Packers Hold Off Rams, Set Up Showdown in Metrodome
Well it wasn't pretty or easy but the Green Bay Packers defeated the St. Louis Rams 36-17 Sunday to improve to 2-1.
The Packers improved on several areas of weakness from last week. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked just twice, down from six a week ago. Running back Ryan Grant rushed for 99 yards and the defense was able to generate turnovers.
The Packers had several early opportunities to turn the game into a blow out. A blocked field goal gave the Packers the ball and momentum but the offense was held to just a field goal.
Kicker Mason Crosby added another field goal after Linebacker Aaron Kampman sacked Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, forcing a fumble which was recovered by defensive end Johnny Jolly on the St. Louis 15 yard line.
After cornerback Al Harris recovered a fumble by running back Stephen Jackson on the Rams 12 yard line, giving the offense excellent field position again, the Packers went backwards. Crosby added a third field goal to give Green Bay a 9-0 lead.
It looked as though the Packers might have blown a golden opportunity to end the game early when the Rams came back to within six halfway through the third quarter. But Green Bay was able to hold off the hapless Rams, who have now lost 13 games in a row, dating back to last season.
The win sets up a showdown between the Packers and Minnesota Vikings next week on Monday Night Football. The Vikings beat the San Francisco 49ers today to improve to 3-0 on a last second touchdown pass by Brett Favre.
The game was already going to be monumental with Favre playing against his former team of 16 years. Now add in the fact that the teams will be battling for first place in the NFC North and you have the perfect storm.
The Packers, however, have much more to worry about than facing their former quarterback. Despite the win today, there are many improvements needed.
The offense was hot and cold, not exactly dominant and blew several opportunities to blow the game wide open. The defense still gave up 117 yards to Jackson. With Adrian Peterson looming next week, the Packers better shore up their run defense or they might be in for a long night.
But for now, all is well in Packerland....until next week.
