Packer Post Op - Buffalo

8/3/2018 dwm photo

My life as an NFL fan is a week to week experience... seven days ago the Packer outlook was bleak as the weather in Washington as they fell apart in a listless game.

Yesterday was 180 degrees different, as the defense put the brakes on a Buffalo team which beat down division rival Minnesota the week before.  Aaron Rodgers and the offense seemed to be on the same page.

It was the Packers first shut-out in eight years, beating the Buffalo Bills 22-0 to improve to 2 - 1 - 1 and second place in the NFC North behind Chicago.

Left in the wake of a roller coaster start like this one - an amazing comeback win followed by a bad-tasting tie followed by a horrific loss - is that it takes time for each team to find its level.  Buffalo looked like a world-beater on the Vikings home field, but Green Bay was not going to be surprised like the team to the west.

You gotta like seven sacks by the defense, a fumble recovery, and an interception by one of our rookie corner backs.  Clay Matthews had a piece of at least one sack, and no flag was thrown.

The best news was Aaron Rodgers.  After sustaining a nasty injury in game one, he was obviously limited the past two games.  This time he appeared to be almost back to normal.  He looked quick moving from the pocket and running when the defense gave him room.

Success for the Pack starts with the QB, and watching him Sunday gives reason to think better things will come.

The defense played its best game this season, but it is hard to predict what its performance means.  They played well in the second halves against Chicago and Minnesota, but looked bad in Washington.  Buffalo isn't a fair test, so I need more data.  I'll call this a good step in the right direction.

It was throw-back weekend in Lambeau.  Green Bay wore Blue and Gold jerseys modeled on ones worn in the 1930s and 40s.  The team is in its 100th season, so I like recognizing the past; but as a fan with a fair amount of Packer gear I am not interested in buying throwback colors.

After a quarter of the season, there is only one loss. That is a good thing.  Owning two wins out of four isn't as exciting, but a tie is better than a loss in the standings so "it is what it is."

The one-win Lions await in their den for next Sunday's showdown with Green Bay.  The Packers need to be ready to come out firing on all cylinders.

Go Pack, Go!