The Green Bay Packers took a huge step forward Sunday with a thrilling come-from-behind win over the Dallas Cowboys that sets up a rematch with the Seahawks next Sunday in Seattle. Riding the incredible talents of Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are back in the conference title game for the first time since 2010.
All Rodgers did on one leg was throw for 316 yards and three TDs without a pick, only getting sacked once. So much for not being the same player because of his limited mobility. While he may have gotten off to a slow start, he was his same old spectacular self when the game was on the line in the second half and the Packers down by eight.
Rodgers was nearly perfect on back-to-back touchdown drives in the third and fourth quarters. He even slid out of the pocket and fired a dart to tight Richard Rodgers that gave the Packers the lead for good. Afterwards Rodgers said he has “120 minutes left in me” and appeared no worse for the wear.
Rodgers got help from Eddie Lacy who rushed for 101 yards and would have had even more had not for a bout of asthma in the first quarter. The Packers also received huge contributions from their 2014 rookie class. Rodgers had the TD catch. Wide receiver Davante Adams had his best day as a pro with a huge game-turning 46-yard touchdown catch and run. Center Corey Linsley was again solid in protection, albeit he did have one bad snap. Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix started and contributed six tackles.
On defense the Packers got the huge performance it so desperately needed in a playoff game, holding the Cowboys to 315 total yards and making a key fourth down stop with four minutes left in the game. Linebacker Julius Peppers had six tackles, a sack, and two forced fumbles, the second of which quite likely resulted in a 10-point swing.
As good of a showing as the defense put up, they will have to be even better next week against Seattle. The Seahawks’ defense is on fire of late and points will be tough to come by even for Rodgers and crew. A defensive score would go along way towards a Packers’ upset victory.
The story of the week will again be Rodgers’ injured calf and how well he will be with only one week to prepare. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers was better today than he was last week at this time, so that has to be encouraging. I’m not too worried about it, against Seattle the safest place to be is in the pocket.
It’s only fitting that the Packers get the opportunity to make things right in front of the vaunted 12th man. I have a hunch they will be ready to go.