What We Learned — Week 11, by
Mark Wellner
The Green Bay Packers visited TCF Bank Stadium to face the first place Minnesota Vikings. The Packers were coming off 3 straight losses, the most recent to the previously 1-7 Lions at home. Here’s what we learned.
What We Learned…
We learned that when the pass rush returns, so do the Packers’ winning ways. Green Bay’s defense was struggling getting after the quarterback during their losing skid. The Packers harassed Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, sacking him six times with Datone Jones leading the team with two sacks. Jones is having his best year as a Packer so far.
We learned that the Packers front seven is still capable of absolutely dominating an offensive line. Adrian Peterson had come off a 200 yard game against Oakland. Green Bay Held him to 45 yards on 13 carries. Peterson did score a touchdown but, for the most part, he had nowhere to go.
We learned that the Packers receivers still may be having communications issues with Aaron Rodgers. On top of that, the receiving corps still has issues with drops. Randall Cobb had two bad drops that would have been first downs. Jeff Janis was targeted twice drawing one pass interference that lead to a score and one shot play in the second half. Rodgers missed Janis long on the shot play, the Packers should get connecting on those plays eventually.
We learned that James Jones can look like James Jones again. He hauled in 6 balls on 11 targets for 109 yards and a phenomenal touchdown catch and the subsequent 2 point conversion to give Green Bay a 14 point lead.
We learned that Fat Eddie can be Phat again. He looked like the old Eddie Lacy. Lacy had his first 100 yard rushing game of the year. Starks struggled a bit and Lacy started to get hot. While the Packers seemingly abandoned the run last week, this week they were very effective moving the ball on the ground.
We learned that David Bahktiari is not improving as we had hoped. He had several holding and false start calls. He should be progressing, not regressing. He needs to get it together, fast.
Green Bay scored 30 points against the second best scoring defense in the NFL. We learned that the offense may be starting to get hot.
What We Think We Learned…
We think we learned Green Bay needs a safety who can cover tight ends. Kyle Rudolph had 106 yards receiving and had two great plays at the Packers safeties’ expense. It has been awhile since the Packers have had a safety that can handle covering tight ends.
We think we learned that Mason Crosby is back. After absolutely shanking the potential game winning kick last week, Crosby made all 5 of his field goals, all from 40+ yards. Crosby responded well from his mistake and kicked well on kickoffs.
What We Hope isn’t true…
We hope the injuries to Corey Linsley and Micah Hyde are not serious. Linsley has been one of the more durable starting offensive lineman on the team. JC Tretter did fill in very well and held his own.
We hope the drops do not become a habit. Green Bay has dropped too many passes this year on both sides of the ball. This team needs to look the ball in then run.
Thank you for reading. Mark Wellner is a featured writer at Titletown Sound Off. You can follow him on Twitter @MarkWWellner.
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