The Packers returned to Lambeau Field to face off against the St. Louis Rams. The Rams were coming off a victory over the previously undefeated Arizona Cardinals in the desert. Some fans felt it would be a tough game. Here’s what we learned.
What We Learned...
We learned Ty Montgomery was a phenomenal pick by Ted Thompson. He did make rookie mistakes with stepping out of bounds with 1:07 left in the game and has the same issue tracking the deep ball as he did at Stanford. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a major part in the offense later in the year.
We also learned James Jones keeps doing James Jones things. His catch and run in the third quarter extended the Packers lead to double digits and was a big turning point in the game. His body control on the touchdown pass was insane. James Jones just finds ways to get in the endzone even on days when the offense is not clicking.
We learned Aaron Rodgers is human. Rodgers threw his first two picks at home since 2012. While it looked like the second interception might have been trapped, there’s no disputing it wasn’t one of Rodgers’ nest outing. We did learn that even when Rodgers is human, this team seems to be able to find a way to win. That will be important as the season wears on.
We learned Ted’s first 2 selections of 2 cornerbacks in the draft is paying dividends early. Quinten Rollins made a case to get more playing time after his game today his two interceptions, the first he returned for a touchdown. The future looks equally bright for he and Damarious Randall.
What We Think We Learned…
We think the Packers special teams is improved. The Packers did, however, have three miscues on special teams. Jeff Janis has been good on special teams but did not re-establish inbounds after sliding into the endzone, resulting in a touchback. Demetri Goodson slipped on the fake punt that resulted in a Rams first down but was bailed out by Datone Jones blocking Zuerlein’s 50 yard attempt four plays later. Richard Rodgers committed an illegal hands to the face penalty to cost the Packers three points, forcing them to punt. Even with all of these miscues, the Packers’ play on special teams for the first four weeks has been significantly improved and we think this game was just an outlier.
We think we learned the Packers defense can really play. Except for three big plays (one being a pass interference by Clinton-Dix), this team stymied the Rams’ offense. While Todd Gurley did run for 159 yards, 55 of it was on one play. This was the biggest rushing games since Matt Forte. Two redzone interceptions by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Quinten Rollins helped the keep them out of the endzone on the Rams’ last two red zone appearances.
What We Hope Isn’t True…
We hope T.J. Lang, Nick Perry and B.J. Raji’s injuries aren’t severe. Lang is among one of the best guards in the league and it would be a blow to have him out. Raji has been the anchor in the middle for the Packers’ revitalized rush defense (and pressure on the quarterback). Luckily, with the bye week coming up after the game against San Diego, the Packers should feel minimal impact from this latest round of injuries. If the Packers can get healthy over the bye and enter the second half ready to go, this team might be unstoppable.
We hope this game from Richard Rodgers is an aberration and not a trend. Rodgers dropped a sure first down pass and committed the illegal hands to the face penalty that knocked the Packers out of field goal range. This was not the best game for the former Cal Bear.
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