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Five takeaways from Green Bay Packers’ victory over Houston Texans

By Freddie Boston

Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) signals a first down in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Wesley/Green Bay Press Gazette via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) signals a first down in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Wesley/Green Bay Press Gazette via USA TODAY Sports /

Packers play best ball when it counts

Following Ryan Griffin’s game-tying touchdown midway through the third quarter, the Packers’ playoff hopes looked as uncertain as ever. Momentum was firmly in Houston’s corner, who had forced three straight Packers punts.

Then came the fourth quarter.

A nine-yard strike to Richard Rodgers began a bold 98-yard drive that resulted in a go-ahead touchdown. The Packers would never lose the lead.

Aaron Rodgers looked sharp, refusing to give in to a nagging hamstring injury. Ty Montgomery, Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers all made key plays to move the Packers downfield, before Jordy Nelson strolled into the end zone for the drive-defining play.

The defense took just seven plays to hand the ball back to Rodgers, who led another emphatic drive. Over four minutes and 89 yards later, the Packers were in the end zone again courtesy of fullback Aaron Ripkowski, his second touchdown in as many games. Ballgame.

A late flurry from the Texans bumped up the box score, but two huge offensive drives in the fourth quarter ensured the Packers remain hot on the heels of the division-leading Lions with four to play.

It took a while to get going, but the Packers saved their best ball for crunch time.

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