The Green Bay Packers (11-3) started fast, survived a lull and ended up holding on for a win over the Carolina Panthers (4-10) on Saturday night at Lambeau Field.
Here are the quick takes from the Packers’ 24-16 win:
– Such an uncharacteristic night from the Packers offense, even after the hot start. The offensive line didn’t protect well and Aaron Rodgers couldn’t find receivers downfield, but the Packers did rush for almost 200 yards and were once again perfect scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
– It wasn’t pretty after starting 21-3, but it’s been pretty a lot for the Packers in 2020. They are 11-3 and may only need a win over the Bears in Week 17 to be the No. 1 seed.
– That said, everything the Packers do must be viewed within the prism of, “Will this play in the postseason?” Rushing for nearly 200 yards and getting stops in the red zone is winning football, but the Packers probably won’t survive a lull like the one they suffered through on Saturday night come the playoffs.
– What an important play the fumble at the goal line by Teddy Bridgewater ended up being in deciding the game. It’s a much, much different game if the Panthers score a touchdown and don’t turn it over there.
– This game really was won and lost in the red zone. The Packers scored three touchdowns on three trips, while the Panthers settled for three field goals and had the goal line turnover. Carolina made five trips into the red zone but managed only 16 points.
– What a kick from Mason Crosby. Even outdoors during a night game at Lambeau Field in December, he hit the clutch field goal from 51 yards out with room to spare.
– The passing game really struggled. Rodgers took five sacks, averaged 4.9 yards per attempt and only hit one pass over 20 yards. Davante Adams caught seven passes but gained only 42 yards. In fact, the Packers averaged just 7.2 yards per completion. Everything was underneath, and the Packers accomplished little after the catch.
– The bubble screens and RPO action passes were not successful plays.
– The Packers had 96 net passing yards and still won a football game, an impressive trick to pull off in 2020.
– Kevin King had a miserable night.
– So did Lucas Patrick.
– The Packers started 4-for-4 on third down but finished converting only one of their final eight attempts.
– Adams’ touchdown streak ended at eight games. He averaged only 4.2 yards per target.
– Aaron Jones was a difference-maker early. Most of his 145 rushing yards came in the first half.
– Adrian Amos broke up three passes. The Packers broke up seven passes overall, creating half of Bridgewater’s 14 incompletions.
– Credit to the Panthers defense. They covered well and created consistent pressure. It wasn’t a good group statistically coming into Saturday night, but they played really well after going down early.
– One final thing to consider: Both Rodgers and Matt LaFleur talked this week about the unique challenge of facing the schematics of the Panthers defense, which is unlike most teams in the NFL. And the Packers had to prepare for the new looks on a short week. It might have played a factor in how the game played out after the early surge.