The Packers pulled out a win at home in a game that was supposed to be a blowout. Struggling early and getting hit with the turnover bug caused that Packers to scrape by with a sloppy win. However, a win is a win, and after a loss by the Seahawks, the Packers sit at the number one seed in the NFC.
Offense
The Packers only managed to put 24 points against a struggling Jacksonville team. Similar to coming off the bye week the team just looked flat. In the first quarter, Green Bay failed to put up any points for the first time this season. The play calling seemed off and conservative early. The Packers tried to get the run going, but Jacksonville came to play. Defensively the Jags had linebackers flying everywhere similar to Tampa Bay.
In addition to the gameplan seeming to fail, the Packers superstars made some uncharacteristic plays. Davante Admas had two drops and a fumble before exiting the game with an injury for a series. Aaron Jones never really got going until the fourth quarter. Aaron Rodgers threw an interception. However, everything finally seemed to get put together in the fourth quarter. Adams made a ridiculous leaping catch to give the Packers a seven-point lead with under ten minutes remaining.
Aaron Rodgers looked sharp all day outside of an uncharacteristic interception. He finished the day with 325 yards and two passing touchdowns. Additionally, he ran one in early in the game. The biggest performance came from Marquez Valdes-Scantling who has really played well since his first touchdown against San Fransisco last week. He would finish the game with four catches for 149 yards. He scored a touchdown in the second quarter on a bomb from Rodgers down the sideline.
Defense and Special Teams
The Packers defense held rookie quarterback Jake Luton to under 200 yards passing. However, they could not get to him for most of the day. The Packers had three total sacks, but two came on consecutive plays on the last drive.
The defense did come up with a turnover. Adrian Amos snagged an interception in the second quarter. That interception turned into three points for the Packers going into the half. Without Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, the secondary played well. However, until the fourth quarter, the defensive line struggled. They could not get to Luton and let James Robinson run all over them. Robinson had 23 carries for 109 yards. Mike Pettine continues to refuse to bring constant pressure to the opposing quarterback.
Special Teams was by far the worst unit on the field for the Packers. The unit gave up a 91-yard punt return touchdown which included a horrible display of tackling by everyone. Additionally, Scott shanked a punt giving the Jaguars great field position on what could’ve been a game-winning drive. Fortunately, Rashan Gary and Preston Smith stepped up and forced a fourth and 26.
Overall
The Packers will need to play better next week against the Colts. It’s a good thing they have a track record of bouncing back after poor performances. Matt LaFleur needs to call better plays, Adams can’t make the mistakes he made, and Mike Pettine needs to be more consistent. A 6-3 Colts team trying to secure a playoff spot will host the Packers next Sunday with a 3:25 kickoff.
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