Packers on a Mile High after win over Denver
The Green Bay Packers are 3-0 after holding on to defeat the Denver Broncos 27-16 on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
The Packers, wearing their throwback jerseys once again, got off to an early lead after Aaron Rodgers threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling after getting Denver to jump offsides on a hard count. Denver came into the game at 0-2 but wouldn’t go away easily as they played Green Bay even until Preston Smith knocked the ball out of Joe Flacco’s hand, forcing a fumble that rookie Rashan Gary recovered. Aaron Jones ran it in for a 17-10 halftime lead for the Packers.
In the second half, Jaire Alexander forced a fumble on Denver receiver Noah Fant and recovered it for another takeaway. Jones scored his second touchdown of the game for a 24-10 lead. Denver would get a touchdown run by Phillip Lindsay but Brandon McManus would miss the XP, leaving the score at 24-16 GB.
The Packers would hold the Broncos scoreless the rest of the way. Rookie Darnell Savage recorded his first career interception and Rashan Gary recorded his first career sack. Rodgers did not get sacked and the Packers did not turn the ball over in this game. The Packers added a field goal in the fourth quarter and the defense took over from there.
Some thoughts about the game:
I knew that Denver would go for it on fourth down in the third quarter with a score of 24-10 GB. Offensive tackle Dalton Risner assisted in that touchdown. If you watch the replay, you can see him pulling Lindsay into the endzone. It probably happens more often than I think and I know I’m biased, but I think it should be a penalty.
Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith once again made plays. The two combined for five sacks on the day. Thank you, Brian Gutekunst, for going out and getting these guys. Free agency does work.
I guess if there is an area to nitpick, the special teams weren’t that great. The Packers gave up a long kickoff return even though the defense forced a punt. Mason Crosby also missed a field goal in the fourth quarter. I know I have mentioned this before but even after wins, Vince Lombardi would show everyone the plays they didn’t make. He didn’t want anyone to think they have arrived.
The Denver Broncos remain the only NFL team that has never won at Lambeau Field. In fact, the Broncos have never won in the State of Wisconsin. In 1987, both teams played to a 17-17 tie at Milwaukee County Stadium. This is a Gold Package Game, which means that season ticket holders for games that used to be played in Milwaukee get these games. The other one this season is for the Oakland Raiders, so both AFC teams will be on the Gold Package.
I didn’t think this would be an easy win. Like I said last week, Vic Fangio has seen Aaron Rodgers and the Packers many times before. This is also a classic trap game. Denver came into the game 0-2, making a comeback in their first game only to fall short and losing their second game on a field goal on the final play of the game. Joe Flacco has been around and is still capable of making plays. He made some plays but the defense also made a lot of plays on him.
Let’s look at the positives. The offense and defense are still a work in progress but the Packers are 3-0. They still have not allowed a single point in the fourth quarter this season and this game vs Denver is the first time they went ahead by at least two scores in the fourth quarter. The defense gave up some plays but they got key sacks and turnovers. The Packers fell short so many times the last several years because the defense was unable to get that key stop or turnover. They have been doing it so far this year. That’s progress.
Mondays are not too bad when the Packers win on Sunday. The team doesn’t have a lot of time to enjoy this win as their next game is on Thursday night at home vs the Philadelphia Eagles. Have a great and productive week until then!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
