Small consolation: Eagles beaten by Aaron Rodgers at his best
The Eagles were obviously frustrated at Monday's 27-13 loss, but the only consolation, and it was a slight one at that, was that they were sliced and diced by a future Hall of Fame quarterback who was at his best.
The Eagles were obviously frustrated at Monday's 27-13 loss, but the only consolation, and it was a slight one at that, was that they were sliced and diced by a future Hall of Fame quarterback who was at his best.
Any discussion of Aaron Rodgers' demise while the Packers entered Monday's game at Lincoln Financial Field was extremely premature.
In fact even during the Packers four-game losing streak he completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,265 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. His passer rating in those four games was 101.9.
Some slump.
Actually the problem with the Packers had been their defense. They allowed an average of 38.25 points per game during the losing streak.
So against the Eagles, Rodgers actually became one of the best allies for the defense. The Packers owned a 35:23 to 24:37 time of possession edge.
Most notably was a drive in the fourth quarter. With Green Bay leading 24-13, the Packers took over on their 8-yard line with 10 minutes and 18 seconds left. An offensive holding call moved the ball back to the 4.
Rodgers then led the Packers on a 17-play drive (plus two penalties) that resulted in a 32-yard Mason Crosby field goal with 1:57 remaining.
"It's got to be one of the most gratifying drives that we've had here in a long time," Rodgers said. "It wasn't the prettiest, but when we are converting on third down and converting on fourth down, it's very fun to see those guys' confidence grow."
And conversely the confidence of the Eagles began to sag.
Green Bay was 10 for 14 (71 percent) on third down conversions and was successful on its lone fourth-down conversion, which came in the aforementioned drive.
"It's frustrating but that is what makes Aaron Rodgers so special," Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said. "His ability to make those throws and their receivers made great catches."
Rodgers had several eye-popping throws, most notably a 20-yard touchdown laser to Davante Adams, where he threw the ball in the tightest of spaces. That gave the Packers the lead for good, 14-7, on the first play of the second quarter.
"That was great catch by him," Rodgers said.
And an even better throw by the quarterback.
In the third quarter, Rodgers connected with Adams on an over-the-shoulder, 50-yard bomb. Eagles cornerback Leodis McKelvin had tight coverage, but not enough to thwart Rodgers.
"This is the NFL," said Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills. "Especially going against a quarterback like that with the great receivers they've got. They are going to make those tough catches and he is going to make those tough throws."
What made Rodgers' performance even more impressive is the Packers continued to struggle in the running game. Green Bay rushed for 74 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. The Packers player with the best rushing average was Rodgers himself, who rushed for 26 yards (4.3 avg.).
Rodgers' pocket awareness and his ability to feel the rush have always been among his strengths. The Eagles failed to record a sack.
"They were able to get rid of the ball real quick when we did pressure," Jenkins said. ". . . They just flat-out made some plays."
And making most of them was Rodgers, whose team is now 5-6, same as the Eagles, but now with a little momentum for the stretch run.
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