Death, taxes, Bo Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau Field.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a blowout victory Monday night 38-28 over the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing for five touchdowns on 24/35 passing and 333 yards. The Packers extended their home game winning streak to 11 games (including playoffs), and Rodgers kept his streak alive without an interception at home dating back to the 2012 season.
Offense Stays Hot
Rodgers looked so calm and maneuvered the pocket per usual, even against the Chiefs’ very fierce pass rush and with an offensive line less Bryan Bulaga. Rodgers found Randall Cobb on three of his touchdowns, with James Jones and Ty Montgomery finding the end zone on the other two touchdowns. Cobb had seven catches for 91 yards and Jones finished with seven catches for 139 yards.
Eddie Lacy and James Starks shared snaps in the backfield, with both making an impact down the stretch. Lacy had 10 carries for 46 yards (4.6 yards per carry) with three catches for 41 yards and Starks had 17 carries for 32 yards (1.88 yards per carry) with one catch for 19 yards. It was encouraging to see Lacy out there, although he was getting up slowly and hobbling a bit at times. Starks did not play too well unfortunately, but Lacy should be able to go close to 100% next week against the 49ers pending any setbacks.
Defense Sets Pace Early
Rodgers dominated this game, but the defense stood out once again anchored by the play of Clay Matthews. With another great week of defensive line penetration and tackling from Dom Capers’ defense, the Packers were able to hold Jamaal Charles to 49 yards rushing on 11 carries even with his three touchdowns. Even if Charles scored thrice, limiting the Chiefs’ offense to giving him the ball only 11 times shows how effective the Packers’ defense was early. Alex Smith threw for 290 yards on 24/40 and one touchdown and one interception, including one finally to a wide receiver Jeremy Maclin who had eight catches for 141 yards and that touchdown.
Linebackers Nate Palmer and Joe Thomas stepped up in the inside defending the run and short passes Cornerback Sam Shields had an interception in the third quarter that led to a Packers touchdown, which was the Packers only takeaway of the game. Damarious Randall and Quentin Rollins also had strong showings in their third NFL games.
Matthews (2), Nick Perry (2), Mike Daniels (1.5), Jayrone Elliot, Thomas, and Mike Neal (.5) all added sacks on the night. Most people came into this game thinking the Packers would have to worry about the Chiefs’ pass rush, not vice versa for Kansas City.
Key Stats
Time of possession: Kansas City 26:30, Green Bay 33:30
Penalties: Kansas City 7-38 yards, Green Bay 12-89 yards
Total yards: Kansas City 326, Green Bay 448
Third down efficiency: Kansas City 2-10 (20%), Green Bay 4-11 (36.4%)
First downs: Kansas City 23, Green Bay 26
Injury Report
Wide receiver Davante Adams re-aggravated his left ankle on the first possession of the game. Tight end Andrew Quarless left with a knee injury in the second quarter after his second reception of the season. Defensive lineman Datone Jones left the game with a head injury and went through concussion protocol after colliding with linebacker Joe Thomas trying to tackle Smith.
Next Up: Sunday, October 4, 3:25 PM CT @ San Francisco 49ers
The Packers will travel to Levi’s Stadium, home of Super Bowl 50, to face off against Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers, who are 1-2 this season and definitely not the same team that has beaten the Packers over the years.
Image from Associated Press.