The Green Bay Packers staved off elimination for another week with a gritty, grind-it-out win over the Houston Texans yesterday. Led by a clearly hobbled Aaron Rodgers, the Packers 21-13 win keeps them in the hunt for both a wildcard and the division title. The back-to-back wins gives them a little momentum going into next week’s huge matchup with Seattle in Lambeau.
Rodgers was a hurting unit but was able to adjust his game and generate just enough offense to get the job done. He directed two huge fourth quarter drives when things were hanging the balance. The first drive was 98-yards and gave the Packers the lead, the second one was 89 yards and put the game away. It might have been the grittiest performance of Rodgers’ career, he could barely run at all. It was impressive, he turned it around right when I thought maybe they should take him out.
The Packers’ defense held its own against the terrible Texans’ offense. Quarterback Brock Osweiler is just so bad it’s miracle they won six games this year. I don’t think they win another one. Not that they don’t have weapons, it’s just that the QB can’t get their playmakers the ball. It had to be painful to watch if you are a Texans’ fan.
The Packers will be facing another top ten defense next week against Seattle, who is ranked ninth in yards but first in points allowed. The Packers’ tenth ranked offense will be challenged again. Yesterday they again made do with a smorgasbord at running back, using numerous combinations of receivers, halfbacks, and fullbacks. Head coach Mike McCarthy has been able to come up with enough of a running game to get the job done but it’s definitely not an ideal situation.
The Jordy Nelson comeback train is gathering steam as well. He may not have his speed back yet but he knows how to get open and can still catch the football. He has been on fire lately and you can see it in his emotion. That’s what I’m talking about Jordy!
Using ESPN’s Playoff Machine there are a few ways the Packers can make the playoffs but they do need help. A win next Sunday would go a long way in that department.