Has much really changed for the Green Bay Packers? It didn’t appear so. The Packers managed to hang on for 27-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, largely on the strength of their defense.
The defense made plays when they needed to and that’s pretty much the bottom line. The Jaguars offense was potent throughout most of the game, while the Packers offense remained similarly as lackluster as last season.
Perhaps the Jaguars are just a good team. Totally possible.
The Jaguars outgained the Packers 348 to 294 yards. The Packers weren’t able to/didn’t really bother with trying to establish a running game. Even thought that was supposed to be the big impetus this season.
Eddie Lacy carried just 14 times (for 61 yards) and the Packers had just 25 overall rushing attempts, with four coming on scrambles by Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers wasn’t exactly on fire, either. He finished 20-of-34 for 199 yards. His most important contribution on the day were the three touchdowns he accounted for — two passing and one rushing.
The second of those passing touchdowns was an amazing throw to Davante Adams with rushers in his face. Great throw and, for a change, Adams actually made a great catch.
The Packers weren’t really able to reestablish their passing attack though. Jordy Nelson caught six balls, but for just 32 yards. Randall Cobb caught six, but for just 57.
We said the Packers offense was going to be rusty coming into the season. That’s what happens when you don’t play anyone during the preseason.
Maybe they’re just stale though. We didn’t really see much difference in the offense from last season. That could be an issue.
The defense did enough to win, though. Exactly as we expected.
But it’s a good thing you don’t have to play your best ball in week 1. Plenty of buffoonery in this one, mostly from the chief Buffoon himself.
It’s week 1 and it’s a win. We’ll take it.