Sunday, December 16, 2007

Final: Packers 33 - Rams 14

The Packers win 33-14 over the Rams. The Packers get a first-round playoff bye, courtesy of the Panthers beating the Seahawks, and will host a playoff game either Jan. 12 or 13. Brett Favre becomes the all-time passing yards leader on a 7-yard pass to Donald Driver. The Packers go to 12-2 on the season. Amazing.

What more is there to know? The rest is just details. A couple sacks for Barnett, one by Kampman, and one shared by Hawk and KGB. Another interception thrown by Brett on a pattern almost exactly the same as the pick in the first half. But also another pick by Bigby on another pass deflection.

Last week, Will Blackmon was the star of special teams. Today, Koren Robinson really excelled on kickoff returns. Ryan Grant only carried 18 times for 55 yards...the Pack really didn't run as much as expected today, with only 23 carries overall for a net of 52 yards. The lack of an effective ground game today was apparent, especially given field position. The Packers had favorable field position virtually all day, starting in Rams territory at least 4 times, perhaps more. They did get 2 TDs as a result, but more often than not wound up having to settle for a field goal. Mason Crosby thus had a fine day in this regard, nailing four 3-pointers.

So, still things to work on, including continuing to get players healthy. It didn't appear as if anyone suffered any serious injuries today, so that's always a plus.

Next Sunday, it's Da Bearz at Soldier Field. Then back to Lambeau on Dec. 30 for the regular season finale against Detroit. Then there's that valuable first round bye and an even more valuable home game in the second round of the playoffs. Oh baby....ya gotta like it!