Cover 3: Quick takeaways after the Packers win over the Cowboys
After every Green Bay Packers game, we will talk about three points that defined the matchup. The Green Bay Packers are building something special. The youngest team in football, the least expensive offense in the entire NFL, went into Jerry's World and beat the second seed in the NFC 48-32, in a playoff game, to […]
After every Green Bay Packers game, we will talk about three points that defined the matchup.
The Green Bay Packers are building something special. The youngest team in football, the least expensive offense in the entire NFL, went into Jerry's World and beat the second seed in the NFC 48-32, in a playoff game, to advance to the divisional round.
It's the first playoff win for Jordan Love and several other players. It's the first experience for these guys, and it's an extremely positive one.
It's a new era in Green Bay, and the triumvirate of general manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, and quarterback Jordan Love deserves a lot of credit. Their leadership in every area of the football team puts the Packers where they are, and it's a much better place than anyone could have anticipated.
Complementary football
It's not been usual to see the Packers playing well on three phases. But one moment of the game was a big example of why they pulled off the upset. In the first quarter, the Packers couldn't move the ball well in the second drive. So, punter Daniel Whelan got a great kick, putting the Cowboys at their own five-year line.
Right after, cornerback Jaire Alexander intercepted Dak Prescott, letting it clear how important he is to this defense when he's at his best. And then, the offense found their second touchdown, once again with Aaron Jones.
It's not that there haven't been mistakes. Kicker Anders Carlson missed another extra point, Kenny Clark committed an unnecessary facemask penalty on Dak Prescott. And the defense allowed a lot of late points, forcing the starting offense to come back to the field after one drive from the backups — it was enough for Jordan Love to miss one throw, taking away his perfect passer rating.
But either way, there was enough effort from all phases to split the weight of the task, and it was an impressive overall performance.
That's credit to general manager Brian Gutekunst. He was responsible for picking Jordan Love, for trading Aaron Rodgers for good value, and for building a strong infrastructure around his new quarterback.
Matt LaFleur is underrated
Any possible discussion about Matt LaFleur being a product of Aaron Rodgers can go completely to bed. He is a great leader, a great offensive mind, a solid playcaller, and a really smart gameplanner. He got his third playoff win as a head coach, and the first one without Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
You might call it what you want: rebuild, reload, transition. Either way, the Packers were only able to cross that bridge and exceed expectations because Brian Gutekunst is a great talent evaluator and because Matt LaFleur is a top head coach.
Sometimes, it seems like LaFleur is an afterthought compared to the other "Playcallers," but he is as good as anyone. What he has done with the least expensive offensive in football is something to be impressed about.
LaFleur got fairly criticized by his coaching staff hires, but he has been able to compensate for that with an elite mind, capable of making everything and everyone around him better.
Before the game, LaFleur set the tone to what would be a special night.
"Nobody believes in us," the coach said. "So we might as well throw some haymakers."
Well, they did exactly that.
All you need is Love
Complementary football was an important part of the win, but don't get it wrong. The Packers won because they have Jordan Love. You can read more about it on the five players to watch piece, but his capacity to elevate the offensive pieces is beyond impressive.
It starts with the offensive line. During the season, Love has been one of the best quarterbacks avoiding sacks when pressured. He gains extra time with his ability to maneuver the pocket, and he's got a great sense of where rushers are coming from.
A huge example of how Love is the driver of this offense is that each week, a different receiver has a big game. Last week, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks shined against the Chicago Bears. On Sunday, Romeo Doubs had a great performance. The offensive weapons are showing up, but Love is who elevates them.
This was Jordan Love's first playoff start. It's just the beginning, and it feels like it will be special.
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