Last Sunday night the Packers handled business against the Seahawks in Seattle. The Packers gained their first win in Seattle since 2008. Green Bay’s Monday Night Football matchup features the Saints.
First and foremost, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the impressive win Green Bay earned in Seattle last Sunday. As I stated before, it was important for Green Bay to establish the run game and find a way to pressure Geno Smith. The Packers did just that.
Josh Jacobs scored on the Packers opening drive of the game. He would go on to finish the game with 26 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. Jacobs was practically unstoppable in the first half. The Seahawks made excellent adjustments in the second half and found a way to slow down Jacobs. Overall, he ignited the first two drives which resulted in touchdowns and an early 14-0 lead.
Despite the adjustments, Jacobs continued to impact the game through receiving as well. Jacobs logged 4 catches on 4 targets for 42 yards.
Josh Jacobs once again played a large role in the success of the offense Sunday, as did Romeo Doubs. Romeo Doubs had two touchdowns on the night. Both of which were definitely “wow” plays. His first touchdown came from a pass from Jordan Love on a slant. Doubs powered his way through two Seahawks defenders to score.
Romeo Doubs second touchdown grab came on diving catch from around 22 yards out. Doubs continues to solidify himself as the most consistent wider receiver for the Packers.
The Packers defense logged seven sacks on Sunday night. Carrington Valentine even snagged an interception from Geno Smith early in the redzone. The most notable performance came from rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Cooper put on such a great performance that he was selected as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week, his second time winning the honor this season. Cooper recorded five tackles, two of which were tackles for loss, two passes defended, a sack and an interception.
The rookie linebacker was everywhere Sunday night. There is no excuse for Cooper to not earn more snaps, especially with the absence of Quay Walker who is likely to miss some time with an ankle injury. Cooper stated “My plan was just to go out there and have fun. I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s just football at the end of the day. Go out there, do what I need to do.”
The Packers did everything they needed to do Sunday to earn a nice victory over a team on a four-game winning streak. What lies ahead is a Monday Night Football matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
The Packers played the Saints last season and had a miraculous comeback win that ended in a final score of 18-17. The Saints have struggled with injuries this season and will be without starting quarterback Derek Carr Sunday and could also be without running back Alvin Kamara.
The Saints currently sit at 5-9 and are on a two-game winning streak. The Packers have a chance to clinch a playoff berth Monday night. Here’s how Green Bay can secure their spot.
- 1. Win or tie the Saints – yes, Green Bay can get into the playoffs with a win Monday night
- 2. Atlanta loss or tie to Giants + LAR loss or tie to Jets (both unlikely)
- 3. Atlanta loss or tie to Giants + Seattle loss or tie to Minnesota
Win and in. That’s all. The Saints will look to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler to command the offense. With a frigid game in sight for Monday night, give me Green Bay 35-10. The Packers control their destiny Monday night and have the chance to once again secure their spot in the postseason.
