The Skinny:
Aaron Rodgers threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third as the Green Bay Packers pulled away from the Bills in the 2nd half enroute to a 34-7 blowout victory at Lambeau Field. The Packers dominated the first quarter and scored on all three possessions to take a 13-0 lead on Brandon Jackson's 1 yard TD plunge. The Bills battled back in the second quarter on Fred Jackson's four yard TD run. Marshawn Lynch made the start at running back and took the majority of the carries in the game. The Bills turned the ball over twice in the second half as Green Bay pulled away with three straight touchdown drives.
The Turning Point:
The Bills first possession of the second half was a big one if the Bills were going to stay in the game instead they turned the ball over. On 3rd and 9 Trent Edwards threw a pass that went off the hands of Steve Johnson and was picked off by Brandon Chillar and returned to the Bills 39.
The Big Drive:
After the interception Green Bay drove 39 yards in 7 plays to a touchdown. Aaron Rodgers hit Donald Driver for a 7 yard score on third and goal. Earlier in the drive they also faced a third and 7 and Rodgers connected with Greg Jennings for a 17 yard gain. He followed that up with an 11 yard pass to Jordy Nelson to get them in position for what ended up being the game clinching score.
Stat of the Game:
Green Bay outgained the Bills 150-0 in the first quarter. The Bills outgained them 93-11 in the second quarter.
What You Don't See On The Stat Sheet:
Lynch needed a 14 yard run on the last play of the first quarter to get the Bills up to zero yards.
Quick Slants:
- Lynch got the surprise start at RB. Are they showcasing him or does Gailey think he's the best back?.
- Donald Jones was back with C.J. Spiller on the kick return team. Why not put Leodis McKelvin back there with Spiller.
- Chris Kelsay was being used too much in pass coverage. He was burned on a 32 yard pass play to Jermichael Finley on the first Green Bay TD drive.
- Edwards' two interceptions were both the fault of his wide receivers. The first one was on Johnson the second one Roscoe Parrish had the ball ripped out of his hands.
My Take:
The Bills did play one really good quarter of football which is one more than many thought they would. In the end it was what we expected. The Packers shook off an awful 2nd quarter and took the game to the Bills in the second half. The Bills defense faltered against a very solid passing attack and there was no way this offense was going to keep up. It will be interesting to see what happens at the running back position this week. Teams may now call the Bills and offer them what they want for Lynch. Green Bay would probably like to see him not get on the plane back to Buffalo. Chan Gailey insists he doesn't want to trade him and he's a pretty straight forward guy. It appears he believes in Lynch and may just revive his career. His starting quarterback's career however is now on life support.
What's Ahead:
It doesn't get any easier for Buffalo as the Bills now head to Gillette Stadium to take on the Patriots on Sunday. New England has beaten the Bills 13 straight times and 19 of the last 20 meetings. The Bills actually usually play better against them on the road than at the Ralph.
