Green Bay Packers aren’t officially back until they win on road
The Green Bay Packers get a much-needed win over the Miami Dolphins, but they need to find a way to win away from home.
It was a game the Green Bay Packers were supposed to win but nonetheless, they took a step in the right direction by defeating the Miami Dolphins in Week 10. Following back to back road losses, the Packers returned to Lambeau Field and came out on top 31-12. The win put them at 4-0-1 at home this season and 0-4 on the road.
They are on a short week of recovery and preparation facing off against the Seattle Seahawks this Thursday. Green Bay secured a win in desperate times and benefited from a strong offensive performance, however, they won’t be considered officially “back” until they win away from Lambeau.
The offense put up 31 points and it took a healthy contribution from running back Aaron Jones who racked up 145 yards on 15 carries. Jones was due for a breakout game after fans begged Mike McCarthy to give him more touches seeing that he averaged over six yards per carry. Though 15 carries is not considered a heavy load for most NFL running backs, it is certainly encouraging for Packers fans. Jones’ attempts total against the Dolphins was also a season-high.
Again, quarterback Aaron Rodgers played well but didn’t look as sharp as we’ve grown accustomed to. He completed 68 percent of passes accumulating 199 yards and two touchdowns to Davante Adams.
Contrary to what have become weekly critical press conferences, Rodgers seemed more focused on the quick turnaround for their next game.
“This the beauty, if you will, of Thursday night football,” he said postgame. “Short turnaround and the beauty in a 12 o clock game being pushed back to 3:25.”
Luckily, Rodgers’ offensive line didn’t allow him to take too many shots so his recovery over the next few days should be manageable. He credited his line with tremendous play off the ball and attributed the two sacks he took to good pass coverage by Miami.
Defensively, Green Bay sacked Brock Osweiler six times while also forcing two turnovers. Osweiler fumbled a poor snap on the first drive of the game and corner Bashaud Breeland picked him off in the third quarter to give the offense a short field.
“I thought our defense did a heck of a job keeping them out of the end zone there a couple times holding them to field goals,” said McCarthy after the game.
The defense certainly did their part holding the Dolphins to four field goals and 294 yards of total offense. However, they did exit the game a little banged up losing safety Kentrell Brice, linebacker Nick Perry, and corner Jaire Alexander over the course of the game.
The injuries couldn’t come at a worse time, but thankfully Alexander confirmed he was not diagnosed with a concussion after what initially looked like a head injury. The secondary was already thin with Kevin King out for Sunday’s game and Alexander has been the team’s best cover corner.
It appears the rookie has a better chance of being available in Seattle and Green Bay needs him. The Packers are in the midst of their toughest stretch of games this season and must continue to build off Sunday’s win to remain in the conversation for the playoffs.
“I like our chances at home, but we got to win some road games or we’re going to be home in January– for good,” Rodgers bluntly stated.
Rodgers always tells it like it and is usually right, this team needs to prove they can walk away with a win on the road.