The Green Bay Packers may not be the prettiest team on the block, but they are finding ways to win even without the explosive offense we have all gotten so used to under Aaron Rodgers. Now days, it’s the defense that is the star and what a defense it is!
The Packers completely shut down the New York Giants in their 23-16 win last night, holding them to 219 yards, including only 43 rushing yards. Even without starting cornerbacks Sam Shields and Damarious Randall they were able to keep the Giants’ talented receiving corp in check as none of them had more than Odell Beckham’s 56 yards. This after giving up two 180-plus yard games to receivers the last two weeks.
The Packers’ defense is going to keep them in every game this season. They appear to be much better than last year and last year was pretty good with a couple of exceptions. The additions of linebackers Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell has allowed Clay Matthews to move back outside and do what he does best. Up front Mike Daniels has taken his game to a new level and looks like a man amongst boys out there. And this week they get the huge Mike Pennel back from suspension.
The Packers’ offense is looking better this year with Jordy Nelson back and Eddie Lacy running hard, the glaring weakness is backup running back. When Lacy is not in the game the dropoff is significant, James Starks appears to have hit the wall at age 30. I don’t know where you are going find help at this stage of the season, Samkon Gado’s don’t fall out of trees when you need them.
Aaron Rodgers still doesn’t look quite like the old Aaron Rodgers, but even with the two picks last night he still looks to be coming out of his slump a little. If that continues and Lacy isn’t hurt seriously, and it appears he isn’t, the offense has a real chance to get better as the season progresses. Finding a backup running would help that cause as well.
Next up it’s the Dallas Cowboys and the league’s number one rushing attack, fortunately for the Packers, their defense is the league’s number one against the rush. Going to be a bone-jarring meeting of the minds next week. If the Packers can keep Ezekiel Elliott in check there is no way Dak Prescott beats them by himself. Going to be a lot of buildup to this game.
I like 3-1 and it could have been 4-0 if not for some boneheaded coaching decisions in Minnesota. Have to keep it going now.