Packers: Top five performers in Week 8 loss vs. Rams
By Jesse Fry
The Green Bay Packers’ top five performers in their Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
A heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Rams has the Packers heading into another big matchup at 3-3-1.
Early in the game it looked as if the Packers would have their way with the Rams. Mike Pettine’s defense had the high-powered Rams offense off balance and quarterback Jared Goff under duress. For the first time all season, the Rams punted on five straight possessions.
Three straight third down sacks put the Packers in good position to take control. But they could only muster 10 points versus the Rams defense.
Even with the offense stalling after the first quarter, the Packers still found themselves in a position to win the game. After a late field goal the Packers were only down two points and looked to get the ball back with 2:05 left on the clock.
Then, sigh, an ill-advised return attempt ended the team’s chance to steal a win and give the Rams their first loss of the season.
Let’s get something straight, Ty Montgomery did not cost the Packers the game. Ultimately yes, Montgomery gave up a chance to win the game, but that game should not have been close to begin with.
Mike McCarthy’s carousel use of running backs and questionable play-calling (so much so that a friend of mine’s father suggested McCarthy takes that paper he stares at and put it some place not so pleasant) put the Packers in the spot they were in.
With all the success Green Bay had in the first quarter in the run game, it was hardly used from that point on.
McCarthy switched tactics and started using more four wide receiver sets and got away from what was having success, multiple tight ends and running Aaron Jones, while mixing in a short quick passing game.
If the lead was 17-0 I could see using that plan. It’s something the Patriots do with great success, but as it was, the offense was starting to sputter as soon as he made the change and the Packers only had a 10-point lead that was quickly erased and made a 10-point deficit.
What could have been a galvanizing win is now just a loss of what could’ve been.
Next up for the Packers is a showdown with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Before we look ahead, let’s look at the top five performers from the Week 8 loss to the Rams.