Another opening drive touchdown for the Green Bay Packers preseason, but this time, it was Aaron Rodgers giving the greatest show on turf at St. Louis Saturday as the Packers defeated the Rams 21-7.
This was Rodgers’ preseason opener, missing the monsoon game last week at Tennessee.
Aaron Rodgers fires a tight spiral.Rodgers drove the Rams backwards for an 86 yard drive to start the game. He looked in midseason form going a perfect 6-for-6 for 47 yards. The Packers went no-huddle all the way. Reining rookie of the year Eddie Lacy carried the ball five times for an impressive 25 yards. And before you know it, A-Rod rolls out of the pocket, launched a missile to Randall Cobb in the back of the endzone.
Next possession, more of the same; Rodgers has all day to throw due to an extremely effective no-huddle drill. Rodgers pumps defenders out of their shoes and finds his tight end Andrew Quarless down the right sideline for a 35 yard gain to close the first quarter.
Quarless finished with a team high four catches for 58 yards. He’s the new starting tight end replacing Jermichael Finley. As long as he holds onto the ball, he’ll hold onto the starting job.
We all wondered if Rodgers would come back to finish what he started in the second quarter. He came back out and threw a laser to Jordy Nelson in the corner of the endzone. But all for not, the score was brought back for a picky penalty “hands to the face” in the trenches.
The Packers settled for a field goal, and Rodgers was done for the day going 11-of-13 for 128 yards and the lone touchdown to Cobb. It’s safe to say though, A-Rod can’t wait to play some more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB_l_VBGTeU
The offensive line was impressive for the second week in a row, especially as the first team offense manhandled the Rams during both scoring drives. A now healthy Brian Bulaga and company seem ready to go no-huddle at any time.
Scott Tolzien is third on the qb depth chart but came in early for some game time. Behind backups on the offensive line, he faced all kinds of pressure. But he held his own. Tolzien went 10-of-15 for 107 yards. He suffered just one sack and didn’t throw any picks which is the best stat of all; no mistakes.
Matt Flynn, Green Bay’s “Super Sub”, entered the second half all warmed up. He linked up with rookie receivers Jeff Janis for a 34 yard score and Davante Adams for a two point conversion making it look easy.
It’s so ironic how we searched the world for a quarterback after A-Rod went down last year. And now, we’re so set, it looks like our backups could be future starters elsewhere.
Rookie linebacker Jayrone Elliott pancakes Austin Davis three times.On the other side, the Packer defense flew to the ball recording seven sacks, three of which came by surprise rookie linebacker Jayrone Elliott. All three sacks actually were back-to-back in four plays.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix blitzed from his safety spot for his first highlight sack as a rookie.
Julius Peppers put on some pressure but was inches away from a sack fumble. We just can’t wait to see him create havoc in the green and gold.
Overall, what does this win mean?
It’s nice to see A-Rod spread the ball around not missing James Jones and Jermichael Finley. The rookies are showing progress. Jeff Janis blazed by the defense on a drag route all the way to the endzone. Davante Adams making up for his muffed punts last week with a two point catch definitely helps his confidence. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is playing like the physical safety we need.
The Packers are proving this preseason that they’re ready. We look forward to more fast starts and forced turnovers by Dom Capers’ defense in Week 3 as the Pack hosts the Oakland Raiders and welcomes some familiar faces.
