As I type this, the clock has just struck 1:41 a.m. Lambeau time.
In other words, this particular post is going to be short.
Don’t worry, though – I’ll make it up to you later tonight. Consider this the abridged version of what the game recap will ultimately be.
There sure was a lot of stuff to come out of the Green Bay Packers’ 27-14 home win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. The win was Green Bay’s fourth in a row and it improves the Pack’s record to 8-4 heading into the final quarter of the season.
Yes, I just used the word “stuff.” Yes, I’m that exhausted.
The following is a list of the good stuff and the bad stuff to come out of the contest. First, let’s get the bad stuff out of the way:
-The penalties. Good God, the penalties! Some of it was caused by some refs looking for more TV time, in my opinion (see: the pass interference calls). But a lot of it was caused by sloppy play. The offensive line penalties are completely inexcusable.
-The drops by the wide receivers. If you want to be an elite group, you can’t make mistakes like that, cold ball or not.
-Mason Crosby. The Packers WILL have a new kicker next season. Be sure of that.
-The post-touchdown kick coverage units. You’ve got to hang on to the momentum, fellas. This has to stop.
-Ryan Pickett’s hamstring injury. Apparently, it’s a pull. Hope it’s nothing too serious. Pickett has been outstanding this season.
Okay, now it’s time to focus on the positives. Because we at OBOD are all about the positives:
-The offensive line. Great job pass protecting against a defense that was bringing heat all night. We’ve ripped these guys to shreds for much of this season – and rightfully so. But even the most cynical observer has to admit this group is coming together.
-Jermichael Finley. The kid is a freak.
-Clay Matthews. Ditto.
-B.J. Raji (RAJI!! IT’S BACK!!). Double, 300-plus pound ditto.
-Aaron Rodgers. A shaky start, likely caused by the long layoff. But he pulled it together when he needed to. Once again, he just makes plays when he has to. You know who else did that? Oh yeah – YOU know who.
-Nick Barnett. Ray Rice = zero impact. That was mostly due to No. 56.
-Brad Jones. Aaron who?
-Charles Woodson. Stopping Willis McGahee for a loss near the goalline in the fourth quarter changed the entire course of this game. You can say it now: NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Screw Jared Allen.
See you all later tonight. Time to grab some zzzz.
-Chris Lempesis
Charles Woodson is a shoe in for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, simply because 1) he’s awesome and 2) Jared Allen is gassed. The Vikings have burnt Jared Allen out, just like we’ve been watching the Packers burn Aaron Kampman out for the last three years. Today’s DE’s can’t go out there every down and expect to have an impact late in the season; offensive linemen don’t get tired.
Also, I’ve found someone new to do my post game analysis with also. Way to serve up a jinx bro.