Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers knew that they needed to make a statement this week in a game against the lowly New York Giants. Despite this matchup being a bit of a trap game, the Packers took control of the game and ended up winning by a final score of 31-13. With that win, the team improved to 9-3 on the season and appear to be a lock to make the playoffs.
While the Packers were only up 17-13 at one point in the third quarter, the defense started stepping up in the second half. They allowed the Giants to score just one field goal in the final two quarters and also forced two interceptions from Daniel Jones.
Offensively, Rodgers looked like an MVP and ended up completing 21 of his 33 pass attempts for 243 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Those numbers raise his season totals to 22 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has been great once again this year and has been able to remain healthy.
Matt LaFleur and company have to be feeling very good about themselves moving forward. They will face off against the struggling Washington Redskins next week, which should be another win. Assuming they win that game, the Packers will finish the year with some key divisional matchups against the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at what we learned about the Packers from their win over the Giants.
What Did We Learn About the Packers?
Quite frankly, we learned that the Packers are not going to allow a loss to impact them past that single game. Aaron Jones made the strong statement that good teams never lose twice in a row and the Packers made it a point to win this game convincingly. The first half wasn't great, but Green Bay made the plays they needed to make.
We learned that Rodgers is without question playing at an MVP level. He likely won't win the award with the seasons that Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson have been having, but his name is firmly in the conversation.
Mike Pettine's defense has had an up-and-down season. There is no question that they are improved from one year ago, but they have a lot of work to do. Green Bay showed flashes of brilliance and playmaking ability, which will be pivotal if they want to make a postseason run.
Aaron Jones didn't have a good game once again this week, carrying the football just 11 times for 18 yards. LaFleur and company would like to get him more involved, but opposing defenses have focused on shutting him down. Jamaal Williams stepped in and picked up 41 yards on 10 carries, which helped balance the offense a bit.
Finally, we saw the receivers step up and play to their potential. Davante Adams finally made a massive impact once again, catching six passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Green Bay also saw Allen Lazard make some big plays, with three receptions for 103 yards and a score.
There is no question that the Packers are Super Bowl contenders. Beating the Giants is a must and was expected, but they took care of business and helped position themselves for a potential first-round bye in the playoffs if they can get some help with teams beating the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Green Bay is for real and a blowout loss to the 49ers isn't going to change that.
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