This game was just like the weather last night in Green Bay sloppy. McNabb lead the Eagles to the game winning drive with just 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter to bring the one game behind the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. The game-winning reception was Pinkston first touchdown pass of the season. McNabb was 15 for 31 with one TD rushing and one TD passing.
My father who is now retired living in Wilmington, North Carolina flew up with two of his friends to meet my brother “Intense” Dave in Green Bay. This was his friend’s first game at Lambeau field.
McNabb’s effort spoiled this occasion for these Lambeau field first-timers.
Ahman Green now holds the single game team rushing record by rushing for 192 yards which topped the previous record held by Dorsey Levens of 190 yards in 1997. On a sad note, he also holds this years NFL lead with 7 fumbles. His first of two fumbles stop a Packer drive in the first half that could have made the game outcome a little different. Ahman Green first touchdown prevent a scoreless first half in Lambeau field which last occurred in the 1980. Unfortunately single game rushing records do not win football games and the Packers fall to 4-5.
Green was not the only Packer that could not hold on to the slippery ball. Favre fumbled three times and lost one on the last drive. He also was not real productive in the passing game by going 14 of 22 for 109 yards with one TD and one interception. Ex-Packer linebacker Nate Wayne was doing his normal Monday magic including the intercepting a pass that could have been a touchdown if not for the score saving tackle by Brett Favre.
The addition of Grady Jackson this week was one of the few pleasant surprises in the games. Though listed at 330, the heavier Jackson showed push up the middle at helped lead the pressure on McNabb. The defense line showed promise through out the game. The Team that controls the line scrimmage will win football games. Its time for the Packer defense line to step up and make a difference or the Packers will be staying in Green Bay watching the playoffs on TV. The addition of Grady Jackson is a step in the right direction.
The defensive secondary most of the game did a good job against the Eagles wide receivers. The first Eagle touchdown in the second half was because Mike McKenzie slipped in coverage on the cold slippery field.
Next week it is the “battle of the bays”, Green Bay heads to Tampa Bay for a must win game for both teams. Tampa Bay coming off a heart breaking loss to NFC South leading Carolina Panthers will be fired up at home against the Packers. The Packers offense will have to be kicking on all cylinders against the tough Buc defense. The Packer defense must control the line of scrimmage in order to de-rail the Bucs at home. If the Packers lose this game, it could be the end the Packers hope for the playoffs unless the Vikings continue to slide.