The Green Bay Packers used four total touchdowns from Davante Adams and Aaron Jones and four sacks from Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith to beat the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round playoff on Sunday night at Lambeau Field.

A few observations from the 28-23 win:

1. Graham comes up big: The veteran tight end produced three huge plays. He beat safety Bradley McDougald inside (with help from a clearout route by Geronimo Allison) for 13 yards on 3rd-and-8 to extend the Packers’ first scoring drive of the game, got down the seam and behind K.J. Wright for a 27-yard catch (on a beautiful throw from Aaron Rodgers) on 3rd-and-6 to extend the Packers’ first scoring drive of the second half and then daggered the Seahawks’ season with a stumbling 9-yard catch over the middle on 3rd-and-9 to pick up the game-sealing first down under two minutes. He made the most out of every opportunity Sunday night.

2. Third-down assassin: Rodgers was nothing short of incredible on third down. He completed seven different passes on the money down, and six of the seven converted first downs. Three gained over 20 yards, and three came in the fourth quarter. He even pulled off a quarterback sneak for an eighth first down on third down. Throws to Jimmy Graham for 27 yards and Davante Adams for 32 yards in the second half were sublime. It was a masterful performance in high-leverage situations from the two-time MVP.

3. Dominant up front: The Packers’ overwhelming advantage at the line of scrimmage on defense played out on the field all night. Preston and Za’Darius Smith combined for four sacks and eight quarterback hits. Throw in Kenny Clark and the three produced 25 total pressures of Russell Wilson, per Pro Football Focus. Wilson took five sacks but was slippery in the second half and probably avoided another five on his own. The Packers also held Marshawn Lynch and Travis Homer to 39 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Clark produced arguably the most impressive play of the game when he pressured Wilson up into the pocket and then chased him down from behind for a sack, while Preston Smith delivered the defensive play of the game when he bolted off the edge and sacked Wilson on third down late in the fourth quarter.

4. Ervin’s impact: Tyler Ervin continues to make an impact for the Packers offense and special teams. He produced 25 rushing yards on two carries, including an 18-yarder on an end around toss that helped set up a first-half touchdown. He was too fast and too quick around the corner for the Seahawks defense. He also brings an ability to threaten on the jet motion, which continues to be a part of how the Packers dress-up plays before the snap. It’s something they didn’t have the last time they went to San Francisco. Also, the Seahawks feared him on kickoff returns and frequently kicked it away from him. Ervin has been a vital addition.

5. Coverage credit: All night, the Seahawks attempted to create explosive plays down the field off run fakes, but the Packers had an answer to just about every deep shot dialed up by coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King and safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage did a terrific job of getting depth and bracketing the vertical routes. Wilson bought time and created a few big plays outside of structure in the second half, but rarely did he have opportunities to attack within the framework of the original play. The Packers weren’t going to let Wilson uncork the deep shots that helped the Seahawks beat the Eagles in the wildcard round.

6. Gold zone goodies: The Packers made three trips into the “gold zone,” their word for the red zone, and came away with three touchdowns. A strength of the offense all season carried over into the playoffs. Rodgers and Adams made magic on the 20-yard touchdown on the opening drive, and Matt LaFleur stayed committed to Aaron Jones inside the 10-yard line later in the first half. Jones scored his 20th and 21st touchdowns of the season on short runs. In the NFC title game in 2014, Mike McCarthy’s Packers settled for short field goals and it killed them late. This time around, they scored touchdowns and gave themselves a big enough cushion to survive more Russell Wilson magic.

7. Veldheer steps up: Pass protection was set to be one of the Packers’ biggest advantages going into Sunday. That could have changed when veteran Bryan Bulaga couldn’t go while battling an illness. Instead, Jared Veldheer started at right tackle and played a terrific game in pass protection. He isn’t going to win much in the run game, but he held down the right edge, and the Packers passing game didn’t miss a beat. Credit Veldheer, who retired in May and wasn’t even on the active roster a month ago. And credit Brian Gutekunst, who scooped up a starting-quality offensive tackle on the waiver wire. It was a huge addition, and it paid off in a big way Sunday night.

The Green Bay Packers overcame a wretched first half and deficits of 14-0 and 17-3 to come back and beat the Detroit Lions during Sunday’s season finale at Ford Field.

The win improved the Packers to 13-3 and clinched a first-round bye.

Here are seven observations from the 23-20 victory:

Backups come through: The Packers lost starting center Corey Linsley in the first half and then lost starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga in the second half, but the offensive line never blinked. Lucas Patrick, who signed a two-year extension on Saturday, filled in capably at center. Jared Veldheer, who was claimed off waivers and activated earlier this month, played well over the final 20 minutes at right tackle. Big credit to Patrick and Veldheer for stepping in and keeping the front solid, and props to GM Brian Gutekunst for adding a quality backup offensive tackle late in the season and extending a versatile interior backup. The snaps played by the two backups on Sunday could be critical if the Packers suffer another injury on the interior or at tackle during the postseason.

Disconnect between 12 and 83: Aaron Rodgers and Marquez Valdes-Scantling were off during training camp and they never got on the same page in 2019. MVS was targeted seven times on Sunday but caught just two for 19 yards. On two different plays, Rodgers overshot him or misjudged where he’d be on the field. For whatever reason, the necessary comfort level between the quarterback and receiver doesn’t exist. Valdes-Scantling finished a disappointing second season as one of only four receivers in the NFL to see 50 or more targets but finish with a catch percentage under 50. Getting that connection dialed in for the playoffs could be huge, but is it too late?

Davante in the slot: Davante Adams in the slot is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the offense. He caught at least three of his seven catches from the slot, including a first-down catch on third down in the first half and the 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. It’s an effective strategy because it affords Adams more options to release off the line and more options at the top of his route, and it’s much harder to double team the inside. His double-move on the touchdown was one of the best routes of the season from a Packers receiver.

Intrigue with Ervin: Tyler Ervin has solidified his spot as the team’s primary returner, but he’ll be an intriguing gadget player for the Packers offense in the postseason. He’s a quick, shifty runner and he had separation on two missed deep shots. The Packers also used him again as the jet motion man on a few snaps, and he made a heads-up play on a busted screen when he gave Aaron Rodgers a throwing lane in the scramble drill. Aaron Jones is the top option and Jamaal Williams should be ready for the divisional round, but don’t be surprised if Ervin keeps getting chances. He’s dynamic. Expect him to stay in the gameplan in the playoffs.

Martinez makes big plays: Packers inside linebacker Blake Martinez hasn’t made many game-changing plays this season, but he contributed a few in the second half to help spark the comeback. He had the primary pressure on 3rd-and-9 that nearly resulted in an interception for Tramon Williams. Later, with the Packers down seven points and the Lions driving, Martinez blew through the running back and sacked David Blough on first down and then got deep in coverage and picked off Blough’s errant pass a play later. The takeaway set up the Packers’ game-tying touchdown drive. On the Lions’ final drive, Martinez stepped up and covered the underneath crosser, which was likely Blough’s first read, and forced an incompletion.

Lazard’s day: Allen Lazard had a big day, but it should have been much bigger. He was open a lot. Aaron Rodgers found him four times for 69 yards. He provided a spark in the third quarter with a tough catch moving to his right on the Packers’ first touchdown drive. Later, he got Darius Slay spun around and then skied for the game-tying score on 3rd-and-10. On the Packers’ second-to-last drive, Lazard won from the slot on a slant despite the cornerback playing inside leverage. The catch moved the sticks on third down. Rodgers should probably look 13’s direction more.

Props to JK: Not only did punter JK Scott have several impressive punts bounce inside the 10-yard line, but he saved the day as a holder. It was an erratic day from long snapper Hunter Bradley. Scott stayed laser-focused and cleaned it up. On the game-winning kick, Scott caught a very high snap and got the ball down and in position in a flash. Those little things can go unnoticed, but it made all the difference for the Packers on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers survived an early rash of turnovers by getting two touchdown runs from Aaron Jones and the season’s best performance from Mike Pettine’s defense during Monday night’s division-clinching win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Here are six observations from the Packers’ 23-10 win:

1. Feeding 17, 33: Packers coach Matt LaFleur devised a clever plan, and it was centered around feeding the ball to Davante Adams and Aaron Jones. The two combined for 38 touches, 276 total yards and two scores. Jones carried 23 times and eventually wore out the Vikings defense, while Adams tortured Minnesota with short catches and intermediate in-breaking routes. Aaron Rodgers, who praised LaFleur for coming up with the plan and sticking with it despite the early turnovers, was especially effective throwing to the middle of the field off run fakes. The Packers remained committed to the run, ran a ton of play-action and fed the ball to their best players on Monday night. It was a highly effective plan.

2. Interior destruction: Will any team in the NFC playoff field have a legitimate answer for a healthy Kenny Clark and a versatile Za’Darius Smith? Mike Pettine has really found something in using the two stars as complementary players on the interior. Smith moves all around the defensive front, opening up one-on-one opportunities for Clark, who is finally healthy and playing at an elite level again. And Smith is a wrecking ball against centers and guards. Offenses are stuck in a lose-lose situation. Do they key on Clark inside, give help and leave Smith one-on-one elsewhere? Or do they focus protection on Smith and give an interior lineman a one-on-one on Clark? It’s just too hard to double team these guys inside.

3. WR blocking: The Packers might have the best run-blocking receivers in the NFL. Allen Lazard and Jake Kumerow both get it done at a high level every single week. On Monday night, LaFleur confidently used both as lead blockers. Lazard sprung several big runs, including Aaron Jones’ first touchdown, while Kumerow twice pulled out in front to lead a run. Even Marquez Valdes-Scantling held a block on Jones’ long touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Having effective and willing blockers at receiver has been a great mix with Jones, who is terrific at slicing behind blocks and finding space to the outside.

4. Run fits: The Vikings were without Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook and top backup Alexander Mattison, leaving Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah to handle all the snaps at running back. There’s no doubting the talent drop-off, but don’t discount how well the Packers fit the run on Monday night. Clark, Tyler Lancaster and Dean Lowry all played the run at a high level. Even when the Packers played light in the box, they stopped the run effectively, and linebacker B.J. Goodson played a physical brand of run defense in the base defense, too. The Packers have now allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards in three of the last four games.

5. 12 trusts 13: The Packers put Allen Lazard in a bunch of big spots on Monday night, and he delivered for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. No. 12 targeted No. 13 four times on third down, completing three for three different first downs. Twice, Lazard won inside from the slot on in-breaking routes. He also gave Mike Hughes trouble from the perimeter. Rodgers missed him high on one slant, he dropped (after review) what would have been a 19-yard completion and he and Rodgers weren’t on the same page on an early third-down throw, but Lazard was effective in the No. 2 role. That bond needs to keep building.

6. Swervin’ Ervin: Credit LaFleur for throwing a neat little wrinkle at Mike Zimmer and the Packers defense. Jet motion has been a part of the offense all season, but LaFleur didn’t have a player with the speed and short-area quickness to really threaten on the motion. Insert Ervin, who has helped revive the Packers return game since arriving in Green Bay earlier this month. LaFleur had Ervin on the field for four snaps, all with jet motion. The Vikings had to respect it, especially after the Packers called a touch pass off the look in the first half. On the final snap, Ervin’s motion from left to right cleared a defender, moved the defense a step in the wrong direction and helped Aaron Jones get to the outside and race 56 yards for the game-clinching touchdown.

The Green Bay Packers stormed out to a 14-0 lead before holding on and beating the Washington Redskins during a mild December afternoon at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

The victory improved Matt LaFleur’s team to 10-3 after 13 games, making him the first Packers coach to ever win 10 games in his first season.

Here are six observations from the Packers’ 20-15 win over the Redskins:

1. Mistakes from Rodgers prevents blowout: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers cost the Packers points on at least three drives. He overthrew Jimmy Graham on a would-be touchdown, lost on a fumble inside the 30-yard line and overshot on Aaron Jones on another potential touchdown. He also nearly threw an interception in Washington territory on third down. The offense was disjointed and lacking rhythm over the final three quarters, and the quarterback was a big reason why. With a better day from No. 12, the Packers probably win by 20 or more.

2. Fizzling out after a fast start: The Packers started fast, building a 14-0 lead with an efficient passing game based around the tight end position, but once the opening script was over, the offense fizzled out and accomplished next to nothing in the air. This has been a recurring theme for the Packers offense. The fast starts just don’t last. Matt LaFleur can certainly craft an effective opening 15-play script, but why can’t the Packers maintain it? That’s a question LaFleur and the Packers need to find an answer for over the final three games.

3. Alexander shadows McLaurin: The Packers haven’t had Jaire Alexander follow around receivers much, if ever, in 2019, but the second-year cornerback shadowed rookie receiver Terry McLaurin all afternoon Sunday. For the first 55 minutes, Alexander scored a decisive victory. His quickness and route-recognition ability really gave McLaurin problems, and not having McLaurin available as a first read was a big reason why Dwayne Haskins struggled in the pocket for most of Sunday. The rookie receiver eventually delivered on Washington’s final drive, producing three catches, 49 yards and an incredible touchdown, but the final scorecard still shows Alexander as the clear winner. McLaurin caught one pass for eight yards on Washington’s first nine drives.

4. Za’Darius, Clark dominate: The Packers’ defensive front is starting to dominate games, and a big part of it is Kenny Clark’s reemergence as a difference-maker. Together, Clark and Za’Darius Smith are wrecking the interior of offensive lines in the passing game. On the Packers’ first sack of Dwayne Haskins, Smith unleashed a wicked spin move on the left guard and Clark whipped the center almost simultaneously. Later, on 3rd-and-7, Smith beat the center, sliced past the left guard and forced Haskins right into the waiting arms of Preston Smith for another sack. Clark’s solo sack was also impressive. He beat the center and the right guard with consecutive moves before devouring Haskins in the pocket. No many teams are going to have good enough answers for No. 55 and No. 97 on the interior on obvious passing downs.

😤 @KCBoutThatLife will not be denied! #WASvsGB | #GoPackGo | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/OAhQn7CnOn

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 8, 2019

5. Blocking the gunners: Tyler Ervin’s no-nonsense returns certainly sparked the Packers’ punt return team on Sunday. There’s something really comforting to seeing a returner make a catch and decisively get the ball up the field, especially after the struggles of the first 12 games. But credit the Packers’ blockers, especially on the edges. The Redskins didn’t have gunners in Ervin’s face, and that allowed him to make easy catches and get north quickly. Special teams are a collective effort, even if the returner often gets the credit or blame for success or failures. It took all 11 to get the Packers back on track on punt returns Sunday. Ervin’s four returns netted 51 yards, and all four set up the Packers in prime field position, including both of the touchdown drives in the first quarter.

6. Run to win: The Packers were dominant in the run game, partly due to the individual genius of Aaron Jones but also thanks to a terrific effort from the offensive line and other blockers in the run game. The Packers consistently moved a very good Redskins front and created running lanes and openings. On Aaron Jones’ 42-yard run in the first half, the Packers blocked down the line and receiver Jake Kumerow sealed the lane with a perfect block on safety Landon Collins. Given how well they were playing, Matt LaFleur probably should have run the ball far more. At the very least, this was a confidence-building performance from the Packers offensive line. The Redskins are loaded with first-round picks up front and have only allowed 3.9 yards per carry since Week 6. The Packers averaged 6.2 per carry Sunday, including an 8.4-yard average from Jones.

Jake Kumerow didn't have a catch on Sunday but this was an awesome block on Landon Collins. Helped create a 42-yard run for @Showtyme_33 pic.twitter.com/OfQxamco9b

— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) December 9, 2019

The Green Bay Packers talked all week about bouncing back from a disappointing effort in Los Angeles and going into the bye week with a win over the Carolina Panthers.

Matt LaFleur’s team delivered on Sunday, even if it took all 60 minutes to get it done. A goal-line stop with no time left cemented the 24-16 win over the Panthers at Lambeau Field.

Here are a few observations from Sunday’s win in the snow:

1. All Pro 97: Kenny Clark got it going early and never really quit. Overall, Sunday was easily his best performance since the first month of the season. On the second play of the game, Clark drove center Matt Paradis three yards into the backfield and then lassoed Christian McCaffrey down after a short gain. Paradis had trouble with Clark all night. McCaffrey gained 108 rushing yards, but Clark was a big reason why he didn’t have more. And he terrorized everyone in front of him in the passing game. According to Pro Football Focus, Clark finished with a career-high 10 pressures. He abused Paradis on a late third-down sack by Preston Smith. The struggling Packers defense needed an All-Pro performance from Clark, and he delivered one.

2. Fantastic finish: The final three plays of the Packers’ first touchdown drive are worth a re-watch. On 3rd-and-9, Aaron Rodgers bought time to his right and found Allen Lazard, who now has at least three catches in five straight games, to extend the drive. There’s a serious trust forming between No. 12 and No. 13. He was targeted on four different third downs. A play later, the Packers got Davante Adams lined up against a linebacker, and he made quick work of the matchup. Watch the patience of the route. Adams does so many subtle things with his feet, shoulders and head to trick defenders. Easy completion. Finally, the Packers dialed up a play Rodgers loved, a split zone run with Marquez Valdes-Scantling serving as the jet action. The design froze many of the Panthers’ second-level defenders. Jace Sternberger crashed down and cut off the backside, and Aaron Jones made Luke Kuechly miss in the hole and scored. Beauty.

3. Rodgers to Davante: The 38-yard completion from Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams in the second quarter was a work of art. The throw and the catch were both sublime, but so was everything else. Jace Sternberger blocked an edge rusher one-on-one. Aaron Jones picked up a blitzer. David Bakhtiari looked beat off the snap but recovered. Rodgers held the safety just long enough. The placement of the football was about perfect, and Adams waited until the very last second to put his hands up and make the catch, giving the cornerback no chance to know the ball was coming. Matt LaFleur talks all the time about all 11 doing their job. This big play was the perfect example.

4. Give away: The final play of the first half might have been doomed from the start. Panthers defensive lineman Gerald McCoy said he picked up on a few pre-snap keys and knew when to jump the snap. As a result, he got off the ball in an instant. That left David Bakhtiari grasping for air as McCoy blew past him and smacked Jamaal Williams for a loss. Coach Matt LaFleur said he regretted the call. The play was in trouble regardless of McCoy’s effort. And one other thing: Allen Lazard wasn’t set at the snap and should have been penalized. Just bad execution on a critical play.

5. Sternberger shows up: Rookie tight end Jace Sternberger has likely earned himself a legitimate role over the final six games of 2019. He proved capable as a blocker in a variety of roles on Sunday. As the game went on, he looked more and more comfortable. It looked like the Packers were setting up some kind of action play for Sternberger, but it never arrived. Watch for one coming out of the bye. There will be creative ways to get him running down field and in the open, especially if he keeps blocking effectively.

6. Elgton dominates second half: The Packers rookie left guard keeps looking more and more impressive. He was utterly dominant during the third quarter Sunday. Watch any of the explosive runs from Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams and Jenkins was at the point of attack clearing away a defender. Williams was especially effective running off the left side. On one 9-yard run by Jones, Jenkins blocked his man right to the turf. He also pitched another shutout in pass protection. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst found a really good one.

7. Campbell dime: The Packers gave Ibraheim Campbell plenty of snaps as the dime linebacker. The results were mixed. He certainly gave the run defense a boost. He plays downhill with aggression and tackles well in space and in a crowd. The issues came in coverage. The Panthers found ways to get him thinking with crossers and combination concepts, and it created a few big plays. He did have good coverage on a double move from Christian McCaffrey on the game’s second-to-last play, forcing a wide throw.

8. Martinez, Fackrell scramble: Huge credit goes to Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell on the final play. Martinez realigned Fackrell right before the snap and it saved the day. The entire defensive line was out of position, and neither Fackrell nor Kenny Clark was all that ready for the snap, but Fackrell still found a way to swim past left guard Greg Van Roten and hit McCaffrey in the backfield, allowing Preston Smith to get there and clean it up in time. The Panthers must’ve loved their call, especially with a left guard on Fackrell and everyone scrambling up front before the snap. It took an excellent individual effort to prevent what should have been an easy touchdown.