Driver Overcomes Obstacles, Makes Statement

From overcoming food poisoning to doubts about the state of his career, Donald Driver's performance on Sunday can be considered all the more impressive.

Not only did Donald Driver prove wrong any doubters that he had lost a step or that his career was on the decline, he also had to battle what he described as an overnight case of food poisoning to lead the Packers to a 34-16 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

After having eaten some chicken wings on Saturday that didn't sit well with him, Driver came in early to Lambeau Field to get treatment and regain his strength.

"I was struggling early on, but I was able to fight through it," said Driver.

Considering the feat of strength it took for him to get into the endzone on his 61-yard touchdown in the third quarter, Driver barely seemed affected.

"Donald made one of the most amazing catch-and-runs I've ever seen," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Following a holding penalty by tight end Donald Lee and faced with second-and-16 from their own 39, the Packers' offensive line picked up a blitz by both 49ers inside linebacker as quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with Driver down the right seam.

"When he was at the 20, I was kind of thinking, 'Go down, go down, don't get drilled,'" said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "And then when he broke another tackle, I was hoping he'd get into the endzone."

Driver broke two tackles, had to avoid tight end Andrew Quarless who was sprawled on the turf after attempting to block for the wide receiver, sidestepped another tackle and then carried at least two defenders while diving into the right, front corner of the endzone.

"All I know was that when I caught it, I started making moves and unfortunately you don't know what kind of moves you're making until you watch the film," said Driver. "I just knew it was a big play, everybody said it was a great play. After it was all said and done, I was just trying to get into the endzone."

After being limited by a quad injury, which played a part in his ending his streak of 133 consecutive games (139 including playoffs) with at least one reception in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, Driver saw his production decrease.

He was then held without a catch a second consecutive game in Week 8 against the New York Jets before sitting out the Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys entirely.

Driver benefited from the time off during the bye week and returned to action Weeks 10 and 11, but only had a combined six receptions for 57 yards. While James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain elevated their games, some observers wondered if the 35-year-old Driver's career might be coming to a close.

Sunday's performance in which Driver tallied four catches for 73 yards may have quieted those skeptics.

"One thing I do week in and week out, I can't be bothered with all the situations," said Driver. "I know how good I can play, it's just getting opportunities. And when you get the opportunities, you make the best of them."

Less than two minutes to go in the first half, a Vernon Davis 66-yard touchdown pass cut the Packers' lead to one point (14-13) and gave the 49ers momentum heading into halftime. But it was Driver's touchdown on the first series of the third quarter that turned the tide,

"I thought Donald Driver’s touchdown was the biggest play in the game," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "I thought it ignited our football team. We needed that. We had some segments there in the first half where we weren’t as sharp as we needed to. We had some plays where the ball probably didn’t bounce our way or a call that didn’t go our way and that’s football."

From the literal to the figurative barriers Driver surmounted on Sunday, it might take at least another year–if not more–until anyone doubts him again.

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Comments (8)

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Tommyboy's picture

December 05, 2010 at 09:47 pm

Dude's too old.

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Dave's picture

December 05, 2010 at 10:10 pm

He's old but he still can play, he prolly has at least another season in him.

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Bogmon's picture

December 06, 2010 at 12:12 am

I'd say two maybe three seasons left. He is still a solid number 2 on a winning club...James Jones and Jordy aren't close to unseating the old man.
If they want to replace Driver they bet draft his replacement because he's still damn good.

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Tommyboy's picture

December 06, 2010 at 11:28 am

I was kidding.

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PackersRS's picture

December 05, 2010 at 09:54 pm

DD and Jennings are the most elegant WR duo I've ever seen.

They look effortless out there.

Like Aaron said, reports about DD's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

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PackersRS's picture

December 05, 2010 at 09:55 pm

There are probably 255 grammatical errors in there...

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Chad Toporski's picture

December 06, 2010 at 08:24 am

I counted 257.

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SpiderPack's picture

December 07, 2010 at 11:05 pm

Even considering DD's age, its clear he still plays a HUGE role on this team: Jenning's smile/happiness after the catch, MM's comments, his teammates' comments, the NFL's & all the various network's focus on the play, change in momentum. Holy Shit. I only wish DD could pass all that on to his teammates . . . especially J. Jones. I watched some video clips of him 5-7yrs ago and he's changed, but IMO his age makes his spirit & determination even more evident.

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