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The Green Bay Packers (5-6) defeated the Philadelphia Eagles (5-6), 27-13, in a Monday Night Football showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. Here are four things you should know about this game.
Rodgers’ strong performance
No, he didn't throw the ball deep on each throw. Instead, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers used quick passes and his legs to hurt hurt the Eagles defense. Rodgers got off to a hot start in this game. On Green Bay’s first two offensive possessions of the game, he threw for two touchdowns.
His first touchdown was a 12-yard strike to Packers receiver Davante Adams early in the first quarter. Adams beat Eagles cornerback Leodis McKelvin on a slant route for the early score. Rodgers threw the pass into a tight window. Green Bay took a 7-0 lead.
However, the Rodgers-to-Adams connection continued. On the Packers’ next possession, Rodgers found Adams again in the back of the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. Philadelphia was in man-to-man coverage, and Rodgers noticed that immediately. Despite tough coverage, Rodger’s throw landed right in Adams’ arms. The Packers went up 14-7.
In the second half, Rodgers continued to carve up Philadelphia’s defense. He didn't hesitate to take shots down the field. Rodgers finished the game with 313 passing yards and two touchdowns. He was the first quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards against the Eagles.
The Packers got a brief scare when Rodgers had to have his hamstring checked out on the sideline, but he never missed a snap. Maybe he just needed a break in that sideline tent he disappeared into.
“What’s wrong with Aaron Rodgers?” has been a popular question on everyone’s mind this season. He and the entire Packers team have been a far cry from what they’ve been in recent years. Not on Monday night against the Eagles. Rodgers was back in MVP form and the rest of the team rose to the occasion.
Philadelphia struggled defending the pass
While the Eagles did a great job of defending the run, they struggled against the pass. Rodgers did not allow Philadelphia’s pass rush to make an impact in the game. Even though Rodgers kept throwing short, quick passes, the Eagles secondary couldn't make tackles. So, after the Packers receivers and tight ends caught short passes, they turned it into huge gains.
Also, when Rodgers did sit in the pocket to attempt long passes, Philadelphia’s pass rush couldn't get pressure on him. The Eagles allowed him to scramble out of the pocket to extend plays and make throws to his receivers. Philadelphia didn't record a sack in this game.
Wentz’s solid performance
Other than throwing an interception early in the third quarter to Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz had a pretty good game. When he had time to make decisions in the pocket, he delivered accurate throws to his receivers and tight ends.
On Philadelphia’s opening drive of the game, Wentz orchestrated an 11-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by the rookie quarterback. He faked the handoff, scrambled to his right to avoid defenders, and ran into the end zone for his first career rushing touchdown. Philadelphia tied the game at 7-7.
After that first-quarter touchdown, Wentz continued to make plays with his arm and legs, but he couldn't lead the Eagles offense to the end zone. He finished the game with 254 passing yards to go along with a rushing touchdown and an interception.
Big-play Adams
When it came to defending Adams, the Eagles defense did not have an answer. He wreaked havoc in the secondary by running slant routes and making tough catches with defenders draped all over him. Adams also had a 50-yard reception in the third quarter. He finished the game with five catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
What’s next for both teams?
The Eagles will head to Cincinnati for a Week 13 matchup against the Bengals. Philadelphia must find ways to score points. The Eagles cannot depend on Wentz to make plays by himself. Other players must step up.
Green Bay will travel back home to host a Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans. The Packers must win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. There is no room for error.