Pursuit to Perfection: The Green Bay Packers Ep.2

11-0

Overview:

-The Green Bay Packers faced a tough test early on Thanksgiving Day on the road against the Detroit Lions. The Packers (10-0) came into Detroit in their first match up against the young up and coming team this year. The Detroit Lions (7-3) were being led by Matthew Stafford and his 25 TD Passes, along with the dirtiest player in the league on defense in DT Ndamukong Suh.The 1st half of football was close, but after a Suh ejection and 3 Stafford INT's the Packers took advantage and went on to win 27-15. Now it's time to break down all 3 sides of the ball. With help from some of the most knowledgeable fans in the game of course.

Breakdown:

Offense: It was a tale of two halves for the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, as they managed to score only 7 points in the 1st half, but exploded for 20 points in the 2nd half. As you looked at the Packers in the 1st quarter on Thanksgiving you got the sense that the WR's were having problems holding onto the ball. On the 1st drive Rodgers made a nice read to TE Jermichael Finley that would have given the Packers a first down, but instead Finley dropped. it. Finley also had another drop later on in the game, although made a impressive catch over a defender on a key Packers drive in the 2nd half. Meanwhile Jordy Nelson struggled to get open only 4 Catches for 26 yards and no TD's, but Greg Jennings and James Jones stepped up in his p[lace. Rodgers hit Jones on a 65 yard PA Pass late in the 3rd quarter for 6, and also  found Greg Jennings open from 3 yards out in the 2nd quarter. Both WR's combined for 8 catches for 168 yards and 2 TD's to help Rodgers finish with another impressive stat line of 22/33 for 307 Yards and 2 TD's with no picks and a 116.6 QB Rating on the day. The Packers didn't look to run the ball only handing it off 17 times with 6 going to Ryan Grant, 4 to James Starks (who re-aggravated his ankle injury), 5 to FB John Kuhn who had a goal line TD, and 2 going to rookie Brandon Saine. They combined for 53 total rush yards. Fortunately for the Packers they don't have to run the ball to win football games with MVP Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

Fans Thought: "McCarthy has the offense playing with a mechanical swagger: confident but not arrogant, both systematic and passionate." (@PackerInsanity)

Overall Grade: B+

Defense: After struggling last week against the Tampa Bay Bucs at home, the Packers found their groove again defensively, even without starting MLB's Desmond Bishop and A.J Hawk. They came into the game with the 31st worst Pass Defense allowing 287 YPG to go along with 19 INT''s. They were able to limit Calvin Johnson down the field, which made Stafford have to spend more time finding the open man, and because of it he threw 3 INT's. The first came in the 2nd quarter on a tipped pass in their own territory, and resulted in the Packers first score of the day. The second and 3rd INT's came in the 3rd quarter, and both resulted in Packers TD's and a 24-0 lead entering the 4th quarter. Stafford was able to find Megatron late in garbage time for a TD, but besides that his 276 yards were meaningless. On the ground the Packers caught an early break when Kevin Smith was forced to leave the game with an injury so backup RB Maurice Morris took over but with Detroit trailing most of the game only managed 7 carries for 39 yards. The Lions did finish with 136 total rush yards thanks to 4 scrambles by Stafford and early yardage by Smith before he was injured. The Packers gave up alot of yards but when it mattered most they forced the big turnover, made the big 3rd down stop, or the Lions shot themselves in the foot with a penalty, always killing whatever momentum they had. It was a very solid game for the Packers, especially considering how they performed the previous week.

Fans Thought: "The Defense plays with reckless abandonment, set free to gamble for INT's by an unstoppable offense. They make the big play when they need to" (@PackerInsanity)

Overall Grade: A-

Special Teams:  In a game filled with offense and defense, there wasn't a whole lot of note worth plays or performances in the Special Teams department, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Mason Crosby made all 3 of his XP's along with 2 FG's the longest from 35 yards out. In the return game Randall Cobb had little impact as he only had 3 opportunities (2 KO's 1 Punt) and neither went for a long gain. It wasn't a game that stands out on the highlight reel, but one that can be taken as a good day. If there was any problem it was the lack of discipline of Pat Lee who was ejected after punching one of the Lions players. It will likely result in a fine, but hopefully a learning experience for Lee.

Fans Thought: "One of the most vastly improved areas of our team this year, but often gets overlooked. Mason Crosby ahs quietly become one of the best kickers in the game. Cobb is an excitign return man and the kick coverage has strongly improved. The Special Teams are helping us win each week, and that showed again this week" (@packFANattic)

Overall Grade:B-

Final Grade: B+

-

Injury Updates:

Desmond Bishop, MLB: Calf Strain, Questionable Week 13
-The Packers lost their leading tackler early in Thursdays game against the Lions, as Desmond Bishop limped off the field with a calf injury. He was not able to return the game, and even with 10 days rest this week, his availability for Week 13 against the New York Giants. . Backup D.J Smith filled in nicely in his place filling in running lanes, and making some nice tackles.
A.J Hawk, MLB: Calf Strain, Questionable Week 13
-The Packers are without Desmond Bishop, and they very well could be without their other MLB A.J Hawk after he also suffered a calf strain against the Lions. If Hawk is unable to go backup LB Robert Francois, who had a nice INT against the Lions, will likely start in his place.
Josh Sitton, RG: Knee Sprain, Doubtful Week 13
-The biggest it the Packers took injury wise, also ends up being the most significant one. Right Guard Josh Sitton suffered a Knee Strain against the Lions, and it now appears he could be out for awhile. The knee sprain is significant enough to the point where it likely could keep Sitton out 2-3 weeks, although he hasn't officially been ruled out against the Giants.

Next Game:

 

Sunday December 4th, 4:15 p.m EST

Location: Met Life Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey

 

Preview: After a tough game against division rival Detroit, the Packers now have 10 days before they take on another tough opponent on the road. When the Green Bay Packers (11-0) take on the New York Giants (6-5) it will definitely be a game to watch. Eli Manning who has proven himself as a very talented QB will take on the Packers 30th ranked Pass Defense, but also a Defense that is very opportunistic. Meanwhile on the other side of the ball the Giants front 4 of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre Paul will look to put alot of pressure on Aaron Rodgers, and limit his time to throw. The Giants ability to get pressure will dictate how close this game will be.

 

Pierre-Paul is 3rd in the NFL with 10.5 Sacks

Prediction:Packers 35

                   Giants: 24

 

Matchup to Watch: Giants Pass Rush vs. Packers Offensive Line

-The Giants are known for their ability to get to the Quarterback and with Jason Pierrre-Paul (10.5 Sacks), Osi Umenyiora (7 Sacks) it will be a true test for the Packers LT Marshall Newhouse and RT Bryan Bulaga. Expect the Packers to bring in an extra blocker to give the young tackles help, and protect Aaron Rodgers from getting alot of pressure. If Aaron Rodgers has all day to throw he could have a strong day against the Giants secondary, but if the Giants can get pressure it will be a very close game.