9:21 mark of the second quarter.
Despite the defense not being able to get off the field for most of the game, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense continually answered the Vikings’ scoring drives as the Packers converted six-of-13 third-downs as well as their only fourth-down.
The dagger was twisted by the Vikings’ offense, however, when Christian Ponder connected with Michael Jenkins on a third-and-11 play from the Vikings’ 27-yard line.
On the play, the Packers rushed three and were unable to pressure Ponder as he found Michael Jenkins along the sideline. Jenkins slipped between three Packers’ defenders and the 25-yard gain helped position the Vikings for a game-winning Blair Walsh field goal.
Injury Report
Jordy Nelson sat out part of the second half with a knee injury but was able to return to the game. Nelson appeared to injure his knee while blocking for Jermichael Finley on the penultimate play of the first half. Finley and Nelson got tangled up on the play as both had to be helped to their feet on the sidelines.
Clay Matthews fell hard to the Metrodome turf after attempting to tackle Adrian Peterson but also returned to the game. Matthews did not re-injure his hamstring but said he felt pain run through his entire body as he slammed down onto the turf.
While Matthews and Nelson were able to return, the fortunes of Jarrett Boykin and Jerel Worthy were not as bright.
Jarrett Boykin hurt his left ankle while recording his only catch of the game. Boykin’s leg bent backwards when Vikings’ defensive back A.J. Jefferson wrestled him to the ground after hauling in a fourth-and-one pass from Aaron Rodgers. The rookie out of Virginia Tech was able to jog off the field but the cart was used to transport Boykin to the locker room shortly thereafter.
Defensive lineman Jerel Worthy also suffered a knee injury. The rookie lineman’s knee buckled under him late in the fourth quarter. Worthy’s injury occurred after slight contact from Vikings’ tackle Phil Loadholt, but the contact did not appear to force the injury. Worthy fell to the ground after planting his left leg in the turf and had to be carted off the field.
Up Next
The Vikings and Packers face off again next week. The rematch takes place in Green Bay and is set for next Saturday evening at 7:00 pm, central time.
If the Packers win, they move on to face the 49ers in San Francisco the following Saturday at 7:00 pm.
Titans vs. Packers: The Aftermath
The Green Bay Packers easily defeated the Tennessee Titans 55-7.
All the Right Moves
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has taken a lot of criticism lately for standing by his kicker Mason Crosby.
On Sunday, Crosby finally made his coach look good by hitting both field goal attempts. For the first time since Week 3, the Packers’ kicker made every field goal he attempted in a game.
While McCarthy remained steadfast to his kicker all season, the same cannot be said about his center. This week the Packers made the move to third-year lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith to replace veteran Jeff Saturday at center.
The move appeared to pay dividends as the running game looked impressive and Dietrich-Smith consistently reached the second level on his blocks. Aside from one sack in the first half, the Packers offensive line played well with Dietrich-Smith anchoring the line.
Running Game
It’s that time of year again. The Packers rushing attack has come alive in the month of December.
With injuries to Alex Green and James Starks, the Packers’ backup options did an admirable job shouldering the load.
The team finished with 117 rushing yards, and an effective running game opened up the passing game for Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense.
Ryan Grant looked inspired early on as he rattled off runs of 18- and 9-yards on the Packers’ initial touchdown drive. The veteran running back, who was re-signed three weeks ago, averaged four yards per carry, converted a tough fourth-and-1 and added two touchdowns in the game.
Starter DuJuan Harris also contributed to the rushing resurgence. The second-year player scored his second career touchdown on the opening possession of the second half and chipped in 29 total yards on the day.
With the Packers’ running backs and the defense each finding a rhythm late in the season, the Packers are well positioned as the team enters the playoffs.
Exactly How It Was Drawn Up
The Titans’ offense showed its true colors on Sunday, but credit the Packers’ defense for spoiling Tennessee’s trip to Green Bay.
The defensive unit rose to the occasion holding Titans’ running back Chris Johnson to just 28 yards on 11 carries and, more importantly, holding the team to a single touchdown late in the game.
The defense posted seven sacks, two interceptions and held Tennessee to 180 total yards.
Individually, veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk recorded two sacks, three hits on Tennessee’s Jake Locker and posted seven tackles.
In a league where nothing comes easily, the entire Packers’ defense made things look simple and effortless on Sunday.
Injury Report
Randall Cobb suffered an ankle injury during a second half punt return. Initially, the injury appeared serious as both teammates and opponents waved for trainers to attend to Cobb, but the receiver was able to jog off the field under his own power before walking to the Packers’ locker room.
Cornerback Davon House was also injured during a punt return in the fourth quarter. House injured his left shoulder, the same shoulder he dislocated in preseason action.
After the game, Mike McCarthy seemed cautiously optimistic regarding Cobb’s injury.
“The training staff on the field did not give me anything to believe that it was very serious but as you know with ankle sprains and joint injuries the next day is a huge indicator,” McCarthy told reporters.
Early Monday morning, initial tests also proved positive for Cobb. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported that X-ray’s on Randall Cobb’s ankle were negative. Early reports suggest that the Packers’ receiver dodged a bullet Sunday.
Up Next
The Packers finish their regular season next week in Minnesota. A win solidifies the second seed in the playoffs and a week of rest. A loss puts the Packers in the third seed and a playoff game at Lambeau.
The Vikings posted an impressive victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. As a team, the Vikings will be fighting for a playoff spot, and individually, Adrian Peterson will be chasing Erik Dickerson’s single-season rushing yard record. Peterson needs 208 yards to eclipse Dickerson’s record; he hammered out 210 the last time these two teams met.
As for the Packers, good teams find ways to win close games and good teams easily defeat lesser opponents. After a slow start to the season, the Packers are proving to be a good team.
With no clear leader in either conference, the Packers have as good a chance as any other team to run the table and find themselves playing in New Orleans come February.
Packers vs. Bears: The Aftermath
The Green Bay Packers clinched the NFC North with a victory over the Chicago Bears 21-13.
The Big Play
Opposing defenses have stymied the Packers’ big play ability all season long by playing with a two-deep safety look known as “Cover 2”. Despite facing the Bears, who play the Cover 2 defense more often and better than most, the Packers’ offense found success on a number of long pass plays that this defense was designed to prevent.
On a single series midway through the second quarter alone, Aaron Rodgers connected with three different receivers for passing plays of 19 yards or more. The drive culminated with James Jones getting a step on his defender and hauling in a 29-yard touchdown pass for his first of three scores on the day.
Rodgers also found success against the usually stingy Bears defense for passes of 27, 31 and 14 yards in the second half. The Packers 278 passing and 113 rushing yards were enough for Rodgers and company to slay the Bears for the eighth time in their last ten meetings.
Turnovers
Each team had turnovers in the contest. Chicago’s Jay Cutler threw an interception to rookie Casey Hayward late in the first half for Chicago’s sole turnover while Green Bay had two fumbles in the second half.
The Packers cashed in Hayward’s interception for a touchdown just before the first half ended, but the Bears were only able to convert two fumbles into field goals.
The Packers lost the turnover battle, but Green Bay’s stout defense helped even out the point differential.
Credit the Packers’ defense. Typically turnovers spell defeat, but when a team is able to hold an opponent to 0-for-9 on third-down and 0-for-1 on fourth-down, mistakes can be overcome.
The Receiving Corps
Greg Jennings continued to reacquaint himself with the offense and Jermichael Finley put together one of his best outings of the season, but the day belonged to Randall Cobb and James Jones.
Randall Cobb finished the day with six receptions for a game-high 115 receiving yards, but more importantly, he regularly created separation from the Bears’ defenders. The second year receiver converted third-downs, and even a fourth-down, into first-downs on each of the three Packers’ touchdown drives.
James Jones only hauled in five passes for 60 yards, but three of his grabs went for touchdowns. Jones leads the NFL with 12 touchdowns on the year and continues to outperform the three-year $9.4 million dollar contract he signed in the offseason.
While each member of the receiving group helped stretch the defense and open up routes in the passing game, Rodgers’ laser-like precision made the offense go. He missed an occasional throw, but for most of the day, he put on a quarterbacking clinic.
Special Teams
Kicker Mason Crosby’s struggles continued as he missed two more field goals on Sunday. Missing his first badly to the right and hitting the crossbar on his second attempt, any semblance of confidence the kicker once had is nowhere to be found.
Despite only connecting on 17-of-29 field goal attempts this year, head coach Mike McCarthy reiterated in his post-game press conference that Mason Crosby will remain the Packers kicker.
Crosby’s kicking wasn’t the only special teams gaffe. With the Packers leading 21-10 and less than eight minutes to play in the game, the Packers punt return team’s trickery went badly wrong.
Punt returner Randall Cobb fielded a punt cleanly at his own 23-yard line before attempting to throw the ball back to first year receiver Jeremy Ross. Ross, who has not touched the football all season, was unable to haul in Cobb’s lateral and Chicago recovered the fumble at the Green Bay 16-yard line.
Between the horrible timing and awful execution, the play will go down as one of Mike McCarthy’s worst of his entire coaching tenure.
For as bad as most of the special teams were, the opposite was true for punter Tim Masthay. In addition to his great punts all afternoon, especially his final boot that pinned the Bears on their own 3-yard line, Masthay added a tackle in the game against Devin Hester, one of the game’s best and most dynamic returners.
Up Next
The newly crowned NFC North Champions return to Green Bay to face the Tennessee Titans next Sunday. The Packers have two games left and remain in the hunt for the number two seed and the important bye week to rest players before starting postseason football.
Lions vs. Packers: The Aftermath
The Packers defeated the Lions 27-20 to complete the season sweep of Detroit.
Strange Days
Lambeau Field was an odd place Sunday evening.
James Jones dropped a pass for the first time all year, Aaron Rodgers lost a rare fumble, Mike Daniels was spotted showing off a Lambeau Leap, the Packers ran the ball with gusto and Mason Crosby hit two big field goals.
Most of the team’s luck this season has been bad, so the Packers welcomed some positive luck on Sunday.
Good luck coupled with a dominating performance in the second half proved to be the equation for victory on Sunday as the Packers moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC North.
Running the Football
The Packers defense was gashed on the ground for the third straight week. The Lions running backs totaled 135 yards on 32 carries, but when it mattered most, the defense came through. The defensive unit was better in the second half while playing with a lead, but the hopeful return of Clay Matthews next week cannot come soon enough.
After seeing the field for just over seven minutes in the entire first half, the Packers offense made the most of its opportunities in the second session.
The offense, led by the rushing attack, came alive. In fact, the Packers only touchdown drive of the fourth quarter featured seven plays and not a single pass.
Green Bay covered 59 yards in just over four minutes following good field position after a rare Jason Hanson missed field goal. The drive culminated with newcomer DuJuan Harris scoring a touchdown on an untouched 14-yard dash up the middle.
Overall, the Packers totaled 140 yards on the ground and continued their streak of running the ball well in the month of December
Play of the Game
The Packers’ offense faced a third-and-four from the Lions 27-yard line on the eighth play of the opening drive of the second half.
Following the snap, the pocket quickly collapsed around quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Like he has so many times before, Rodgers somehow escaped harm. Sprinting out of the chaos and to his right, Rodgers looked for Jermichael Finley in the flat.
Finley continued his route to the sideline and the Lions’ defender closely trailed the tight end creating a clear path for Rodgers to run to the end zone.
Five yards from the end zone, Rodgers raised the ball into the air to celebrate and upon crossing the end line pulled out a championship belt before heading to the stands for one of the poorer Lambeau Leaps in Rodgers’ history.
The score gave the Packers their first lead of the game and the momentum shift proved too much for the Lions to overcome.
Turnovers Tell the Story
Aside from the final score, the turnover battle is typically the second most telling statistic. And for the second straight game, it was the Packers positive ratio in the category that helped bring the team to victory.
An early Rodgers’ fumble led directly to a Lions touchdown but the sole Packers turnover was overcome with a productive second half by the offense.
Matthew Stafford’s own fumble led to a touchdown with defensive lineman Mike Daniels scooping up the ball and barreling 43-yards for the score.
Sam Shields first half interception of Stafford didn’t lead to any points but did stop the Lions’ drive and helped taper the Lions’ explosive first half.
Both quarterbacks’ fumbles proved costly, but the Packers overcame what the Lions could not. As Rodgers pointed out in a post-game interview with NBC’s Michelle Tafoya, “Ugly wins are better than tough losses” and the Packers will gladly take the victory.
Up Next
The Packers came out of the contest unscathed and will happily welcome back Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson for next week’s game in Chicago.
A win against the Bears would clinch the NFC North crown for the Packers.
Packers vs. Giants: The Aftermath
The New York Giants defeated the Green Bay Packers by the score of 38-10.
Running Wild
The Giants rushing attack set the tone early in what ended as a lopsided victory. Finishing the evening with 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns, the Giants running backs owned the Packers defense.
The Giants’ rushers gashed the Packers defense for big runs all evening. Talented runners breaking tackles combined with defenders failing to wrap up and gang-tackle spelled defeat for the Packers.
Converting Third Downs
With the Packers unable to generate any semblance of a pass rush, especially in the red zone, Eli Manning sat back and patiently waited for his receivers to execute their routes.
With all three of Manning’s touchdown passes coming on third-down plays in the red zone, the Packers defense couldn’t find a way to stop the Giants.
In fact, the Giants converted half of their third-down and fourth-down plays throughout the game. Clay Matthews’ absence was masked against the hapless Lions, but against the Giants, Matthews’ big-play ability was sorely missed.
Whether it’s Eli Manning this week or Christian Ponder next week, almost any signal caller will pick apart a defensive backfield if given enough time. The Packers pass rush has to improve, especially on third down in the red zone.
The Offensive Line
The Packers offensive line continues to struggle after losing Bryan Bulaga to a season-ending hip injury. In two games without their stalwart right tackle, the Packers have faced two formidable defensive fronts and not fared very well in either.
Against the Lions and Giants, the reconfigured line has given up 10 sacks, and on Sunday evening, the line could barely keep Rodgers upright.
With the quarterback forced to scramble seemingly every time he dropped back, finding a rhythm in the passing game was next to impossible.
If the battle in the trenches decides the outcome of more football games this season, the Packers offensive line will have to step up their game in order for the team to make a playoff run.
Turnovers
Running for his life all night, the Packers signal caller surrendered two turnovers for the first time this season. The pressure of the Giants defense only accounted for one turnover, however.
Giants’ defensive end Osi Umenyiora made Packers tackle Marshall Newhouse look like a practice squad player in the first half, as he was virtually untouched before stripping Rodgers of the football.
Rodgers’ fumble can be blamed on the offensive line, but the quarterback has no one to blame but himself for the early interception.
The last time Rodgers had two turnovers in one game? The last time his team faced the Giants, which ended the 2011 Packers’ season.
Injury Report
Early in the first quarter, two Packers special teamers went down. Backup running back Johnny White was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion and Jamari Lattimore sustained a calf injury. Lattimore returned in the second quarter, however.
The bigger injury occurred later in the game to defensive lineman C.J. Wilson. The third year player out of East Carolina, who has become a vital part of the defensive line rotation, was unable to return to the game after suffering a knee injury.
Up Next?
Ultimately, it’s one loss and the Packers are still 5-1 in their last six games. With a record of 7-4, the Packers remain in the hunt for the division title and the playoffs.
Green Bay returns home next week to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday who are only one game behind the Packers in the NFC North standings.
Packers vs. Lions: The Aftermath
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions by the score of 24-20.
How Do You Stop A Lion In Its Tracks?
The answer is simple: Run.
The focus of the Packers’ offensive game plan became clear early in the game. Hand the ball to James Starks in order to slow down the pass rush of the Lions. The offense ran the ball 14 times in the first half and added 15 rushes in the second.
In a rare display of play call balance for Mike McCarthy, the Green and Gold finished with more rushing attempts (29) than pass attempts (27).
James Starks led the way with his hard-nosed running on an afternoon where most of the offense fell flat.
Matched up against the Lions’ fearsome four-man defensive line, Aaron Rodgers and the offense struggled to find much open space against seven Lions defenders dropping back into pass coverage.
Rodgers wasn’t spectacular on Sunday, but with the game on the line, he led his team down the field for the winning touchdown.
Young Defensive Backs Making Their Mark
After a few misses early in his tenure, Ted Thompson has hit the mark on defensive backs during the last few drafts.
Rookie Casey Hayward continues to shine. Already leading the team in interceptions, the second-round pick added his fifth interception of the season on Sunday.
Add in his team-high five passes defended on Sunday and the 23-year old out of Vanderbilt had another fantastic afternoon.
Second year cornerback Davon House also played well blanketing his receivers and accounting for one of the defense’s five sacks.
Safety Morgan Burnett flashed his closing speed during a Packers goal line stand by registering a sack against Matthew Stafford. The third-year safety let a ball slip through his hands on a Calvin Johnson touchdown pass, but overall, the former Georgia Tech standout continues to put himself in position to be successful on the field.
It’s still early in each of these players’ careers, but the future of the Packers defensive backfield looks bright.
Game Ball
Jermichael Finley has taken plenty of criticism from the fans this season. At times the critiques are warranted and at other times they aren’t, but with the opposing team regularly double-teaming the Packers tight end, he has routinely become a non-factor in many games this season.
On Sunday, however, he made the most of the three passes thrown in his direction.
On a beautifully designed play in the second quarter, Rodgers and Finley provided one of the Packers’ few offensive highlights.
Running back James Starks trailed after his guard and center as the trio sprinted to the right. Lined up tight to the right side of the line at the snap, Finley slipped out of his stance and ran a shallow crossing route to his left. The Lions’ defenders anticipated a screen and followed Starks as Rodgers deftly found Finley in stride. The tight end did the rest barreling into the end zone for a 20-yard score.
Finley’s number was called again with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter. With the Packers down by six, and the offense struggling, Rodgers found Finley twice. The tight end ran around would-be tacklers and patiently followed his teammates’ blocks for a 40-yard gain. On the following play, the duo teamed up again for six yards.
The drive culminated with a dazzling Rodgers to Randall Cobb touchdown pass, but it was the awareness and presence of Finley that put the Packers in position for the score.
Rating The Lines
The Detroit Lions’ formidable defensive front has given the Packers plenty of problems over the years, but on Sunday, the Packers patchwork offensive line was especially woeful.
Whether it was committing penalties or allowing multiple sacks and pressures on Rodgers, the line looked downright offensive.
The Lions’ defense finished the day with three sacks, multiple pressures and a number of hits on Rodgers. Despite an above average showing in the running game, the Packers’ offensive line struggled mightily in the passing game.
The Packers defensive line, however, played well.
Finishing the afternoon with five sacks, the Packers line was constantly pestering Matthew Stafford and the Detroit offense.
Running back Mikel Leshoure racked up 84 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, but his strong effort was nullified by the combination of an effective Packers pass rush and an off day for Matthew Stafford.
The defensive line kept Stafford from finding a rhythm for most of the afternoon and the team’s five timely sacks ensured the Packers victory.
Redemption
After the debacle that resulted in a week 3 loss at Seattle, safety M.D. Jennings has been waiting all season for another shot at his first career interception.
Early in the third quarter, Jennings’ goal was fulfilled.
After hauling in a tipped ball off the hands of Lions’ tight end Tony Scheffler, Jennings zigzagged his way down the home team’s sideline sprinting past every player on the field. Jennings covered 72 yards to regain the lead for his team and notch the Packers first defensive touchdown of the year.
On a lesser scale, kicker Mason Crosby found his own redemption. Crosby’s right leg ended up providing the decisive points for the Packers. After missing 50- and 38-yard field goals earlier in the day, it was Crosby’s extra-point on Cobb’s touchdown catch that provided the difference in the contest. Add in a late 39-yard field goal and the Packers kicker managed to salvage an awful day.
Up Next
After escaping Ford Field in Detroit with a victory and their health, the Packers are riding a five-game winning streak. Nose tackle B.J. Raji limped off the field on the Lions’ final possession of the game, but there were no indications an injury will keep him out of next week’s Sunday night contest against the New York Giants.
Sunday’s victory wasn’t pretty, but the Packers did what was necessary to come away with a road win against a divisional opponent.
Who’s Better: Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers?
Who’s better at showing off their tail end in real, comfortable jeans? Brett Favre.
Who has a more unique touchdown celebration? Aaron Rodgers.
Who’s better at pouring his heart out to Greta Van Susteren? Brett Favre.
Who’s better at photo-bombing Captains’ pictures? Aaron Rodgers.
But who’s the better quarterback?
Packers fans never shy away from debating the best quarterback in franchise history and with all due respect to Bart Starr, the discussion usually centers on Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre.
Rodgers supporters point to his pinpoint accuracy and his mental grasp of the game. The Favre faction points to his competitiveness and uncanny ability for the big play.
Frankly, being unable to decide between two quarterbacks who have led the Packers to greatness for the last 21 years is an issue most teams would love to be debating.
With Rodgers midway through his fifth season as a starter and Favre’s reign covering 16 seasons in Green Bay, the debate will likely remain unsettled for some time.
But by looking at both players at approximately the same ages provides some insight into the greatness of each quarterback.
Individual Statistics
Favre and Rodgers’ tenures in Green Bay from ages 25-29 produced quite impressive numbers. Keep in mind that Rodgers’ five-year span is incomplete as his fifth season is just nine games old.
| Quarterback | Favre | Rodgers |
| Yards | 20,273 | 19,420* |
| Average Completion Percentage | 61.5% | 65.9%* |
| Touchdowns | 176 | 156* |
| Interceptions | 79 | 42* |
| Wins-Losses** | 57-23 | 47-24* |
*Through 9 games of the 2012 season
**Regular season games as a starter
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Rodgers’ numbers will be superior in yards, completion percentage and interceptions, the difference in touchdown passes will be negligible, but the wins and losses will favor Favre.
Accolades
Favre’s three consecutive Most Valuable Player awards dwarf Rodgers’ single award, but Rodgers has one MVP title that Favre never earned: the Super Bowl MVP.
Speaking of Super Bowls, while Favre appeared in two championship games, both players possess a single title.
The argument can be made that the sky is the limit for Rodgers’ chances of future Super Bowl titles, but the same argument was made for a young Brett Favre in his prime.
Others’ Opinions
Both players take a different approach to the game. Rodgers is known for his composure and coolness in the huddle while Favre wore his emotions on his sleeve.
Those who played alongside, coached and reported on both Rodgers and Favre best sum up each player’s style.
Two receivers who have caught passes from both chimed in on the debate last season.
Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, the team’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, who played his entire 14-year career catching passes from only two quarterbacks gave the nod to his current teammate.
“I’ve played with two quarterbacks,” Driver said. “One just went out there and did what he did, and he wasn’t patient at all. But Aaron takes what the defense gives him, and that’s the type of guy you want.”
Greg Jennings, whose receiving career has also spanned both quarterbacks, joined Driver in endorsing Rodgers.
“They both bring different things to the table, but honestly right now I definitely have to go with . . . Aaron, his body of work at such a young age, his attention to detail, his discipline, I think it’s really second to none — it’s un-paralleled.”
On the defensive side of the ball, lineman Vonnie Holiday played alongside Favre in Green Bay and has faced Rodgers on an opposing team. Without declaring a better quarterback, Holiday aptly pointed out the strengths of both men.
“4 was a gamer, just a tremendous competitor,” said Holliday. “Unorthodox. Sling the ball. Run out of a tackle.
“12 is a student of the game. He sees coverages. You try to disguise and hide things, but he finds the openings. If there’s a guy uncovered, he’s going to find him.”
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was also diplomatic with his assessment.
McCarthy coached Favre in 2006 and 2007 and helped Favre put together one of his better seasons as a 38-year old quarterback. He also oversaw Rodgers’ best year when the fourth-year quarterback won the MVP at 28 years old.
“You take Brett Favre and freeze frame him from the waist up and you take this guy here (Rodgers) and freeze frame him from the waist up and you’ll see two of the purest throwing motions you’ll ever see,” McCarthy said. “Brett Favre is extremely fundamental with shoulder rotation, point of release, big hands, long arms, elbow pointing to the target, all the things I look for. Aaron Rodgers is no different.”
Tom Silverstein, who covered both Rodgers and Favre as a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, declined to choose who’s better until later in Rodgers’ career.
“…[F]or all those people who think Favre never played at the same level Rodgers has, it’s time to put aside your prejudices and judge this question in an objective manner,” Silverstein wrote. “Enjoy how well Rodgers is playing and imagine the greatness he can achieve if he keeps playing this well.”
Silverstein finished his article with a reminder of both players’ greatnesses.
“For now, don’t forget how great Favre was. He played just as well as Rodgers is playing now.”
Conclusion?
Brett Favre was a remarkable quarterback who played a key role in putting the “title” back in Titletown.
Already in his short career, Aaron Rodgers has maintained the Packers prominence but still has a future to write.
Where Rodgers ends up in the annals of Packers history remains to be seen, but so far, he’s as good as Brett Favre. Until Rodgers’ career comes to a close, however, the debate will remain open.
Cardinals vs. Packers: The Aftermath
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-17 at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Making Plays
Aaron Rodgers statistics weren’t jaw dropping on Sunday. In fact, if you take away his four touchdown passes, Rodgers’ day – 14-of-30 passing for 218 yards – was pedestrian.
Despite only connecting with his receivers 14 times, Rodgers and the offense made the most of each completion. Whether it was Randall Cobb with touchdown catches of 13 and 21 yards, or James Jones with a touchdown catch of 28 yards or Tom Crabtree for 72 (more on this later), the offense ran up plenty of points.
Even with four touchdown passes, it was Rodgers’ heads up play in the second quarter that made the difference.
When running back James Starks fumbled, the nearest Packers’ player was receiver Jarrett Boykin, who didn’t even see the ball on the ground while he maintained his block.
On what Rodgers called his “best play of the game, unfortunately,” QB1 sprinted to the ball, dove headfirst and secured the ball before any Cardinals’ players could recover the fumble.
Rodgers’ recovery kept the Packers drive alive and seven plays later, receiver James Jones made a brilliant touchdown catch which proved to be the decisive score of the contest.
The Matthews Effect
While Clay Matthews continues to post sack numbers, his presence on the field is much more difficult to quantify. With Matthews, the defense is a solid force. Without him, the unit is mediocre.
On both sacks the Packers defense recorded Sunday, Matthews stunted inside after the snap allowing defensive ends Mike Neal and Mike Daniels, respectively, to register sacks on Cardinals quarterback John Skelton.
The attention Matthews received on both plays allowed Neal and Daniels clearer paths to the quarterback.
Matthews’ motor and presence on the field are a big reason why the Packers defense has recorded 28 sacks through nine games this season compared to just 29 all of last season.
When Matthews left the field with a hamstring injury in the third quarter, quarterback John Skelton and the Cardinals offense put together back-to-back scoring drives where they marched down the field on the Packers defense.
The first drive of 87 yards closed with a Larry Fitzgerald touchdown catch, but on the following drive of 74 yards, the Packers defense stiffened near the goal line and held Arizona to a field goal.
The field goal turned out to be the final scoring drive of the day for the Cardinals, but the defense was clearly less effective with Matthews on the sideline.
Finding The Right Mix
A Mike McCarthy-run offense will likely never possess a power running game, but on Sunday a combination of players proved to be the key for the Packers putting together their best rushing performance of the season.
Individually, no rusher gained over 61 yards, but collectively, the unit gained 176 yards on the ground.
In what was the most rushing attempts by the Packers this season (39), four separate players patched together an excellent performance.
James Starks led the way with 61 yards, followed by Alex Green with 53. Aaron Rodgers got in the act with a few nice runs totaling 33 yards and utility man Randall Cobb netted 29 yards on three carries.
The team is still holding out hope for the return of Cedric Benson, who is eligible to return in December, but until then, Mike McCarthy will have to continue to be creative as he patches together a respectable ground game.
Happy Birthday Tom Crabtree
After dropping an easy catch in the first half, Tom Crabtree’s birthday vastly improved in the second half.
The Packers’ offense was dismal throughout the third quarter, but Crabtree’s catch to end the period erased the memory of a cheerless quarter.
To start the second half, the offense ran 13 plays for a meager 23 yards and no first downs until the final play of the third quarter where Aaron Rodgers found Crabtree streaking out of the backfield for the Packers longest touchdown of the season.
Crabtree hauled in the quick pass and outran the entire Cardinals defense for a 72-yard score.
Counting his spectacular special teams play in Week 2 against Chicago, Tom Crabtree is averaging 23 yards per catch and a touchdown every other time he touches the ball.
Injury Report
The Packers list of injuries continued to grow on Sunday.
In his first game back from a hamstring injury, Jordy Nelson didn’t even put together a full quarter of football before an ankle injury forced him from the game.
Nelson limped off the field after his left ankle rolled under his right leg while trying to cradle a low pass from Aaron Rodgers. The Packers’ trainers wrapped Nelson’s ankle in ice and he was unable to return.
Prospects didn’t seem bright for right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga found his way to the sideline after he tripped himself up and awkwardly twisted his hip on a running play. Eventually, Bulaga rode a cart to the locker room and did not return.
Clay Matthews was also injured on Sunday. Twice Matthews left the game, but after immediately returning the first time, Matthews was unable to do so the second time. Matthews injury was characterized as a hamstring, but he was able to jog to the locker room with trainers.
Tight end D.J. Williams also left the game with a hamstring injury.
Wide receiver Randall Cobb took a nasty hit on a punt return, which forced him out of an offensive series, but was able to return. The second year receiver fought off an injured shoulder as he put together a dazzling day with two touchdowns and 202 all-purpose yards.
Up Next?
The Packers enter their much needed bye week on a four game winning streak and sporting a 6-3 record.
Of the remaining seven games this season, five are against NFC North opponents. With three of those five divisional games on the road, the Packers’ strength and resolve will be tested as they look towards defending their division title.
Purple Pants, Green Jersey 