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| Vintage Packer Promotion booklet |
My reaction to the tipped ball into Damarious Randall's hands as he returned it for the go-ahead touchdown.
"Yeah!" (several arm pumps and a big smile)
Rodgers to Adams. 11 seconds left. There is your dagger. Two plays earlier, Rodgers scrambled for 18 yards, just eluding a tackle to either set up a chip-shot or go for the win.
The 12 yard touchdown pass capped a 75 yard drive started with just 1:13 left in the game, and after the Cowboys controlled the ball on a drive that was their reply to Randall's pick-6.
Final Score Green Bay 35, Dallas 31.
It's an awesome win for Green Bay. Still missing their Left Tackle and losing a good rookie defensive back (Kevin King) and the quarterback of the defense (Morgan Burnett) during the game - it was a victory for perseverance.
The first drive of the second half was Aaron Rodgers turn. It was also special for another Aaron, Mr. Jones a rookie running back out of the University of Texas - El Paso. Jones ran for 125 yards, a touchdown, and his first NFL catch.
For the first time this season, a Packer running back moved the ball. That's huge. A running game changes the defense against you. If they need to pay attention to the run, it slows the pursuit of the quarterback, and leaves receivers in single coverage.
The first half started OK. Dallas scored after marching the field. Packers returned the favor, but a bad snap on the point after lead to Mason Crosby's miss. Unbelievably, it happened again on Green Bay's second touchdown, leaving them trailing 21 - 12.
The defense didn't play their best game, but I like the way they battled. The interception was a matter of being ready, and rising to the occasion when it happened. The Bears game was a low point for third year player Randall, I hope this result rebuilds some confidence and gets him on an upward track.
It was a great return for Davante Adams, too. He was hit out of the Bear game and in the concussion protocol. He was cleared by doctors on Thursday. He was the top Packer receiver Sunday, 7 catches for 66 yards and 2 scores, including the game winner.
If it seems like the forgotten man here is Aaron Rodgers, he shouldn't be. He has spoiled me and the rest of Packer nation with excellence which can feel routine. Resist complacency when it comes to Rodgers greatness. He will walk away at some point (hopefully several years from now) and his value will become crystal clear. Appreciate him; he lifts the team. They knew they still had a chance to win trailing by 3 with barely a minute to play.
As I write this, I haven't seen a report on Jordy Nelson. The top receiver was not on the field on the game-winning drive and I'm concerned he may have been hurt on an earlier touchdown catch. The Packers need Nelson on the field.
There are 11 games to play, so I'll hold off making hotel reservations in Minneapolis, but it is the kind of win top teams get.
On to Minnesota with a 4 - 1 record leading the NFC North. GO PACK, GO!
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