Game 9 - At Last!

I was wearing this hat while hunting a win over the Bears!
dwm photo

After last Monday's game, it was getting hard to believe the Packers might win more than another game or two.

Thankfully, a week later, they did actually win one.

Packers 23, Chicago 16!

The all-time series is now two games in Green Bay's favor, 96 - 94 - 6.

The first win since the game in Minnesota when Aaron Rodgers was hurt.

The first game with a touchdown pass since the second quarter of the game where Rodgers broke his collarbone.

The first game since they played the Saints that the other team's punter had to kick.

The first win after three losses.

They ran the ball a lot earning 160 yards on the soggy Soldier Field grass.

It was not an artistic masterpiece, but when your team needs to catch its breath, it doesn't matter.

Back-up quarterback Brett Hundley played his best game as a pro.  Receivers Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, and Jordy Nelson got open - helping their QB connect on throws down the field.

Most important, the defense came up with some stops.  After a mishandled snap on a Packer field goal attempt prevents Green Bay from increasing its advantage to 10, the defense had to step up to prevent the Bears from coming back before time ran out.  They did making a tackle on a desperate Chicago attempt to convert fourth down.

Jamaal Williams, the third string running back, got to play after injuries to Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery.  He did a nice job gaining 67 tough yards.

It isn't a game that allows much projecting on to the rest of the schedule.  Chicago is now 3 - 6, bringing up the rear of the NFC North.  The Pack stays even with Detroit at 5 - 4, as both trail Minnesota.

Looking for the silver lining is easy this week, the team won.  The problems of the defense are not solved and the offense has a lot of room to improve.  A win erases a lot of doom and gloom, however.  A win without #12 under center lets the team know it is possible.  It affirms Coach McCarthy's public confidence for a team those outside the home locker room thought was sinking.

Yet, you are only as good as your next game.  Green Bay's next game is in Lambeau Field when the Baltimore Ravens fly in for a contest.

Now the Pack has something to build on... Go Pack, Go!