Packers Beat Down Browns 31-13

The Packers improved their home winning streak to 10 consecutive games—23 of their last 24—with a convincing 31-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Here are some takeaways.

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I would be remiss in not mentioning the heartbreaking injury to TE Jermichael Finley at the top of this post. After a 10 yard catch and run, Finley ducked forward in anticipation of a collision with Browns safety Tashaun Gipson. The defender squared his shoulder and smashed into the massive tight end. As Finley fell motionless to the ground, hearts sank into stomachs both on the field and in the stands. The silence was deafening, and Finley's state disconcerting. After a six minute pause in the action, Jermichael Finley was fastened to a gurney, face mask unscrewed, and immediately taken to an area hospital. It would be premature, not to mention crass, to begin to stipulate on the implications of this injury on Finley's season and career, as well as the team's injury-riddled offense. At this point, the important facts are that after a precautionary stay in the intensive care unit, Finley was able to walk around fine today, and was reportedly in good spirits. Early tests are coming back negative—that's a good thing—and we'll at least know something more by Wednesday's injury report.

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As if Aaron Rodgers needed to further set himself apart from other QB's, his performance on Sunday certainly accomplished that. His numbers were on par in the context of his career—25 completions on 36 attempts for 260 yards, 3 TD's and no picks—but it was the weapons at his disposal, or lack thereof, that make his level of success so remarkable. With primary playmakers like Randall Robb and James Jones sidelined, as well as Jermichael Finley later in the game, Rodgers got it done throwing to Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin, Myles White, and Jake Stoneburner. James Jones may return next week, but it will be a long time before we see either Cobb or Finley on the field. Rodgers' meddle will be tested down the stretch, but he made it look relatively easy piloting a patchwork production against a competitive Cleveland defense.

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Eddie Lacy is a grown man. A powerful, punishing back who out-muscles defenders on first contact, and falls forward every time. In a "quiet" day for Lacy, he racked up 82 yards and 1 TD on 22 caries. The Packers have generally not had this type of production on the ground under Mike McCarthy, and the timing couldn't be better. With Aaron Rodgers bringing a knife to a gun fight—throwing to practice squad players and street free agents—being able to fall back on a reliable rusher is a life saver. Eddie not only occupies the attention of secondary defenders, but his consistent production also proves a boon to the offensive line. The difference in the line's overall swagger with and without Lacy is obvious to anyone who has followed this team over the past few seasons. With long term injuries piling up, the team will need Lacy to continue to produce at a high level in order to stay atop a murky NFC North.

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With Sunday's beat-down of the Browns, the Packers improve to 4-2 and take control of the NFC North. With the Vikings still to play tonight in New York, here is a snapshot of the division.

• 1. Green Bay (4-2) - Next opponent: Minnesota      
• 2. Detroit (4-3) - Next opponent: Dallas                   
• 3. Chicago (4-3) - Next opponent: BYE, Green Bay
• 4 Minnesota (1-4) - Next opponent: New York        

Sharp Cheddar 9.24.13

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with both Brian and Joe about all things Packers. The tough loss to Cincy, McCarthy's abysmal clutch 4th quarter resume, and Vontaze Burfict's fascination with Ryan Taylor's reproductive health.

Packers "Win" "Game" Over Rams, 19-7

Fans despondent over last week's all-around flop, a 17-0 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, have reason to feel comforted after an improved effort from the Green Bay Packers last night in the Edward Jones Dome, where they handled the St. Louis Rams 19-7. The offense was sharper, and the defense looked more cohesive as well. Here are few players that stood out.

Eddie Lacy saw his first action on Saturday.

Eddie Lacy: The rookie running back finally got to show his mettle, facing an opposing team's starting defense for the first time. Lacy looked like he belonged and appeared to really resent being tackled, routinely carrying one or two defenders along for the ride after first contact. Overall he received 8 carries and totaled 40 yards for a 5 yard-per-carry average. His first two runs of the game went for 7 and 15 yards respectively. If he can keep this up into the regular season, the very real threat of a capable back could potentially expose opposing secondaries to the wrath of Rodgers.

Jermichael Finley: Is the reformation complete? The imposing tight end has historically irked fans with his brash talk, excessive celebration, and generally not living up to the hype. Finley is reported to have rededicated himself. He has put his nose to the grindstone and is letting his play do the talking. The tight end took hits and grabbed yards after the catch, showing an aggression that's been lacking in the past. He displayed his quickness, slicing through the Rams zone defense for 25 yards on the third play from scrimmage. His extra prep-time spent with Aaron Rodgers appeared to pay off later in the quarter when, after the QB called an audible, Finley knew to look for the quick pass and turned it into a 33 yard gain, absorbing some hits along the way. And no shark-fin dance this time. Maybe Finley knows it's only preseason. Maybe he knows it's a contract year. Whatever the reason, it means positive things for the Packers offense.

Jolly had a batted pass and
an interception on Saturday

Johnny Jolly: Speaking of reformation, DL Johnny Jolly showed glimpses of his old self and reminded coaches and fans of his great instincts for the game. A Jarrett Bush interception can be credited to Jolly batting a pass at the line of scrimmage, something the big man was known for in his past life. Later, cornerback Loyce Means batted a pass, and it was Jolly who came down with the a goal-line interception after he had dropped into coverage. Without missing a beat, he plowed forward and even executed a spin move for a few extra yards. All this excitement in only 15 snaps for Jolly. He's starting to build a strong case to be a 6th DL on this team. He just knows football.

Micah Hyde: Taking more snaps than anyone else on the team (52) Hyde showed his versatility. He played the corner position left, right, and worked in the slot, breaking up 2 passes and collecting a sack and 5 tackles. Hyde did surrender a 57 yard catch and run to Rams WR Chris Givens, exposing a slight lack of speed, but an argument can be made for blown coverage over the top. The real surprise of the night was a chance to return a punt in which Hyde recovered 17 years. Hyde returned punts at Iowa and said after the game, "I feel comfortable doing it." If WR Jeremy Ross continues his bobbling ways, Hyde could see more action on special teams as coaches should be anxious to relieve the dynamic and valuable WR Randall Cobb from his returning duties.



Did you see anyone that stood out? Anything you liked or didn't like? Comment and let's chat about it.