Green Bay Packers: Instant Takeaways from NFC Championship Loss

This game was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. The Green Bay Packers were down by 18 at one point, clawed their way back to make it a five-point deficit, but unfortunately, spoiled some opportunities in the fourth quarter and came up short.

It was a heck of a season, but nonetheless, a tough way to end it. As always, I have my instant takeaways from their performance.

• Again, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line had their issues against the Tampa defensive front. Rick Wagner and Billy Turner at tackle really struggled. Rodgers was again sacked five times.
• What an ugly end to the first half. Rodgers throws an interception, and then with just a few seconds left, Brady finds Scotty Miller for a touchdown.
• Two big questions on that play; what was Kevin King doing, and why wasn’t Pettine prepared for a shot play?
• Dropped passes in the end zone cost Green Bay eight points. There was the first down pass to Adams in the second quarter that was missed and the drop by St. Brown on the two-point conversion.
• What a game for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. An excellent game to build off for the 2021 season.
• We knew it wasn’t going to be easy against this Bucs defense, but running the ball was sure difficult. Green Bay found some success, but overall it was tough sledding.
• The Packers’ offense went in and out of rhythm all game, and unfortunately, it was out of rhythm on the two Jaire Alexander interceptions.
• On those possessions, there were a lot of straight dropback plays, which is not how this offense has found success this season.
• Goodness, we saw a lot of Will Redmond today.
• The Bucs were without Antoine Winfield, and the Packers were able to take advantage with some deep plays.
• A key to this game was getting pressure on Brady, but for the most part, he had plenty of time.
• Chris Godwin had a big day, hauling in five passes for 110 yards at 22 yards per catch.
• Another excellent December/January performance for Kenny Clark. Kevin King, however, struggled.
• The Green Bay Packers’ offense controlled the clock for almost 10 minutes longer than Tampa.
• The Tampa offense was incredibly efficient on third downs–especially early on. On the flip side, the first and second down defense was quite good at generating third and longs.
• The Green Bay Packers had the league’s best red-zone defense during the regular season, but they missed out on two opportunities today.
• I have to say; I am quite surprised Matt LaFleur decided to go for a field goal down 8 at the two-minute mark. He put the game in the hands of Tom Brady against this Packers defense.
• The run defense was prepared today, holding the Bucs’ RBs to under 4 yards per carry.
• Somehow, the Green Bay Packers came out on top in the turnover battle after falling behind 2-0.
• Ultimately it was a loss, but this game could have ended similarly to Week 6. But this team fought their way back and gave themselves a chance.
• Rodgers was 33/48 for 346 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception.
• In the end, too many mistakes were made, and not enough plays when it mattered.
• Was this the last we’ve seen of Aaron Jones, Kevin King, and Corey Linsley in a Packers’ uniform? That will be discussed at length this offseason.
• Heck of a season, this team was really good this year. No doubt a tough end.