This was one of the easier weeks to pick out three plays that defined the game for the Patriots.
As is the case when two good teams meet, it’s the big plays that define the game and the Packers made more of the big plays, especially in the first half when they got a lead and never let go.
It’s not surprising that the first two plays I picked were the longest two plays of the game – both 45 yards apiece.
The first comes on a third-and-two late in the first quarter with the Packers up 6-0. Logan Ryan was in off-man coverage here to accommodate the stack release of the wide receivers. Ryan looks for the out route just a moment long enough for Adam to cut upfield. Rodgers shows great arm strength, winging it off his back foot and placing it perfectly. The Packers would score a touchdown on the next play and the 13-0 hole was built. The Pats talked all week about not letting the Packers get off to one of their signature fast starts. That all went to crap after this play and the one that followed it. A punt here and the game could’ve unfolded a lot differently.
It won’t be a surprise for anyone to see Jordy Nelson’s touchdown just before the half here. Just unacceptable on so many levels. Yes Revis got beat but McCourty needs to make that tackle, and I’m not even sure the Pats should’ve been in Cover-1 here anyway, though it was the catch-and-run that burned them, not getting beat deep. This was shades of the old Patriots defense – the ones who would always give up points before halftime if there was even close to enough time left. Giving up a touchdown like this is the kind of situational football that will give Belichick an ulcer. A huge momentum play, taking the game from effectively a tie at the half to putting New England in a two-score hole. This would be the last time the Packers would see the end zone in this one, so that’s a small silver lining.
Finally we close on the only sack the Packers got in the game, but it came at a critical moment, with the Pats on the edge of the red zone, poised to take a late lead. Most Patriots fans were probably pretty confident Tom Brady would deliver a touchdown here, I know I was, but the drive stalled, setting up this third-and-long, a down-and-distance they’ve been successful on lately.
I’ll need to see the All-22 to know if Brady would’ve had anyone open, but Solder is beaten soundly while Connolly gets beat quickly as well, giving Brady no chance. Tough time for a protection breakdown. It’s moments like this you have to win in the playoffs or else it’s lights out.
