GREEN BAY, WI – 11/17/2014 – A little home cooking is what the Packers seem to need. After dismantling the Chicago Bears last Sunday, the Packers had an encore prepared for Lambeau Field this time around. Aaron Rodgers threw for three more touchdowns and broke Tom Brady’s record for most consecutive passes without an interception at home. Rodgers broke the former Wolverine’s mark of 288 early in Sunday’s game.
This game was supposed to be a shootout that featured two high-flying offenses going tit for tat with each other. Well the first half was high scoring (36 points), but the Packers scored 30 of them. Green Bay started off the game fast, as Aaron Rodgers completed his first three passes to put the Packers down field to the ten yard line, but they only came away with three points. After stopping the Eagles offense at midfield, the Packers marched down the field on a 13 play drive that ended on a six-yard touchdown reception by rookie receiver Davante Adams. On the next possession, the Packers forced a three & out and forced a punt. On a play that looked like returner Micah Hyde should call a fair-catch, the sophomore defensive player ran the ball 75 yards to the house untouched.
The Eagles were able to put some points on the board in the second quarter on a 10-play drive that ended with a Cody Parkey field goal. The Packers again responded promptly, this time with the 2014 classic Rodgers-to-Nelson combination from 27 yards out. After the Packers continued to shut down Mark Sanchez & Chip Kelly’s offense, they were able to punch the ball in on a one-yard touchdown run by Eddie Lacy. The Eagles would manage another field goal as time expired in the half, and went into halftime down 30-6.
In the second half, it was the defenses turn. After a Mason Crosby field goal, Julius Peppers intercepted QB Mark Sanchez at mid-field and scored his second touchdown of the season. The Eagles finally were able to piece together a complete drive and rookie receiver Jordan Matthews pulled in a 10-yard touchdown catch. Once the fourth quarter hit, the game was pretty much decided. That didn’t stop the Packers’ offense though, as Aaron Rodgers was able to dump off to Eddie Lacy who took the ball 32-yards to the end zone after breaking five tackles and carrying two defenders across the goal line. With another defensive touchdown (Casey Hayward fumble recovery) and one more Eagles’ touchdown (Jeremy Maclin, 20yds) the game ended with the Packers on top 53-20. The Packers improved, while the Eagles fell, to 7-3. A big win come playoff time, as the Packers will win the tie-breaker.
Once again, Rodgers was splendid as he completed 22 of his 36 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Eddie Lacy carried the ball just ten times, but managed 69 yards and a touchdown on the ground, to go with his receiving touchdown. Randall Cobb & Jordy Nelson continued to be the two that Rodgers has eyes for, as they combined for 14 receptions and 238 yards. Defensively, the Packers got to Mark Sanchez mentally and physically. They were able to compile three sacks (Matthews, Guion, and Neal) and also intercepted him twice (Peppers & Williams) while recovering two fumbles by the former Jet.
For the Eagles, garbage time stats made the game look not so bad. Mark Sanchez went 22 for 44 for 346 yards and two touchdowns. LeSean McCoy was bottled up pretty well, as he rushed for 88 yards on 23 carries. The leading receiving leaders for the Eagles was rookie Jordan Matthews (5 rec, 107 yds, TD) and veteran Jeremy Maclin (9 rec, 93yds, TD).
The Packers have a very winnable game coming up next Sunday in Minnesota against the 4-6 Minnesota Vikings. This is a game the Packers need to be leery of, as the Vikings aren’t completely out of the playoff hunt, and would like nothing more than to win while spoiling their rival’s season. The game will be on 98.3 WRUP at 1pm with an 11am pregame. Be sure to catch all of the action with Wayne & Larry on 98.3 WRUP. Go Pack Go!
-Carl Leander Johnson