Dinked and Dunked to Death: Packers Fall to Bengals 34-30

In a game full of fumbles, interceptions, and momentum swings, it was the home team Bengals who enjoyed the final pendulum swing, winning 34-30. Despite the tough loss, and falling to 1-2 before entering the bye week, there are definitely positives to glean from this game. Here are a few:

Photo credit: Packers.com

Sam Shields: We highlighted Sam Shields last week in our quick hits from the Redskins game, so this makes it two weeks running that his play has warranted discussion. Shields was tasked with guarding AJ Green, Cincinnati's young number one at wide out. For the most part, Shields did his part to bottle up Green and force QB Andy Dalton to look elsewhere for yardage. Green was held to just 4 catches for 46 yards, 20 of which came on one play, a third quarter TD catch to bring the Bengals within nine (30-21). While Shields took the statistical fall for that play, having lost a step on AJ Green only once in the entire game is no crime—And having no safety help over the top didn't make life any easier on that play. Friend of DDS Joe Tomcheck said on last week's episode of Sharp Cheddar that he thought Shields has been breaking on the ball "phenomenally well" this season. That was illustrated no better than late in the first quarter, when an anxious Dalton thought he had Shields misdirected on a short route left, fired the ball inside to AJ Green, only to have Shields make a tremendous adjustment, pivoting his torso just in time to make a wonderful back shoulder interception. With the help of Shields, the Packers defensive secondary has looked better than it did on paper at the start of the season.

Ground and Pound?! The Packers entered Sunday's contest with just two healthy running backs, James Starks and Johnathan Franklin. Eddie Lacy sat out with a concussion, and even fullback John Kuhn was sidelined with a hamstring. It's worth noting that McCarthy's Packers have been forced to field just two running backs in just one prior instance, a 2011 matchup against the Chiefs—Another tough loss that was within reach late. But the difference here was stark, to be frank (Wow. A double pun. You guys should pay me for this stuff). With run blocking suddenly no longer a deficiency from Green Bay's offensive line, Starks gutted out 55 yards on 14 carries and Franklin surprised everyone with 103 yards and a score on 13 carries. In relief of the injured Starks, Johnathan Franklin wowed everyone with his first meaningful NFL action. He was decisive, slippery, and motored through the line for big gains. And though a twisted ankle late in the game had fans holding their breath, Franklin returned on the next series. He did fumble away the game in the fourth quarter, inexcusable at this level, but Packers faithful suddenly have lots to be excited about out in the backfield. With the bye week upon them, the team has an opportunity to get healthy at running back, and really open up the passing game with a stable of backs that defenses ought to respect going forward.