Game Recap: Packers Dominate Raiders 42-24, Improve to 6-1
The Green Bay Packers were strictly business in Week 7 as they dominated the Oakland Raiders
The Green Bay Packers (6-1, 3-0 NFC North) were strictly business in week 7, as they dominated the Oakland Raiders (3-3,1-1 AFC West) 42-24 at Lambeau Field Sunday.
With a historic performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the offense looked more efficient than it has all season.
“Our offense really came to play today, and I was really happy,” head coach Matt LaFleur said at the post game press conference. “We had a lot of guys step up, specifically Marquez-Valdes Scantling and G-Mo. Shoot, two days ago we didn’t even know if they were going to play and I though those guys came and put together pretty performances. Defensively I thought we bent a little bit, gave up a lot of big plays, but I’ll tell you one thing, and that’s that this is a resilient group,”
Oakland got on the board first with a field goal Sunday. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs led the way on that opening drive and he continued to give the Packers run defense a difficult time throughout the rest of the game.
Green Bay, however, responded immediately on their first offensive drive with an impressive 21-yard touchdown grab from running back Aaron Jones to put them up 7-3. Jones, who dropped a wide-open touchdown pass Monday against the Lions, made a ridiculous last-minute adjustment on the play for what was sweet, sweet redemption.
The Raiders did not seem phased though, putting together a monstrous touchdown drive that shaved 8:28 off the clock to go up 10-7.
The 8:28 that Rodgers and the Packers’ offense spent off the field was maybe the secret recipe to their success. When Rodgers and company took the field their next drive, they put their foot on the gas and never let up.
First it was running back Jamaal Williams with a quick 2-yard touchdown pass to go up 14-10. Then, Raiders quarterback Derrick Carr lost control of the ball when trying to reach a couple more inches into the endzone for a touchdown. This resulted in a touchback right before the half and put ball back in Green Bay’s hands.
The Packers’ offense took advantage and Touchdown Jesus and Wisconsin legend himself, wide receiver Jake Kumerow, finally found the end zone off a 37-yard pass from Rodgers to go up 21-10 at the half.
The Raiders won the toss and elected to recieve, so the Packers got the ball to start the second half and picked up right where they left off. Rodgers found wide receiver Marquez-Valdes Scantling on a 59-yard bomb to put the Packers in position. Then 12 decided he wanted a piece of the action and rushed 3 yards for a touchdown to put the Packers up 28-10.
The Raiders found a little bit of life and continued to find some breaks in coverage, especially with tight end Darren Waller, who found the endzone to make it 28-17.
Then, speaking of tight ends, Packers tight end Jimmy Graham finally got involved, breaking tackles and fighting for some extra yards. Wide receiver Allen Lazard, who had a breakout game last week, extended his entire body to make a veteran looking catch to put the Packers in the red zone, where Rodgers found Jimmy Graham for his 350th career touchdown pass and a 34-17 lead.
The Packers defense struggled at times Sunday, but they came up huge in the fourth quarter with a goal-line stand on 4th and goal and an interception in the endzone.
After the defense came up big, MVS finished it off for Green Bay with an electric 74-yard play he took all the way to the house for a 42-17 lead.
With a historic performance from QB1, several different guys getting involved on offense and improving to 6-1 overall, there was plenty to take away from the Packers’ week 7 win.
What we learned: Aaron Rodgers is still Aaron Rodgers
Remember when just last week people were saying that Aaron Rodgers was washed up? What unbelievably cold takes those were.
Aaron Charles Rodgers is the real deal and his performance Sunday proved just that.
Rodgers was 25/31 for 429 yards, 5 TDS, and 0 INTs in the air, had 2 carries for 6 yards and 1 rushing TD (ESPN stats) and finished the day with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 for the first time in his career.
12 looked unbelievable and was making plays left and right. You know that any day Rodgers can bring out his legendary belt celebration is a good one.
Rodgers was not the only Packer we should tip our hats to. It seems like each week LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett are becoming more confident in their play calling and what this offense really can do. The creativity in the play calls and designs Sunday were exceptional and it should make a lot of Packers fans excited about what can continue to blossom there this season.
What went right: Getting all the WRs involved
Packers fans feared the worst when star wide receiver Davante Adams went down with a toe injury a few weeks ago but believe it or not his absence has only allowed this offense to grow.
Guys like MVS, Geronimo Allison, Jake Kumerow and Allen Lazard have had no choice but to step up and play the last couple of weeks. In the long run this can only benefit the Packers. Getting Adams back with a now more comfortable supporting cast that Rodgers is starting to trust is going to be huge for this offense moving forwards.
What went wrong: The defense giving up too many big plays
Just when Green Bay’s defensive looked like it had an answer for the run game the last couple of weeks, they took a few steps back in week 7. Oakland was able to find a lot of success on the ground Sunday and gave up some big plays because of it.
The Packers also struggled to cover yet another tight end this season. Green Bay struggled with Philly’s tight end Zach Ertz earlier this season and it was no different when it came to Oakland’s Darren Waller. Waller led the Raiders in receiving with 7 receptions for 126 yards and 2 TDs (ESPN stats). With Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce coming up next week for the Packers defense, they will want to fix this ASAP.
Offensive Standouts: Aaron Rodgers, O-Line and MVS
I have already gushed about Rodgers performance Sunday, but credit to the entire offensive line for allowing that kind of performance to happen. Play after play Rodgers had so much time and space in the pocket and the offense was able to succeed because of what the offensive line was able to do.
MVS had a really nice day Sunday too. He led the team in receiving with 2 receptions for 133 yards and 1 TD (ESPN stats) and really stepped up on a day he needed to.
Defensive Standouts: Adrian Amos and Kevin King
Safety Adrian Amos put on quite the performance in week 7 too. Early in the game, he got absolutely trucked by Oakland’s Jacobs, but he was able to bounce back after that. Amos had 8 tackles, 6 solo, 2 pass deflections (ESPN stats), and the tip that led to the Packers’ end zone interception.
Corner Kevin King has a nice day defensively as well. He had 4 tackles, 3 solo, and the 1 INT (ESPN stats) that pretty much sealed the deal for Green Bay at Lambeau.
Up next, the Packers travel to Arrowhead Stadium for a primetime matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, next Sunday Oct. 27th. Kickoff is set for 8:20 PM EST.
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Sarah Kelliher is a contributor for CheeseheadTV and a podcaster with Pack-A-Day Podcast. She can be found via Twitter @sarahkelliher4.
Comments (35)
Lphill
October 20, 2019 at 04:34 pm
Martinez looked lost on the field against the run and coverage. Don’t know if I would even re sign him.
Bure9620
October 20, 2019 at 05:21 pm
Nope, find young man with speed, fact is there are several Martinez's in this league. Reliable downhill tacklers, do not overpay.
dblbogey
October 20, 2019 at 05:24 pm
I bet you're fun at parties.
yems
October 20, 2019 at 09:41 pm
yet he led the team in tackles
Kaatz99
October 21, 2019 at 08:55 am
He is the second coming of AJ Hawk....
mrnadar
October 21, 2019 at 01:15 pm
He may have looked lost at times yesterday but he leads the league in tackles and more often than not has solid performances. Not to mention he is the nerve center of our defense calling out plays and adjustments. We need to keep him long term.
Hawg Hanner
October 21, 2019 at 02:42 pm
Lots of Martinez fans out there it seems. If you watch the film you will see a lot less of a player than we could pick up in the draft. Money is tight and there is no way this guy warrants big bucks
Samson
October 20, 2019 at 04:35 pm
No complaints here..... Love AR showing that he can still take over a game & dominate... Time to get ready for the road... I feel confident... Booyah!!
4thand1
October 20, 2019 at 05:36 pm
Exactly, got 2 road wins already, lets get a few more.
Norm
October 20, 2019 at 04:50 pm
Nice post Sarah. One correction though: Jim Nance said the Raiders won the toss and elected to receive. While that seemed like the right call at the time based on their opening drive, the double up by the Packers at the end of the first half and start of the second half effectively put the game out of the Raiders reach given their inability to stop Green Bay’s offense.
Okay, I have to add this: I'm watching the Bears game and Thom Brennaman just referred to HHCD as "the longtime Packers standout". Ha Ha!
SarahKelliher
October 20, 2019 at 05:28 pm
Thanks, Norm! I must have been misinformed. Appreciate the read and kind correction.
Norm
October 20, 2019 at 05:35 pm
Who knows, could be Nance was wrong.
Sureshot
October 20, 2019 at 04:50 pm
This game was an offensive masterpiece by MLF and Rodgers.
Hope for more great games like this this season.
On the defensive side, I really want to see Savage back soon.
CAG123
October 20, 2019 at 04:59 pm
Man this shows you can’t just march anyone out there at LB why haven’t the Packers been able to get this position down yet? The middle of the def is a sieve
4thand10
October 20, 2019 at 05:16 pm
Im not so sure its LB play. Raiders were using 2 and 3 Tight ends while catching GB with just 2 interior DL. That type of formation will pancake a 2 DL line...no matter who is in there...RBs getti g to the second level is about 100% probability.
Way later in the game , Pettine finally made some adjustments and put that 3rd DL in against the heavy TE packages. Coverage with the TEs suffered a bit, but it slowed down Jacobs quite a bit. It was interesting to see the personnel groupings all game long. But i wouldnt pin it on Martinez. The guy does his job every game.
Oppy
October 20, 2019 at 05:06 pm
I just referred to the defense as "resilient" right after the game on a post in the Gut Reactions thread.
Is it coincidence, or is it the fact that this is actually a burner profile under the control of Coach LeFleur?
Thegreatreynoldo
October 21, 2019 at 01:44 am
I thought Fackrell had a few nice plays.
Martinez had 16 tackles, but tape of this game won't go on his resume.
OL was very solid in pass protection and run blocking.
Graham broke a tackle and made someone miss.
Lazard had a bad drop and a great catch.
King was up and down. Still is an inconsistent performer.
The Amos tip to King for the INT was big.
GB's ST coverage units are really bad.
GB's ST return units are really bad.
Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and Vitale make a nice group.
Aaron Rodgers threw some dimes. Ball came out reasonably fast.
GB has trouble with TEs. I suppose most teams have issues with good TEs.
Dexter Williams got on the field. GB ran well until their average nose-dived at the end of the game running out the clock. GB's last 8 carries went for 13 yards (not counting 3 kneel downs for -3: it would be last 11 carries for 10 yards if the kneel downs are included).
LaMarcus Joyner throws his hat into consideration for most overpaid player.
Worley and Gareon Conley are pretty bad.
Doofapotamus
October 21, 2019 at 12:36 am
I am gravely concerned about the defense as of the last few weeks. I understand many of them are playing injured, but we had virtually no pass rush today and there was plenty of time for Carr to hit his receivers that were wide open all day. Waller was virtually a ghost to GB. He was constantly finding the holes in the defense and it is really befuddling to me why they were playing zone coverage and sitting 10 yards beyond the receivers. The defense looked lost and like it had very little confidence this week. They definitely held strong when they had to but this game easily could've gotten out of hand. The last few weeks have been terrible as far as turnovers go. 5 turnovers in 4 games (2 shutouts) and 6 sacks to go with them, also with two shutouts. That's after they had numerous sacks and 8 turnovers in the first 3 weeks. I get it, the defense can't play their best all the time. But they have given up a LOT of yards outside of Q2-Q4 of the lions game. Let's hope Darnell Savage helps remedy that and gives Pettine the confidence to call man coverage, which plays more to the skill set of the defenders we have.
4thand1
October 20, 2019 at 05:42 pm
What I saw from the defense today seemed to be a lack of communication. Safeties looked lost out there at times.
SteelyPhil
October 20, 2019 at 06:34 pm
Rodgers looked absolutely vintage today. This game was an offensive masterpiece from 12, MLF, and the talented supporting cast. Defensively we left much to be desired - the Smith Bros were pretty quiet and coverage looked blown on many plays, which is something we're clearly going to have to get under wraps as we head to Arrowhead next week.
Couldn't be more thrilled to be a Packers fan this year and overall it really seems like this team is gelling nicely. Some competitive games ahead but we're playing excellent football. Go Pack Go!!!
MarkinMadison
October 20, 2019 at 09:17 pm
The Raiders were living off of the run game and short to medium throws into the middle. You would like to see sacks but the offensive game plan made that more difficult. The Raiders had a good game plan to keep Carr from making mistakes. He still made a very critical mistake.
PackfanNY
October 22, 2019 at 07:58 am
This is a good take. I would add that once the Raiders fell behind by 2 scores they never really changed the approach. They gained lots of yards but really didn’t have the quick strike plays to put them back in the game. They effectively helped the Packers “kill” the clock. I never felt like this game was in danger. Especially because they couldn’t stop Rodgers and the offense.
DG3831
October 20, 2019 at 06:35 pm
Obviously the Offense Balled out & Credit to Jacobs & Waller they are great football players & there were some nice Schemes Gruden trotted out there with crossing pattern and bunch formations to confuse our defense.
We just need to tighten up on Miscommunication that leads to the big plays. I felt like the game plan today wasn’t very good - thought we would game plan around Waller & Jacobs
Over all obviously we won and defense bent but didn’t break so great result & im confident Pettine going to scheme up a hell of a game for Matt moore
Lphill
October 20, 2019 at 07:00 pm
Listen I was a big Martinez fan but so far this year he seems lost, l watch most games with my son who was a D 1 linebacker and then a linebackers coach , he points out all the poor play by Martinez and it is quite a few each game , does not seem like a solid tackler either like in the past . Maybe playing hurt something not reported.
4thand1
October 20, 2019 at 07:23 pm
After today he's probably leading the league in tackles.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 21, 2019 at 02:09 am
Yep, he is. Martinez has 76 tackles in 7 games and he leads in solo tackles with 48. Kuechly and Schobert have 62 tackles in 6 games, and Schobert has 43 solo tackles, so he's within striking distance for the lead in solo tackles.
Martinez has a PFF grade of 65.8.
[As a note, Kenny Clark's PFF grade has dropped from 90+ to 68. Clark feasted on McGovern, Bradberry, and Daniels, but dropped each game since then, most dramatically against Kelce (Philly). Could be too many snaps, but quality of the opponent also probably plays a role.]
Bure9620
October 20, 2019 at 08:04 pm
He is a downhill player. Simply put, the Packers do NOT value ILB. They just don't. From Thompson to Gute. They feel you get a heady player in mid rounds or an UDFA that can decipher plays and play downhill and make tackles, this is enough. That is it. Burks is there to cover RBs out of the Backfield.
Rossonero
October 20, 2019 at 07:58 pm
Very happy with the result, despite our special teams and run defense continuing to get gashed weekly. This certainly was not our most crisp game on defense....this was probably the first game where the offense actually played better than the defense.
The question is: can we get a complete game from the offense, defense and special teams? Special teams has GOT to get cleaned up or a playoff caliber team like the Saints, Eagles, Vikings, etc. will punish us dearly for it.
Nevertheless, I'm pumped we're 6-1! Holy crap! We have as many wins as we did last year.
jeremyjjbrown
October 20, 2019 at 08:18 pm
Hopefully Savage is back next week. There is a big dropoff from Savage to Redmond.
I appreciate the work Redmond is doing. But we are talking about missing a possible DROTY in Savage. They are simply a different defense with him on the field.
SterlingSharpe
October 20, 2019 at 08:34 pm
Hopefully, with our #32 draft pick (you see what I did there) and our 2nd round pick, and/or free agency, we add a blue chip ILB finally, or two, as well as another 2nd round stud WR.
We have hit paydirt on WRs in round 2. Well, Teddy did.
Jordy
Jennings
Davante
Cubbygold
October 20, 2019 at 08:39 pm
All I know is that this season was setting up to be tough early with a new HC, new offense to learn and 6 new starters on defense learning to play together. GB isn't perfect right now, but the rest of the NFC is on notice. This team can beat anyone right now, and they're only getting better.
ShooterMcGee
October 20, 2019 at 09:00 pm
I don't believe anyone thought we would be 6-1 at this point in the season. There are some flaws but the potential is coming to fruition. 42 points without Davante is just ridiculous. The offensive scheme is so fun to watch as it evolves each week. It may be the case that Davante's injury is a blessing in disguise as it necessitates other players getting involved which increases confidence. The defense bent quite a bit but made some big plays in the redzone. The return of Savage and possibly Raven Greene will help, especially against TEs.
Cubbygold
October 21, 2019 at 05:34 am
Completely agree, and this may pay big dividends later this year. Not only in getting MLF/Rodgers connecting well, but by winning they're buying themselves the ability to move slow with DA. Get him back when he's fully healthy, not 90%.
Spock
October 20, 2019 at 09:33 pm
I commented before the game that IMO Hackett and MLF would have the team ready and have a game plan specific to the Raiders. Not sure exactly what their plan was but this offense was masterful today and Rodgers was so good I'm speechless to describe it. Great team win and yet another fun game as a Packer fan to watch! Love this team.
HaroldDrake
October 21, 2019 at 12:24 am
Fantastic win for the Packers. Rodgers back to his peak performance levels of the past. MVS unleashed - soon Rodgers will hit him in full stride! Slow man Graham showed some moves and it appears that he has gained a step - injuries must surely have been bothering him earlier this year. This game also showed that the Packers can make a Super Bowl run (that is the goal, after all, however early in the season it may still be) with its existing group of WRs although it would not hurt to sign an elite wideout. But continued weakness in the secondary and the tendency to give up big plays suggests that adding an elite ILB or safety might be a more pressing need. The absence of Savage exposed the Packers' defense although blown coverages were more to blame than simple lack of talent in the secondary. But the bottom line is this team looks good. The spirit as well as pure skill and relentlessness that the Smith Bros. and Amos have brought to Green Bay seems to have permeated the entire team. And how good was it to see AR12 perform turn in a 158.3 performance. Go Pack Go!