Rodgers continues to shine in STL

Week 7
October 21, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri

Packers 30 - Rams 20

Photo credit: packers.com

Aaron Rodgers continued to show in the ShowME state there is nothing wrong with the Packers.  Rodgers absolutely dominated the top 10 ranked defense of the St. Louis Rams.  Rodgers finished the game 30/37 for 342 passing yards and three touchdowns.  In the last two games, Rodgers has nine touchdowns and zero interceptions.  I think it's safe to say Aaron was indeed angry and upset with the negative media attention towards the Packers.  "What's wrong with the Packers?" Apparently nothing.

The Rams had a great game plan in the first half.  They controlled the time of possession and kept the Packers offense on the sidelines.  The only problem for the Rams was they couldn't get into the endzone.  Our defense has that mentality of a "Bend not Break" defense and that was evident in the first half.

Randall Cobb has truly become an essential part of our offense.  Cobb caught eight balls for 89 yards and two touchdowns.  Whether it's lining up in the backfield with Rodgers or as a wideout, we need to keep feeding the ball to this young kid.  Jordy Nelson had another good day also catching eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.  Offensive line was a little shaky at the beginning of the game, but they clicked it into gear and did a decent job.  Bryan Bulaga had a good game against Pro Bowler Chris Long.  As for the running game, there was no running game.  But that is who we have been the last three or four years.  Maybe give James Starks a chance? Worth a shot.

Defense was average today.  I'm still not a believer yet.  There were some good moments and some bad ones today in St. Louis.  With the Rams having two backup offensive linemen starting, I expected more pressure on Sam Bradford.  We had three sacks and six quarterback hits, but they had some trouble getting off the field again.

Special shout out to rookie Casey Hayward as he collected his 4th interception of the season through 7 seven games.  Today was the first time he has started this season and he already has four picks; three interceptions in the last two games.  Hayward is now tied for the league lead in interceptions.  Ballhawk.

Photo credit: packers.com

I also want to give props to coach Mike McCarthy and special teams coach Shawn Slocum on the successful surprise onside kick.  It's amazing how a couple years ago, our special teams was sickening. This year they have pulled some good tricks out of the bag.  Gutsy call but it worked.

Injury note: Mike Neal left the game with knee injury.  It was said he came back into the game later so I guess it is not serious.  However, Neal just can't get a break with injuries.

Feels good to get on a winning streak.  But this team still has a lot of things to work on.

Aaron Rodgers on Randall Cobb: "He's a star in the making.  See's the game through the eyes of the quarterback.  He asks the right questions."

Chicago Bears  5-1
Minnesota Vikings  5-2
Green Bay Packers  4-3
Detroit Lions  2-4

UPDATE: Sadly, it was announced on Monday that Charles Woodson suffered a broken collarbone during the Rams game.  This is the same injury he sustained in the Super Bowl.  It is currently projected he will miss 4-6 weeks or about one month's worth of the season.  I saw Woodson go down late in the game, but I assumed it was nothing when there wasn't any injury updates from the team after the game.  This is certainly a blow to the defense.  We are starting to get pounded by injuries.  I have to believe the defense will miss his presence on the field and as a leader of the team.  Hopefully he comes back sooner than later.  Next man up.