Green Bay Packers 35, New York Giants 13
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by Cheezer
The Green Bay Packers traveled into the Meadowlands and sent the Giants fans packing early. The Packers pass offense dominated a suspect Giants pass defense to the tune of 286 yards and 3 touchdowns via the air. Green Bay converted 55% of their 3rd down opportunities and had 25 first downs total as the Giants proved unable to contain the offense in the second half. The Packers only had 10 first downs against the Eagles in week 1.
By midway through the fourth quarter, half the crowd had left the stadium. That’s not something you see in Green Bay. No matter how bad it gets, Packers fans stick with the team until the end.
The Giants showed that they had a good plan going in as they led the game 10-7 at the half. After adjustments, the Packers came out and outscored the Giants 28-3 in the second half. Once the Packers got the lead, the defense was able to slip into their Man-2 defensive package (according to Troy Aikman). This defensive alignment works well in a leading situation because the defensive line can focus on the pass rush allowing the team to drop 7 into coverage and completely shut down the passing lanes. During the “Rally” stretch of the 4th quarter, Green Bay held Jeremy Shockey without a reception in 3 tries. This was crucial to closing the door on the Giants.
Brett Favre let his veteran savvy show. According to sources, Favre went to the line with either a run-pass option or a pass-pass option. Both DeShawn Wynn touchdowns as well as the Donald Driver touchdown came on Favre audibles.
Observations
- Mason Crosby missed his first NFL field goal. That’s good. Everyone misses and I’m glad he got it out of the way.
- New kick returner Tramon Williams showed decisiveness and explosiveness with two returns of over 40 yards (1 negated by penalty).
- DeShawn Wynn is the best option at RB right now. 10 carries for 50 yards, 2 TDs. Long carry of 38 yards.
- The Packers running game is in dire need of help. (See next observation.)
- The Packer OL tends to implode upon occasion and leave people completely unblocked.
- Packers TEs scored two touchdowns. This is an aspect of the red zone offense that has been missing for the last couple of seasons.
- Favre had his second interception of the season on a pass that bounced off of Donald Driver into the arms of the DB. In my opinion, both Favre interceptions this season could have been prevented by better play from the receivers.
- Along the same line, Favre had another interception opportunity dropped by the defensive player. That makes two of these in two weeks as well.
- The Packer secondary had numerous infractions for holding or interference. By my count AJ Hawk had 3 (1 declined) and Al Harris had 2. I'll know for certain after I study the film.
- The defense showed unity and fire as they did not tolerate any after-the-play activity from the Giants and came to each other’s defense. It did lead to some penalties though.
- The Packer run defense made Derrick Ward look like a pro-bowler as he went 15 carries for 90 yds (6.0 ypc)
- Brett Favre Record Chase
- Now the all-time record holder for NFL victories with 149
- Three TD passes put him within 3 of tying Dan Marino for most in a career (420).
- Four more interceptions and he will be the all-time leader for a career.
We’ll see how good this undefeated Green Bay Packer team really is as the San Diego Chargers come to God’s country next Sunday.
Photo/Mark Hoffman '
