Reviews & Grades: Packers Rout Cardinals
By jclombardi
Jclombardi reviews & grades Packers victory over Cardinals
Summary: Building upon an early 14-0 lead, the Packers dominated the Cardinals routing the Cardinals 33-7. WR Driver had over the 1,000 yard mark on the season making the Packers to be the only team to have back years with a 4,000 yard passer, a 1,200 yard rusher (RB Grant), and two 1,000 yard receivers (Driver & Jennings). The Packers are 11-5 facing the Cardinals again in a rematch playoff game.
Game Balls: 1. LB Matthews 2. CB Williams 3. QB Rodgers 4. CB Woodson.
Quotes: T Clifton: “I definitely think we’re on a roll. We’ve got some momentum (but) no one’s going to lay down for us. It’s the playoffs. You lose, you go home.”
Report Card–Good, Bad, & Ugly: LA vs SE.
Pass Offense—B vs B-. Playing for 3 quarters, QB “All Day” Rodgers had a solid game with solid protection completing 21 of 26 passes for 235 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, and 117.1 passer rating. WR Driver had 6 receptions for 65. WR Nelson had 1 reception for 51 yards. TE Finley had 4 receptions for 34 yards and 1 touchdown. WR Jennings had 3 receptions for 29 yards.
Rush Offense—B- vs C. All three running backs played well. The Packers had 34 carries for a strong 109 yards. It’s great to see RB Green end his career back with the Packers.
Pass Defense—B+ vs B. The Packers defense had a stellar game. The 3-4 defense stopped the Cardinals with three big interceptions including CB Woodson’s one for a touchdown. The rookies have taken this new 3-4 defense to new heights. LB Matthews and LB Jones were solid at the edge. Yet, the pass rush must improve for the rematch game.
Rush defense—A- vs B+. The short-yardage defense continued their strong performance against the rush as the run defense set a new team record for least yardage allowed in a season. The Cardinals had 14 carries for only 48 yards.
Special teams—B+ vs B. The coverage team had a great day. PR/KR Nelson had 105 return yards. K Crosby kickoffs were solid. He hit a 26 yard field goal. P Kapinos had 2 punts averaging 49 gross yards.
Coaching—B+ vs B. Both the offense and the defense had a stellar game. On offense, the Packers had 24 first downs and 345 total yards. In 3rd down efficiency, they were a decent 5 for 12. In the red zone, they were a good 3 for 5. McCarthy’s decision was correct to play the starters for 3 quarters and to get a dominating win as a confidence builder for the coming playoff game rematch.
Overall Game—B+. In a quasi-exhibition away game against the Cardinals, the Packers won big setting the stage for the first round playoff game rematch.
CBS Overall Game–B. Rodgers came out sizzling as the Packers jumped to a big lead. Charles Woodson had another pick for a touchdown, which should solidify him as the Defensive Player of the Year.
Oates’ Grades: Offense—B. Defense—A. Special Teams—B+. Overall Game—B+.
Rodgers vs Favre series: “Silver Fox” Vikings 12-4 vs “Rodgers” Packers 11-5.
Commentary: The Packers rolled into playoffs setting the stage for a big playoff game rematch.
Preview: Next Sunday, a rematch road game against the Cardinals. With minor injuries, CB Woodson, LB Jones, & DT Pickett will be ready to play for the game.