Packers Win Wild Card Round Over The Giants, 38-13

The Green Bay Packers aren't known for their slow starts but it does happen from time-to-time. They played a very sloppy first half against the Lions in Week 17. Against the Giants, they spent the first 25 minutes of game time with the offense firmly left back in the locker room. And then they lost WR Jordy Nelson to a rib injury! With about 5 minutes to go in the first half, the Packers offense had somewhere around 7 yards of total offense, for the game!

The defense was in trouble too. QB Eli Manning was accurate on his passes for their first two possessions and the Giants were moving up-and-down the field. Luckily the cold ball was a problem for them and there were multiple dropped passes (one on 3rd down and one in the end zone). The Giants only had 6 points (two field goals) to show for what should have been at least two field goals and a touchdown.

Surprisingly, it was the often absent special teams unit that gave the Packers their first boost. A big kickoff return by WR Jeff Janis after the second Giants field goal flipped the field position battle and pinned the Giants inside their 10 yard line. Then the defense had a big three-and-out, Micah Hyde had a nice punt return to the Giants 38 yard line, and QB Aaron Rodgers found WR Davante Adams in the end zone on a perfect pass just past the defender (who was all over him) and the length of Adams's arms.

Monday morning mood 💪💪#NFLPlayoffs #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/4yhoGHfqRn

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 9, 2017

The Giants had completely dominated the first 25 minutes of the game but they hadn't built a significant lead. All it took was one touchdown pass to take it away. After the Packers defense forced another punt, Rodgers happened again:

🔥😲🏈👀 The Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary trilogy#GoPackGo #Packers #NYGvsGB pic.twitter.com/TzPv2DwiNK

— The Fanatics View (@thefanaticsview) January 9, 2017

Then it was an 8 point deficit at halftime. That felt like a dagger but the Giants came out strong in the 2nd half. The Packers punted on their first 2nd half possession. Then they got stopped on 4th down on their second possession, gave the Giants great field position, and a blown coverage handed the Giants a long touchdown pass to make it 13 to 14.

And then the Packers stomped all over the Giants for the rest of the game. From the 5:16 mark in the 3rd quarter, the Packers outscored the Giants 24-0. Nothing worked for the Giants with two three-and-outs, a completely shredded New York Pass Defense, and even their special teams fell apart with a kickoff return run out of bounds at their 3 yard line. The Giants have the best defense that made the playoffs this season (only the Broncos were better during the regular season) and Rodgers completely shredded them.

It's hard to judge the players on this game. The defense was a complete wreck early in the game and they were only saved by some dropped passes, while the offense couldn't do anything (4 first half sacks and a lot of punts). And then over the last 20 minutes of the game, each unit was unstoppable. Which of them will show up in Dallas next week?

This was a great win and a little bit therapeutic for two previous home playoff losses to QB Eli Manning. It's not a game that could be taken for granted and (eventually) the Packers brought their "A game" (2nd half edition). The Cowboys have had a great season and they won't be taken for granted, but the Packers are rolling as they make their plans to head down to Dallas next week.

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants Game Recap

By Steven Callahan, Writer at the Green Bay Packers Blog.

The Green Bay Packers earned a win that could help them greatly in the big picture in the NFC, defeating the New York Giants 23-16. This win snapped a three game-losing streak the Packers had to Eli Manning and the Giants, who are now in a 2-3 hole. The Packers (3-1) were in full control for the entire game, never trailing at any point and totally shutting down the Giants’ offense.

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The Packers’ defense held Eli Manning and the rest of the Giants’ offense in check for most of the game, with the only touchdown coming with 2:54 remaining. Eli had his worst game of the season, recording a season-low in yards, completion percentage, and average yards per completion. Eli finished the game with 199 yards on 51.4% passing, with an average of 5.69 yards per completion, one touchdown, and a QB rating of 21.7, just 1.4 points higher than his season-low against the Minnesota Vikings in his previous game.

The Packers’ defense completely shut down the lousy attempt for the Giants to establish any sort of a run game. These are the stat lines for the three Giants’ running backs: Bobby Rainey’s five attempts for 22 yards, Orleans Darkwa’s seven attempts for 11 yards, and Paul Perkins’ two attempts for nine yards. Without Rainey’s 14-yard run and Darwka’s six-yard run, they recorded an average attempt of two yards and one yard on the night.

A key to the Packers’ victory was their win in both the time of possession battle and third-down conversion, which go hand-in-hand. The Packers had the ball for 36:38 on 12 drives while the Giants just had possession for 23:22 on 11 drives. The Packers converted on nine of 19 third down attempts and held the Giants to only four third down conversions on 13 attempts.

Aaron Rodgers had a decent day at the office, but nothing special. Rodgers completed on 51% of his passes for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions for a QB rating of 69.4. Rodgers’ two interceptions came at key moments, the first on the Giants 21-yard line after a 71-yard drive and the other in their own territory in the second quarter that led to the Giants’ second field goal of the game.

With top corners Sam Shields and Damarious Randall ruled out, two second-year corners Quinten Rollins and LaDarius Gunter stepped in and did a fine job on the outside against Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard, while cornerback Micah Hyde and rookie safety Kentrell Brice also excelled in nickel and dime packages. Head coach Mike McCarthy credited his unit after the game saying, “With the young secondary, those young corners did a heck of a job.” Beckham caught five balls for 56 yard and a late fourth quarter touchdown, Sterling Shepard had two receptions for 14 yards on seven targets, and Victor Cruz did not record a single catch.

After their loss to the Minnesota Vikings on national television, many started to doubt how successful the Packers would be this season. After their wins against the Lions, they would have two weeks to focus in on stopping Eli Manning and Odell Beckham, and that is exactly what they did. The Packers now have the upper hand in the Giants in the playoff race and will now look to do the same against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend in another home game.

Packers (3-1) Hold On At Home To Beat Giants, 23-16

With a quarter of the season in the books, its been a mixed bag from the Green Bay Packers. The wins haven't been overly impressive (battling against the Jaguars, holding onto early leads at home against the Lions and Giants) but they weren't terrible in their lone loss either (at Minnesota, losing by one score against arguably the best team in the NFC). Obviously 4-0 and the NFC North lead would be better but 3-1 and a manageable remaining schedule is very good too.

Against the Giants, it was a really impressive performance by the pass defense. While they were missing their starting cornerbacks (Shields and Russell were inactive due to injury), the return of S Morgan Burnett allowed DB Micah Hyde to return to his usual utility role, and CBs LaDarius Gunter and Quinten Rollins were great against the Giants Top 3 receivers (Beckham, Shepard, Cruz). Those three receivers only gained 70 yards on 21 pass attempts to those three receivers. The Packers played both two deep safeties (Clinton-Dix and Burnett) for most of the game and effectively took the sidelines away from the Giants. But they had trouble against the Giants's tight ends (Tye and Adams were targeted 5 times for 64 yards, and QB Eli Manning overthrew Tye on one attempt that might have gone for a touchdown). None of the inside linebackers looked great in coverage, and ILB Joe Thomas had multiple missed tackles. But the run defense was solid again (allowing 2.9 ypc), the pass rush was all over Manning (4 sacks, 5 QB hits), and the secondary had their best game of the season.

I'm still of the opinion that WR Davante Adams is part of the problem, not the solution, but he did have a great game while also being the intended target on one of QB Aaron Rodgers's 2 INTs.

.@AaronRodgers12 throws the 🎯 to @tae15adams for six! 🙌#NYGvsGB #GoPackGo https://t.co/7H0lATiWVe

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 10, 2016

But their best receiver was WR Randall Cobb, who seemed to pick up a first down with every reception. On the other hand, while WR Jordy Nelson did catch a touchdown, he was also targeted 13 times for only 4 receptions (and one of his targeted attempts bounced off his hands for an INT). The ground game has been productive, when they've actually used it this season, and RB Eddie Lacy was having his best game of 2016 until he injured his ankle. RB James Starks struggled to replace him as either a receiver or runner in the 2nd half. Overall it was a pretty mediocre performance through the air against a Giants secondary that's been struggling with injuries (both CBs Eli Apple and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie missed their last game in Minnesota, and both left early in this one).

Though their four-game home stand continues next week, it also presents a bigger challenge when the Cowboys visit Lambeau. The Boys have looked impressive while on their current four-game winning streak despite missing their their two best offensive players (Romo and Bryant). QB Dak Prescott has done a great job protecting the ball while moving the offense, while their defense has been doing just enough to win.

Preview: Packers Host Giants on Sunday Night

The Giants are traveling to Lambeau Field on Sunday night and in need of a change in momentum. They've lost their last two games, their secondary is a mess of injuries, and their star player has been acting like a seven year old though I doubt they'd really consider benching him.

The next move ...... https://t.co/iV5l8a9la1

— Thomas George (@ThomasG2308) October 6, 2016

Both defenses are dealing with similar problems. They are both missing starters in the secondary due to injury, and they've seen their pass defenses starting to unravel. For the Giants, it's more like a death by a thousand cuts, with different receivers burning them at different times over their past two losses. For the Packers, the loss of CB Sam Shields (concussion) has exposed CB Damarious Randall, who's been burned badly by the last two No. 1 receivers he's faced (Stefon Diggs and Marvin Jones). It also looked like Randall injured his groin during the first half against the Lions, which is probably why he struggled to keep up with Jones in the second half of that game. SS Morgan Burnett should return on Sunday, but Randall will probably be less than 100% (if he plays) while Shields is still out. Both defenses have been great against the run, though the Packers own a much higher ranking on Football Outsiders.

Both offenses are playing a similar style too (not surprising since Mike McCarthy's former assistant coach Ben McAdoo is now the head coach of the Giants). They both pass the ball much better than they can run it. Neither one is as good this season as they've been in the past, but the Packers are still ranked No. 11 though the air according to Football Outsiders, which is better than the Giants can boast so far. The Vikings were daring the Giants to run the ball last week (often lining up with only six men in the box) and the Giants could only manage 78 yards rushing.

Covering the Giants's receivers under normal circumstances would be a challenge and the injuries in the Packers's secondary are going to make more of a challenge. Because of the poor Giant ground attack, QB Eli Manning might be throwing the ball a lot, and despite the recent meltdown by WR Odell Beckham Jr., they'll probably have much more success this week than they've had during their last two losses.

The Packers offense hasn't been too interested in running the ball either (RB Eddie Lacy's averaging fewer than 15 rushing attempts per game, so far) and a depleted Giants secondary is sure to be QB Aaron Rodgers's main target, even if the Giants see the return of a couple cornerbacks from injury.

The key advantage for the Packers, despite some similarities (they can pass but they can't run, they can stop the run but cannot pass), is that the Packers are a little better at all these things than the Giants. Another key is that while the Giants have been playing (and losing) the past two weeks, the Packers are as healthy as their going to get coming off the bye week. All of this means that the the Packers are listed as heavy 7.5 point favorites (only the Patriots, featuring the return of Tom Brady, who gets to beat up on the Browns this weekend, are more favored).  The game might look like a repeat of the Lions game, with both teams struggling at some point, and the Packers just doing a bit more to hang on for the win.

Green Bay Packers: Post-Bye Schedule

By Steven Callahan, Writer at the Green Bay Packers Blog.

Most people aren’t fans of such an early bye week. They would rather save this week for later in the season, when they can fully recharge their batteries for the second half of the season. The Green Bay Packers unfortunately do not have that luxury this season, as they their bye week falls in week four. In an ironic way, this bye week couldn’t come at a better time.

Head coach Mike McCarthy admits that the Packers caught a break withthis bye week. McCarthy said this week, “I never thought I would say this, but for as different a schedule that we have, it’s a great time to have the bye, because we need it. That’s where we are.” McCarthy is referring to the injury bug that is going around his team, as four defensive starters sat out against Detroit and tight end Jared Cook sprained his ankle.

The Packers head into the bye with a 2-1 record and are coming off a game where Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdowns. Here is how the rest of the schedule looks for the Packers.

October: Giants (2-2), Cowboys (3-1), Bears (1-3), at Falcons (3-1)

The Packers come out of the bye with three straight home games, ending with the Bears in a Thursday night game. The Packers and Giants always seem to have great games while the Cowboys will be looking to avenge the Dez Bryant “Was it a catch?’ game. This game may be Dak Prescott’s final game, as Tony Romo is expected to return after the Cowboys’ bye week. The Giants are definitely a playoff caliber team, but the Packers should have the edge on both the Giants and Cowboys since the games are at Lambeau.

The Packers then face the Bears on a short week. The Bears are one of the worst teams in the league, but these Thursday night games are so unfair on the players and coaches that nothing can be a sure thing. The Packers should be able to handle the Bears, but it should be noted that the Bears beat the Packers last year on a short week (Thanksgiving night). The Falcons offense has been one of the league’s best this season, as their 34.7 points per game is the highest in the league. Expect a shootout in week eight against the Atlanta Falcons.

November: Colts (1-3), at Titans (1-3), at Redskins (2-2), at Eagles (3-0)

The Packers’ schedule lightens up in November, starting off with the Colts at home. Indianapolis depends too much on Andrew Luck’s comeback ability, which isn’t a good idea in a November game at Lambeau. As Mike McCarthy mentioned, the Packers schedule is “different” and this three-game stretch is a perfect example why. The Pack will play three straight road games - four out of five games when you count the Falcons game - including a Sunday night game against the Redskins and a Monday night game against the Eagles.

On paper, the Packers have more talent than all of these teams, but right now the Eagles are playing great and you can’t count out the Colts or Redskins. It will be an interesting month for the Packers.

December and January: Texans (3-1), Seahawks (3-1), at Bears (1-3), Vikings (4-0), at Lions (1-2)

The Packers simply have to beat the Texans at home, so let’s move on from that. Playing the Seahawks in week 14 is as tough of a matchup as you are going to get, especially with these two teams expected to be in the thick of a playoff race. The last three games will come against divisional opponents, two of which will be on the road. The week 16 matchup against the Vikings could possibly be the most important game of the entire season, since it can essentially be for the NFC North crown. Let’s hope the week 17 game in Detroit is meaningless and the Packers know exactly what seed they are in the playoffs, whether it is as division champion or Wild Card team.

With 13 straight weeks of football left for the Green Bay Packers, their stamina, focus, and preparation will be tested for the next three months. There is no soft part of the schedule, as the Packers will have to earn every win from here on out. It should be an exciting 13 weeks for Packers fans. 

Packers deny Rams' request to interview Van Pelt

The Packers have a denied a request by the Rams to interview team quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, ESPN Wisconsin's Jason Wilde reports. 

Van Pelt, who served as Green Bay's running backs coach for two seasons before changing jobs last year, is currently a candidate for St. Louis' open Offensive Coordinator position, according to Wilde.

Still, this doesn't mean Van Pelt's out of the running by any means, as the Giants were also denied the right to interview then-Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo last offseason before hiring him later. 

Expect more to come of this story in the near future. 

Packers Work Out Former Giants TE Travis Beckum

The Packers have worked out former Giants TE Travis Beckum, ESPN.com's Rob Demosky reports. 

Beckum, a native of Milwaukee and graduate of the University of Wisconsin, hasn't appeared in a meaningful game since Super Bowl XLVII, a contest in which he tore his ACL. That injury caused Beckum to miss all of 2013, before he hitched a ride with the Saints this past preseason.

Since then, Beckum has also worked out for the Bears and Jaguars. With the Packers, he'll look to get a job as their third-stringer, a role they need to fill right now due to the wound Brandon Bostick suffered in Week 10.

Former Packers LB Terrell Manning Signs With Giants

Former Packers LB Terrell Manning has signed with the New York Giants, the latter announced today.

Manning, the Pack's 5th Round Draft Pick back in 2012, played just one season in Green Bay after starring at North Carolina State, recording 3 tackles and no sacks.

Last year, he landed a brief spot on the San Diego Chargers' Practice Squad, before signing and being cut by the Minnesota Vikings in April.

As of now, no details of his new contract have been released, and they probably never will, as it's currently unknown if the deal will even last through the month.

Seahawks Reportedly Done Pursuing Finley

The Seahawks have decided to stop pursuing Free Agent Tight End Jermichael Finley, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reports. 

Finley, a six-year veteran who had a deal with Seattle earlier this offseason disbanded after he failed a physical, was cleared by his personal doctor Thursday, making a few other teams (most notably the Packers, Giants, and Patriots) join the sweepstakes for him.

Despite that, the Hawks just don't seem to be interested in giving the veteran the high price he's asking for, which makes sense considering that Finley's NFL future (or personal future for that matter) is currently a mystery.

Giants reportedly showing interest in QB Matt Flynn

The Giants are currently showing interest in Free Agent QB Matt Flynn, the New York Daily News reports. Right now, New York has Josh Freeman scheduled for a workout, so it's obvious that they're looking for a 2014 backup. 

To that, I'll I can say is: let's hope Freeman turns out to be better. Last season, Flynn played really well for the Pack, so if they end up missing out on him it'd definitely be a bad thing. I mean, who else is available to sign right now? It's not like they'll just settle for Tolzein after last year's injury to Rodgers, right?

Packers still showing interest in bringing back Finley

The Packers are "absolutely" still interested in bringing back injured Tight End Jermichael Finley, Team Head Coach Mike McCarthy recently told Sports World Report. Last week, Finley failed a physical with the conference-rival Giants, already the second time that's happened this offseason. 

Now despite that, I'm still 100% for bringing this guy back on a multi-year deal. Yea, he might not play at all this season, but I'm still convinced that he's got a lot left to offer. At age 27, he's still relatively young, and, as we all know, can really help out a team when healthy and focused.

Giants Wilson now expected to be ready for 2014

According to NFL.com, Giants Running Back David Wilson is now expected to be ready for the 2014 season. You may remember earlier this offseason, when I wrote about how, if Wilson's neck didn't get healthy Packers backup James Starks could be a candidate for the team's starting job, so yea, this story does affect the Packers. Not in a major way by any means, but definitely in a notable one. It likely means that, whether we like it or not, James Starks will be Eddie Lacy's backup for at least one more season, which, I'll admit, I find exciting. 

Report: Finley's neck should be "fully healed" in 4-8 weeks

According to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Packers Tight End Jermichael Finley's neck should be "fully healed" in 4-8 weeks. Finley is a soon-to-be free agent, so the sooner he gets healthy the better for any teams interested in him(specifically Green Bay and New York).

On the other hand, while this news is still great, it remains unknown if Finley will be as good as he usually is when the season comes around. I mean, that neck injury was obviously pretty terrible, so him coming back at 100% is definitely unlikely if you ask me(not impossible, but unlikely).

Finley's agent to the NY Post: "Finley wants to play his entire career in Green Bay"

In response to the recent rumors surrounding his client, Packers TE Jermichael Finley's agent, Blake Baratz, told the New York post this earlier this week. 

“Right now he is a Packer and I know he would love to play his entire career there," Baratz said. “For the next five weeks or so they have his exclusive negotiation rights. If it doesn’t work out in Green Bay for whatever reason then I believe there are a number of teams that could use a talent like Jermichael.’’

So yea, while #88's departure is definitely still possible, I no longer see it as likely. I mean, his agent apparently doesn't think he wants to leave, so why should we?

Giants Safety Rolle reportedly recruiting Packers Finley

After watching the Super Bowl with him, Giants Safety Antrel Rolle is apparently attempting to lure Packers TE Jermichael Finley to New York, NJ.com reports. Finley, a 2008 Packers draft pick, will be a free agent this offseason, so the fact that some teams are already trying to attract him isn't surprising. 

Now while a move to the Big Apple by #88 is possible, I don't see it happening. Finley recently was quoted saying that he wants to be in Green Bay for life, so as long as they show interest in him I just can't see him leaving.

Report: Giants might want James Starks

Due to the fact that their current starting RB, David Wilson, just had neck surgery, NewJersey.com has reported that the Giants are planning on putting together a "contingency plan" in case he never plays in 2014, with Packers backup RB James Starks possibly being a strong candidate. This season, Starks, on 89 carries, rushed for a solid 493 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Now I like Starks, so I don't want him to leave. I mean, Eddie Lacy clearly is the starter right now, but still, he could always get hurt. And if he does, Starks is definitely a solid backup to take his spot. So Ted Thompson, please keep #44. He's not worth draft picks.

Shields questionable for tomorrow's game

Yesterday, the Green Bay Packers Official Blog reported that Packers CB Sam Shields, who did not play last week, is listed as questionable to play in the team's home game tomorrow against the Vikings. Shields has just 40 tackles and 1 interception so far this season. 

While I like Shields, him playing in this one won't matter. This year, he hasn't been that productive, so the Pack can definitely win without him. Really, he might as well take the game off. They're playing the Vikings, not an actual opponent. Now I don't mean to put down Minnesota when I say that, but you get it. They're not that good. 

Flynn: I never thought I'd be back in Green Bay

In an article published yesterday by NBCSports.com, recently re-signed Packers backup QB Matt Flynn admitted that he never expected to play for Green Bay again after he left them for the Seahawks in the 2011 offseason. 

“No, I never did, but standing here right now I’m glad I am,” Flynn said. “I’m extremely happy to be back, extremely happy to be back with people who are familiar with me, see familiar faces and an offense I’m very comfortable with.”

Hopefully all this familiarity will help him lead the Pack to victory this Sunday in New Jersey. 

Packers listed as 6 point underdogs for this Sunday's Giants game

Earlier this week, the NFL Week 10 odds were released with our Green Bay Packers being listed as 6 point underdogs for their road game this Sunday against the New York Giants. This prediction shouldn't be surprising to anyone, as the Pack are really beat up right now with basically no actual QBs left on their roster. 

While this news obviously isn't good, I don't think it'll matter much. Right now, I see this matchup as a complete toss-up. I believe each side has a 50/50 shot of winning, since the Packers defense was okay in last week's loss while Matt Flynn was recently added onto their roster. Now Flynn's really not that good, but I still have a feeling that he and Tolzein could be a solid QB combination if they do in fact end up splitting playing time. 

Who should the Packers start this weekend?

Earlier this week, in an article published by Bleacher Report, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy let the world know that he plans to start third-string QB Scott Tolzein in this Sunday's game against the Giants. However, now that Matt Flynn's back on the roster after brief failures in Seattle, Oakland, and Buffalo, that decision could change. So, since I have no insider info on this topic, I'll just give my opinion on this piece of news. I think that it would be stupid of the Packers to let Tolzein play this weekend. While it's true that he was okay against the Eagles, that was just one game and he's still just a third-stringer. As far as I'm concerned, he hasn't proven anything. Flynn, however, does know how to play the game of NFL Football and, despite his recent struggles, is still overall a solid arm with plenty of potential. So, who'd you rather have start? The guy with experience who has thrown 6 TDs in a game before, or the guy who has played one game ever that he lost by 14 points? Seriously, who'd you have play?