3 Big Things from Green Bay Packers Chaotic Win in Baltimore
By Paul Bretl
![Dec 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83)] divers for a touchdown during the second half HG at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Ff5b0c4344b9aaf9c8608b5067da823c8cd038600ecb3592d6915382a14d548d5.jpg "Dec 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83)] divers for a touchdown during the second half HG at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports")
I imagine that game ended up much closer than what was expected at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Green Bay Packers were able to come away with the win in Baltimore. And with that win, the Packers move to 11-3, clinch the NFC North, and maintain control of the one-seed–not to mention that Tampa Bay and Arizona both lost.
Now that we’ve had time to digest what took place on Sunday, I have my three big things from the Green Bay Packers’ performance against the Ravens.
A big day for MVS
As Aaron Rodgers said following the game, “that’s the Marquez I know.”
Sunday was a big day for Marquez Valdes-Scantling as he posted five receptions on seven targets for 98 yards and a touchdown. But perhaps even more impressive than the numbers is that he won in multiple ways, and several of those catches came at key moments during the game.
This is a Ravens’ secondary that has had to deal with numerous injuries this season, and the end result has been a defense that has given up a lot of passing yards and a lot of big plays. Valdes-Scantling would average nearly 20 yards per catch against Baltimore, winning from both out wide and in the slot as well as downfield and on intermediate routes. He also came up with a fourth-quarter touchdown and some third-down receptions as well.
When MVS is playing well, this Green Bay Packers offense can really hit a whole new stratosphere. With that speed of his, there really isn’t anyone else who can win downfield like he can. But he’s also been incredibly effective from the slot as well, with 12 receptions on 15 targets for 18.8 yards per catch. In fact, Valdes-Scantling’s 3.53 yards per route run from the slot ranks 11th in the NFL, just behind Davante Adams at 3.56 per PFF ($$)–not bad company.
Compared to a season ago, this Green Bay Packers offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, but one way that they can regain some of that old form is by having more performances like that one from Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Although the offense goes through Adams and Aaron Jones, MVS can help unlock a whole new level.