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Why and how they won: Green Bay Packers outlast San Diego Chargers

By Kenn Korb

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Oct 18, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts following a missed touchdown on fourth down during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Holding Up Under Pressure

When a defense has to be on the field as long as this one was, it can be extremely difficult for them to have a great day. With all the injury issues plaguing the team as well, it is even more tasking to stop an opposing offense, especially if they are led by an excellent quarterback like Philip Rivers.

They got beat on many occasions across the field Sunday, but the defense stepped up in a number of key pressure moments to stave off a valiant onslaught from San Diego.

After Green Bay scored their opening touchdown (7-0), the Chargers drove down the field only for the Packers to hold them to a field goal attempt (7-3). The third San Diego drive went into Green Bay territory with the Chargers down (14-3), but eventually was stopped on downs. On the fourth drive (17-3), Melvin Gordon was forced into fumbling. These efforts helped to stage that much-needed early lead for Green Bay.

Later on when things were getting closer (24-17), San Diego was again driving but got held to a field goal (24-20). After getting the ball back again, San Diego was forced into another punt, this time in Green Bay territory (24-20). Then on that final drive San Diego got all the way right near the end-zone needing to score a touchdown to tie (27-20), only for them to get stopped on downs, with Damarious Randall knocking away the final pass attempt of Rivers.

The stats weren’t great on the day by any means, but in the end those don’t matter. All that really makes a difference is if when the clock strikes zero, your team is in the lead.

It may have been close toward the finish, but Green Bay found a way to make the plays when they needed them to complete the victory.

Now they sit at 6-0 going into their bye week and can heal up before playing Denver.

They’ve proven in games like this one they can handle the pressure of the big moment; that should help in that upcoming battle of undefeateds.

Next: What makes Lambeau Field so great?

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