Game Recap: Packers Top Redskins 20-15, Improve to 10-3

The Green Bay Packers (10-3, 3-0 NFC North) may not have looked the most energetic in Week 14, but they still got the job done, topping the Washington Redskins (3-10,  0-3 NFC East) 20-15 at Lambeau Field Sunday.

“Although we are definitely happy we won I felt like we left a lot out there today,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “You gotta give Washington credit. We knew they were going to come in, they were going to be tough coming off two wins in a row. They did a nice job of really not allowing us to function in all three phases at the level we are capable of doing.”

With the win, LaFleur sets the franchise record for most wins by a Packers’ head coach in their first season, per the FOX broadcast.

The Packers started off hot on both sides of the ball Sunday. The defense did not give up a 1st down the entire first quarter and the offense was in a rhythm that looked quite dangerous at first. On Green Bay’s first offensive play of the game, quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Jimmy Graham for a 20-yard pass pickup. Then, the rest of the drive was all running back Aaron Jones, who led the way with a nice reception and rush attempt to put the Packers in position. Rodgers found Jones off a short 9-yard pass for the first touchdown of the day to put Green Bay up 7-0.

The defense continued to put the pressure on the next couple of drives and the Packers’ offense was back in the red zone again in a blink of an eye. Rodgers and Graham connected again to get things going, this time off 25-yard reception. Then, again, it was all Aaron LaRae Jones who brought the Packers into Redskin’s territory. This time it was Big Bob Tonyan who was wiiiiiide open in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown catch to make it 14-0 Green Bay.

The rest of the first half was counterproductive for both teams’ offensively, before Redskin’s running back Adrian Peterson pushed his way into the endzone for 2-yard touchdown. Washington’s point after attempt was no good and they cut Green Bay’s lead to 14-6 heading into the half.

The Packers wouldn’t score another touchdown the rest of the game, but they opened the half with three more points on the board after kicker Mason Crosby drilled a 32-yard field goal to make it 17-6.

The Redskins then responded with a field goal of their own to cut it to 17-9. The Packers looked like they had finally found some life again on offense, but the Redskins were able to come up with the stop, forcing Crosby to kick a 33-yard field goal this time to make it 20-6.

Washington was not going down without a fight though, after wide receiver Terry McLaurin scored off a 13-yard touchdown with 1:17 left in the game. The Redskins would go for two, but Packers linebacker Blake Martinez was there to make one hell of a stand to keep the score at 20-15. The Redskins also attempted an onside kick, but wide receiver Davante Adams was there to secure the ball and the Packers 10th win in 2019.

With a strong performance from Aaron Jones, a good day defensively for Green Bay and the Packers securing double digit wins for the first time since the 2016 season, there was plenty to takeaway from Sunday’s matchup.

 

What we learned: The Packers ~maybe~ have a punt returner

If there was a drinking game where every time the broadcasters said, “And this becomes the longest punt return of the year for Green Bay,” on Sunday, you would be very very drunk right now. No seriously, I am not kidding.

Six days ago, the Packers claimed return specialist Tyler Ervin off waivers after having zero productivity in their return game thus far this season. Sunday, Ervin seemed like he was worth the shot, as he gave the Packers their best looks on this aspect of special teams yet.

Ervin returned four punts Sunday for 10 yards, 12 yards, 18 yards, and 11 yards, all of which are the four longest returns for the Packers this season.

 

What went right: Defensive pressure

The Green Bay defense looked hungry Sunday and I was loving every second of it. The Packers’ D racked up 4 sacks, 6 tackles for a loss, 8 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception on the day (ESPN stats).

The Redskins did not even get a first down the entire first quarter and the defense really did not let up throughout the day. Linebacker Preston Smith looked like a monster against his former team and was fired up about it. Smith had 2 tackles, both of which were solo, 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss and 3 quarterback hits Sunday (ESPN stats). I cannot think of someone who was happier to be a Green Bay Packer Sunday than Mr. Preston Smith.
 

What went wrong: Lack of energy on offense

After the first quarter, the Packers offense just look lethargic. There was no sense of urgency for Green Bay and it almost seemed as if they were playing down to Washington’s level.

This has been a reoccurring issue for Green Bay throughout the season and with the Bears, Vikings and Lions next up on their schedule, the Packers can’t afford to look a little sluggish anymore.

 

Offensive MVP: Aaron Freaking Jones

They sky is blue.

The Earth is round.

The most stuf Oreo is gross.

Aaron Jones is good at football.

All the above statements are facts, but we already knew that. For Aaron Jones and the Green Bay Packers, Sunday was no different.

The Redskins had stated earlier this week that they wanted to slow down the Packers’ run game, but it did not even look like they were trying to do that even a little bit.

Jones led the Packers in both rushing and receiving Sunday, with 16 carries for 134 yards and 1 touchdown and 6 receptions for 58 yards (ESPN stats).

When the ball was in his hands Sunday, the Packers offense looked its best. I wish we would have seen Jones get the ball even more, but his fantastic year only continued Sunday and I can’t say enough about how much I love this guy.

 

Defensive MVP: Adrian Amos

Safety Adrian Amos had one hell of a performance Sunday too. The Packers’ offseason pickups continue to prove their worth week after week, and this time it was Amos’ turn to have some fun.

Amos finished the day with 7 tackles, 6 of which were solo, 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss, 2 pass deflections, 1 quarterback hit, and an interception (ESPN stats).

Let’s hope Amos brings that same energy next week against his former team.

 

Up next, the Chicago Bears head to Lambeau Field and pay a visit to the Green Bay Packers in a critical divisional matchup next Sunday Dec. 15. Kickoff is

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Sarah Kelliher is a contributor for CheeseheadTV and a podcaster with Pack-A-Day Podcast. She can be found via Twitter @sarahkelliher4

 

9 points
 

Comments (54)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
edp1959's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:27 pm

#12 has this team at 10 - 3 and leading the North. Great job!

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Leatherhead's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:32 pm

Yes #12’. Not Jones or the defense.

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HankScorpio's picture

December 08, 2019 at 06:10 pm

Agreed. To suggest that Rodgers is carrying this team flies in the face of what I have watched on the field. He's good and a big part, no doubt. But he's had his down moments that have been picked up by Jones and the defense.

I do believe they have the ability to go to another level because of that. Imagine if Rodgers can learn to be the dominant force he's been in the past. Maybe Father Time will not let that happen. But older QB greats have done it. So I think Rodgers can as well.

8 points
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Jared's picture

December 08, 2019 at 08:29 pm

AR needs to worry less about the fans showing up and worry more about himself and the offense showing up. The teams today is a 1 & done play off team.

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Chevy572rat's picture

December 10, 2019 at 01:05 pm

If I remember right guys, the Packers schedule was ranked as the 8th hardest, so being 10 - 3 with all the changes this season and being a no. 2 seed right now, I think is pretty amazing. Don't get me wrong, we have to improve ALOT, but I don't think most people would have thought we would be in this position before the season started.

1 points
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Bearmeat's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:31 pm

Great teams blow out bad teams. It is clear that Green Bay is not a great team. They are a slightly above-average team who is unusually healthy, has had several turnovers go their way, and who has won more than their fair share of one-score games.

I'm glad we look like we'll win the division. But I expect to get punched in the mouth and lose immediately and embarrassingly in the playoffs to whomever we play. And regression in the health, turnover, and one score game departments next year.

We're going to have to be better next year to get even close to our current record.

3 points
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edp1959's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:42 pm

So you are saying the 49ers are not a great team, they beat Wash 9 - 0. Didn’t even score a TD. Good to know.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:07 pm

I agree, but it as a decent year. I wish we could have gotten some WR help at the trade deadline. but I get the cost.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:11 pm

I think we needed to jump regardless. ARod is 36 and clearly declining. He's got maybe 3-4 years left. And we had the record...

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Leatherhead's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:22 pm

We could have drafted Lamar Jackson.

I am 100% in favor of drafting his replacement and letting him learn for a year or two.

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NickPerry's picture

December 09, 2019 at 04:47 am

At the start of the year and even after a few games in I didn't think that was a good idea at all. After watching a FULL 13 games of a QB who REFUSES to throw over the middle of the field for fear of throwing an interception I'm about 90% right there with you. IF one drops like Rodgers did in 2005 the DRAFT HIM.

BUT I'd still like to draft one or two of these WR coming out THIS year and give Rodgers the WR help this team OBVIOUSLY needs.

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PackfanNY's picture

December 09, 2019 at 12:54 pm

I’ll pick up your point.

Saints should just give up. My God they lost a couple weeks ago to the Falcons!

Seahawks should just forfeit now as well. How could they get whipped by the struggling Rams!

Patriots?! Lost at home to the....Chiefs! It’s all over, pack it up.

I could go on but this is for all the quitters.

1 points
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HankScorpio's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:49 pm

I agree the Packers are not a great team. That's not exactly breaking news, though. The last time they would have qualified as great in my view was the year they blew the NFC CG in Seattle. Was that 2013 season?

This team finds ways to make plays from variety of sources, including at big moments. That's step 1 on the road to becoming a great team. Once they figure out how to be more consistent, they will become more dominant. Then they will become a great team. There is no particular reason that cannot happen at any time. They have all the ingredients. They take care of the ball on offense. They can pressure the QB on defense. They have a veteran QB that is still capable of playing at a high level.

7 points
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Bearmeat's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:02 pm

End of 2014. And agree with your first point about consistency. But not your second. We don't have all the ingredients. We have severe player deficiencies at WR, TE, ILB, 5 Tech and 2nd CB (if King doesn't turn it around).

The Veteran QB and coach is part of the problem IMO. They need to run the offense through the RBs and refuse to do so.

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dobber's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:10 pm

Look at what they got out of GMo, MVS, and Kumerow combined today: 1 catch. MVS/Kumerow didn't even log a target. Getting to that point where you wonder when they dust off Ryan Grant to see if he can do any more than these guys are doing...can't hurt.

1 points
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HankScorpio's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:51 pm

I agree with you on the areas the roster needs improvement. But there is no such thing a roster devoid of talent holes in the NFL. Being a great team is not about having no roster holes. It's about having enough talent and enough guys that step up and make the kinds of plays that win games on a consistent basis through all kinds of situations.

And I don't think the problems on offense have much to do with a refusal to use the RB as a focus or use them enough or however you want to phrase it. Jones is (or was) leading the NFL in TD. He and Williams get their fair share of touches. I think it is about a young, inexperienced HC trying to find his way as the big man in charge of a NFL offense at the same time he's learning about being a HC. It may take into the offseason for him. It may not ever happen. It may begin to click in next week. I've seen flashes to give me hope but not enough to think it is just a matter of time. If it does, that talent gap at TE and WR we agree exists won't look like such a big deal.

5 points
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Grandfathered's picture

December 08, 2019 at 07:49 pm

being a great team is also catching the mental motivation and getting into a winning mental "zone". The Pack could get hot if they believe that they can go all the way and get excited.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 09, 2019 at 07:07 am

"The Veteran QB and coach is part of the problem IMO. They need to run the offense through the RBs and refuse to do so."

Isn't that what just happened?

Aaron Jones - 16 carries for 134 yards and 1 TD. 6 receptions on 7 targets (most targets of anyone) 58 yards.

Aaron Jones had 192 yards from scrimmage. I don't see where they are refusing to go to the RB's?

4 points
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dobber's picture

December 09, 2019 at 07:47 am

Damn the data! Full speed ahead!

1 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 09, 2019 at 09:59 am

Also Rodgers just missed him on another deep throw that would have probably resulted in a TD if he can connect with him on it.

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Hematite's picture

December 09, 2019 at 11:48 am

Certainly one of the best posts I've read anywhere regarding the Green Bay Packers during the 2019 season.
Thanks for making me feel better after the lackadaisical effort that I watched yesterday.

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flackcatcher's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:57 pm

This team has had the talent to win and make a run into the playoffs if not for injury. Since 2016, this has not been a deep team personal wise. On the plus side, Gute has made a number of moves which has pushed this team forward. On the minus side, the transition to the new offense has been bumpy, to say the least. Much of the current problem centers around QB1 and his impatience in running MLF offense. Rodgers seems to have problems letting the run game settle in, and that hurts the offense in all phases of the game. In truth not much can be done about that till next season. As for the rest, much will depend on Cap, draft, and other factors which are out of of us fans sight....

2 points
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Gman1976's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:57 pm

This "slightly above average" team is 10-3!!! Other teams dream of being "slightly above average."

5 points
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EdsLaces's picture

December 08, 2019 at 08:19 pm

I really dont wanna get embarrassed in the playoffs, but ...I think you're probably right.

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cpabandit's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:52 pm

Sarah, always enjoy your columns. Clear, precise, well written and it is easy to see you love your Packers! Thank you.

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Lphill's picture

December 08, 2019 at 04:59 pm

A lot of haters show up here on game day. Wasn’t pretty but doesn’t have to be it’s all about the win column. Injury report is growing around the NFL and the Packers for once are not leading the league that’s a very important stat!.

11 points
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Chevy572rat's picture

December 10, 2019 at 09:27 am

Folks, yesterday wasn't pretty I agree, but what were seeing is a new coach trying to improve his play calling, a QB that only has 1 consistent wide receiver that can get open or contest for a ball, a TE ??. We are still seeing the effects of how far this teams talent level had slipped to under Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and Dom Capers. The Packers organization put this whole team on AR's back for so many years, and now people want to complain that he can't do it ALL anymore ? We better appreciate as Packer fans the QB that we have, we've had 20+ years of Hall of Fame quarterbacking with only 2 SB wins, that falls on coaching and the top management. We have some good pieces in place, but we need alot more to get this team to the Super Bowl. If there is a team that can overachieve and do it, I'll take Aaron Rodgers as my QB to get it DONE !!

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:05 pm

" They did a nice job of really not allowing us to function in all three phases at the level we are capable of doing.”

That should not happen ever and it says more about the Packers in a bad way than good.

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Lare's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:06 pm

One and done. Congrats.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:10 pm

Any news about a Raven Greene possible return?

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:44 pm

On IR. Done for the season. (I think..)

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 08, 2019 at 07:20 pm

Hearing he will likely not return

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Spock's picture

December 09, 2019 at 06:54 am

On one of the PackerNews blogs the reporter said something about Greene having had ankle (?) surgery and was out for the season.

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dobber's picture

December 09, 2019 at 07:48 am

Quoth the Dobber, NEVERMORE!

2 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:13 pm

To have as great a QB as Rodgers and as awful a passing offense as this is so frustrating. Why was Allison even out there? Rodgers had time and no one could get open. Allison and MVS should not play another snap. Adams and Lazard should play 90% of the snaps.

1 points
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fastmoving's picture

December 09, 2019 at 12:39 am

You look at the complete wrong end of the pass line. MVS was wide open all night but AR has just one check......

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murf7777's picture

December 09, 2019 at 06:12 am

First the game was played during the day. And secondly, how do you know “MVS was wide open all night”? Certainly the screen angles don’t show you that during the live game.

2 points
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flackcatcher's picture

December 08, 2019 at 05:41 pm

The reason so many are complaining after this win is we are seeing the same problems cropping up game after game. Some of this (as I have said before) cannot be fixed until next season. This team is in the mist of a rebuilt which could go either way. So personal upgrades are looming. But that's for next year. This year, some of the problems in scheme, on both sides of the ball, are directly related to the lack of talent the Packers have. That is the reality, no getting around it. The other part is players not playing to the strengths in their scheme. Rodgers is the main offender as he is the triggerman in MLF offense. That hurts players at the expense of others. Rodgers mouths the words, but his actions show he has not completely bought into MLF offensive system. Until he does, this offense will function as we all saw today, with too many points left on the field.

7 points
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packergal's picture

December 08, 2019 at 07:47 pm

"...Rodgers mouths the words, but his actions show he has not completely bought into MLF offensive system..."

Completely agree.

Wouldn't it be great if some reporter asked Rodgers and MLF this:

"You said repeatedly you wanted to be "coached". Can you give us several examples of when that happened and how it helped you improve in that or the next game?"

The point I am making is that QB1 shows little willingness to be coached. He holds the ball forever, consistently runs the clock down to zero, throws off his back foot and does not see the field completely, missing open receivers in every game--likely because he is declining. This is increasingly more evident with each game.

In fact, recall Al's "Confessions" article last week where he admitted that it DOES appear that Rodgers looks for Adams first and foremost and refuses to hit the open man underneath.

I just hope the bearsstillsuck Defense doesn't unleash Mack and Hicks (who will return next week) on Rodgers because if they do...it will be a very long, very sad day for Packer fans.

5 points
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stockholder's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:19 pm

The Packers will beat the Bears. Arron Rodgers will be just Fine. He's the best QB in the League. Confidence is high! The thing I see is Rodger's facial expressions. He's tipping the play. His face has Run all over it. Doubt! When a Pass is called; his body, and expressions show his thinking. Solution: Better Poker face! Lady Luck beats Aces and eights., Call Danica's car number. Get to the line Quicker, So the defense will jump. It's not his mechanics. It's his passion to prove himself. I got this. Confidence! It's his driving Force.

3 points
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4thand1's picture

December 08, 2019 at 06:12 pm

The next 2 weeks will define the season. We will either go from North champs or barely making it as a wild card. I got worried when it was 14-0 and everyone was smiling on the Packer's sidelines. I've seen this script way to many times in GB, team goes in the tank for 2 quarters or more.

7 points
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Lphill's picture

December 08, 2019 at 06:39 pm

Amazing Brashad Breland just keeps making plays, he should have been a keeper.

3 points
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HankScorpio's picture

December 08, 2019 at 06:48 pm

As inconsistent as the offense was today, they sure picked a good time to rip off a huge drive in the 4th. That monster drive to kick the FG that made it a 2 score game took almost half the 4th quarter. That made the McLaurin TD an after-thought that was more a product of the situation where the Packers were just trying to keep everything in front of them.

And speaking of McLaurin, who has bee fantastic, Jaire Alexander sure did a number on him today. Sometimes outstanding CB play is a little like playing OL..the most effective performance is one that doesn't get mentioned on the broadcast.

8 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:14 pm

Yes Jaire has been exceptional the last 2 games. We need it.

1 points
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edp1959's picture

December 08, 2019 at 06:59 pm

Waaa Waaaa Waaa GB didn’t win big enough today.

-1 points
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Fubared's picture

December 08, 2019 at 07:15 pm

It amazes me how this gm and the past gm spent all that capital on defensive backs and a rookie qb who is struggling to read defenses and has a gimpy ankle to boot can look all pro against our d. If they do get to the playoofs no it will be one and done.
Bears vikes will kick ass and who knows about the lions

-6 points
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4thand1's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:16 pm

The TD he threw was an all pro catch on a shitty throw behind the receiver. If it wasn't for that catch his qb rating would have been around 60 for the game. He was far from an all pro QB, sober up.

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:11 pm

Today, Aaron Rodgers was holding this team back. There WERE definitely open receivers. He had no intention of playing within this scheme today. Kumerow was wide open for a TD once, and Lazard. Rodgers kinda pissed me off today......is he smug, not trusting the Lefleur play call?? He was not a good QB today.

4 points
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4thand1's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:10 pm

I suggest a lot of people watch the game again, I over reacted at first. Washington got a lot of pressure with 4 rushers all game and dropping people in coverage. That's why Aaron Jones got big yards and the Pack used him perfectly. They were up by 11 with a little more than 2 minutes left when the D let them walk right down the field and score. Did AR miss a couple of throws............yes, but he made the biggest throw of the day on 3 and 16 from deep in their own territory. They didn't blow the skins out, but they were never in danger of losing this game.

6 points
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HankScorpio's picture

December 09, 2019 at 05:25 am

Washington had the ball with the opportunity to take the lead on exactly one series, the game's opener. The Packers forced a 3 and out and took their first drive for a TD.

They had great field position for most of the first half and probably should have put up 20 or more before half. Rodgers had a careless fumble when they were getting into scoring territory.

But you're right. I never felt like there was any danger Washington would actually win, even if I was looking for a bigger margin.

4 points
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jgando12's picture

December 08, 2019 at 09:22 pm

It’s about peaking in January. One week at a time. Bring on da Bears. Get the next “W”.

3 points
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sheppercheeser's picture

December 09, 2019 at 06:45 am

A win is a win is a win.
The Packers are good, but the 49ers and N.O. are great.
I would love to win our division, but my optimism stops there- I feel GB will be one and done.
I wish AR's ego could be left on the bench and he would be a little more of a gunslinger. I know he cherishes his INT record, but I feel his check-down reading needs improvement.
There'll be no asterisk after the 'W', but this win felt meh....

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

December 09, 2019 at 07:41 am

A great philosopher of our time once said "It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile, Winning is Winning".

An ugly win is still better then any loss. Yes this game was not pretty. They do have work to do. But they Won. At the end of the day, that is all that matters. Are there concerns. Yes.
But we have pieces to play much better.

I think they just need to get the offense figured out. They were actually rolling when Adams wasn't playing. They need to figure out why they aren't now. The first couple of drives it seemed like they were using the TE's more. I honestly think they need to use more TE's and less WR's. Allison just doesn't do enough to warrant as many snaps as he gets.

Also in yesterdays game we saw Rodgers miss 2 wide open downfield targets. Graham and Jones. That doesn't happen often but it happened. If he hits either one of those 2 plays the complexion of this game looks completely different.

Game is over and its time to go Bear hunting.

3 points
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ianpundt's picture

February 07, 2020 at 12:47 am

Any news about a Raven Greene possible return?

0 points
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