3 big things from Green Bay Packers overtime win over New England
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers’ star players carry them to victory
In close, hard-fought games, teams need their best players to take control and drag them to victory, which is what the trio of Allen Lazard, Aaron Jones, and Rashan Gary did on Sunday.
If there is such thing as a quiet 116-yard performance, Lazard had it. Despite the issues with moving the ball, Lazard still topped the 100-yard mark on six receptions, which included moving the chains in crucial situations and setting the Packers up to put points on the board.
Jones, meanwhile, rushed for 110 yards of his own on just 16 carries. The offensive line did a very good job of creating running lanes, and Jones was able to take advantage. There wasn’t much that this Packers offense could count on, but Jones’ playmaking ability was one of them.
Lastly, Gary was a one-man wrecking crew for the Packers’ defense. Gary finished the game with seven tackles, including one for a loss, three sacks, two run stops, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery per PFF. He also generated a key pressure in overtime that resulted in a punt when the Patriots were nearing field goal range.
Rodgers’ turnaround and second-half performance was also a crucial element to this victory as well.
It’s safe to say that without even one of these performances, the outcome of Sunday’s game likely ends differently for the Packers. In big moments and in close games, teams need their stars to shine, and Green Bay got that against New England.