For the second consecutive week the Green Bay Packers’ defense came up big when it had to and keyed the Packers to a win over the NFL’s best team in the New England Patriots. The Packers didn’t necessarily have to win to prove they are legit, but by doing so they certainly erased any doubt they are again one of the elite teams in the league.
This was a knockdown, dragout, rock ‘n roll party at Lambeau, not decided until the Packers converted a third-and-four with two minutes left. The much-hyped battle between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady did not disappoint. Both threw two TD passes and only a late sack prevented Brady from pulling this one out.
The Packers used a ball control offense and stubborn defense to hold the highest scoring team in the league to 21 points. The margin of victory easily could have been more if the Packers hadn’t failed in all four of their trips inside the red zone, but credit the Patriots there.
Since the Packers picked themselves off the turf in New Orleans they have been playing the best football since the miracle playoff run to a title four years ago. Rodgers is playing the best I have ever seen a Packers’ quarterback play, even better than Brett Favre during his run of three straight MVP seasons in the 90s. It’s almost child’s play for Rodgers these days with as easy as he makes it look.
There is certainly room for improvement, however, as evidenced by the red zone failures and the still 28-ranked run defense. But the Packers are trending in the right direction and will be favored to win their last four games starting with the Atlanta Falcons next Monday night.
The Packers need to avoid the letdown that has bit teams like Kansas City and Dallas who have lost to the lowly Raiders and Redskins, respectively. The Packers really need to win the division so they can avoid a return trip to The Big Easy as possibly the fifth seed in the NFC. Week 17 against the Lions will be huge if neither team loses before then, which they shouldn’t.
So enjoy this one, but then, like Bill Belichick would say – “we’re on to Atlanta”.