The Green Bay Packers beat the heat and then Aaron Rodgers beat the Miami Dolphins to keep the Packers in first place at 4-2. After blowing a seven point lead twice and falling behind by seven, the Packers showed some intestinal fortitude in generating two late scoring drives to steal a victory.
The Packers’ defense, with the help of the some strange play calls by the Dolphins, were able to rise up and make one final stop when they had to. And this was a defense that was reeling after giving up two long scoring drives to put the Packers in a 24-17 hole. I thought it was pretty much over at that point, the defense was wilting in the stifling southern Florida heat.
Since Rodgers uttered his now famous “relax” comment he has been on a tremendous run. Ten touchdown passes, no interceptions and three wins. Not too shabby. And considering the Packers have not generated a consistent running game yet, it is all the more impressive.
The Packers’ defense collected another three turnovers and now are tied for the lead league at plus nine on the year. 18.8 percent of the drives against the Packers have ended in a turnover. While they are still last in the league at stopping the run they are making up for it by taking the ball away. They will certainly have their work cut out for them next weekend when Cam Newton comes to town. Newton is healthy again and rushed for 107 yards last week against Cincinnati and running quarterbacks have always given the Packers fits.
One thing I really liked in Miami was the Packers nice 8-minute drive to start the second half. While they didn’t really need it in this case it gives the defense a chance to rest, which is huge in hot games like this. Against Carolina drives like that keep guys like Newton on the sidelines where they can’t do you any harm.
If the Packers can keep the game close you have to like their chances with the way Rodgers is playing after his slow start to the season. All of a sudden he’s captain comeback.
The Packers have two tough games before the bye week so there is no rest for the weary. The players can’t look ahead but we can, and 6-2 at the bye would look awful nice with only three road games the rest of the year.
Go Pack!