The Green Bay Packers maintained the lead of 16-3 and 25-10 before finally closing a convincing 32-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at Lambeau Field.
The victory sends the Packers to the NFC Championship Game.
Here are all my notes and remarks when watching the 32-18 win again:
– Preston Smith interrupted two passes, including one in the third drop on the opening drive. He was in no position to put pressure on the quarterback, but he read Jared Goff’s eyes the entire time, raised both arms and interrupted the pass. Veteran’s smart move.
– The Packers revealed their intentions in the attack immediately. The first drive had a great deal of pre-snap movement and runs within the zone. Both concepts would be basic the rest of the way.
– Classic Aaron Rodgers. Identify the late substitution, take everyone to the line, fit it with at least 12 on the field and get the free throw. Stealing.
– Rodgers will want his second shot back. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was open in the extended play. It still ended up being a ball that MVS should have picked up with both hands above his head, but that play should have been a tray.
– Excellent work by Preston Smith to work along the line and make the stop at the 3rd and short in the red zone, which ended up forcing the Rams to kick a field basket. He entered the blocking attempt at the back and gave Cam Akers a great angle to make the move.
– It has been said several times in this space, but Malik Taylor is simply not a good enough kickoff return. He made a strange reception and hesitated for a second in the end zone on his first return, which ended up being interrupted at 15. The Packers can and should do better.
– Who knows how Aaron Jones survived John Johnson’s wicked coup attempt on the second move. He has incredible strength and contact balance.
– Beautiful game design on the touchdown. Set Davante in motion, set Jalen Ramsey in hot pursuit and use the defense’s built-in traffic to create separation and scoring. The Rams clearly wanted to defend this type of game differently, probably with a late change in that scenario, which is why Ramsey was so excited afterwards.
– The Rams had another communication failure in Za’Darius Smith’s bag. Two players – the left tackle and the running back – put Christian Kirksey into the blitz, allowing Za’Darius to take the field and run a free run at Goff.
– Two big penalties on the Rams helped the Packers. The first came on Aaron Donald at the first touchdown. This gave the Packers 15 free yards and avoided a 3rd to 7th situation. A drive later, the Rams was scored 15 yards on the punt return, allowing the Packers to start possession on the Rams’ 47 yard line. They scored a touchdown on both units.
– Aaron Jones made Troy Hill look silly in the open on a simple check down. Even at full speed, Jones can easily change direction.
– Davante’s best representation against Ramsey came on the 2nd and 14th in the second quarter. Nobody runs better than 17. Ramsey didn’t even put his hand on it while riding it and then broke into it.
– Why does Aaron Rodgers make fakes all the time when extending a play or fighting? Leonard Floyd found out exactly why. He bought what Rodgers was selling on the fake, paving the way for the final zone.
– Hunter Bradley’s brutal snap at the extra point. He’s been trembling like the 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.
– Packers’ defense is becoming known for playing light at the end of time.
– The 33-yard completion for Robert Tonyan to set the field goal to end the first half was just a vintage Rodgers. Avoid pressure, maneuver skillfully in your pocket and find a receiver on an impromptu route.
– Rodgers’ last two attempts in the first half should have been intercepted. The Rams wasted two great opportunities to avoid three points.
– Impressive blocks from Corey Linsley and Lucas Patrick in Aaron Jones’ 60-yard run to open the second half. Create the alley, take out a second-level defender and let Jones do the rest.
– Jamaal Williams ran very hard all night.
– The Packers handled the game very well. Even Kevin King was solid.
– One of the best representatives of Rashan Gary’s career was the third down sack. Defeating Andrew Whitworth by resigning is no small feat. He won on the inside with speed and was flexible enough to go outside and track Goff to end the race. Kenny Clark assisted.
– Rodgers’ accuracy was a little wrong at times, and it was very wrong for MVS. With a good ball, it’s probably a 92-yard touchdown.
– Surprisingly, just one move after losing MVS, Rodgers stayed in his pocket forever, staying dangerously in the final zone for seconds before throwing a blow at Allen Lazard on the first run. The piece had real courage from No. 12.
– The same concept that opened Lazard in what could have been a 60-yard touchdown in the third quarter helped open the 58-yard touchdown a quarter later. In both, Rodgers performed a difficult forgery that sold well.
– The separation of Darious Williams’ pass in the MVS was an astute and veteran move. A small tug to stop the speed and then an athletic move to aim the ball upwards without much contact. Charles Woodson would be impressed.
– Rams had the quick pass game going in spurts. But whenever Goff had to take it and throw it onto the field, the Packers pass-rush made it difficult or impossible.
– Krys Barnes had a good game overall, but Akers took him for a ride in the Wildcat touchdown race. Barnes made the first contact on the 5-yard line, but Akers carried him into the end zone.
– Hook and ladder in the attempt of two points. Incredible Rams design and execution. A beautiful move that worked perfectly.
– Crossing Allen Lazard from a grouped or condensed formation has become a basic move for Packers in big situations.
– Twice, the Packers used AJ Dillon as the vertical backfield receiver. It was opened at least once. The move may be something that the Packers return to in those playoffs.
– JK Scott saved Hunter Bradley from another terrible pressure early in the fourth period.
– The Packers defense dominated the fourth period. The Rams had a total of 30 yards in 14 plays.
– How lucky with Dillon’s fumble. This could have been a disaster. Instead, Rodgers took it as a shortstop and won a yard.
– Rams’ cornerback, Troy Hill, bit HARD on the fake action on Lazard’s 58-yard touchdown.
– Barnes would probably have a choice of sealing game if he had two healthy hands. His left hand was in plaster after an injury in the first half. It was still a good read to break the exit route and undermine the launch.
– Za’Darius Smith’s internal pressure forced Jared Goff to resign. Gary saw the whole way and was there to prevent the attempt at shuffling.
– Impressive final boost to kill the clock. The Packers just imposed their will and used some simple concepts of game and action. It was the same thing they did throughout the game.