The match-up that was billed as a Super Bowl preview almost lived up to the hype. In the end, the NFC’s hottest team — the Green Bay Packers — outlasted the AFC’s hottest team — the New England Patriots — 26-21.
It took an all-around effort from the Packers to grind out the win, which wasn’t assured until Aaron Rodgers hit Randall Cobb for a first down with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
It also took big contributions from unexpected places. The biggest of those came from rookie receiver Davante Adams, who stepped up with six catches for 121 yards. That contribution was key to the Packers’ offensive success because both Jordy Nelson (2 for 53) and Randall Cobb (7 for 85) were getting extra attention from the Patriots secondary.
Rookie tight end Richard Rodgers also stepped up with a 32-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Those contributions allowed Aaron Rodgers to outduel Tom Brady, despite Rodgers badly misfiring on some throws early. Rodgers had 368 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions to Brady’s 245, two and none.
More importantly, Eddie Lacy’s effectiveness (98 yards on 21 carries) allowed the Packers to control the clock. The Packers held the ball 13 minutes longer than the Patriots in the game.
So while the Green Bay pass rush never really got going, the Packers did the next best thing to pressuring Brady. They kept him off the field.
That’s an effective game plan.
The Packers defense looked aggressive in the first half, which is when they played their best ball. In the second, they employed the good old bend-but-don’t-break philosophy and Brady took advantage. If the Patriots would have had another possession, this may have been a different story.
Of course, if the Packers could score touchdowns in the red zone, this would have been a blowout.
Statistically, the Packers dominated. However, they were 0-4 when it came to scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Green Bay’s inability to get in the end zone is the only thing that kept this game close.
We’re not going to overanalyze it though.
This was a big win for the Packers. It gives them the best record in the NFC and keeps them one game ahead of the Detroit Lions for the NFC North lead.
It’s also a good win for the team’s psyche. They just beat a team that is undoubtedly Super Bowl-caliber.
This is the kind of win you build off of.