Steelers Stun Packers 37-36
Jclombardi sums up the Packers loss to Steelers.
Guest senior writer jclombardi @ http://lombardiave.com
Summary: Steelers QB Roethlisberger completed a 19 yards touchdown to WR Wallace with time expiring to stun the Packers 37-36 in an offensive shootout having 973 total offense yards. The Packers stalled in their playoff run failing to hold 28-27 and 36-30 leads in the game. The 9-5 Packers are tied with the Cowboys for the top wild-card spot in the NFC.
Video Highlights: NFL.com. Game Summary: ESPN. CBS.
Quick Hits:
1. The heralded Packers’ defense failed to stop the Steelers in their last offensive drive during the final two minutes in the game. Three defensive penalties led to first downs. The Packers’ defense gave up 537 total yards with crucial coverage breakdowns.
2. Entering the game, the Packers were one of the top penalized teams in the NFL. Five of Packers seven penalties resulted in Steelers’ first downs.
3. The Packers’ offense did enough to win the game.
4. Eventually, K Crosby missing an easy field goal would cost the Packers. Today, it happened. The breakdown of fundamentals cost a victory.
5. Today, the breaks did not go the Packers’ way for a victory. However, the Packers lack the killer instinct to put opponents away too.
6. CB Bush is just an awful backup player.
7. Again, QB Rodgers started slowly, but he had a solid game.
8. TE Finley is a clutch big offensive player for this offense.
9. I am home watching the “Silver Fox” prime time Sunday night game.
This post has 4 comments
December 21st, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I thought this team was supposed to address the problem of DEFENCE?
Sure this team can score pts but it is DEFENCE that wins games, especially when the other team needs a TD.
Here’s a suggestion, rush 3 & put everyone else in the endzone, they need a TD??
& everyone says they are a dangerous team, I’d want to play them in the playoffs.
Is this the Arizona Cardinals?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Why do you think the Packers are so vulnerable to passes over the middle while playing the 3/4? Aren’t the linebackers supposed to cover the tight end and anyone coming over the middle? They have been hurt over the middle for first downs in several of the games that they have won but the defense rallied. The Steelers kept going over the middle and completing passes but the Packer defense never adjusted.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 am
In a 3-4 defense, offenses generally look to attach soft coverage in the middle. LB Hawk vs. LB Chillar in coverage issues. See game review and grades.
Jclombardi
January 13th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
The defense is their weakpoint, not the offense.