The Green Bay Packers were down 20-10 at halftime against the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Day. A second half comeback, however, ended with a 26-20 victory as the Packers kept their playoff hopes alive. During the second half, there were several big plays that swung the momentum in the Packers’ favor. Of course, three of these came on defense as the Packers defense intercepted the Dolphins on three-straight drives. One of them was a surprising pass from Aaron Rodgers to tight end Marcedes Lewis down the sideline that set up the game-tying touchdown.
.@AaronRodgers12 ➡️ @MarcedesLewis89 sets up the game-tying score! 🎯#GBvsMIA | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/4en0v70YUG
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 25, 2022
Perhaps a very surprising stat line from this game was that the seldom-targeted Lewis had two receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown. However, as NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky pointed out, that big play above does not happen without third-string running back Patrick Taylor.
Patrick Taylor with a Big Block
While presumably on his plane ride back home, Orlovsky tweeted a video of the throw to Lewis down the sideline. In his brief analysis, he pointed out how Taylor recognized a linebacker blitz and proceeded to keep Rodgers clean by blocking said linebacker:
Well done young fella pic.twitter.com/tJ9Vfkf1GT
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) December 26, 2022
Patrick Taylor Also Sprang Keisean Nixon’s Big Return
One of the major stories of the day for the Packers was that kick return specialist Keisean Nixon had to leave early with a groin injury. That was after he returned one kick 93 yards. Upon further review of that play, he does not get nearly that far without Patrick Taylor’s blocking on special teams:
Keisean Nixon makes it look so so effortless. Also full credit to the block from #27 Patrick Taylor. pic.twitter.com/WIXg2tR23I
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) December 26, 2022
It is so easy to overlook these “in the trenches” plays. On neither of these plays did Patrick Taylor even touch the ball. However, without him, perhaps neither of them happen. He was a HUGE reason of why the Packers won on Christmas despite his limited usage.
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