NFC North Beat Down

Everyone in "Packer-Land" was told to relax by their great leading quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a shaky set of starts for Green Bay. Rodgers was right to calm everyone down. The Packers have started their roll in the NFC North. Since his most recent statement, Green Bay has put up 38 and 42 points in their last 2 games. Both games were also wins against teams in the NFC North. The Chicago Bears and the most recent Minnesota Vikings. I like the big scoring games so we'll stick to the whooping of Minnesota this past Thursday.

The Minnesota Vikings were without their new star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater this week. Relieving any chance of a win against the Packers. Last week Bridgewater had 317 yards, sparking a huge flame under the Vikings showing that they finally have someone to keep running the offense. It really shows how momentum of one player can lead to a victory or a loss. Many people think kickers in football are just headcases and cannot be coached out of their nerves. Honestly I believe every player on a team, professional or not, is a headcase at some point. It all wages on the performance of players. Not having the new quarterback and bringing in the old (Christian Ponder) would send their heads spinning into a 42-10 loss. Minnesota had given up 2 interceptions and a fumble, along with 9 penalties for 91 yards, and any chance of their offense to roll against the Pack'.

Eddie Lacy ran for a season high 105 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win against Minnesota. Lacy ran more balls up the middle in Thursdays game than he did in the first 4 games this season. The Packers averaged 37.3 rush yards before contact per game in the first 4 weeks. Through 2 drives against the Vikings, the Packers already had 39 rush yards before contact. A season high game and probably one of the best for a top running back like Lacy in the NFL.

Lacy was moving like a tank on the ground all night but that doesn't mean the offense didn't have some struggles. Rodgers and the Packer offense were not at their best performance. Rodgers only connected on 12 of his 17 passes for 156 yards on the night. There were several three-and-outs with a few touchdown drives.  Randall Cobb was the first to strike on Thursday night with an 8 yard pass from Rodgers for the touchdown. Cobb would finish his night with 2 other receptions for 26 yards. Jordy Nelson also had a 66 yard touchdown that would be his only reception on the night.

In all the scoring of the night for the Packers, even Linebacker Julius Peppers found himself crossing the goal line after a 49 yard interception. This also granted him his first Lambeau Leap that every Green Bay Packer takes after scoring on an opponent. Peppers with his Pick-6 would also put him over a major defensive feat. He became the first player in NFL history with 100 sacks and 10 interceptions.

LIONS KICKER UPDATE: I'm not getting into detail on this because it's so very frustrating to see. Can they just find someone to put the pigskin through the uprights?! Please and thank you! They will need it after seeing how Green Bay is stepping up their game in the NFC North. The Lions will need all the help they can get to defeat Green Bay and win the division this year,