Everyone is talking about the great game Starks had rushing for the Packers (23 for 123), and how great it is that they had a balanced attack. All the announcers and postgame shows talked about how that helped them win the game, and how positive this is. Despite the fact that everyone feels this way, nothing could be further from the truth. I remember going to a Packer-Eagle game a few years ago when Ahman Green ran for 193 yards, and the Packers lost 17-14. Here are the facts:
The Packers came out aggressive on offense, Rodgers was passing on first down, and the Packers went up 14-0. They were up 14-3 at half. Since they decided to focus on first-down runs in the second half, this had the effect that I always talk about–it means you are making no attempt to score, and thus letting the other team hang around, gain confidence, and possibly even win on a turnover or due to an injury. The Packers ran on 10 of 11 first downs in the second half. The one first down they did throw on, they got a first down, and scored a TD on this drive, their only second-half points.
As a result, the Eagles chipped away at the lead, came close, and had an opportunity to win the game at the end. Had the Eagles scored at the end, no one would be blaming the loss on the running. Since the Eagles didn’t score, everyone is attributing the win to the running!
If you ignore the drive when the Packers got the ball with 1:11 left in the half and didn’t try to score, they scored TDs on 2 of their 3 drives in the first half, and the only time they didn’t was their opening drive when Jennings dropped a third-down pass that would have been a first down. The Packers were at the Philly 38 and should have gone for it on fourth down, so it’s possible they would have scored every drive. So, it’s obvious a pass-first offense worked in the first half. What does McCarthy do in the second half? Runs on 10 of 11 first downs, scores only 7 points (probably due to the one series where they did throw on first down), and just holds on to win as a result. All those yards Starks piled up only served to keep the Packers from scoring, and stalled drive after drive.
Of course Rodgers’ fumble at the Packer 24 that resulted in an Eagle TD, making the score 14-10 Packers and changing the momentum, followed a first-down run.
In addition, I have been saying for years that the Packer punt-return blockers come dangerously close to the ball when the returner doesn’t field it. I’ve always said this was going to cost them, and the ball would eventually hit a Packer player, resulting in a turnover. I’ve said over and over that McCarthy needs to do something about this. When the Packers punted after their opening drive, I’m yelling for the blockers to get away from the ball, the ball then hits a Packer, and the Eagles take over at the Packer 41. Another example of McCarthy not seeing what’s been obviously wrong for many years and correcting it, and this could have cost the Packers a playoff game.
The Eagles had a first-and-25, and McCarthy rushed 3 guys the entire series, allowing the Eagles to complete passes and get the first down.
The bottom line is that the Packers could have put this game away early had they remained aggressive and gone with their strength, which was working all first half, but decided in the second half to run the ball, not try to score, let the Eagles hang around, change the momentum, put the game in the hands of their defense at the end, and just hang on. And, because they did manage to keep the Eagles from scoring at the end, everyone is praising the balanced offense, which is what nearly cost them the game!!!