It was an incredibly frustrating game to watch if you’re a Packer fan.
This was a game the New England Patriots had no business winning. Down to a third-string, rookie fourth-round QB and without an abundance of offensive or defensive playmakers, the Patriots are about as mediocre as they’ve been since the early 90s. They still have one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, though, which makes them a threat any given week.
The Green Bay Packers needed to be prepared for a trap game, and, well, they weren’t. The offense was pathetic in the first half, largely due to an inexplicably awful first 30 minutes of football by back-to-back defending MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn and was either missing or avoiding wide open receivers in favor of (as it seemed to this observer) trying to forcefeed the football to his pals.
Perhaps the biggest play of the game was the pick six Rodgers threw just before half time.
It was stunning when it happened–just the fourth of Rodgers’ career. And it was on such a bad throw in such a bad moment that it felt like it could cause the team to unravel, as we’ve seen so many times with this offense after an early turnover.
Rodgers threw behind Allen Lazard on an out route on a ball the defender was clearly expecting. The result: a quick pick six and the Packers being down at halftime to a team over which they were heavily favored.
The play did not ultimately result in the Packers losing, but it did significantly change the complexion of the entire rest of the game. Take away that play and the Packers probably go into the half with a 7-3 lead, possibly a 10-3 lead. The game likely doesn’t go into overtime, and there isn’t the moment midway through the fourth quarter where the Packers are down and driving for their lives.
So while it did not ultimately end up causing a loss, I would argue this play, more than any other, influenced the way the rest of the game went. Take it away and it’s a completely different ballgame.
(Honorable mention: the no-call Delay of Game on the Patriots’ touchdown.)
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.