The Green Bay Packers’ home opener in Week 3 of the preseason was somewhat like a reunion. Familiar faces such as defensive MVP Charles Woodson returned as well as receiver James Jones. Both Raiders were part of the Super Bowl Packers just four years ago. It’s always nice to see old friends, and even nicer to beat them.
The Pack showed up the visiting Oakland Raiders 31-21.
Aaron Rodgers led the hurry up offense down the field for another opening drive td. The 7 play-73 yard drive ended with an Eddie Lacy run up the gut and into the endzone taking just over three minutes.
Lacy ran strong as always totaling 36 yards on just six carries. His impressive upgrade in average yards per carry looks to be a significant goal for the bulldozing back.
Rodgers is still on fire finishing 9-for-20 with 139 yards and two touchdowns to Jordy Nelson and Andrew Quarless.
Coach Mike McCarthy’s aggressive play-calling was something that sticks out. We can speculate that he wanted to see goal line offense more in the preseason. They cashed in a couple of two point conversions.
Julius Peppers closes in like a lion on the prowl.Despite what the score may suggest, the Pack’s defense dominated. They forced three fumbles and recovered two. Up and coming linebacker Nick Perry got a strip sack. Jayrone Elliott recorded his fourth sack in two weeks. He’s become a preseason star.
And the moment we’ve all been waiting for, has come. Julius Peppers has arrived. Peppers is looking good in the green and gold. He got his first sack as a Packer, adding two tackles for loss.
But a cloud has come over Lambeau Field. Everyone’s worst fear in the preseason is getting hurt. The wins and losses don’t matter much in August, adding insult to injury.
Nose tackle B.J. Raji suffered an arm injury in the first quarter and did not return. He was seen later on the sideline with a huge ice pack covering his massive bicep while lifting just one arm to celebrate Perry’s forced fumble. Raji’s worst fear is now a reality. His right bicep is completely torn. A league source reported Saturday that Raji will be out for the entire 2014 season. The nose tackle position is an extremely vital role in the Packers’ 3-4 defense. Despite his recent struggles, this was supposed to be a prove it year for B.J. Now stripped of possibly his last opportunity in Green Bay, he’ll have to sit out unable to return to his Pro Bowl form at least for another year.
The Packers won their home opener but lost a lot more.