In a game that was the most nerve racking since week 1 when the Packers squeaked one out against the Saints, the Packers managed to pull through and crown themselves NFC North Division Champions. It was a sloppy game on both sides of the ball (but more on defense than offense), but the great teams always find a way to win...and the Packers have the look of a great team! Here's my analysis:
Things I Liked
Jordy Nelson - It's becoming common practice for me to include Jordy on this list. He made spectacular catches when other receivers couldn't hold onto the ball, and is becoming not only one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets but an elite receiver in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers - Anyone who had doubts about Rodgers' ability to lead a last minute, game-winning drive was silenced yesterday. Aaron made it look easy, completing 4 of 4 passing to make it an easy game-winning chip-shot field goal for Mason Crosby.
Donald Driver - The old man can still play the game. He was one of the few sure-handed targets that Rodgers had in New Jersey. And he was rewarded with 2 touchdown catches. The second of which was spectacular!
Clay Matthews - In an otherwise under-whelming defensive performance, the Claymaker was the one bright spot. He returned a beautifully anticipated interception for a touchdown, and had a sack/fumble that the Packers recovered at the end of the 1st half to stifle a NYG drive.
Things I Did Not Like
Defense - Wow are they bad!!! I can't believe the Packers have won any games, much less 12 with such a pitiful defense! They can't stop the pass, they can't stop the run, and they can't tackle! It's pretty amazing to watch.
Offensive Line - Granted the Giants have one of the best defensive lines in football and the packers are playing 2 players with less than 10 games of experience on the line, but the showing was not very good. There were no holes for the running backs to run through, and Rodgers was under duress the whole game.
Mason Crosby - I know that Crosby kicked the game winner and that he hasn't had to kick many meaningful field goals this year, but the missed 47-yarder at the end of the 1st half was very makeable and Crosby needs to make that for a few reasons. #1 - it gives the packers more of a cushion going into the 2nd half. #2 - it gives the packers the momentum of being the last to score. and #3 - he's getting paid to make those field goals.
Dropped Passes - Jermichael Finley was awesome and terrible. He had some big catches and good plays and some key drops that killed us. Greg Jennings dropped a couple of key passes as well (I was surprised they ruled the 4th quarter touchdown a catch), and i believe the final total was 6 drops for the whole crew. Unacceptable.
There you have it, my thoughts. Overall, the offense was sufficient. Rodgers posted his first game of the season with a QB rating under 110 (106.2), but I put the blame on the receivers and the o-line for that. I liked Clay's intensity on defense, but the rest of the unit was lacking. I'd especially like to see BJ Raji turn it up a notch. Next up, the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau. GO PACK!
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