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The Green Bay Packers led 16-3, 25-10 before wrapping up a convincing 32-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at Lambeau Field.
The win sends the Packers to the NFC Championship game.
Here are all my notes and observations reviewing the 32-18 victory:
– Preston Smith broke two passes, including one on the third during the first practice. He wasn’t able to put pressure on the quarterback, but he read Jared Goff’s eyes the entire way, raised two arms and disrupted the pass. Smart game of the veteran.
– The Packers immediately made their offensive intentions known. The first disc had a heavy dose of pre-snap movement and indoor zone runs. Both concepts would be essential for the rest of the time.
– Classic Aaron Rodgers. Identify the late replacement, get everyone to the line, take it with at least 12 on the field and get the free play. Flight.
– Rodgers will want his second and goal back. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was wide open on extended play. It still ended up being a ball that MVS should catch with two hands above his head, but it should have been a layup.
– Great job from Preston Smith working down the line and making the 3rd base save in the red zone which ultimately forced the Rams to kick the basket. He got into the blocking attempt at the back and took a wide angle on Cam Akers to make the play.
– It’s been said in this space a few times, but Malik Taylor just isn’t a sufficient kick-off returner. He made an awkward hold and hesitated for a second in the end zone on his first comeback, which ended up being stopped at 15. The Packers can and must do better.
– Who knows how Aaron Jones survived John Johnson’s nasty strike attempt in second practice. It has incredible resistance and contact balance.
– Just a nice game design on the touchdown. Get Davante in motion, have Jalen Ramsey run, and use the defense’s built-in traffic to create separation and score. The Rams clearly wanted to defend this type of play differently, likely with a late change in this scenario, which is why Ramsey was so animated afterwards.
– The Rams had another communication failure on Za’Darius Smith’s bag. Two players – the left tackle and the running back – took Christian Kirksey to the blitz, allowing Za’Darius to part ways on the inside and have a free point in Goff.
– Two big penalties on the Rams helped the Packers. The first came on Aaron Donald on the first touchdown. He gave the Packers 15 free yards and prevented a 3rd and 7th situation. A practice later, the Rams were scored for 15 yards on the punt return, allowing the Packers to start possession on the Rams’ 47-yard line. They scored a touchdown on both discs.
– Aaron Jones made Troy Hill an idiot in the field with a simple check down. Even at full speed, Jones can effortlessly change direction.
– Davante’s best rep against Ramsey came in 2nd and 14th in the second quarter. No one handles the slope better than 17. Ramsey didn’t even get a hold of him as he set him up and then broke in.
– Why does Aaron Rodgers pump scythes all the time when he’s extending a room or jamming? Leonard Floyd found out exactly why. He bought what Rodgers was selling on the fake, clearing the way for the end zone.
– Brutal shot of Hunter Bradley on the extra point. He’s been shaking like the long snapper all season. JK Scott’s decision to throw the ball to Mason Crosby and risk an injury to the veteran kicker was another mistake.
– The Packers’ defense is increasingly known for playing soft at the end of the half.
– Completing 33 yards to Robert Tonyan establishing the basket to complete the first half was nothing but vintage Rodgers. Avoid pressure, maneuver skillfully in the pocket, and find a receiver on an impromptu course.
– Rodgers’ last two attempts of the first half should have been intercepted. The Rams missed two big opportunities to avoid three points.
– Impressive blocks from Corey Linsley and Lucas Patrick on Aaron Jones’ 60-yard run to open the second period. Create the alley, take out a second level defender, and let Jones do the rest.
– Jamaal Williams ran really hard all night.
– The Packers performed very well throughout the game. Even Kevin King was solid.
– One of the best representatives of Rashan Gary’s career was the third backpack. Beating Andrew Whitworth for a sack is no small feat. He won on the inside with speed and was flexible enough to turn around on the outside to find Goff to complete the ride. Kenny Clark provided assistance.
– Rodgers’ accuracy was a little poor at times, and it was a long way off the deep ball for MVS. With a good ball, it’s probably a 92-yard touchdown.
– Surprisingly, just a game after missing MVS, Rodgers hung in the pocket forever, standing dangerously in the end zone for a few seconds before unleashing a strike at Allen Lazard for the first down. The piece took courage from No.12.
–The same concept that opened the door for Lazard on what could have been a 60-yard touchdown in the third quarter helped him open the eventual 58-yard touchdown a quarter later. Of the two, Rodgers performed a tough scythe that sold him well.
– Breaking Darious Williams’ pass on MVS was a cunning and veteran move. A little tugging to counter speed, then an athletic game to get the ball up without too much contact. Charles Woodson would be impressed.
– The Rams had the quick, spotty passing game. But every time Goff had to hang on and pitch a pitch, the Packers’ pass rush made it difficult, if not impossible.
– Krys Barnes had a good game overall, but Akers took him for a spin on the Wildcat touchdown run. Barnes made the first contact at the 5-yard line, but Akers carried it into the end zone.
– Hook and ladder during the two-point attempt. Impressive design and execution of the Rams. Nice game that worked perfectly.
– Performing a crosser with Allen Lazard from a grouped or condensed formation has become a staple game for the Packers in the big places.
– Twice the Packers have used AJ Dillon as a vertical backfield receiver. It has been opened at least once. The game could be something the Packers will come back to in these playoffs.
– JK Scott saved Hunter Bradley from another terrible snap early in the fourth quarter.
– The Packers’ defense dominated the fourth quarter. The Rams totaled 30 yards in 14 games.
– What a happy break on Dillon’s fumble. It could have been a disaster. Instead, Rodgers picked it up as a shortstop and won a yard.
–Rams cornerback Troy Hill took a HARD bite on Lazard’s 58-yard touchdown fake action play.
– Barnes probably would have had a choice to seal the game if he had had two sound hands. His left hand was in a cast after an injury in the first half. It was always good read to smash on the road and undermine the throw.
– Za’Darius Smith’s inner pressure forced Jared Goff into the final sack. Gary saw it through and through and was there to stop the jamming attempt.
– An impressive final disc to kill the clock. The Packers just imposed their will up front and used a few simple game-action concepts. It was the same as they were doing the whole game.
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