Monday, November 28, 2011

Packers Tame Lions, 11-0!


Amidst predictions that the Detroit Lions would be the Packers' first loss of the season, the Pack made it clear on Thursday that they were the superior team. The game was a little chippy with 2 ejections and got off to a slow start, but in the end boys from Green Bay surpassed their 2010 regular season win total. Here's my analysis:

Things I Liked

2nd Half Adjustments - I'm not sure what the coaches said or did in the locker room, but the Packers looked like a different team in the final 30 minutes of the game.

Backup Linebackers - DJ Smith and Robert Francois both made their first significant contributions on defense with injuries to starters AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop. They filled in nicely and came up with some big plays in big moments. Smith was great in run support and Francois had a beautiful interception. They may both start on Sunday against the Giants, so let's hope this continues.

Tramon Williams - Tramon looked like his old self for the first time all season. He shut down Calvin Johnson and had several pass defenses. He could have had at least 2 interceptions, but I'm just happy to see him playing well again.

Aaron Rodgers - It was another "off" day for Rodgers, or more of an off half because he got his act together in the 2nd half of the season. But he put up his 11th straight 110+ point QB Rating and tied the Packers' single-season record for most 300-yard passing games in a season. (Here's a great article on Rodgers' leadership in the locker room: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rodgers-learns-52-ways-to-motivate-teammates-ep36nlo-134545253.html)

Things I Did Not Like

Ndamukong Suh - It's official...he's a dirty player. I think he will definitely become one of those guys that Packer fans will not like for years to come.

Slow Start - The offense got off to a really slow start in the 1st half with a couple of 3 and outs. Thankfully the defense played well.

Injuries - Not that we haven't seen this before, but injuries to important players could make next week against the Giants difficult. Josh Sitton, AJ Hawk, and Desmond Bishop were all injured in the 1st half. The status of all 3 is in question for the December 4th matchup against the Giants. Sitton is the least likely to play. The fill-ins did a nice job (especially the LBs), but the starters are starters for a reason.

There you have it, the Packers are 11-0 for the first tim in franchise history! Next week the Packers travel to New York to take on the Giants. GO PACK!

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