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It was quite the day on the ground for the Green Bay Packers in their 26-20 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Not only did the Packers get a huge day from fourth-round rookie Jamaal Williams, but they got a remarkable pay from fifth-rounder Aaron Jones in overtime as well as some significant read-option production from Brett Hundley.
Williams provided the power, Jones the final spark of agility, and Hundley kept the Bucs’ defense guessing. It all combined for a huge day on the ground, which was crucial to the victory as the Packers’ passing game did virtually nothing all day.
All told, the Packers recorded a whopping 199 yards rushing on the day, their highest total since a 226-yard performance against the Chicago Bears in week 15 last season. (You may remember that game as Ty Montgomery’s coming-out party — he had 162 yards on 16 carries in that contest.)
Joining in on the party was the pass rush, which made some big plays to help make up for the fact that the Packers’ defense had trouble getting off the field.
Finally, in today’s curds we see an old friend making it onto the field for the first time as a member of his new team — and doing so in a very different role from that which players at his position typically play.
Packers' rookie running backs come through in the clutch | Packers.com
The Packers now have two running backs who have recorded 100-yard games on the ground this year, and neither is Ty Montgomery. Jamaal Williams continued to be the workhorse throughout the game and Aaron Jones made his mark with the walk-off touchdown.
Thumbs up to pass rush, down to passing game | Packersnews.com
The Packers got an impressive seven sacks on Jameis Winston, 2.5 from Clay Matthews and two from Kenny Clark (the first sacks of his career). However, Brett Hundley's arm was not a strength for the team on Sunday, and that was evident from the first drive when he missed a wide-open Geronimo Allison.
4 takeaways from Packers’ potentially season-saving win over Buccaneers | Packers Wire
Even though the defense got pressure on Winston, the Packers continue to have issues with situational defense, as they allowed Tampa Bay to convert on nine of 16 third down attempts.
Fantasy Touches & Targets: Jamaal Williams thrives - NFL.com
Williams actually averaged more yards per touch (5.3) than Jordy Nelson did with his 17 yards on five receptions (3.4).
Saints are playing third-string QB Taysom Hill on special teams - SBNation.com
Missing you, Taysom Hill. He'd be getting a whole bunch more reps at quarterback if he were still in Green Bay, but he got on the field for the Saints on Sunday and made a pair of special teams tackles.