Packers Sweep Da Bears Thanks to Defense!

After the dust settled, the Packers were 9-4 and in prime position for a wild-card playoff berth, while the Bears are now mathematically out of the playoff race. It wasn't pretty, but we've come a long way since the embarrassing loss to Tampa in November. Despite Ryan Grant's 137 yards rushing (with 2 TDs) and Rodgers throwing no INTs (even though he did have a screwy fumble that lead to the 2nd TD of the game for the bears), the Pack just couldnt seem to get anything going on the offensive side of the ball. The defense looked good again, with the exception of a couple of TD tosses by Cutler. 3 sacks, and 2 picks (and another 1 or 2 dropped) guaranteed a winning season for the boys from Green Bay.

Things I liked: Ryan Grant running tough. Pressure by the d-line and LBs. Improved play from Tramon Williams (with the exception of the 2nd quarter TD he gave up). The fact that the Bears gave up so much for a QB that isn't any better than Rex Grossman.

Things I didn't like: Mason Crosby missing another makeable FG (that's 6 out of the last 7 games that he's missed one). Rodgers holding the ball too long...again. Kicking FGs in the red zone.

All in all, it's a win and it was against Chicago so I'm happy. And with the flailing Steelers, the miserable Seahawks, and a Cardinals team that will likely be resting it's starters, the Pack are in good shape to make the playoffs this year! GO PACK!

It Wasn't Pretty...But it Counts!

In a hard-fought game on Monday night, the Packers came out on top with a 27-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens. If not for 3 turnovers, it could have very well been a shut out and a much higher score for the Packers' offense.

The Good Stuff: The Packers' D looks like they deserve their #1 ranking. The rookies look fantastic! It's not surprising that BJ Raji is improving now that his ankle is getting better (although he did reinjure it against the Ravens), but Brad Jones has done as good if not a better job than Aaron Kampman did at the OLB spot, and Clay Matthews has a legitimate shot at winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year for this season. JerMichael Finley looked good as well. Having him back in the lineup gives the offense some juice, and I like it!

The Bad Stuff: Penalties! I couldn't believe how many penalties went against the Pack on Monday. It was just ridiculous. I'm surprised we're the second most penalized team in the league this year...but the only reason i'm surprised is because I can't believe anyone else commits more penalties than we do! Tramon Williams is a great nickel DB. He's obviously got some improvement to make to be a starter though. Flacco was blatantly picking on him and rightfully so. Williams committed 3 pass interference penalties (although 2 i thought were questionable) and 2 of them were in the end zone, giving the ravens 1st and goal from the Pack's 1 yard line! Granted he did redeem himself by intercepting a Flacco pass 2 plays later on the 2nd, but still...there is no excuse for interefering so often.

All in all, the good outweighs the bad. The Packers are 8-4 and in prime position to make a playoff run. Let's all hope for some more losses by the Queens so we'll have a shot at a division championship. GO PACK!