Another dogfight, another win

It was another ugly win Sunday as the Green Bay Packers continue to find ways to win in spite of themselves. While the Packers’ offense did show some signs of life in the 27-24 win over Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, there is still a long way to go. Aaron Rodgers himself said this style of winning is not sustainable as it puts too much pressure on the defense.

The Packers defense did have a rough day against a third-string quarterback but the two stops they made at the end of regulation and in overtime lead directly to the win. They still showed they need to figure out how to stop the opponents running game. They know it’s coming but still they are getting shredded.

I can see why teams would want to run against the Packers. Sending their quarterback back to pass is taking quite a risk with linebacker Rashon Gary making mincemeat of offensive lineman so far this year. He had two sacks, a fumble recovery and a quarterback KO against the Patriots. Dude is a beast! He’s definitely an early candidate for defensive player of the year.

Offense coming alive?

The Packers’ offense did roll up over 400 yards but still hasn’t shown the cohesiveness they’ll need if they make the playoffs. Rodgers was horrible in the first half. I’m not saying father time has caught up to him yet, but he might be in the same area code. Rodgers missed several easy passes and had a horrible pick six right before the half.

In the first half Belichick took away the Packers’ short passing game and forced them to run the ball. When they did, it resulted in seven points. For some reason, head coach Matt LaFleur refused to ride the hot hand in his offense. So once again after a successful drive all on the ground the next series he comes out passing deep. They go three and out. It boggles the mind.

By taking away the short passing game it forced Rodgers to finally throw the ball downfield a little. And it worked. He had several more Rodgers-like passes in the second half threw the game winner to Romeo Doubs, who of course dropped it. Where’s Kittrick Taylor when you need him?

In the end the Packers are 3-1 and heading to London to face the 3-1 New York Giants. I’m looking forward to that 8:30 kickoff. Should be interesting.