The Green Bay Packers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in one of the wildest games in recent memory. There were a combined five missed field goals in the last three minutes of regulation and overtime. It was the first instance of such a feat in the NFL since 1991. While it was far from perfect, the most important thing is that the Packers came away with a win. As the dust settles and heart rates normalize, we take a look at three studs and duds from today’s action.
Three Studs
Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones started the game off with some bigtime plays. He also had a monster 57-yard run late in the game that set up the Packers for a score. Overall, the Packers’ Pro Bowl running back had 14 carries for 103 yards. One has to wonder why the Packers did not utilize Jones more in the first quarter given how well he started out.
.@Showtyme_33 breaks loose! 🏃💨#GBvsCIN | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/luOfhgCjmH
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 10, 2021
Jones added four receptions for a mere six yards. The real star out of the backfield in the passing game was AJ Dillon. Dillon had four receptions for 49 yards and his first NFL receiving touchdown.
Davante Adams
Davante Adams is the best wide receiver in the NFL, and he proved it again today. Adams had 11 receptions for a career-high 206 yards and a touchdown.
"He's just too good!"@tae15adams with a 59-yard grab 🙌#GBvsCIN | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/HJt9rkNEWo
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 10, 2021
Adams now has 579 yards on the season and is on pace for a near 2,000 yard season. With his contract dispute with the Packers common knowledge, he only continues to drive his price up. It will be interesting to see if the Packers will be able to bring him back next year and beyond.
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De’Vondre Campbell
Is there a more underrated signing in the NFL this year than the Packers getting De’Vondre Campbell for the cheap? I don’t think so.
DE'VONDRE CAMPBELL WITH THE INTERCEPTION pic.twitter.com/cRcpl3liL7
— packers clips (@packers_clips) October 10, 2021
De’Vondre Campbell finished the day with eight tackles, one tackle for loss, a pass deflection, and a key interception at the beginning of overtime. In a game in which the defense was spotty, Campbell was a constant force, as he has been all season. If his play continues at this level, the Packers would be wise to bring him back on a long-term deal.
Three Duds
Mason Crosby
Was Mason Crosby the reason the Packers were in the game to begin with? Yes. Did Mason Crosby make the game-winning field goal? Also yes. However, in between those facts was a mess of missed kicks. Crosby missed an extra point early in the game that would have given the Packers the win in regulation. Additionally, he missed three his seven field goal attempts. Any of his misses could have won the game for the Packers.
Mason Crosby will be first at this podium. pic.twitter.com/Rt2H7tOP2q
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 10, 2021
To his credit, he was not shy about his mistakes. Crosby was the first to address the media after the game. Many players would have avoided such a responsibility.
Eric Stokes
Without Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes took the responsibility of covering Ja’Marr Chase. Chase torched Stokes and the Packers’ defense for six receptions, 159 yards, and a touchdown. Stokes did have a pass deflection and four tackles. However, this was certainly a game in which the rookie defensive back took some of his lumps. Thankfully, the Packers were able to pull out a win and he will not get too much negative press because of it. He is a good, young player who is still learning the NFL game. Additionally, Chase is just that good of a receiver.
The Special Teams Unit
It was an overall awful day for the Packers’ special teams. In addition to Crosby’s missed kicks, Corey Bojorquez averaged just 33.5 yards per punt. One of his punts only traveled 31 yards when he was kicking deep from Packers’ territory. Additionally, the coverage unit allowed Bengals’ returner Brandon Wilson to return four kicks for 120 yards. This included an embarrassing 44-yard return that set the Bengals up with good field position.
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