Packers vs. Rams instant takeaways: Defense, run game carries Packers to victory
What if I told you a 3-5 football team with a backup quarterback was facing a 2-5 football team, that is the youngest in the NFL, riding a four-game losing streak and been outscored in the first half 73-9 of their last five games. What would you envision?
Well, the Green Bay Packers’ 20-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was probably what you’d expect.
It was a sloppy, sloppy football game on both sides for large stretches of the game, but the Packers came away with the convincing win behind some late scores to improve to 3-5. While not perfect by any means, Green Bay did make strides in the right direction on Sunday.
Live from the press box, here are my instant takeaways from the Packers’ performance.
— The Packers won but this was a team that still couldn’t get out of its own way—they are their own worst enemy. Jordan Love missed Christian Watson on a downfield pass in the end zone. There were drops, two fumbles, and way too many penalties. A perfect encapsulation of all of this was on the Packers’ final drive before halftime. A drop by Malik Heath and then a sack by Love nearly derailed the drive. They converted the first down, however, a false start by Jayden Reed took Green Bay out of field goal before a well-executed quick pass and spike put them in range. Then after all of that, Anders Carlson missed the kick.
— What’s that? You want another example? The Packers began the second half with a 51-yard kick return. Love completed a pass to Dontayvion Wicks, who tried to extend for the first down but then fumbled and the Rams recovered. The number and variety of mistakes this team conjures up is wild.
— The Packers entered the game as the most penalized team in the NFL and it was an issue again. Green Bay was penalized eight times with several negating positive plays on offense. Not coincidentally, on the Packers three scoring drives they didn’t have a penalty on any of them.
— With that said, one very much improved area for the Packers was the play of the offensive line. Love had plenty of time in the pocket, which led to some more success in the passing game than what we’ve seen, and there were some running lanes created. You’re never going to truly stop Aaron Donald, but Green Bay didn’t allow him to take over and dominate. As a team, the Packers averaged nearly 5.0 yards per rush—bolstered by a 21-yard run by Reed and a 31-yard run by Emanuel Wilson. Their season average was 3.8.
— Matt LaFleur said on Friday that they were ready to cut Aaron Jones loose, and we saw that. Jones had four touches on the Packers first five offensive plays. He finished 20 carries and six targets in the passing game. His stats don’t leap off the page, but his ability to create a positive play in most instances is beyond valuable for an offense struggling to do so.
— The run game wasn’t dominant – although it was improved as alluded to – but it’s amazing what having even some semblance of a running game can do for the offense. Green Bay was able to lean on play-action more, and it was utilized on the 21-yard run by Reed. The run game helped keep the Packers ahead of the sticks rather than in long down-and-distances, allowing them to get into their game plan and set up opportunities in the passing game. The playmaking burden was taken off of Love’s shoulders and he put together an efficient performance with much more sound decision-making overall.
— Also, credit to the receivers and tight ends in the run game. These two position groups threw some key blocks and brought the energy that regard.
— Yes, it was Brett Rypien at quarterback, but also a good performance by the Packers defense who was put in several difficult situations. With a pair of seventh-round rookies starting in the secondary in Carrington Valentine and Anthony Johnson, they didn’t let Cooper Kupp nor Puka Nacua take over. The Rams averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per play and less than 3.0 yards per rush. The edge rushers, in particular, were very good against the run with the Rams really trying to establish the run game between the tackles. Green Bay also forced two takeaways.
— Brian Gutekunst said earlier this week that in trading Rasul Douglas the team will have the opportunity to see more of Carrington Valentine. In his last start against Denver, Valentine was picked on. However, today he was all over the receivers when targeted and was playing aggressively. Speaking of rookies, interior defender Karl Brooks had a really nice day as well, including two tipped passes and holding up well in the run game.
— Dontayvion Wicks led the team in receptions. He totaled 49 yards, catching all four of his targets. He is one of the more smooth route runners you will see and has a very good release package at the line of scrimmage to create space. His role should continue to grow. In general, Jordan Love found a lot of success connecting with his receivers on out routes.
