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| August 3, 2018 dwm photo |
That sounds right.
For a game that surpassed expectations considering the Quarterback's injury in week 1 (deep bone bruise and MCL damage according to FOX's Jay Glazer), there was great worry about Aaron Rodgers ability to play, let alone compete with the division rival Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota is thought to have a world-beating defense. It did well, but I think the Packers might blame themselves for missing out on a victory at Lambeau Field. I am also sure the Vikings and their fans believe Minnesota choked the game away. It started great for Green Bay as Geronimo Allison blocked a Viking punt. It bounced into the arms of Packer rookie Josh Jackson standing in the end zone. The Vikings responded with a tying score.
Just a few minutes later, early in the second quarter, Aaron Rodgers found Davante Adams who juked his way past the goal line for a 14 - 7 lead. A field goal at the end of the half lifted Green Bay to a 17-7 lead.
It was in the second half where Green Bay missed out on a touchdown pass because it was overruled by a holding penalty. We settled for another field goal and a 13 point lead. Minnesota scored a touchdown to make it 14-20 early in the final quarter. A missed call on the Packers' next possession meant settling for another Mason Crosby field goal and a 23 - 14 lead.
Lots of points were scored in the fourth quarter, 31 in total. Minnesota connected on a 75 yard bomb to close the margin to two, 21-23. The Packers edged further ahead 21-26, but there was another classic missed opportunity after a HaHa Clinton-Dix interception and return to the Viking 12 yard line came away with just three points, 29-21. Then, when it appeared Green Bay sealed the deal with a second interception of Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins - there was fabric on the field.
Yellow fabric. Clay Matthews hit Cousins as he threw the ball which sent it off course and into the hands of Green Bay. The official called unnecessary roughness on Matthews. I applaud the effort to keep players safe, but it seemed that Aaron Rodgers was subject to several late hits that were not penalized. With new life, Minnesota scored with 31 seconds left getting a touchdown and two point conversion.
Rodgers moved Green Bay into position for the winning score, but Crosby missed what would have been his 6th field goal of the day as time expired.
The Vikings kicker, who missed a field goal attempt during regulation, missed another with 7:32 left in overtime.
Rodgers took the Pack down the field. On second down inside the Viking 40, it appeared that Rodgers was either going to run the ball or execute a fake and throw, but lost the ball out of range for Crosby. The Packers had to punt.
Minnesota drove it back down the field to win the game, but their rookie kicker, incredibly, missed a third time, this time from 34 yards (a gimme for NFL kickers). The game ended 29 - 29.
Meh.
I like the moxie with which Rodgers played. The Packer defense was spirited. The Vikings are good, but Green Bay could have and should have won.
We shall wait and see how the Quarterback came out of the game in terms of his health. He was sacked three times and hit eight; but it seemed he wasn't any worse than when he started. Rodgers was much more mobile than I expected based on his reported injuries.
It is an unsatisfying record, 1 - 0 - 1; but better than seeing a loss in the standings. There was a lot to like and a whole lot where Green Bay can get better.
I seriously doubt Mr. Daniel Carlson will be working for the Vikings for their third game. The NFL can be cruel when it comes to cracking under pressure.
Now Green Bay leaves friendly Lambeau Field for Washington looking for their second W.
Go Pack, Go!
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