Maybe I should have, but I did not foresee a Packers’ blowout win last night. I guess I didn’t have faith in the Packers defensive ability to stop the Vikings’ run game. I thought the Vikes would move the ball with ease on the Packers. They did not. And while the Packers weren’t exactly sharp on offense, they did get Eddie Lacy unleashed.
I know what you are thinking. How can you not be sharp on offense and score 42 points. Well, seven of those came from the defense and another seven were the result of a short field provided by the defense. Aaron Rodgers only threw for 156 yards on 12 completions, but of course three of those completions were touchdowns.
To me, the shocker was the way the Packers’ defense played the Vikings’ run game. The Vikes had 250 rushing yards last week against Atlanta while the Packers gave up 235 rushing yards to the Bears. Not a good combination. Certainly having to play Christian Ponder at QB was a factor, but Ponder has lit up the Packers in the past and would playing a rookie who defensive coordinators now have tape on really make that much of difference?
The Packers’ Super Bowl hopes rely on their defense and the emergence of Julius Peppers could be a key factor. My take on the last three games in this. The Packers do not match up well against the Lions’ defense but can hold the Lions’ offense in check. Against the Bears the Packers’ own the Bears’ defense but for some reason cannot stop Matt Forte. If not for Same Old Jay the Packers would be in trouble. The Vikings are the wildcard. No consistency there. You never know what is going to happen. 2-1 over that stretch is acceptable.
The Packers have a chance to get on a roll here with a trip to Miami up next and then facing a Carolina team in Lambeau that has lost its last two games by 18 points each. Of course, I will be a huge Panthers’ fan Sunday as they face the Bears. After that is a trip to the disappointing Saints. 6-2 at the bye is back in play.
Then again, you/we shouldn’t be looking that far ahead, disregard that last paragraph.
Enjoy the victory weekend and root for the Bills and Panthers.
Go Pack!