Why They Won: Green Bay Packers defeat Detroit Lions at Lambeau … again

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a touchdown pass while under pressure from Detroit Lions defensive end

(91) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Rodgers was injured on the play and had to leave the game. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

A Leader’s Fall (& Greater Rise)

Everybody saw it, and if they didn’t they know what happened by now.

During a late drive in the second quarter, Rodgers was leading the Packers to a drive deep in Lions’ territory. He drops back on a play, then proceeds to move out of the pocket while searching for an opening.

He finds one, but just as he is about to release the ball, Rodgers crumbles in a heap. He completed the pass for a score and a 14-0 lead, but it didn’t matter. Everybody was focused on the Packers’ leading man down on the turf.

In the heads of many (myself included), things just went heavily bleak. And with a couple faltering drives by the Flynn-led offense, it didn’t look any bit more inspiring.

But then the cameras cut over to the tunnel, where Aaron Rodgers is slowly walking back out. He takes the field with the next offensive possession and even despite being obviously limited physically manages to lead the team to victory, earning himself and his team a much-needed extra week off plus a home game in the playoffs.

Rodgers’ stats were not otherworldly on the day, but it was still impressive against a highly-ranked defense. He completed 17/22 passes for 226 yards and 2 TDs. He also garnered a couple rushes for 14 yards and a TD, both of which came after his calf reaggravation.

Despite having very little mobility, Rodgers continued to show how great he is. Even with missing time and that lack of mobility, he still managed an epic-level QBR of 97.5* on the day, which some quarterbacks couldn’t hope to attain even if the opposing defense sat on the sidelines.

His performance not only secured the #2 seed for his team in the playoffs, but yet another legendary moment in what has been – and should continue to be – an amazing career to this point.

*The average score for QBR is 50.0

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