The Green Bay Packers completed as perfect a weekend as they could have asked for in terms of their Playoff hopes. All four teams ahead of them lost and the Packers pulled off the comeback victory to steal a win against the Miami Dolphins. That is not to say that it was an easy win. Indeed, there were plenty of mistakes made and poor performances. However, second half heroics and timely turnovers made the difference.
Three Studs
Mason Crosby
On the day that Mason Crosby broke Brett Favre’s record for most games by a Packers player, he also was arguably the team’s most important player. Crosby hit all four of his field goal attempts, which truly was the difference in the game.
Mason Crosby passed Brett Favre for a most game played in #Packers history. pic.twitter.com/mV7CnvQdyl
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) December 25, 2022
Allen Lazard
In addition to leading the Green Bay Packers in receiving yards, Allen Lazard also did all the dirty work asked of him. Lazard was, as usual, a force blocking down field and helped spring several big runs late in the game. As a receiver, Lazard finished with five receptions for 61 yards.
Allen Lazard counting how many guys he blocked 😂 pic.twitter.com/h3PDstOckB
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) December 25, 2022
Preston Smith
Where would this Green Bay Packers defense be with Preston Smith? Yes, there have been plenty of struggles, but without Rashan Gary (torn ACL), Smith has kept the Packers pass rush relevant. Today, he recorded five tackles, a sack, and two quarterback pressures. He also helped plug up the running lanes, helping limit the Dolphins to just 82 rushing yards.
Coverage sack, but Preston Smith hit #71 with a spin move! Also a great job knocking the ball out before Tua went down! #Packers pic.twitter.com/5LGp6LD38G
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) December 25, 2022
Three Duds
Adrian Amos
The Miami Dolphins were able to string together a couple of really big plays throughout the course of the game. Whenever they did, it seemed as if Adrian Amos was the one in coverage. Entering play today, opposing quarterbacks had a 123.1 passer rating and 75% completion percentage when targeting Amos. As Amos is in the last year of his contract, it is hard to see him in Green and Gold next season.
Calling a Fake Punt
Honestly, what was that? It wasn’t like the Packers had inches to go. It was fourth and two. Just a terrible play call all around. The Packers defense was able to limit the damage, but it was still a very questionable decision.
Aaron Rodgers
Let’s not sit here and ignore the fact that Aaron Rodgers was a major reason why the Packers got down early. From other-throwing his wide open receivers to taking a sack when he could have easily thrown the ball away, there were plenty of ways that Rodgers negatively impacted the game. Fortunately, he was able to turn it around in the second half and led the Packers to victory.
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