The Green Bay Packers are 6-0 at the bye after surviving a San Diego Charger onslaught yesterday in what was a gorgeous fall day at the NFL’s Mecca. The Chargers rolled up an astonishing 548 yards of offense on what had been an excellent Packers’ defense thus far this year. Quarterback Philip Rivers picked apart the Packers with short routes and an amazingly quick release but missed on a couple of big plays that turned out to be the difference.
The Chargers did everything right against the Packers but still didn’t have enough to win the game. Even with having the ball 16 minutes less than the Chargers, the Packers were able to generate 27 points. If time of possession had been even the Packers probably would have scored 50. It makes you wonder if there is a blueprint for beating the Packers. If gaining 548 yards and 32 first downs and holding the ball for 38 minutes doesn’t do it, what will it take to beat the Packers?
As usual, the Packers lost another key contributor to injury, this time is was wide receiver Ty Montgomery, who went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter. Because of injuries at wide receiver and the sudden disappearance of running back Eddie Lacy, the Packers’ offense is a scattershot unit. They sputter around for a few plays and then hit a big one. Somehow they are going to have to find some rhythm on offense because they are living dangerously right now. They can start by watching what Rivers did and incorporating some of those quick release routes into their own game plan.
The Packers’ defense did rise to the occasion in the red zone just enough to hold the Chargers to 20 points and even after having being burned repeatedly they came up with an amazing goal line stand to the win the game. The Packers first-round draft pick from last May, Damarious Randall, came up big on the last play showing he has a short memory and a promising future.
The Packers won’t face a quarterback with the passing ability of Rivers the rest of the way now that Peyton Manning is a shell of his former self. Cam Newton is playing lights out but he presents a far different challenge with his running ability. It should be back to business as usual for the Packers’ defense in two weeks at Denver.
It has been an amazing first six games for the Packers. They have won games in almost every way possible. Now hopefully they can use the bye week to get healthier and regroup on both sides of the ball. It’s time for the big push.