Cheese Curds, 12/5: Packers' offense delivers statement drives with Montgomery at running back

On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers finally made a switch that their fans had been waiting for over the past few weeks. After James Starks proved to be ineffective in the first quarter against the Houston Texans' defense, Mike McCarthy made the decision to switch up his running back group and insert Christine Michael and Ty Montgomery into the backfield for the rest of the game.

It worked, too; the Packers put together two of their finest drives of the season in the second half to take the lead and extend it, and both series came with Montgomery serving as the team's primary running back. The second-year pro finished the day with just six rushes, but he led the team with 40 yards on the ground and added 16 yards on two receptions as well. His versatility was finally put to good use over an extended period of time, as he took 50% of the team's snaps for the first time since the Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears earlier this season.

Here's a look at some of the keys to the game from various Packers writers.

Scoreless first half keys defense's gritty performance | Packers.com
The Packers got contributions from some unexpected sources on Sunday afternoon, including Dean Lowry recording his first career sack.

Packers' running game continues to evolve | Packersnews.com
James Starks was in for the Packers' first drive or two, but was an afterthought after that, as the team rolled with a combination of Christine Michael and Ty Montgomery on their way to a 100-yard rushing day (which was also helped out by a great call to give Jeff Janis an end-around). Also, this article contains a hilarious quote from David Bakhtiari on Montgomery: "He's a freaking Under Armour model. Just muscles on muscles."

Aaron Rodgers, Packers keep season alive - ESPN
The Packers were backed up at their own 2-yard line with the game tied 7-7 late in the third quarter, but that rough spot of field position - the first time the Packers started farther back than their own 28 in the game - became a statement drive for the game and the season.

Texans at Packers | NFL Week 13 | PFF
Aaron Rodgers was pressured on 11 of his 22 dropbacks, but he completed both of his touchdowns under those circumstances and was sacked only once. Meanwhile, he had a perfect passer rating when targeting Jordy Nelson.

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has no hamstring setbacks - ESPN
Rodgers also ran for 16 yards on three carries but was careful not to push his hamstring too much. He was able to escape the pocket with little difficulty, suggesting that he should not be limited much if at all moving forward.

Lions finally win a game they weren't trailing in the 4th quarter - SBNation.com
BOOOO. The Packers needed some help from the Saints on Sunday, but they didn't get it with the Lions controlling that game from start to finish.