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Five takeaways from Packers’ wild-card victory over Giants

By Freddie Boston

Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs past New York Giants cornerback Trevin Wade (31) to score a touchdown during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs past New York Giants cornerback Trevin Wade (31) to score a touchdown during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Christine Michael (32) stiff arms New York Giants defensive end Romeo Okwara (78) during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Christine Michael (32) stiff arms New York Giants defensive end Romeo Okwara (78) during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Christine Michael provides spark to run game

Ty Montgomery found little success against New York’s suffocating defense, a front seven dominant against the run. Montgomery fought hard on 11 carries but offered little between the tackles. The Giants were able to shut down the run game and tee off on Aaron Rodgers.

Christine Michael went a way to stopping that. The former Seahawk averaged 4.5 yards per carry on his 10 attempts, providing the necessary spark to allow Green Bay’s offense to hit top gear.

Michael ripped off consecutive runs of 10, four, nine and four yards as the Packers finally put together some consistency on the ground.

The Packers don’t need a dominant rushing attack to succeed in the playoffs, just one that can keep defenses honest. Michael’s success immediately opened up the play-action passing game, something we saw little of in the immediate aftermath of Eddie Lacy’s season-ending ankle injury.

Running the ball and controlling the clock will be important in Dallas. Between Michael, Montgomery and fullback Aaron Ripkowski, the Packers should have enough talent to move the ball effectively, with the hope of easing the pass rush and freeing up shots downfield.

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