The Packers pulled off a 27-24 overtime win against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Don’t let the final score fool you. There was some good to takeaway but also a lot of concerns.
Takeaway Number One: The offense is… a work in progress
The Packers offense seemed like it was sleepwalking in the first half. The only bright spot was rookie Christian Watson scoring his first NFL touchdown.
First career TD and first career Lambeau Leap for @ChristianW2017 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
📺: #NEvsGB on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/YPHqeLC4zg pic.twitter.com/KHYlLxAPI7
Aaron Rodgers completed four passes for 44 yards. To add insult to injury, this happened… (Packer fans, look away).
Pick-6 for the rookie Jack Jones! @presidentjacc
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
📺: #NEvsGB on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/YPHqeLC4zg pic.twitter.com/OJItBVOmYW
For only the fourth time in his career, Aaron Rodgers had an interception returned for a touchdown. The score was 10-7 Patriots at halftime. But thank goodness for the second half. It ended up being a back and forth battle all day
The Packers somehow found a spark as the game went on. Rodgers found a rhythm and the Packers ran the ball effectively.
Also, rookie Romeo Doubs is making a name for himself very quickly. He caught a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 24.
500th career TD pass for Aaron Rodgers!
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
📺: #NEvsGB on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/YPHqeLC4zg pic.twitter.com/9o5YhUQV1i
In the end the Packers offense got their act together and were able to produce a game winning drive in overtime. But down the road, scoring a total of seven points in two quarters and not running the ball consistently will get this team in big trouble.
Takeaway Number Two: Packers Defense Can’t Stop the Run
The Patriots offense ran all over the Packers on Sunday totaling 167 yards. In two of the last three games, the Packers have allowed rushing 167 yards to the Patriots and in week two, they allowed 180 yards rushing to the Bears.
That has to get cleaned up as soon as possible. There is no reason the defense should be on the field forever. Step up and make a stop when it’s needed.
Takeaway Number Three: Comebacks Build Character
Although the Packers don’t make a win look easy, they fight until the end. With as young a roster as they have, Sunday was a teaching moment for them: the game is never over until the clock hits zero or sometimes you have to play in overtime. But always keep fighting.
This team is gritty and finds a way to win, no matter what it takes. Check out what coach Matt Lafluer had to say in the postgame speech.
With the win, the Packers are 3-1 and now travel to London to face the New York Giants next week.
