By CHRIS HAVEL
R-E-L-A-X, Green Bay Packers fans. Aaron Rodgers had it covered.
The same cannot be said of the Chicago Bears’ beleaguered defense. When it rushed five Rodgers stood tall in the pocket and picked it apart. When it finally flushed him, Rodgers adroitly slid out of harm’s way and into position to throw four touchdowns passes.
When Rodgers wasn’t playing catch with his receivers, the Packers’ defensive backs were playing catch with Jay Cutler. Green Bay’s defense intercepted Cutler twice in the decisive third quarter of a 38-17 blowout win Sunday at Soldier Field.
The Packers (2-2) are tied with the Bears (2-2) and the Vikings (2-2) and sit one game behind the NFC North Division-leading Lions (3-1). The Packers host the Vikings Thursday night at Lambeau Field to wrap up a three-game stretch against division rivals.
Green Bay’s rout of Chicago gives it a chance to go 2-1 in that stretch and still have a world of possibilities ahead. Such is life in the NFL. So much can change from game-to-game, let alone month-to-month.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy appreciated that the Bears win was the 700th in Packers history. He also appreciated an offense that went on the attack with double-tight end personnel and never looked back.
“Big win,” McCarthy told reporters. “It’s always nice to be part of history. I feel very good about what was accomplished today.”
The Packers scored on each of their first six possessions, frequently deploying Andrew Quarless and rookie Richard Rodgers together with two receivers (Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb) and one running back (Eddie Lacy). While the Packers’ running game didn’t take off, the double-tight end personnel allowed Green Bay to throw out of run formations and convert first downs. It also gave Nelson and Cobb ample opportunities in single coverage, and Green Bay’s wide receivers made Chicago pay.
The Packers’ passing attack averaged an astounding 10.8 yards per completion, offset only by the fact that Green Bay’s defense surrendered 7.5 yards per catch. Rodgers was 22 of 28 for 302 yards and a passer rating of 151.4, fourth all-time for the Packers’ quarterback. He would have had a fifth touchdown pass, but a holding penalty nullified a 34-yard completion to rookie Davante Adams in the end zone.
It was about the only mistake the Packers’ offensive line made.
“We produced. We scored points. We were very basic in our approach,” McCarthy told reporters. “The pass protection was very good. Aaron (Rodgers) was excellent throwing to the open guy. We wanted to come in here and play fast.”
That they did. For his part, Rodgers relished the opportunity to ease Packers’ fans concerns after a 1-2 start. Rodgers now has nine touchdown passes to one interception this season.
“I don’t feel like I need to prove anything,” Rodgers said. “But it sure is nice when people start doubting us to go out and have a performance like this.”
The game featured several milestones and curiosities. Beyond the fact that it was Green Bay’s 700th win in franchise history, it also saw Rodgers eclipse the 25,000-yard mark for passing yards, the earliest of any QB in NFL history, based upon passing attempts.
Furthermore, it spawned a trivia question: Who is the Bears’ punter? Neither the Packers’ Tim Masthay nor the Bears’ Pat O’Donnell had to boom a single punt during the game, only the second time in the long history of the NFL that has happened in a regular season game.
Poor clock management by the Bears and a superb tackle by Clinton-Dix just shy of the goal line, as time ran off the clock, cost the Bears a pivitol TD at the end of the first half.
The Packers’ defense gave up 33 first downs while the Bears’ Matt Forte rushed 23 times for 122 yards. Yet, the Packers’ D stiffened for a goal line stand in the first half that forced the Bears to settle for 3 points. The way this track meet started, anything less than a TD was a failure.
Ultimately, Cutler proved no match for Rodgers. He hit on 22 of 34 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns, but it was his two interceptions that cost Chicago dearly.
Savvy veteran corner Tramon Williams read a pass play while sitting in zone coverage, jumped the route and deflected the pass to Clay Matthews, whose interception and return stifled a Bears’ drive and set up a Green Bay touchdown. Later, Sam Shields picked off a pass after the Bears’ Brandon Marshall elected to freelance and go deep.
Those two plays kept the Bears at bay. Now the Vikings and rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater come into Lambeau Field for a Thursday night encounter. Bridgewater left Sunday’s 41-28 victory over the Falcons with an ankle injury, but later said he would be ready to go against the Packers.
Rest assured Rodgers and the Packers’ offense will be ready to go, but in case you doubt it just heed the quarterback and relax.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.
"I just want to thank you for the wonderful job your staff did last weekend for the Packers vs. Lions game. This was our first time utilizing your program and we were not disappointed at all. In fact, we can’t wait to schedule and event for next season’s games. From my first experience with your staff placing my order until the very end at checkout of the hotel, everything was perfect. You truly out-do yourselves to please everyone. Thanks again for making our stay in Green Bay one of the best."
-Kim Ewing and Bruce DeMaine, Ann Arbor
"My wife and I booked the tour to Tampa. The trip was so well organized from start to finish. It started with the people in the office with their friendly help over the phone, to receiving the tickets in the mail, and meeting the tour guides with their upbeat personalities. Signs guided us in the airport and information was posted in our motel lobbies to keep us posted. Your people had everything in order. Talk about organization, you had it. Event USA made this a most memorable trip. Thanks for all involved."
-Dick Koerner, Neenah
"Dennis - I was blessed to join Amy and some of your customers at the Morton's tailgate as well as after the game. She does an amazing job for you. Every single customer I met praised Event USA for being able to arrange the hotel and tickets and fabulous tailgate party in such a quick time. Having been to some great tour tailgate parties in Jacksonville and Kansas City and old San Francisco, a lot can be said of the long-term benefit of having really great tailgate parties. Morton's was probably one of the best - amazing food, patio sitting on the riverfront, walk to stadium, open bar!!! It was first class fun!!!"
-Matt
"Good Morning, Nicole - Everything you did turned out great. The seats were great. Access to the air conditioned club lounge was great. Lots of Packers fans in the club lounge and overall at the stadium. The tailgate party at the fancy restaurant in the hotel was fabulous. The servers just kept on bringing out different sliders and desserts. Good thing that I got in a 30-minute run along the river in the morning. So, thank you! You may be speaking with me in November if I can work out getting up to Green Bay for a game. It's been too long since my last time.
One of the best aspects of this weekend was interacting with so many people from Wisconsin and learning their personal stories of things Packers. And we even met a couple from St. Petersburg, Florida (my home county) and were able to tell them about the Varsity Club tavern and Packers bar in Clearwater where Mark Murphy's mother is in attendance -- very nice lady whose retirement home is in Clearwater, which borders my little city of Dunedin. Pre-COVID, I always went to the Varsity when the Packers games weren't televised locally -- lots of Wisconsin natives there, too + they serve brats and sauerkraut during Packers games. I'm glad that you are working for Event USA.
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-- Martin Lawyer, Dunedin, Florida
"Hi Amy-
Just wanted to say thank you for making Jacksonville happen! We had a wonderful time and looking forward to more Packers games with Event USA in the future!
Even though the game was not what we expected- we are packers fans for life-lol!
Go pack go!!"
-Julie Mastrianni
"I want to thank Event USA and in particular Amy Flores for the Jacksonville trip. We have used you before and always were very pleased with the packages you have set up and your service.
My son who lives in Charleston, SC and myself who lives in Minnesota, decided we needed to do a guys trip and decided to go through your company to see the opener in New Orleans. I initially called and talked with Amy about some questions I had and booked our trip. After itinerary and info was emailed to us, it soon became apparent that the trip to New Orleans wouldn’t happen. In steps Amy, wondering if we would be interested in Dallas if the game was moved there and a package was set up. Then finally the move to Jacksonville and continued communication from Amy on our interest. It was getting late at that point and I was wondering if she would be able to pull off setting up a package in Jacksonville. She did it.
We went to Jacksonville and had a great time. The accommodations and the tail gate were fabulous. If only the Packer team we were hoping for had made the trip.
Thank you Event USA and in particular Amy Flores."
-Tom Sohrweide, White Bear Lake, MN
"Thanks for all your help, the great tickets and service, and the chance to help me make one of my son’s dreams come true, seeing the Packers playing at home in Lambeau Field."
-Sam Jones, Sedalia
"Thank you for all your help. I had a great time at the Packer-Raider game opening day. I have already begun telling interested Packer fans in Sacramento about your service. The next time I come to Green Bay for a game, I’ll be sure to ask for your help. God bless you and God bless the Green Bay Packers."
-Frank Chavez, Sacramento
"I just wanted to say that I had such a great time. The whole weekend was so much fun. I enjoyed the Player Autograph Party and the tailgate party was just the best. After coming from a country that loves soccer, it was nice to mix with people who have the same interests as me. Thank you once again, Green Bay is one very special place."
-Beverley Moore, Lancaster
"My accommodations at the Best Western Midway were excellent. I was picked up at the airport and returned promptly. No problems at all. Your representative at the hotel on game day was very pleasant and helpful. The tailgate party was super, great food, great drinks and lots of fun. Obviously, Lambeau Field and the game itself was great. I will continue to use Event USA in the future, and I will definitely tell anyone who I come across to give you a call. One last thing, the hospitality I experienced in Green Bay was incredible. I have traveled to many places, and I don’t think there are more friendly people than the people of Green Bay. Thank you again and see you next year!"
-David Anastas, Worchester
"I wish to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude for providing my husband and I with, what he refers to as the greatest experience of my life, apart from my wedding day."
-Lara and Matt Appleton, Thornhill, Ontario
"Thanks so much for the best weekend ever! You not only got us in all the Magazines, TV, WWW pages and even the big screen at Lambeau Field, but Disney World on the side? Nice job – You and your family are top notch – we were on the best tour for the Super Bowl! Seeing the Green Bay Packers win back the Lombardi Trophy was a life long dream of this Packer fan, and you all were so dedicated to the job of taking care of us that, like the Packers, we were a winning team! Keep me on your list."
-William D Lorge, Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly