Packer Post - Op: Jets

Lambeau Live-WI State Fair
8/3/2018 dwm photo

That was entertaining!
It was sloppy, but a win is a win.  Especially when your team is in danger of being winless on the road for the first time since 1958 - which was the season before Green Bay hired a guy named Lombardi.

44 - 38 was the final in overtime improves the Packer's woeful record to 6 - 8 - 1.

Aaron Rodgers earned his 19th game winning drive; had his 7th game with more than 400 yards passing (442); and scored twice on the ground for the first time since 2011.

The good feelings are tempered by a defense that look hapless for much of the first half - a missed field goal on their first drive was the only reason New York didn't have a 10 - 0 or bigger lead after their second possession.

The defense played better and/or New York worse on offense in the second half when the Jets were forced to punt three times in a row.

After Green Bay took the lead for the first time 38 - 35 with 1:12 left in the game - the special teams tried to pin the Jets inside their 20 yard line.  Instead, the Jets ran it to the Packer 38.  The defense gave up yards, but ultimately held the Jets to a tying field goal.

The special team miscue wasn't quite as bad as their first half gaff - when after the Packers pulled within 7 - the Jets ran the kick-off back 99 yards to go up by three touchdowns.  The special teams are usually played by back-up players and with all the injuries at the end of the season it becomes a revolving door, but there are no excuses for their poor play this year.

It was back and forth.  Green Bay fought back to 20 - 21 with 8:17 left in the third quarter.  The Jets scored a touchdown, and then a strong hit forced a Packer fumble on our kick return.  New York cashed in for a 35 - 20 lead with 4:14 in the third quarter.

Aaron Rodgers got the offense moving from there - putting 18 unanswered points on the board before the Jets hit the tying field goal with :17 to play.

Once the Pack won the coin toss, they didn't give the ball back - using a mix of Aaron Rodgers running the ball and Rodger passes - the winning strike a 16 yard dart to Davante Adams - his 11th catch of the day.

I appreciate the way the team kept fighting after what felt like a lethargic start.  While it "doesn't mean anything" since there is no post-season berth on the line; any win is difficult and they needed one.

There is one remaining - in Lambeau as the Lions come to town.  Davante Adams needs two catches to set a franchise record for passes caught in a season, and while still a poor mark, 7 wins is a heck of a lot better than 6.

Let's go Pack!