Aaron Rodgers explains how Packers went from dead-to-rights to win-and-in
Aaron Rodgers detailed how the Green Bay Packers were able to pull themselves from potentially missing the playoffs to being in the hunt for a Wild Card berth.
After Week 12, the Green Bay Packers were 4-7 on the year, and were seemingly destined to hold an early pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Since then, the Packers have done nothing but win games. In Week 17, the Packers won their fourth game in a row, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 41-17. Now, they control their playoff destiny, as a win over the Detroit Lions in Week 18 will help them officially clinch a playoff berth.
After the game, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that this game was the first time that they played complimentary football. Perhaps the most telling thing he said was “we’re becoming a more dangerous team.”
Aaron Rodgers says Packers have become a ‘more dangerous team’
The Packers looked like the better team in Week 17, despite the fact that the Vikings clinched the NFC North weeks ago. Green Bay was dominant on offense, defense, and special teams.
After trailing 3-0 to Minnesota, Green Bay was able to take the lead on a 105-yard kickoff return touchdown by special teams ace Keisean Nixon. Later, in the first quarter, the Packers were able to extend their lead to 14-3 after safety Darnell Savage intercepted a pass from Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and returned it for a touchdown.
From there, the Packers were able to score 13 points on their next three drives. The route was officially on.
Rodgers had just 24 pass attempts on the evening, completing 15 of them for 159 yards and one touchdowns. He also scored a two-yard rushing touchdown in the contest.
Running back Aaron Jones picked up 111 yards on 14 carries, while A.J. Dillon recorded 41 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Green Bay’s defense made Cousins’ night miserable, as they picked him off three times, and forced two fumbles on him, one of which was recovered. They also hit the Vikings quarterback eight times in the game.
The Packers have gotten hot at the right time, and are facing a win-and-in situation in the final week of the regular season. If they lose to the Lions, they are officially out. Regardless of what happens, the fact the Packers are controlling their playoff destiny in Week 18 after their rough start to the season is truly remarkable.
