Baltimore, MD – The Green Bay Packers grounded & pounded their way to their second straight victory on Sunday, as the defeated the Baltimore Ravens 19-17. This was the Packers’ first road win of the 2013 campaign, and they also became the first team to beat the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium during the John Harbaugh era. Aaron Rodgers threw for 315-yards and a touchdown during the contest, but also threw his fourth interception of the season in the process. Eddie Lacy really shouldered a heavy load offensively as the rookie running back ran for 120-yards on 23 carries. This is the third time in the past four games where the Packers have had a 100-yard rusher, the other game Lacy rushed for 99-yards. This coming after a 44-game streak without a single 100+ yard rusher. This is a positive thing for the Packers moving forward.
Unfortunately for the Packers, they may have to rely too much on the rushing game moving forward. The Packers lost WRs Randall Cobb (broken fibula) and James Jones (Undisclosed shin injury) during Sunday’s contest, and could be without the dynamic duo for some time. This leaves the Packers with two receivers on their roster: Jordy Nelson & Jarrett Boykin. Boykin is young, and has shown a propensity for drops this season, but a week with more reps with Rodgers and the first-team offense should improve his skill set. Nevertheless, the Packers will look to Aaron Rodgers & Eddie Lacy to keep this offense moving as the season progresses.
On defense the Packers barely seemed to miss pass-rusher extraordinaire Clay Matthews, as players like A.J. Hawk, Micah Hyde, and Nick Perry (who broke his foot during the game) combined for five sacks on Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco. The Packers’ rush defense also continued to impress as they held superstar Ray Rice & Bernard Pierce to a combined 43-yards on 20 carries. The only score the Packers allowed was on a broken coverage long bomb that led to a touchdown on the next play.
Overall, it was a good week for the Packers who came into the season with the intent of developing a running game and an improved defense. While Flacco threw for 342 yards, it once again came late in the game when the Ravens were trying to come back and threw almost every play. The Packers will have a tough match-up next week as the surprisingly good Cleveland Browns come to Lambeau Field. This game will be even more difficult due to the injuries to Cobb & Jones, as star cornerback Joe Haden will be able to key on Jordy Nelson and possibly take him out of the game. If the Packers want to win, they’ll have to get consistent pressure on Browns’ QB Brandon Weeden who has been less than impressive through this point in his NFL career.
Packers play at 1:00pm EST this upcoming Sunday. Be sure to tune into 98.3WRUP for all of your Green Bay Packers’ action. Go Pack Go!
-Carl Leander Johnson