Acme Packing Company - 2022 NFL Week 13: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears, results, final scoreWhere "Draft and Develop" isn't just a philosophy...it's a way of life.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46645/acmepackingco_fave.png2022-12-09T14:00:08-06:00http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/rss/stream/232490892022-12-09T14:00:08-06:002022-12-09T14:00:08-06:00Packers Film Room: How Matt LaFleur combines vertical and traditional route combinations
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<p>Today’s film room breaks down some Packers vertical passing game concepts</p> <p id="ZDlidF">The <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> offense hit two big plays versus the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> where they used some element of their vertical passing game paired with other traditional combinations. Usually, this is done on one side by running a half-field four verticals element and on the backside either a quick slant or spot/dig combination or corner/flat combination.</p>
<p id="fflu0u">Defenses have adapted to take away the explosive downfield pass by playing more two deep coverage safety shells but this leaves the middle of the defense vulnerable to other route combinations that attack the middle area of the field.</p>
<p id="L9Fvc8">Here are a couple of ways Packers head coach Matt LaFleur schemes around this by pairing their verticals concept with either a spot/dig concept that’s good against cover-2, with a quick slant that’s good versus the blitz, or with flat-7 combination.</p>
<h3 id="sZbzgR"><strong>Verticals with a spot/dig concept</strong></h3>
<p id="JdJe2V">Versus the Eagles, Jordan Love hit a completion to the dig route on this concept on the backside of the two verticals to the passing strength.</p>
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<p id="kp6Htq">The Packers are in empty 3x2 here. The trips side to the top is running two verticals with a now slant underneath and the two-receiver side is running the spot/dig concept that puts the Eagles quarter/flat defender in a high-low conflict.</p>
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<p id="PuXRqT">The Eagles are in cover-8 which is reversed cover-6 where the nickel defender plays the vertical curl zone over the passing strength and defense is in cover-2 to that same side. The backside coverage plays quarters over the two-receiver weak side. The backside quarters safety also has to look for the #3 receiver if he comes across.</p>
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<p id="jp5bEB">The verticals horizontally and vertically stretch the coverage to the trips side. The quarters coverage defenders back up deep while the cover-2 safety runs with the vertical. There is no one in the middle of the field so Love hits the dig route over the middle with good timing.</p>
<h3 id="AHqEuD"><strong>Verticals with a flat/corner route combination</strong></h3>
<p id="FXfwMx">On Sunday versus the Bears, Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to Christian Watson when he made a nice adjustment to get open in the end zone on the same front-side verticals concept.</p>
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<p id="ZF810W">On the backside to the two receiver side, the Packers had a flat-7 route combination that consists of a corner route by the slot receiver and a flat route by the outside receiver. With the defense in cover-2 pre-snap, Rodgers looks for the corner route versus the safety. The Bears are actually in cover-2 man to the receiver side and cover-2 match zone to the trips.</p>
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<p id="KblcCQ">Rodgers drops back and confirms the coverage is man coverage underneath with the corner route bracketed by the linebacker and safety over the top to the two-man side. The linebacker passes off Watson’s vertical (zone match indicator) as Rodgers comes back to the trips side. With no space to keep running, Watson runs away from the leverage to get open and Rodgers puts the pass on him for the touchdown as the safety had no outside help due to the nickel defender plastering the number two receiver’s vertical route.</p>
<h3 id="FZIhaG"><strong>Four verticals with a backside quick slant</strong></h3>
<p id="SM2H3H">This combination was a big concept for the Packers in 2020 and 2021 but the basic premise is that the backside quick slant is tagged to the play to give the quarterback a quick throw versus the blitz.</p>
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<p id="7tCHvt">The Packers are in a 3x1 trips with the trips to the left of the formation. The backside single receiver is running a quick slant. On any verticals concept, the receivers have the option to adjust by running a deep curl if they can’t get over the top of the corner or run past them. Watson adjusts here. The defense rushes five and plays a 3-deep/3-under fire zone.</p>
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<p id="RT08nD">Although technically a fire zone blitz, Rodgers stays away from the quick slant and throws to Watson. The offense has six to block five so Rodgers is under no pressure. He actually has a good amount of time to wait for Watson to adjust his route. With the underneath hook zone dropper getting depth, Watson sits and adjusts his route to the sideline and Rodgers throws it away from the leverage of the underneath defender.</p>
<h3 id="UCs9sH"><strong>Outlook</strong></h3>
<p id="lIgMln">There are more ways the Packers combine their vertical concepts but these are some of the ones that stuck out recently as they went for big plays. Hopefully, we get to see more creative ways that LaFleur can scheme some of these throws up for his quarterback and receivers.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/9/23501341/green-bay-packers-film-room-matt-lafleur-aaron-rodgers-passing-game-concepts-traditional-verticalRich Madrid2022-12-09T13:30:08-06:002022-12-09T13:30:08-06:00Packers Film Room: Pass defense gives up plays but also comes up big
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<p>The pass defense gave up 100+ yards on two pass plays but came up with two interceptions in the fourth quarter to seal the game.</p> <p id="D4QEdK">While the run defense struggled to find its footing versus the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>, the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>' pass defense was equally tested by Bears quarterback Justin Fields before rising to the occasion late in the fourth quarter to intercept him twice. The Packers would go on to win 28-19 but still gave up some explosive pass plays and some blown coverages.</p>
<p id="YjXrfB">At the end of the day, cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Keisean Nixon both came home with interceptions at key moments late in the fourth quarter but not before each player had some key mishaps earlier in the game.</p>
<p id="VPGVwC">Nixon allowed quarterback Justin Fields to run for a 55-yard touchdown run while Alexander allowed Bears receivers to complete at least 90+ yards of passes on him on just two catches. And yet, both battled back, executed their assignments late, and made great plays to seal the game.</p>
<h3 id="7m8H9O"><strong>Jaire Alexander and Adrian Amos' big plays given up</strong></h3>
<p id="cz8iDl"><em>First play, 2nd quarter, 1st and 10 @ CHI 37, 7:06 remaining</em></p>
<p id="gLjbA8">The Packers are in a quarters coverage 2-deep shell here on first down known as “quads.” Quads is a 4-deep, 3-under zone coverage with man-to-man match principles. The safeties are responsible for playing over the top of anything vertical to them.</p>
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<p id="bBxHFx">As a result, this can make the coverage susceptible to deep passes where the corners are stuck all alone 1-on-1.</p>
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<p id="HXEm8A">The Bears have a quarters coverage beater called where the tight end occupies that middle vertical of the field, which draws the safety’s attention to him and leaves the receiver vertical route 1-on-1 with the corner.</p>
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<p id="9lOrXO">Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, formerly of the Packers, is 1-on-1 with Alexander at the bottom of the screen. Alexander has outside leverage and is trying to funnel the #1 receiver to the middle toward the safety but there is no safety there as St. Brown sprints past him. Fields drops the pass in the bucket for a 56-yard completion. On the next play, the Bears scored with a touchdown run by David Montgomery to take a 16-3 lead.</p>
<p id="yQPfai"><em>Second play, 4th quarter, 1st and 10 @ CHI 23, 14:35 remaining</em></p>
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<p id="4q0cyY">The defense is in a drop-8 zone coverage called “Cubs” in the Fangio scheme. It’s a good zone call especially versus young quarterbacks as it can muddy the post-snap picture and make windows smaller. Safety Adrian Amos is playing a deep half responsibility and should push to the double move by Harry.</p>
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<p id="hW7JRz">The defense is able to blanket all the underneath routes and put pressure on Fields, forcing him to escape from the pocket to make something happen. At the bottom of the screen, receiver N’Keal Harry is running a quick hitch versus Alexander.</p>
<p id="mqnDtu">Alexander jumps the route when Fields pumps his way and when he sees Fields start to escape, Harry takes off downfield on a scramble drill and has about four yards of separation on Alexander who was caught in no man’s land because Amos sat in the middle of the field looking for a deep crosser.</p>
<p id="1n1MY5">Fields escapes and heaves a pass outside away from the closing Alexander where he goes up and nearly high-points the pass and comes down with it for a 46-yard completion.</p>
<h3 id="QhEK9G"><strong>Alexander’s redemption</strong></h3>
<p id="4fzPW5">Alexander came up with a huge interception as the Bears were driving to try and take the lead while down 20-19. After gains of 5, 8, and 13, the Bears' offense crossed midfield to the Packers' 43-yard line. A couple of more plays would have put them in scoring position.</p>
<p id="76rM48">However, Alexander was able to jump the pass by Fields, aided in part by poor route running by the receiver who let Alexander finish the route for him, where he intercepted the pass at the 28-yard line. This turnover allowed the offense to march down and score to extend the lead to 28-19.</p>
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<p id="aFHqoO">The defense is showing quarters coverage across the board but the post-snap reveals a rotation to a cover-3 buzz zone coverage with the weak safety rotating down to rob the middle of the field.</p>
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<p id="qGGbkv">The Bears' play call is “Hank,” a mirrored deep curl concept with flat routes by the inside receivers. </p>
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<p id="OidZYc">St. Brown is working against Alexander again and Alexander does a great job of staying over the top of the route. St. Brown is slow coming out of his break and this allows Alexander to finish the route for him where he jumps the pass and intercepts it. The offense would score three plays later to go up 28-19.</p>
<h3 id="Cxt53Y"><strong>Keisean Nixon interception</strong></h3>
<p id="Npnf1a">Nixon had a quiet game for the most part except for the open-field tackle he missed where he was responsible for Justin Fields on the read option the Bears scored on in the first quarter.</p>
<p id="e9gYZ6"><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/9/23501317/packers-film-room-packers-run-defense-has-trouble-with-bears-read-option">You can read more about that here</a>, but basically, with a run blitz called and defensive coordinator Joe Barry simplifying their assignments by assigning certain players to the running back, quarterback, and to block destruction, Nixon was responsible for the quarterback. It ended up being a well-timed, well-schemed blitz that Nixon failed to execute on.</p>
<p id="gWiEFw">Late in the game, he had the game-ending interception as the Bears were trying to mount a comeback, albeit with 51 seconds remaining, Nixon was able to get in front of a pass intended for Dante Pettis. With how Fields is able to find explosive plays in the passing game or by scrambling, this was actually a big deal and a much-needed turnover, even if the game was out of reach.</p>
<p id="4QxqDQ"><em>Nixon interception, 4th quarter, 3rd and 1 @ GB 28, :51 remaining</em></p>
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<p id="UYFtK6">The Bears' play call is a sideline flood concept with a deep corner route, an intermediate out route by Pettis, and a short out route, a concept that is designed to put high-low defenders in conflict and allows the quarterback to hit a deep throw on the sideline.</p>
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<p id="eceyDH">The defense is in cover-6 with quarters coverage to the passing strength where the Bears have four strong formation to the field.</p>
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<p id="TIlPnr">The routes distribute downfield through the zones and Pettis looks like he’s open for a few seconds so Fields heaves the pass to him. Nixon makes the play through a combination Pettis drifting away from the pass and getting a good jump on it from inside the numbers and picking it off on the sideline. </p>
<h3 id="V1nWLl"><strong>Outlook</strong></h3>
<p id="526NWz">The Packers' defense was overall good enough to keep them in this game long enough to win and for the offense to take over in the fourth quarter. That’s the sort of combined effort that has been missing in a lot of games but also shows they still have a lot to clean up schematically and execution-wise if they hope to increase those playoff odds. <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/9/23501631/packers-2022-playoff-scenarios-what-help-green-bay-needs-to-make-the-postseason">They’re still mathematically in it</a> and have a relatively easier schedule with the five remaining games.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/9/23501332/green-bay-packers-film-room-review-recap-chicago-bears-week-13-pass-defense-secondary-joe-barryRich Madrid2022-12-09T09:00:00-06:002022-12-09T09:00:00-06:00Packers Film Room: Packers run defense has trouble with Bears’ read option
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<p>The Packers run defense continues to struggle against the Bears read option running game.</p> <p id="9nlLXK">The Green Bay Packers got back in the win column on Sunday on the road versus the Chicago Bears, earning a much needed 28-19 win over their division rival. However, the win only increased their playoff odds from 3% to 4% with the way the rest of the games played out in week 13.</p>
<p id="sDl1uL">However, the run defense continues to be a big problem for the team. Some of it is due to injuries and missing Rashan Gary. Some of the problems are scheme related and others are player performance-related due to missed assignments.</p>
<p id="wDk5Ew">Bears quarterback Justin Fields ran for a 55-yard touchdown off a zone read that was poorly played by the defense. In previous games, the Packers penny front defense was susceptible to getting gashed by opposing teams. This past weekend, and all season really, the main culprit was their 4-2 nickel front defense.</p>
<p id="SnTSdw">Even without the 55-yard touchdown run, the Bears still racked up 100 yards on 24 carries. Some of that is boosted by another big 24 yard run by Darrynton Evans. Fortunately the Bears were unable to rely on the running game to win it but this game shows that the Packers have had glaring issues all season that still have yet to be corrected.</p>
<h2 id="JnvPmL">Bears’ read option</h2>
<p id="oTVcbm">The Bears were able to get chunk yardage on their read option package that Fields has been successful with this season. The best way for opposing teams to gash the Packers defense is to force the secondary to come up and make the tackle in the hole. All season long, the secondary players have been a big reason why teams can rip off big runs.</p>
<h4 id="0zBAwS"><em>First play, 1st quarter, 2nd and 10 @ CHI 45, 3:10 remaining</em></h4>
<p id="MqZ1jk">The Packers sent a run blitz on third down, not a bad call with how it was schemed up. The execution was poor and Fields sprinted to a 55-yard touchdown run on a power read concept.</p>
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<p id="ni9I0i">Power read is a read option play with a pulling blocker for the running back. The play has the added effect of influencing the defensive end, who the quarterback is reading. If the end crashes down the line of scrimmage, then the quarterback will keep. If the end stays home the quarterback can give.</p>
<p id="pakdol">The play can put the defensive front to the play side in a bind where they want that defensive end to spill or box the puller. The Packers are in their nickel front 4-2 defense with a run blitz called off the edge by Keisean Nixon (No. 25).</p>
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<p id="WUuBti">Since Nixon is coming off the edge right away, this allows Kingsley Enagbare (No. 55) to “wrong arm” technique and spill the puller. The gap exchange here with Nixon and Enagbare is sound up until the point where Fields jukes Nixon out of his cleats. Fields then sprinted to a 55 yard touchdown run.</p>
<h4 id="P8vTqi"><em>Second play, 3rd quarter, 3rd and 7 @ GB 30, 5:19 remaining</em></h4>
<p id="8gpKWK">This time the Packers had the edge set and sent Quay Walker as the quarterback player to force the give read with a run blitz through the B-gap.</p>
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<p id="KqxHhG">The play call again is similar to the above play, a power read, but this time the read is the interior linebacker in the B-gap, Walker.</p>
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<p id="pM8Ngo">Preston Smith sets the edge and the blitzing defender becomes the read. This was a nice design into the blitz by former Packers passing game coordinator and quarterback coach Luke Getsy, now the offensive coordinator for the Bears. It’s safe to assume Getsy might have known a Joe Barry tendency here.</p>
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<p id="GcFSRm">Jarran Reed (No. 90) does a decent job of squeezing the A-gap and forcing the running back to cut back to the B-gap. He was unable to shed the block but he spilled the ball carrier to the edge where safety Adrian Amos should have been. Instead, Amos overran the gap and ended up out wide with Preston Smith. There was no reason for him to be there. He needed to meet Evans in the hole.</p>
<h2 id="ax73dZ">Outlook</h2>
<p id="a4e6Yc">Despite all this, the defense held strong and came up big at the end when they needed to, intercepting two Fields passes late in the fourth quarter that prevented the Bears from scoring any points to cut the lead. Those plays will be the subject of part two of this week’s defensive review.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/9/23501317/packers-film-room-packers-run-defense-has-trouble-with-bears-read-optionRich Madrid2022-12-08T12:00:00-06:002022-12-08T12:00:00-06:00Pick the top play from the Packers’ week 13 win over the Bears
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<p>The Packers survived an ugly one in Chicago with a strong second half push</p> <p id="wgP5yt">Christian Watson’s ascension continued on Sunday for the Green Bay Packers, as he was welcomed into the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> ownership group with open arms. The rookie receiver is quickly turning the end zone into a second home with eight touchdowns in the last four weeks, a mark that places him in rarified air, as Hall of Famer Randy Moss is the only other rookie to do so. </p>
<p id="Bz2CcT">After yet another 50+ yard touchdown run for Justin Fields in the first half, the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> weren’t subject to any more designed scampers from the second-year quarterback, with the Bears turning him into a pocket passer thanks to a bum shoulder. After allowing 16 in the first half, the Packers only gave up a field goal and forced two late Fields interceptions to seal the game and put an emphatic touch on yet another rivalry bout in Chicago.</p>
<p id="FjY4JF">AJ Dillon took center stage today as Aaron Jones was in and out of the game nursing a shin injury. Dillon rushed for 93 yards and punched in his third touchdown of the season. He’s now scored in back-to-back games and looks to be regaining his 2021 form after a long end-zone drought.</p>
<p id="fEs2T1">Any fans dreaming of this agonizing season meeting its end soon will have to wait, as the Packers are now destined to be in every “in the hunt graphic” through their bye week. Stranger things have happened, but if the Packers are too far back to make noise, a win against the Bears is a nice consolation prize. Let’s just agree to keep our salutes shorter and lower. Poor form can lead to some unflattering photos. </p>
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<h2 id="5sznvC">Christian Watson comes up clutch on fourth down</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Christian Watson's 7th TD in his last 4 games! <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianW2017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianW2017</a><br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> on FOX<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ">https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ttHy3zp6fr">pic.twitter.com/ttHy3zp6fr</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1599484593677029376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="viLYnM">After a quick start that saw them score on their first two drives, Justin Fields and the Bears looked like they hadn’t missed a beat in his return from injury. Despite the opponent being the Bears, this Packers team could have easily thrown in the towel down 10-0 and facing a 4-9 record. Fortunately, they showed some fight and put together a nearly eight-minute drive that stalled in the red zone but ended with a field goal. On the next Bears drive, Chase Claypool put the ball on the ground and gave the Packers an early Christmas gift. </p>
<p id="vY6hfs">But as is the case with the 2022 Packers, happiness was short-lived. A five-play drive ended on downs, and the Bears responded with a bomb to Equanimeous St. Brown, who took advantage of Jaire Alexander falling asleep, and a David Montgomery score. </p>
<p id="vqVvC7">16-3. Packers in a hole. All hope is lost. The usual. But not so fast! Hope is never lost when Christian “Literally Randy Moss” is on your sideline. To cap off a 13-play drive headlined by AJ Dillon and Allen Lazard, the Packers got aggressive, going for it on fourth and four at the Bears’ 14-yard line. Christian Watson showed off his budding connection with Aaron Rodgers by staying alive on the scramble drill and was rewarded with the clutch touchdown to bring the game within six going into the half. </p>
<h2 id="UrTd17">AJ Dillon closes the gap with a score</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A.J. Dillon. <a href="https://twitter.com/packers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Packers</a> pull within 2.<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> on FOX<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ">https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ap35YYGvze">pic.twitter.com/Ap35YYGvze</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1599498437371650048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="aHU8Ja">After an exciting end to the first half, the two squads produced back-to-back-to-back three and outs, with the Bears finally breaking through on a 62-yard field goal drive. The Packers immediately responded with the All-PI offense, as Christian Watson was held up by Jaylon Jones. From the 21-yard line, AJ Dillon looked like himself once again and rumbled in for the score to make it 19-17, Bears. </p>
<h2 id="R15z4E">Jaire makes up for the bad day with a big INT</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JaireAlexander?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaireAlexander</a> jumps the route!<br><br>INTERCEPTION <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoPackGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoPackGo</a><br><br> FOX <a href="https://t.co/dh7ZLCcVFA">pic.twitter.com/dh7ZLCcVFA</a></p>— Green Bay Packers (@packers) <a href="https://twitter.com/packers/status/1599504902513836032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="4FQZ79">Thanks to a 49-yard play to N’Keal Harry of all people on the subsequent drive, the Bears were in Packers territory in the blink of an eye. They fizzled out at the 22 and Cairo Santos’ field goal was blocked by Dean Lowry. The momentum was all with the Packers now, and…. they (stop me if you’ve heard this before) couldn’t punch in a touchdown, but notched a field goal to take the lead. </p>
<p id="wDfcL0">In a season marred by rough defensive play, Jaire Alexander has certainly disappointed. This game was no different, as he gave up big plays and generally looked uninterested. But Jaire Alexander loves a big moment, and he came up clutch on the Bears’ next drive. Justin Fields threw it right to Alexander and set the Packers up for one last drive to put things out of reach. </p>
<h2 id="wX8fpj">Christian Watson nails the Bears’ coffin</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You're not gonna catch <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianW2017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianW2017</a>!<br><br>4️⃣6️⃣-yard TOUCHDOWN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoPackGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoPackGo</a><br><br> FOX <a href="https://t.co/AdF348mI6W">pic.twitter.com/AdF348mI6W</a></p>— Green Bay Packers (@packers) <a href="https://twitter.com/packers/status/1599506365541945345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="0EFqb7">Christian Watson’s ninth touchdown of the season was a special one. After catching a 19-yard ball over the middle to kick off the drive, Watson took an end around 46 yards to the house to close the Bears out. Once again, defenders were left in his wake. No defensive back has matched his speed in the open field thus far and his long stride often leaves him running free like Forrest Gump down the sideline. Per <a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1599508862532726785?s=20&t=KBwNGLtqVoHluTbOoM6O7w">@NextGenStats</a> on Twitter, Watson reached a top speed of 21.72 mph on the touchdown, tied for the fastest by a receiver this season. </p>
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<p id="xd7C03">That’s it for week 13’s top plays. The Packers have now beaten Mike McCarthy and the Bears in recent weeks, providing a sort of moral victory for us to latch on to. They will get some much needed rest with a bye this week before welcoming the Baker Mayfield-led <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> to Lambeau on Monday Night Football. Be sure to follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/acmepackingco">@acmepackingco</a> for the latest updates and news. </p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/8/23499746/pick-the-top-play-from-the-packers-week-13-win-over-the-bearsPeter Voight2022-12-05T16:42:58-06:002022-12-05T16:42:58-06:00Packers Film Study: Christian Watson keeps hot streak going vs Bears
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Packers rookie can’t be stopped right now. </p> <p id="mbUOb7">The <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> have found some rhythm on offense, and rookie wide receiver Christian Watson has been a big reason for that.</p>
<p id="nuC7gN">The Packers came away with a 28-19 victory over the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> on Sunday, moving the team to 5-8 while still technically keeping them in the playoff hunt. Watson had another big game, catching three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown while also adding a 46-yard rushing touchdown.</p>
<p id="eYPE2u">Green Bay’s second-round pick has now racked up eight total touchdowns over the last four weeks. His drop on what would have been a touchdown on his first NFL snap is a thing of the past, and now the 23-year-old is making a late push for a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> or Rookie of the Year selection.</p>
<p id="45UF2R">While Watson has earned a reputation as a speed threat, the film shows some of the finer details of his game, including some things he could still work on to become a more complete player.</p>
<p id="XeINge">Watson was drafted to be a big-bodied speed threat, but also because of his willingness as a blocker. head coach Matt LaFleur has a clear type when it comes to receivers in his offense, and Watson fit that mold at 6’5” and 207 pounds along with the effort he showed as a blocker at North Dakota State.</p>
<p id="S65sFe">The Packers seem much more comfortable getting Watson involved as a blocker, and he showed he can be an asset in that role against the Bears.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Christian Watson getting involved way more in the offense, including as a blocker.<br><br>Saw some of this at NDSU. He has the size and willingness to be an effective blocker. <a href="https://t.co/lxHEYvaEkK">pic.twitter.com/lxHEYvaEkK</a></p>— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/1599854130763218944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="GyrSLJ">There’s a very real chance that receiver Allen Lazard doesn’t return in 2023, so Watson could take on a larger role as a blocking receiver next year.</p>
<p id="ejRLym">Rookies aren’t perfect, and Watson is still getting his feet under him and making some miscues. Something that popped up on Sunday and in previous weeks is Watson not finishing his routes at full speed if he fights through contact, thinking the ball won’t come his way. This showed up again on Sunday, preventing Watson from getting close to a target coming his way.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A bad habit Watson needs to work on is finishing plays.<br><br>Gotta keep running these routes through contact. Never know when the ball is going your way. <a href="https://t.co/Rvy665Pvc7">pic.twitter.com/Rvy665Pvc7</a></p>— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/1599858112835383296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="UzJsdw">This is an easily correctible mistake, however, and an example of the effort required at the NFL level that Watson is still adjusting to.</p>
<p id="dDExow">At the same time, there are signs of development with Watson. Because of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ playmaking ability in off-script plays, Packers wide receivers have to get acclimated to what the veteran QB is looking for and know how to break off of their routes to get open. On Watson’s first touchdown of the game, he showed a good feel for how to do exactly that, breaking off his route while using his big frame to get positioning on the safety for the score. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Being able to adjust off-script is a huge part of playing WR with Rodgers.<br><br>Great job here by Watson recognizing the ball isn't out yet and getting in position to make a play. <a href="https://t.co/NZzNS5gFMS">pic.twitter.com/NZzNS5gFMS</a></p>— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/1599862228735651840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="cwFiTo">Even with his size-speed combo, Watson will need to find ways to win with his route running, which will allow him to create more separation. While he doesn’t have the footwork and lateral movement skills that Davante Adams possesses, Watson is clearly making an effort to become a better route runner.</p>
<p id="ZRp5LR">This route on Sunday against the Bears might have been one of his best all season. After initially setting up his release outside, Watson was able to move back inside of the cornerback, then use his speed and size to fly upfield and cut back inside to be wide open in the middle of the field.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watson feigns outside release, attacks inside, gets a step on the DB and then breaks inside to get open over the middle of the field. <a href="https://t.co/TbM4l9PKAp">pic.twitter.com/TbM4l9PKAp</a></p>— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/1599867617602572288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="uDkmna">Speed is still Watson’s calling card. His 40-yard dash time of 4.36 seconds turned plenty of heads at the NFL Scouting Combine given his size, and on the field, he looks even faster with the capability of turning any play into a touchdown.</p>
<p id="lZ6skr">Teams that play press-man coverage against Watson have to be able to effectively jam him at the line of scrimmage. When Watson gets a free release against it, he has no problem getting past defenders, and when hit in stride, he can generate explosive plays with regularity.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Play press man against Christian Watson at your own risk.<br><br>If this ball leads Watson a tick more this is probably a TD. Still able to draw PI. <a href="https://t.co/8uj8c1EYcM">pic.twitter.com/8uj8c1EYcM</a></p>— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/1599865548279410689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="qB0Hsn">LaFleur and the Packers coaching staff also did a great job of setting Watson up for success on his jet sweep. The Bears showed little concern for Watson’s pre-snap jet motion throughout the game, with Chicago’s linebackers aggressively playing the running back, leaving just one defensive back trailing Watson and time in pre-snap motion.</p>
<p id="48g4VX">When the Packers realized this, they called an actual jet sweep to Watson, and thanks to a great block by Sammy Watkins on the DB following him in motion, the rookie was able to spring free for a 46-yard score.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Packers set this one up all game.<br><br>Bears defense wasn't committing at all to pre-snap motion from Watson except for a DB following him across the formation in man coverage.<br><br>Turns out you have to respect Watson in motion. <a href="https://t.co/qFcoQbI0Eq">pic.twitter.com/qFcoQbI0Eq</a></p>— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerDBrooke/status/1599868503372468224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="vUkkoR">It’s still not perfect, and at some point, Watson will face some adversity like he has with his drops in previous weeks. However, the playmaking ability that Watson brings has added a new dimension to Green Bay’s offense and could make them a dangerous threat again in 2023.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/5/23488207/green-bay-packers-film-study-christian-watson-chicago-bears-aaron-rodgers-week-13Tyler D. Brooke2022-12-05T10:30:00-06:002022-12-05T10:30:00-06:00Packers Week 13 Snap Counts: Green Bay actually played complementary football
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<figcaption>Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the first time in a long time, the Packers got contributions from all three phases together in the fourth quarter against the Bears.</p> <p id="yN3Rgo">All three phases of the football team did their part for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, particularly in the fourth quarter. That’s a big reason why the team was able to overcome a 19-10 deficit to start the final period, outscoring the Chicago Bears 18-0 to claim a 28-19 victory.</p>
<p id="KN1wf7">The offense scored on all three series in the fourth, putting up two touchdowns and a field goal. The defense forced a field goal attempt and delivered a pair of crucial interceptions. And the special teams even had a big play, as Dean Lowry blocked that Bears field goal attempt to help keep the score especially close early in the frame.</p>
<p id="qIYSXa">This is arguably just the second time this team has delivered a complete fourth-quarter performance all season, with the other coming in a comeback win over the the Dallas Cowboys three weeks ago. It’s something that has been missing for this team all season long up until that point, a major reason why their record is now 5-8 instead of something more like 8-5.</p>
<p id="iGsGLa">Here are the snap counts from Sunday’s win.</p>
<h2 id="dFs3KU">OFFENSE (66 total plays)</h2>
<h3 id="v0OCLt">Quarterback</h3>
<p id="8eARdR">Aaron Rodgers 66</p>
<p id="scSa1d">Rodgers has historically lit up the Bears, and although he did not put up gaudy numbers in this game, he had enough timely throws to ensure that the Packers got the W, particularly in the fourth quarter. He finished the day 18-for-31 for 182 yards and a touchdown, but his best throws came in some big moments. For example, his touchdown was to Christian Watson on 4th down just before the end of the first half, while he came up with a few other nice throws in the fourth quarter to help set up the Packers’ go-ahead and pull-ahead scores.</p>
<h3 id="UgypSS">Running Backs</h3>
<p id="oFuSEd">AJ Dillon 45, Aaron Jones 25, Patrick Taylor 6</p>
<p id="I9dAIW">The <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> used Jones sparingly in this game, keeping him out for some long spells due to a shin issue. As a result, Dillon got his biggest workload of the season, seeing 21 total touches and turning them into 119 total yards from scrimmage. Dillon added a 21-yard touchdown, the score that pulled the Packers back within two early in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p id="SqpJaN">Jones finished the day with 26 rushing yards on 9 carries, adding 24 yards on five receptions. Taylor subbed in for Dillon a few times when Jones was out late, carrying the football once for six yards.</p>
<h3 id="DyhTqa">Wide Receivers</h3>
<p id="qWmozw">Allen Lazard 62, Christian Watson 61, Randall Cobb 33, Samori Toure 12, Sammy Watkins 7</p>
<p id="E1rTiM">The Lazard-Watson show continued, as it is becoming clear that Watson’s emergence comes at Sammy Watkins’ expense. Watkins has now played just 11 saps combined in his last two games after never being on the field for fewer than 21 when healthy in a previous game.</p>
<p id="NRzPDD">Of course, Watson deserves those snaps, as he recorded a pair of touchdowns once again on Sunday. His first came on fourth down just before the end of the first half to pull the Packers back within six points and his second slammed the door on the Bears with Green Bay clinging to a one-point lead. That end-around benefited from a great Watkins block — in fact, he threw nice blocks downfield on both Watson’s and Dillon’s scores.</p>
<p id="lJQLv3">Meanwhile, Lazard caught five of his six targets, picking up 67 yards and moving the chains on all five of them, with two coming on third downs.</p>
<h3 id="RmQaFW">Tight Ends</h3>
<p id="iCvKN3">Robert Tonyan 34, Marcedes Lewis 28, Josiah Deguara 10, Tyler Davis 7</p>
<p id="bTgt87">The Packers again got minimal receiving production out of the tight end position, with the unit combining for three targets, one catch, and 10 yards. That does not include Lewis’ catch on a two-point conversion attempt, however, which came on a great call by Matt LaFleur to put the Packers up by 9 points late.</p>
<h3 id="sZXPFA">Offensive Linemen</h3>
<p id="sucaLL">Zach Tom 66, Elgton Jenkins 66, Josh Myers 66, Jon Runyan, Jr. 66, Yosh Nijman 66</p>
<p id="kcxBO0">With David Bakhtiari unavailable due to an emergency appendectomy on Friday, Tom stepped in and played perhaps his best game as a rookie. The line as a whole did not allow a single hit or sack on Rodgers, as he frequently had tons of time in the pocket while also escaping on a few occasions to extend plays. The group also helped the Packers hit 175 yards on the ground, the sixth time this season that they have reached at least that number.</p>
<h2 id="RTpg4K">DEFENSE (52 total plays)</h2>
<h3 id="1KeQZI">Defensive Linemen</h3>
<p id="oH2CYE">Kenny Clark 39, Jarran Reed 36, Dean Lowry 26, T.J. Slaton 9, Devonte Wyatt 9</p>
<p id="EaKh89">This game saw Clark record his second-lowest snap count all season, with the only game with fewer snaps coming in the first meeting against the Bears (36). He seemed to have a somewhat resurgent game, shedding blocks and making plays at the line of scrimmage in a way he hasn’t in recent weeks. Although the Packers did not record a sack on Justin Fields, Reed and Lowry each had a QB hit, with Lowry’s being an impressive, clean form tackle as he released the football.</p>
<h3 id="79vZMQ">Outside Linebackers</h3>
<p id="ASEYR2">Preston Smith 41, Kingsley Enagbare 29, Jonathan Garvin 19, Justin Hollins 14</p>
<p id="dTAM6U">The Packers’ edge rushers were notably quiet in this game, as none of them recorded a hit or sack. Some of that was likely due to focusing on setting the edge in the run game and containing Fields’ running ability, however, and Smith led the group with five total tackles.</p>
<h3 id="y8MtjZ">Inside Linebackers</h3>
<p id="GC7okn">De’Vondre Campbell 52, Quay Walker 52</p>
<p id="J3CnDL">Both of the Packers’ starting inside linebackers played every snap as the team eschewed Penny looks in favor of pure base or standard nickel groupings. Campbell looked slow in his return from injury, but he did lead the team in total tackles with 11. Walker struggled at times to read run fits once again, but he was not at fault for Fields’ long touchdown run, as his assignment was to take the running back on the read-option and let others deal with the quarterback. He did have a great tackle on Fields in open space, beating the quarterback to the sideline to stop him for no gain.</p>
<h3 id="hzh57b">Safeties</h3>
<p id="ArZj32">Adrian Amos 52, Rudy Ford 52, Micah Abernathy 1</p>
<p id="qJ30bu">The Packers’ two safeties played every snap, with Ford continuing to start with or without Darnell Savage in the lineup. Neither made any huge plays in this game, as the big ones (both positive and negative) seemed to come from the cornerback unit.</p>
<h3 id="HnLN3t">Cornerbacks</h3>
<p id="emfBCT">Jaire Alexander 52, Rasul Douglas 52, Keisean Nixon 37</p>
<p id="qW0Eeb">Indeed, all three of the Packers’ cornerbacks delivered a turnover play, with Douglas forcing a first-half fumble while both Alexander and Nixon intercepted Fields passes in the fourth quarter. Alexander gave up a pair of huge gains over the top earlier, one to Equanimeous St. Brown and one to N’Keal Harry. However, his pick was big, coming with the Packers leading by just a point and setting up the long Watson touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion to extend the Packers’ lead to nine. It was also his fourth of the season, extending a new career-high. Meanwhile, Nixon’s interception was the first of his career and allowed the Packers to kneel out the clock rather than keeping the Bears alive while down by two possessions. </p>
<h2 id="SeiPXL">SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS</h2>
<p id="Sb5zO9">Dallin Leavitt 20, Tyler Davis 19, Innis Gaines 15, Isaiah McDuffie 15, Eric Wilson 15, Corey Ballantine 12, Josiah Deguara 12, Rasul Douglas 11, Tariq Carpenter 10, Mason Crosby 10</p>
<p id="wqZbUI">One notable item from special teams was the fact that Randall Cobb took the only punt return of the game for the Packers. Cobb picked up 15 yards on the return, resulting in a net of only 24 yards for the Bears on the play. Nixon remained back on kickoff returns and averaged 25.5 yards, though he took several out of the end zone.</p>
<p id="Dsoyfv">The other big play on special teams was of course Lowry’s field goal block early in the fourth quarter, which kept the Packers within two points and allowed them to take a lead with a field goal of their own on the ensuing drive.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/by-the-numbers/2022/12/5/23494067/packers-week-13-snap-counts-green-bay-actually-played-complementary-footballEvan "Tex" Western2022-12-04T23:08:33-06:002022-12-04T23:08:33-06:00The Repack: The Packers are the winningest franchise ever after beating the Bears
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<p>Hang the banner.</p> <div id="ZCwTNg"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP4931690459" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9Hi66X">Yes, you’re allowed to celebrate the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> passing the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> on the all-time wins list, even if the Bears are just 3-10 on the season. The only people saying otherwise are salty Chicago fans. Block out that noise.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most of All-Time… <a href="https://twitter.com/packers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@packers</a> <a href="https://t.co/ahyHyE1Anl">pic.twitter.com/ahyHyE1Anl</a></p>— Donald Driver (@Donald_Driver80) <a href="https://twitter.com/Donald_Driver80/status/1599592595319296001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="CVZWwg">To recap the Packers’ win on Sunday, Justis Mosqueda and Evan “Tex” Western discussed the good, bad and ugly on this week’s The Repack.</p>
<p id="9qrbGe">The conversation of Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love starting the remainder of the season came up quickly. Obviously, Rodgers wants to play as long as the team is mathematically in playoff contention, but that could very well last until Week 17 or 18.</p>
<p id="YTLfjB">Even beyond this season, is Rodgers coming back in 2023? The phrasing he’s been using over the last week or so has been interesting, even for the complicated fella. If Rodgers does come back, should the Packers pick up Love’s 2024 fifth-year option? Should they trade Love in the offseason?</p>
<p id="ElQ9Ts">We tried to answer all of those questions and touch on the current playoff picture and draft picture as it stands today. If the season ended right now, the Packers would hold the 12th overall pick in the 2023 draft.</p>
<h3 id="ayynqy">Timestamps</h3>
<ul>
<li id="GSBVpp">0:00: The Packers beat the Bears! Hang the banner!</li>
<li id="AdrpQJ">6:00: Is Rodgers coming back next season?</li>
<li id="AXxUBy">22:50: Offensive vibe checks.</li>
<li id="T58QC3">39:30: Defensive vibe checks.</li>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/12/4/23493797/green-bay-packers-vs-chicago-bears-podcast-aaron-rodgers-jordan-love-week-13-recapJustis Mosqueda2022-12-04T15:12:00-06:002022-12-04T15:12:00-06:00Packers come back to beat Bears 28-19 as Christian Watson’s star continues burning
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<img alt="Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RJL3zIHKWTX03MlTLigLB6h6c8o=/0x0:3026x2017/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71709309/1446745491.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another multi-score day from Watson and some timely turnovers by Green Bay’s defense drove a fourth-quarter comeback win for the Packers heading into their bye week.</p> <p id="znjERj">Nobody can stop Christian Watson.</p>
<p id="zPe4uA">The <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>’ rookie receiver scored another two touchdowns on Sunday, delivering a critical 4th-down catch late in the first half and providing another score on the ground in the fourth quarter to pull the Packers away from the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> at Soldier Field. Those plays gave Watson a total of eight scores in his last four games and nine total on the season as he continues an impressive stretch that saw him earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for November.</p>
<p id="9Y0VOx">While Watson did his part offensively, the Packers got a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions from their defense. One came from Jaire Alexander in a one-point game to set up Watson’s second score and Keisean Nixon delivered the other to end any late comeback hopes for the Bears. With the unit struggling to contain Justin Fields in the first half and Alexander giving up multiple big plays over the top, the group played solidly after the break, holding Chicago to just three points after halftime.</p>
<p id="GrKztv">Aaron Rodgers did just enough to manage the game and put the Packers in a position to win, finishing 18-for-31 passing for 182 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, AJ Dillon led the way for the Packers thanks to Aaron Jones being in and out of the lineup with a shin injury. Dillon posted his biggest day of the year with 93 yards and a touchdown on the ground and 26 more yards as a receiver. His 21-yard score pulled the Packers back within two points early in the third quarter.</p>
<p id="3i5g8G">All told, the Packers finished the comeback after trailing by 13 points in the first half, thanks in no small part to Watson’s heroics. With that, the Packers’ extraordinarily slim playoff hopes still remain alive for another week or two, as they finally head into their week 14 bye and do so on a winning note. To make the victory a bit sweeter, it also broke a tie between the two franchises for the most wins in NFL history, giving the Packers 787 in their storied legacy.</p>
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<p id="MubfC8">The Bears won the opening coin toss but elected to receive, a rarity in today’s NFL. They would get on the board with a field goal on the opening drive, getting into Packers territory with Justin Fields hitting Equanimeous St. Brown on a 24-yard gain. Green Bay would punt on their opening series, picking up an early first down but stalling out after Aaron Jones was stopped for a loss of three yards on a pitch play.</p>
<p id="uvESWz">Fields delivered an explosive play with his legs on the next series, splitting the defense off a read-option look. He made Keisean Nixon miss near the line of scrimmage then was gone, easily outrunning De’Vondre Campbell and sprinting to the end zone for a 56-yard touchdown to give the Bears an early 10-0 lead.</p>
<p id="g7kdZU">The Packers got an explosive play on their next series. With the wind swirling inside Soldier Field, Aaron Rodgers found Allen Lazard over the middle of the field for a 20-yard gain to reach midfield. AJ Dillon’s hard running drove the Packers to the edge of the red zone before Jones took a pitch off the right end to cross the 20-yard line. Green Bay had nothing open on third down from the ten-yard line, setting up a Mason Crosby field goal. He hit from 24 yards out to get the Packers on the board, cutting the Bears’ lead to 10-3 after a drive of more than seven minutes.</p>
<p id="bBgAfL">Fields and the Bears continued to move the ball on the Packers’ defense, but the unit got a crucial turnover to give Rodgers and company good field position. After a pass to Chase Claypool over the middle, Rasul Douglas knocked the ball out of his hands and Rudy Ford picked it up. The tackle by Douglas got Claypool’s right knee caught up under him, and he fell to the ground clutching his leg. Claypool would return later in the game later, but the turnover held up after replay review, giving the Packers the football at their own 40.</p>
<p id="PrJjYz">On first down, Rodgers hit Lazard for another gain of 21 yards, crossing midfield quickly. But the offense gave it right back, with Rodgers failing to connect with his receivers on three straight plays, including a 4th-and-8 heave to Randall Cobb in the end zone. That turned the ball over on downs, sending the Bears back on the field near their own 40.</p>
<p id="3vz62r">Fields struck immediately, hitting St. Brown for a huge gain of 56 yards over the head of Jaire Alexander. Two plays later, David Montgomery ran through multiple tackle attempts, finding the end zone on a 7-yard score. Cairo Santos would miss the extra point, but the Bears’ lead still expanded to 16-3.</p>
<p id="rVS8MP">After a miss on a deep ball to Christian Watson on first down, the Packers moved the chains as Rodgers escaped the pocket and hit Lazard for another third-down conversion. Dillon then burst through the line for a big gain of 16 yards to cross the 50. Another 3rd-down catch by Lazard took the clock down to the two-minute warning with the Packers driving. Jones ripped off an 11-yard gain to get to the 20. A few plays later, however, Jones lost a yard on 3rd-and-3, but instead of sending Crosby out on the field, they kept the offense on the field. </p>
<p id="7jNY5F">Rodgers delivered, navigating the pocket and eventually finding — who else — Christian Watson for a 14-yard touchdown. The huge score brought Green Bay back within a touchdown at 16-10, and they would receive the opening kickoff of the second half.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Christian Watson's 7th TD in his last 4 games! <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianW2017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianW2017</a><br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> on FOX<br> : Stream on NFL+ <a href="https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ">https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ttHy3zp6fr">pic.twitter.com/ttHy3zp6fr</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1599484593677029376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="P2ZcKQ">Unfortunately, a double-up around halftime was not to be, as the referees made an appearance. On 2nd-and-3, AJ Dillon took a handoff and fell down, but was not touched and got up to seemingly pick up the first down. However, the officials thought he was touched by a Bears defender and ruled him down by contact short of the line to gain. Rodgers’ pass attempt on 3rd-and-1 went incomplete and the Packers had to punt away.</p>
<p id="Tthe3n">Thankfully, Green Bay got a three-and-out on defense on the Bears’ first series of the half, thanks to a false start by Chicago and a tackle for loss by Jaire Alexander on Claypool on third down. The Packers would punt right back, though, as a false start from Yosh Nijman, a pair of incompletions, and a short gain to Robert Tonyan on third-and-long yielded another Pat O’Donnell punt.</p>
<p id="gWLyNf">Joe Barry’s defense went on to allow a pair of third-and-long conversions on Chicago’s next series as the Bears drove deep into Packers territory. The run defense stiffened up in the red zone, however, forcing a 3rd-and-goal from the 24 after a tackle for loss and a stop for no gain. A 14-yard pass to Dante Pettis was not enough to find the end zone, and the Bears settled for a field goal to re-establish a two-possession lead.</p>
<p id="yeSPBv">Rodgers hit Watson for an early conversion on 3rd-and-7 to end the third quarter, then drew a 38-yard pass interference penalty with an underthrown ball to Watson up the left sideline to start the 4th. Two plays later, AJ Dillon burst through the left side of the line off a fake jet sweep to Watson, rumbling up the sideline and into the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown. Mason Crosby’s PAT pulled the Packers to back within two points at 19-17. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ajdillon7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajdillon7</a> takes it 21 yards for the score!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoPackGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoPackGo</a><br><br> FOX <a href="https://t.co/h9klaftrha">pic.twitter.com/h9klaftrha</a></p>— Green Bay Packers (@packers) <a href="https://twitter.com/packers/status/1599498518015533056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="9tIV1F">Needing a quick stop, the Packers’ defense instead gave up another huge play to the Bears on their next snap. Fields lofted a deep ball to N’Keal Harry over Alexander for a big 49-yard gain, flipping the field immediately. The defense got the stop three plays later, however, stuffing Montgomery for no gain on 3rd-and-5. The Packers’ special teams finally made a play on Santos’ field goal attempt, as Dean Lowry got his hand on the kick to keep the margin at two points. </p>
<p id="2XNPox">Rodgers dinked and dunked his way down the field with a chance to take the lead, hitting Lazard and Dillon underneath for first downs to cross midfield. A short catch by Samori Toure set up a 3rd-and-3 from the Bears’ 25, but Dillon plunged through to move the chains and keep the drive going. The Packers could not find the end zone, with Rodgers’ pass to Tonyan at the goal line going incomplete, but Crosby punched through a field goal from 32 yards away to give Green Bay its first lead of the game.</p>
<p id="3zRM0O">With just under five minutes to go, Joe Barry and the Packers’ defense needed to get a stop to preserve a win. After a kickoff return to the 30, the Bears picked up 15 yards on their first two plays to reach the 44, then picked up another 13 two plays later on a pass from Fields to Cole Kmet. Finally, Alexander made his presence felt, jumping St. Brown’s route and intercepting Fields to give the Packers’ defense their second turnover of the day. </p>
<p id="qw2KCs">Needing to run three minutes off the clock, Rodgers started with a 20-yard pass to Watson over the middle of the field, then got to the two-minute warning with a three-yard run from Dillon. On the first play out of the break, Rodgers handed off to Watson on a jet sweep around the left side, and he ran 46 yards untouched into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the year and his second score overall on the day. That put the Packers up 26-19, but sniffing blood in the water, Matt LaFleur went for a two-point conversion to make it a two-possession game. Rodgers found Marcedes Lewis wide open in the end zone to convert, bringing the score to 28-19. </p>
<p id="saj7II">Here’s Watson’s score:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You're not gonna catch <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianW2017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianW2017</a>!<br><br>4️⃣6️⃣-yard TOUCHDOWN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsCHI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsCHI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoPackGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoPackGo</a><br><br> FOX <a href="https://t.co/AdF348mI6W">pic.twitter.com/AdF348mI6W</a></p>— Green Bay Packers (@packers) <a href="https://twitter.com/packers/status/1599506365541945345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a>
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<p id="iHR5YL">Facing a nine-point deficit, the Bears moved the ball quickly through the air, but the Packers defense delivered a final dagger with a minute left. Keisean Nixon intercepted Fields’ pass to Pettis, setting the Packers up to take a knee to run out the clock.</p>
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<p id="yq1tjX">Both the Packers and Bears have byes in week 14. The Packers improved their record to 5-8 with the victory, keeping the possibility of a winning season alive for another two weeks. They will face the struggling <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> at Lambeau Field after the bye, meeting the Rams with an extra day of rest as the two teams play on Monday Night Football.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-at-bears-week-13-2022/2022/12/4/23492712/packers-come-back-to-beat-bears-28-19-as-christian-watsons-star-continues-burningEvan "Tex" Western