After a shaky first quarter, the Packers offensive line finally started to play well to give Rodgers time and open running lanes for James Starks and Eddie Lacy, who combined for 116 yards on 24 carries. After a 35-18 win, Green Bay returns to the site of its most lopsided loss of the season a 38-8 trumping by the Cardinals in front of a lot of Green Bay fans who made it into the game.
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“The only thing that game we had against them a few weeks ago helped us with is that we got them on film against our defense, versus our scheme”, cornerback Jerraud Powers said.
The hard work has paid off.
After the Redskins jumped out to an 11-0 lead, the Packers rallied in the second quarter to take a 17-11 advantage into half-time at the FedEx Field in Maryland. James Starks is an option, but do you want a backup running back on a team that’s expected to lose by a touchdown? “You like that!” That’s the catch phrase coined by Cousins after a comeback victory earlier this season, and he heard it again, loudly, after scoring on a draw from 3 yards out early in the third quarter of his first playoff start, putting Washington ahead 18-17. “It hasn’t been discussed at all”, said Cousins, 29 for 46 for 329 yards with one throwing TD and one lost fumble. “So I enjoy our relationship and “it’s great that everybody got to see some good clips” is my answer”.
Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) celebrates with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after wide receiver Davante Adams caught a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. Outside of the sack, Rodgers threw 21-for-36, 210 yards, and two touchdowns. “When we got the tempo going, it snowballed”, Rodgers said after the game.
First, they need a little rest.
The Packers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games against the Cardinals.
I asked the first, leaning on his lengthy experience in the league, I wanted to know what he’s learned about what and more importantly, what not to do during a well earned bye week.
Offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett spoke highly of Rodgers’ football mind.
“Our defense making a goal-line stand was a huge turning point”, McCarthy said after the game.
“There’s a high percentage that they make them, but you’ve still got to do it”.
Until late this season, the Packers have had the luxury of having the same kicker (Mason Crosby), holder (Tim Masthay) and long snapper (Brett Goode) since 2010. After missing the last three games with an injured ankle, left tackle David Bakhtiari could be ready to return to the starting lineup.
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After the Washington game, McCarthy joked with reporters: “When you get to the playoffs, you don’t have to talk about the regular season anymore”. “But I think we had the answers for them”.
