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The first playoff exposure for the Packers after a sensational season was on its way, although often not dominant, as Aaron Rodgers drew closer to his second Super Bowl appearance.
What often seemed to turn out to be a rout on Saturday night for Rodgers and the Packers turned into something less than that as the Rams refused to go and hide, despite several openings to do so. Under pressure, the Packers reacted and ultimately had no problem securing a 32-18 victory in an NFC Division game at Lambeau Field.
There were around 9,000 fans allowed to watch the unfrozen tundra in person, as the temperature at kickoff was 35 degrees and light snow fell from time to time. It wasn’t Green Bay playoff time, and it wasn’t a vintage Rodgers fireworks pass (23 of 36, 296 yards, two touchdowns). Unable to hit anything deep for more than three-quarters against the NFL’s top-rated defense, the Packers threw themselves to the ground to accomplish what they needed. They ran for 188 yards, divided between Aaron Jones (99 yards), Jamaal Williams (65) and AJ Dillon (27).
What comes next is vitally important to Rodgers and the franchise. Since winning the Super Bowl after the 2010 season, the Packers, while not exactly playoff players, have certainly not been the driving force behind the playoffs. They have reached the playoffs seven times and are 6-7 in their last 13 playoff games – losing once in the wild round, three times in the divisional round, and three times in the NFC Championship game. As the No.1 seed, they can stay home and face the winner of Sunday’s Saints-Buccaneers game in the NFC title game. This will be Rodgers’ first NFC title game at Lambeau Field.
The Rams, down 25-10, moved closer as Wildcat running back Cam Akers took a direct slam and propelled 7 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter. A deception on the two-point conversion – Akers entered the end zone after a hook-and-ladder turnaround from rookie Van Jefferson – reduced the deficit to 25-18.
An answer was needed. An answer has been given.
The Packers got a save on defense, thanks to a sack from Jared Goff by Kenny Clark. Rodgers saved a possession by throwing himself on a fumble in a botched rally with Dillon. Three plays later, Rodgers after an exquisite false play, hit Allen Lazard, who parted defensive backs Jordan Fuller and Troy Hill for a 58-yard touchdown with 6:52 remaining. That was it.
To get a blow to an upset, the Rams needed a huge game from Aaron Donald, their star “Terminator” defensive tackle, but they didn’t nearly get enough. Donald, struggling with a rib injury, spent a lot of time watching from the sidelines – he missed 11 shots in the first half – and never entered a groove. His only impact came early in the second quarter, when he clashed with Elgton Jenkins and was charged with an unnecessary 15-yard roughness penalty for grabbing Jenkins’ face mask.
The Rams also had to do without their leading wide receiver, Cooper Kupp, and starting left guard, David Edwards, both injured.
Knowing they needed touchdowns, not field goals to stay with Rodgers, the Rams wanted to be aggressive in the first quarter in the fourth and 1 at Green Bay 14. Sean McVay kept his offense on the field, but then went on. had to succeed after right keeper Austin Corbett was called in for a false start penalty. Matt Gay’s 37-yard basket to make 3-3 seemed like an insane price for the Rams.
On a 14-game, 84-yard practice, the longest run or pass for the Packers was only 9 yards. On the first touchdown of the game, Rodgers got Davante Adams moving to the left, then called on Adams to quickly come back to the right. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey stayed with Adams for the first move, but lost it in the second, allowing Adams to break free to shoot in a 1-yard pass. Ramsey was furious that no one had picked up Adams on the game and that his teammates knew it.
The Packers were leading 19-10 at halftime. Any idea that something might be different in the second half was dashed when Jones on the opening play of the third quarter scooted 60 yards. That set off a 75-yard drive – with every yard coming in – ended with a 1-yard touchdown dive from Jones to give the Packers a 25-10 lead. He got closer, but not enough to oust the Packers.
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