Our girl Sarah is wrapping up projects and exams this week, which means I’m handling the game recap. The Packers needed a bounceback game against the 2-9 (now 2-10) New York Giants after a blowout loss on the west coast, and the team delivered. Green Bay now sits at 9-3, maintaining sole possession of the NFC North. 

Additionally, first-year head coach Matt LaFleur now ties Mike Holmgren and Mike Sherman for the most wins by a Green Bay head coach in their first season. One more win this season will leave him in sole possession of the record with 10 wins. 

The Packers were plus-three in the turnover battle as well, with Kevin King, rookie Darnell Savage, and Tramon Williams all snagging interceptions at MetLife Stadium. This defense is predicated on forcing turnovers. Last week against the 49ers, the Packers failed to force a turnover which only attributed to the team’s rough outing. Taking that a step further, the Packers have gone without a turnover in four games this season, three of those games coming in the team’s three losses. 

Green Bay heads home to Lambeau Field for the second-to-last home game of the season against the 3-9 Washington Redskins, giving the Packers another strong opportunity to keep momentum on their side and get rolling. 

What we learned: Offense is Inconsistent 

Last week against the 49ers, the Packers were 0-for-13 on third-down conversions with Aaron Rodgers in the game. This week, the Packers looked better on third down, but the team was still playing in too many third-and-long situations. That said, Rodgers had himself a nice game going 21-of-33 for 243 yards and four touchdowns, giving him a passer rating of 125.4 on the day. 

Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams made more appearances in the fourth quarter, but that came after the Packers had a two-score lead and were looking to burn the clock. The fact that they weren’t utilized very effectively in the first half is baffling, as this offense looks significantly better when it operates through Jones and Williams. A snowy MetLife Stadium felt like the perfect opportunity to get both backs in the game plan once again. 

While it’s hard to complain about a three-score victory, the offense is still finding its way under Matt LaFleur. Players like Allen Lazard are stepping up, and Geronimo Allison had a nice game snagging two third-down conversions to keep drives alive, but the offense needs to find ways to become more consistent down the stretch. 

A bright spot on the day: Aaron Rodgers finally got “Big Dog” Marcedes Lewis a touchdown, his first in a Packers uniform. 

What went right: Mason Crosby (Honorable Mention: JK Scott)

Mason Crosby has been as reliable as they come this season after a questionable 2018 that saw him kicking for his job all training camp. In 2019, Crosby is 33-of-33 on extra point attempts and 14-of-15 on field goals.

Punter JK Scott also had a nice game after weeks of special teams struggles. He kept the Giants backed up for most of the game, giving them a long field to overcome. He also had two punts inside the 10-yard line, with a third downed inside the 15. 

What went wrong: Not...Much? 

The Packers won by three scores, despite that win coming against a now 2-10 team. Explosive plays remain the achilles heel of this defense, but Green Bay still won by 18 points, so the explosive plays weren’t a detriment today like they have been in previous weeks. 

“Bend don’t break” has been the mantra of this Packers defense in 2019, and so far they’ve done the job well-enough. Green Bay only gave up one touchdown on the day, coming in the first quarter, forcing the Giants to settle for only six points in the final 45+ minutes of the game. 

With a game coming next week against a three-win team in the Washington Redskins, the Packers defense will have another opportunity to force turnovers and limit explosive plays, once again facing a rookie quarterback. What’s more, this Washington offense ranks last in the league in points per game, yards per game, and passing yards per game. 

Offensive standout: Allen Lazard

I could’ve put Allen Lazard in almost every category here, what we learned, what went right, and offensive standout, but this one makes the most sense. Lazard had a career day in New York, topping 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career. He finished the day with three receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown. 

Aaron Rodgers has been looking for Lazard in favorable situations, then throwing him a touchdown late in the first quarter. It’s not a stretch to say Lazard has climbed up the depth chart and is now WR2 on offense. 

An honorable mention here goes to Davante Adams who had two touchdowns on the day, bringing his 2019 total to three.  

Defensive standout: Za’Darius Smith, Giant Slayer

I’ve been a Za’Darius Smith fan since day one. I wear his jersey every week. There may be some bias here. But for an unbiased observer, Za’Darius is still worthy of this spot today. He came after Daniel Jones all game, from every angle, destroying everyone in his path. While he only managed a half-sack (shared with Kevin King), he was close to at least a handful of others and created consistent pressure against the rookie quarterback. 

Through 12 games, Za’Darius Smith has been perhaps the team’s greatest asset on defense, and his presence will be needed as the team makes a playoff push these final four weeks of the 2019 season. 

Up next in Week 14, the Packers take on the Washington Redskins at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Dec. 8. Kickoff is at 12 PM CST.