The Green Bay Packers’ Jordy Nelson might be the most underrated wideout in the league. But he’s fine with it. Aaron Rodgers and the Pack know they have someone special. After all, Nelson did just sign a four-year extension over the Summer.
With a career high 209 receiving yards on nine catches and a touchdown bomb, it’s safe to say he’ll get a bit more attention.
After the Packers battled back from 18 down to defeat the New York Jets Sunday, fellow receiver Randall Cobb yelled out among the ecstatic locker room, “Mr. 200!”
The Pack had to scratch and claw for a “W” in their home opener. After getting embarrassed by the champs last week, combined with the daunting schedule of three straight division games, two of which are on the road; Week 2 needed a good start. Instead, it was the Jets flying high.
Cheeseheads got a headache as Rodgers fumbled the snap on the first play of the game. The Jets’ Geno Smith ran in for an early 7-0 lead. After a few punts and mere field goal, Green Bay found themselves in a deep hole down 21-3. The weird part ironically also was the good news. It was only the second quarter and Geno Smith is running up the score on Dom Capers’ defense. On the other hand, there was a lot of time for a comeback.
Tramon Williams snatches the interception on his own goal line.Coach Mike McCarthy deserves credit for staying patient. His kicker Mason Crosby had an amazing game booming a 55 yarder just to keep it close. A field goal here, a field goal there, and bang! Mike Daniels forces Smith to throw a duck and always reliable Tramon Williams comes down with the interception. The Jets committed the cardinal sin, turning the ball over just before the half. “Looks like Mr. Momentum may be changing his address.”
With 1:52 remaining in the half, A-Rod spread the ball downfield for 97 yards capping it off with a laser to Randall Cobb. The Pack still had work to do. The defense finally stepped up, allowing just three points in the second half.
Clay Matthews and Mike Daniels got to Geno Smith and Mike Vick for sacks. A.J. Hawk commanded the middle shutting down the Jets’ run game. Even the rookie receiver Davante Adams chipped in with five catches for 50 yards.
But, to seal Lambeau Field’s home opener, Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson on a beautiful double move for 80 yards. Nelson ran into the endzone and hopped up to hug the crowd. His first Lambeau Leap of the year might be the most memorable.
Jordy Nelson's Lambeau Leap gets the Cheeseheads going wild.Some people will remember this game as another breakdown by Rex Ryan’s Jets. It was a close call, literally, as a “ghost” signaled timeout negating Smith’s would-be game tying touchdown. Some say, better lucky than good. I would say the Packers were both. Their defense stepped up again turning the ball over on downs.
In closing time, with the Jets on their heels, no timeouts, third down at the two minute warning; McCarthy had to make a crucial decision. Play it safe, run the ball, kill the clock and finish on defense giving Smith another chance; or win now and throw for the first down. Of course, A-Rod finds Jordy Nelson on a hitch to break 200 and push the Packers to (1-0). What a fitting end to a career day.