Packers: Three reasons why they defeated the Bills in Week 4

Three reasons why the Green Bay Packers defeated the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.

Looking to redeem themselves from a Week 3 loss versus Washington, the Packers returned home to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. Following Buffalo’s blowout win versus Minnesota just a week before, the Bills posed a serious threat to Green Bay.

Yet, the Packers easily won this game 22-0. In victory Green Bay made us all remember why Buffalo was considered the worst team in the league before their Minnesota victory.

There were both good and bad takeaways from this game. After not be able to stop Washington’s offense, Green Bay’s defense pitched a shutout versus Buffalo.

But the offense looked pedestrian at best after a fast start. Even Rodgers said postgame that the offense should have scored way more than 22 points.

Here are three reasons why the Packers won:

1. Complete defensive play

In the NFL its very difficult to not allow a team to score at all. Most of the time during a blowout a team puts together one drive to put up pride points, and avoid the shutout. However, that was not the case for the Bills, as Green Bay pitched its first shutout since 2010.

The Packers had their most sacks in a game this season versus Buffalo, putting up seven sacks and adding 11 quarterback hits that helped force two interceptions of Josh Allen. Rookie Jaire Alexander got his first interception of his career, while Ha Ha Clinton-Dix got his third pick in three weeks.

The defense was outstanding both in the running and passing game. Overall the Bills only managed to gain a 145 yards, averaging 2.2 yards per pass and 3.6 yards per rush.

Where Green Bay was special was on third down. Forcing Buffalo into third-and-long situations helped them get all those sacks. On third down the defense was able to get off the field, as Buffalo was 3-16 on third downs.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s defense did what its suppose to do when you face a rookie quarterback at home.

2. Production from running back trio

As I mentioned earlier, Rodgers was very upset at the offensive performance. Being that all Bills drives ended in either a turnover or punt, the Packers only managing to score 22 isn’t good. However, the one thing that shined on offense was the running back group.

Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery performed well against the Bills. Montgomery showed why he is the most versatile back of the three on a 47-yard reception that set up Jimmy Graham‘s touchdown.

Montgomery was Green Bay’s third leading receiver, which was needed as Randall Cobb did not play in this game.

Since returning from his suspension, Aaron Jones has shown nothing but explosiveness. Jones is even making the case that he should take over the backfield in terms of carries. On just 11 carries, Jones had 65 yards and added a touchdown. In the coming weeks, expect Jones to see more time on the field.

The trio of running backs helped Green Bay rush for over 100 yards for the first time this season. A duplicate performance from trio is highly possibly next week versus a Lions defense that ranks last in rushing yards allowed.

3. Ball control

With a quarterback with such talents as Aaron Rodgers, the Packers tend to score quickly. Winning time of possession isn’t something the Packers often do. Nonetheless, in a game where Rodgers was only average, Green Bay did just that.

The Packers had the ball for 35 minutes while the Buffalo had the ball for 25 minutes. Although the Packers only scored two touchdowns, they still sustained long drives and only had one three-and-out the entire game.

These long drives were credit to Green Bay’s great success on third down. On the game, the Packers were 11-19 on third down. Those conversions kept Buffalo off the field and limited any comeback effort.

When your quarterback has nearly 300 yards passing, it’s hard to just say they’re just managing the game. Though, in a rare occasion, Rodgers was a game manager versus Buffalo. Rodgers just converted on third downs and allowed the defense and running game to win the game.