"Chips Report" from Week 2 Packers Win vs. Washington

Aaron Rodgers and James Starks earned "blue chips" when the Packers had a 400-yard passer and 100-yard rusher for the first time in franchise history.

Our weekly "Chips Report" will always include two blue chippers (outstanding, exceptional play), two red chippers (good, though maybe not great) and two cow chips (dud performances). From the Week 2 win against Washington...

Blue Chips

  • Quarterback Aaron Rodgers––Had the Packers not taken the foot off the gas pedal late in the game, Rodgers might have finished the game as Green Bay's single-game passing leader. As it stands, he tied Matt Flynn with 480 yards through the air. Rodgers' ball placement, in particular, was impeccable. On several occasions, including touchdown passes to Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley, Rodgers put the ball where only his receivers could catch them. His final stat line saw him complete 34 of 42 passes with four touchdowns and zero interceptions for a passer rating of 146.0 and an average of 11.4 yards per pass attempt.
  • Running back James Starks––Starks wasn't perfect. He actually had made a couple mistakes in pass protection, but when you become the first Packers player to rush for at least 100 yards in 45 games, you're worthy of a blue chip. Starks became the go-to running option when Eddie Lacy exited the game early in the game with a concussion. He finished the game with 132 yards on 20 carries, an average of 6.6 yards per carry, reinvigorating a Green Bay ground game that's been dormant for years. Starks also added 36 yards receiving on four receptions.

Red Chips

  • Rodgers' receivers––Both James Jones and Randall Cobb finished with single game career highs in receiving yards––Jones with 178 and Cobb with 128. Nelson, meanwhile, only caught three passes, but they went for an average of 22.0 yards and two went for touchdowns. Tight end Jermichael Finley also chipped in six catches for 68 yards and a score. Just about the only blemish was Jones' fumble right before halftime that wiped out a potential scoring opportunity.
  • Cornerback Davon House––House didn't get the start at cornerback, but he made the most of his opportunities, rotating in the game with Sam Shields. He had arguably the best game of his three-year career when he blitzed and sacked Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III off the edge, the Packers' only sack of the day. He also did a good job in pass coverage, nearly forcing a fumble that was called back on review. On special teams, he made a tackle of Christian Thompson after only a three-yard game as a gunner on punt team in the first quarter

Cow Chips

  • Right tackle Don Barclay––In Barclay's defense, he improved as the game went on and his run blocking was largely solid as it helped to pave the way for Starks to rush for over 100 yards, but the Packers right tackle got off to a shaky start to the game. Rodgers was sacked on back-to-back plays on the first drive of the game by Ryan Kerrigan working against Barclay for losses of nine and six yards. The Packers eventually had to settle for a field goal. Then on the Packers' second drive of the game, Barclay had a false start penalty on a series that ended in a three-and-out.
  • Tackling––Back in 2011 when the Packers gave up the most single-season passing yards in the history of the NFL, tackling was an issue and the problems were much the same on Sunday afternoon. A failure to wrap up and tackle was part of the reason Washington was able to rack up 422 total yards, and running back Alfred Morris rushed for more than 100, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. The secondary was at fault more than any other position group with Tramon Williams, Sam Shields and Micah Hyde making costly errors at one point or another.

Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].

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Comments (60)

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Bearmeat's picture

September 15, 2013 at 03:54 pm

Most of Morris' yards came after halftime, when GB was just daring RG3 to chuck it downfield. So they let their foot off the gas too much in the 2nd half on run D. If you play Capers 3/4 pressure scheme to bleed the clock, you end up bleeding yards.

Overall, I'm very happy. Solid, solid win. And when Burnett and Heyward get back: This Defense is going to be very good.

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A Dude's picture

September 15, 2013 at 03:58 pm

If they get back. Hasn't Cow told you? They are lost for the season, as is Lacy.

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Wenis's picture

September 15, 2013 at 03:59 pm

I concur. I am just tired of watching McCarthy play Martyball.

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gbslapshot's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:23 pm

75-39....... That is McCarthy's record playing "Martyball" as you call it. I call it winning football.

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jeremy's picture

September 15, 2013 at 03:59 pm

Starks looked great! Of course he usually does when he is healthy. So the question is can he stay healthy for a whole season? Hopefully there's a first time for everything.

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jack in jersey city's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:06 pm

i'd like to see a lacy/starks rotation throughout the season. hopefully it will keep them both healthy and fresh throughout each game

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Nerd's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:00 pm

ToP was a little better today.

How about Mike Neal!? Move him to Safety! Haha, KIDDING.

I though that dude launched himself helmet to helmet to knock Lacy out. That was disgusting, and he should have been ejected.

Lacy would have busted OUT today, which would have been a great experience for a young player like him.

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Barutan Seijin's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:03 pm

Of course he did. Meriweather has done that his whole career.

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:00 pm

If Lacy and Starks can both stay healthy, I think they'll make a good duo for us.

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Barutan Seijin's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:02 pm

He's not a Packer, but Brandon Meriweather deserves a wet cow chip giving himself a concussion while trying to knock Starks out. Hard to have any sympathy for the jerk.

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TommyG's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:11 pm

That MF needs to be fined for each hit. Obvious dirty hits, intended to hurt players.

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Evan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:18 pm

Yeah, I never cheer for injured players, but when he knocked himself out, I wasn't not happy.

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davyjones's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:50 pm

If they don't fine Meriweather, something is seriously wrong. Also, on the play where Jones fumbled on the goal line, he too, was hit helmet to helmet. On the replay, the side judge was right there...5 feet away...in perfect position to see it...and for the 3rd time the call was not made.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 08:18 pm

Completely agree... I still don't know how he wasn't penalized at the very least on the Lacy hit.

I was happy to see him get knocked out. I don't normally care to see that happen, and I don't root for it, but he deserved it. Its bad enough he knocked out Lacy, but then he tried doing it again against Starks.

I hope the NFL fines him 2x's.

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djbonney138's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:18 pm

Greg who?

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jeremy's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:29 pm

Ponder threw a TD pass to Jennings!

...Tim Jennings

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Nerd's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:58 pm

+1

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KennyPayne's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:20 pm

Aaron Rodgers is on the way to another MVP. He is dialed in.

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Archie's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:35 pm

Greg Jennings gave up the opportunity to be AROD's #1 target for the next 5 years for a measly few bucks. Big mistake. I saw Ponder lead him into a helmet to helmet hit today. He will be lucky to avoid major injury w Ponder throwing to him.

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Evan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:43 pm

Thank god he did, too.

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davyjones's picture

September 15, 2013 at 04:46 pm

How bout the O line opening up GAPING holes for Starks. 6.6 yards a carry?? A Packer RB??? That is pretty chip worthy.

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Lucky953's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:13 pm

Yes!! Running the ball is really helped by confidence leading to belief and commitment. This is a very tough team to defend. Hey, how about Hawk tipping that ball away in deep coverage?

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themasterfake's picture

September 16, 2013 at 12:30 am

hawk has looked faster and tougher in two games - I apologize for all broadcasting jokes.

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Drealyn Williams's picture

September 16, 2013 at 05:41 am

Hawk sure has looked aggressive. He's actually attacking -- and that deep pass deflection he had was impressive.

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Mojo's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:06 pm

Rodgers accuracy was freaky good. Most of his throws are spot on. Hard to believe but he's elevated his game this year so far. He's not holding the ball so far this year either. Can't say enough about how well he's playing

One disappointing aspect to me was how little pressure on RG3 we had after building a large lead. We knew he was going to throw, yet few sacks and hits. Our blitzes never seem to get home. That allowed him to hit a ton of 7 to 15 yard completions over the middle. Plus it seemed apparent RG3 wasn't going to run a lot. The D, I thought was so-so when they should have had a heyday in the second half. Just nitpicking though as it was a good game and nice win.

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Nerd's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:10 pm

I think Rodgers' accuracy is a little off the last year or so.

Especially on those dump off passes to the RBs.

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Oppy's picture

September 15, 2013 at 10:46 pm

Rodgers has -always- had accuracy issues on the extremely short passes (screens, short curls, etc.)

I don't know what it is, but his whole career it's been if he's throwing near or behind the LOS, it's either a dart at the players feet, or a mini-rainbow toss that is 6 feet too far in front of the receiver.

The short game just doesn't come easy for Rodgers.

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Stroh's picture

September 16, 2013 at 12:18 am

Passes that require delicate touch. Rodgers is more than fine on short crisp throws. Rodgers is best on throws w pace and downfield not quite so much on delicate ones.

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themasterfake's picture

September 16, 2013 at 12:29 am

still thinking about that first quarter miss of Lacy in game one...I don't think it's easy to tone down his brain and body to make a quick flip...at last, something he can practice.

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Mojo's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:16 pm

Another blue-chipper to me would be Shields. He was all over the field batting down passes. We should have paid him.

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KurtMc's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:24 pm

Chip to crappy officials. +1 to comment about 3 helmet to helmet, with no call. The holding call on Sitten or Bakhtiari that nullified a TD. Weak.

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KurtMc's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:27 pm

Whoops, I forgot a chip to whom ever kept #12 in the game, only NOT to give him a meaningless record. Perfect Op to get Wallace some PT

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Drealyn Williams's picture

September 16, 2013 at 05:43 am

Wallace some PT. Franklin some PT. Boykin some meaningful PT.

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Runn Fourett's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:27 pm

What a game. Congrats to Starks, wish Lacy well. I suppose the NFL will say something like, we are fining Meriweather for the helmit hit. Ya what about your pussy refs who refuse to toss a person in the game. You can't have it both ways, helmet hits deemed deliberate should be automatic ejection, either that or SHFU about helmit hits.

I think Rogers got screwed on the MVP last year. Ya AP had record yards. Rogers won 11 games with a million injuries. No running game, no defense, no O line and 11 wins.

Great game Pack. Not sure about Datone yet or if Perry is productive enough?

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KurtMc's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:35 pm

Third Chip to whomever limits New Glaurs for. Being sold here in St. Louis. Damn, down to last one!!!

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mudduckcheesehead's picture

September 15, 2013 at 06:16 pm

I know, right? Can't get it in Minny either.

Free the Spotted Cow!

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BradHTX's picture

September 15, 2013 at 10:14 pm

Every time I'm home in Wisconsin, I wrap a case's worth of bottles in bubblewrap, put it in my bag, and fly back to Texas with it. The nectar of the gods!

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Mojo's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:53 pm

Kind of see why arm length for a tackle is important. Kerrigan stiff armed him on that one sack and there was nothing Barclay could do about it. Give him credit - it was a nice move.

Opposing teams are going to aggressively attack our tackles until we prove we can stop them. Else, we need to throw more screens or try to hit something in the vacated areas when they go full bore and leave a part of the field unguarded. We need something to slow that down.

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Nerd's picture

September 15, 2013 at 05:57 pm

SLOWLY we're starting to run some screens.

Wait until Franklin can pass pro. He's a prototypical screen guy.

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C's picture

September 15, 2013 at 06:14 pm

They run screens when blitzed, which Washington did frequently. San Francisco sent 5 or more only 6 times. You don't screen against 4 man fronts, which is what they see more often than not.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 10:10 pm

I agree. I really think they could use Franklin a lot more in the passing game. Not necessarily in just the screen game but in flair out passes and routes out of the backfield. I would like to see them use him in ways that guys like Bush or Sproles are used in, in the passing game.

The other thing that I don't get is they say they don't want to use Franklin because he can't pass block good enough yet, but they put Cobb in the backfield? If they can use Cobb there why can't they use Franklin?

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Stroh's picture

September 15, 2013 at 07:26 pm

Run Lacy and Starks right at the DEs. Make them play the run and t it'll take some pass rush out of their legs.

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hayward4president's picture

September 15, 2013 at 08:20 pm

Like I posted before the game ....#12 put on a clinic.........I told ya so?

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themasterfake's picture

September 16, 2013 at 12:24 am

Predicting 12 to be awesome is not too much of a reach..which is awesome.

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hayward4president's picture

September 16, 2013 at 12:38 pm

Agreed. But ...it was 480 haha.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 08:28 pm

I agree with the Chips report Brian.

I think I will have to add the refs to the weekly cow reports. I think the Packers will be screwed at least 1 time in every game.
This week, the Redskins final TD, I don't see how he had possession of the ball. And for the Ref's to overturn the call on the field was absolutely horrible. Not that it really mattered at all in this game, I just hate that they seem to have a really bad call go against them each week.

That's not including the bad holding penalty's, and the helmet to helmet hits by Merriweather.

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Evan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 08:42 pm

I had forgotten about that. Total bullshit.

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 09:47 pm

It's getting out of control. And the football gods threw in one bonus crap call to cause the Badgers to lose. What did we do to anger them???

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RC Packer Fan's picture

September 15, 2013 at 10:17 pm

No doubt...
Wisconsin fans have definitely angered the gods somehow...

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THEMichaelRose's picture

September 17, 2013 at 08:26 am

I was at the game in Tempe. Yikes.

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dawg's picture

September 15, 2013 at 10:14 pm

Cow Chips to the Refs, on missing --Leading w/ the crown of the helmet, TWICE! Merriewheather should be fined and suspended.
WTF!

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Drealyn Williams's picture

September 16, 2013 at 05:46 am

**Raises hand** WTF is MD Jennings still on the team? Why does he even get snaps?

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FITZCORE 1252'S EVO's picture

September 16, 2013 at 07:47 am

Re Barclay, on the second sack, wasn't Kerrigan lined up elsewhere and stunted in up the gut? Or am I remembering that wrong... Which is quite possible.

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PackerPete's picture

September 16, 2013 at 11:36 am

you are right. EDS should've picked him up actually, but got off his block too late.

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Stroh's picture

September 16, 2013 at 11:54 am

I think Kerrigan just took an inside rush. Baclay still gave up both Kerrigan sacks. Barclay had better start playing better or Newhouse will pass him. I don't think either is playing very well.

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dgtalmn's picture

September 16, 2013 at 07:57 am

I listen to the game and watched on NFL.com, the Packer announcers are great but did anyone else stop and look at their radio when Larry had the feeding the monkey comment? That was strange.

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chklips's picture

September 16, 2013 at 10:30 am

And they wonder why we hate the vikings. We went over to the casino in Danbury( Wi.)to watch the game yesterday. They have a large screen plus four smaller ones. Because Danbury is only a few miles from the Min. border there were a lot of viking fans there. So the game starts, who do they have on? The purple pukes on the big screen, and the pack on the small screens. Then soon after the game starts, at the request of some Min. fans they put them on two of the smaller tvs. After a lot of omplaining from the packer fans nothing changed. So we will never go there again, even though we only live twenty miles away. Go Packers

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mudduckcheesehead's picture

September 16, 2013 at 03:36 pm

Fear not. Those purple pukes will start jumping off the bandwagon soon. Heck, it's already happening.

We were at a bar in St. Paul which had given a small back room over to us Packer fans. By the end of the game, we had taken over most of the bar. Even though our game was I'm garbage time and theirs was going down to the wire, we were the ones making all the noise - they looked and sounded like they were at a funeral.

What a sad, sorry fan base. Thank God I was born on the right side of the river.

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Two Bears, One Cup's picture

September 16, 2013 at 11:51 pm

Were you at Billy's on Grand? 'Cause the same thing happened there!

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mudduckcheesehead's picture

September 17, 2013 at 04:43 pm

That's the place. They'll be painting it Green and Gold by the end of the season.

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