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Packers Game Ball - Playoff Edition: Packers Win Dramatic Game, 10-3

It wasn't easy, but the Green Bay Packers defense was solid (awesome pass defense, weak run defense), the special teams came through big over a great Bears special teams unit, and the offense got just enough going in the second half to come away with the win. Rodgers is really the only player I can nominate on offense. They were plagued by dropped passes, little running game, and the human penalty (RT Bryan Bulaga).

On special teams, I could go in a few directions. P Tim Masthay gets the nod for pinning the Bears inside the 20 yard line on four occasions, and twice inside the 5 yard line in the 4th quarter. Other than the one good kickoff return allowed, they outplayed a much better Bears unit. CB Tramon Williams as a kick returner could be nominated too.

I could name anybody on the defense. For example, CB Charles Woodson could have been nominated, and he had a great game, but he was allowed to blitz and roam the field because CB Sam Shields and Williams shut down their receivers (notably WR Johnny Knox who was targeted 8 times without a single reception). But the shocking performance by LB Erik Walden (11 tackles and 2 sacks from a free agent who was signed mid-season when the injuries starting piling up at linebacker), and LB A.J. Hawk (who seemed to be everywhere) provided the performances that stood out.