The Packers took a Christmas trip down to Miami and kept their playoff homes alive for at least another week with a 26-20 win over the Dolphins.
The Packers kept things interesting in a comeback victory. The Packers win was not pretty, but a win is a win as the Packers are trying to sneak into the postseason. The Packers dealt with some injuries and failed to convert in the red zone multiple times, but they never quit. The offense made some timely plays and the defense was perfect in the second half.
Red Zone Woes and Play Calling
If the Packers had lost this game the loss would easily be attributed to the lack of production in the red zone. The Packers had three drives end in red zone field goals. The Packers had a chance to score a touchdown on their first possession after a 93-yard kickoff return by Keisean Nixon, but settled for three.
The Packers rushing attack was nowhere near the level it has been the last two games, and may have played a part in their struggles close to the end zone today.
In the first half Aaron Jones had just three touches. However, after the game Jones mentioned the Packers were being safe with him after being limited in practice. He even said he got his ankle rolled up on in the second half. Regardless the Packers only ran the ball 17 times to Dillon and Jones who had been a huge part of their last two wins.
Aaron Jones said his ankle got "rolled up on" during first carry of second half. He was limited in practice with it this week. #Packers were being smart with him. Jones got it retaped — was on the table when Patrick Taylor had his big third-down catch — and he was good to go.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) December 25, 2022
Timely Defense
The Packers went into the halftime break trailing by just a touchdown. The biggest part of that is the clutch play of the defense. After the Packers faked a punt in their own territory, the defense held the Dolphins to just three. The following drive, the Packers would go three and out, giving the ball back to Miami with 2:40 left in the half.
Miami could have gone up by 17, but instead the defense forced a fumble and the offense put up three points to cut the deficit down to 7.
In the second half the Packers defense got even better. They did not allow a single point and got three interceptions. One of those interceptions came one play after Rodgers threw an interception, one came with Miami in field goal range and one came to end the game during Miami’s two minute drill. Jaire Alexander, De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas came away with the interceptions respectively. In all, the defense forced four turnovers and got two sacks. After an explosive first half by Miami, Joe Barry’s guys turned it around in the second half.
Injuries
The Packers came into the game fairly healthy, but lost some key names today. Christian Watson, who was having a great game, left the game with a hip injury following a fourth down catch. Keisean Nixon left with a groin injury. Gosh Nijman left the game with a shoulder injury. All three guys’ will be worth monitoring throughout the week as the Packers prepare for the Vikings.
Stats
Aaron Rodgers (24/38 – 238 yards – 1 TD – 1 INT)
Allen Lazard (5 catches – 61 yards)
Christian Watson (6 catches- 49 yards)
Mercedes Lewis (2 catches – 32 yards – 1 TD)
AJ Dillon (11 carries- 36 yards – 1 TD)
As Always
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