The Packers entered Sunday’s game 0-5 against the Bills in Buffalo. They left 0-6.


Buffalo’s pass defense dismantled Aaron Rodgers and the passing game, preventing him from establishing any rapport with his receivers. Rodgers, who is having an MVP caliber season, played one of his worst games as a pro. He completed a career-low 40.5 percent of his passes for 185 yards and no touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions, and his fumble on the offense's final drive resulted in Buffalo’s game-clinching safety.

The media and fans take trust for granted, but it is one of the underrated variables of football. Coaches must show trust in their players, and players must put their trust in coaches and each other. Green Bay coaches will claim they trust their players. Rodgers will claim he trusts his offensive line. Sunday’s game suggests otherwise.

It appeared as if Rodgers anticipated pressure throughout Sunday, so he rushed many of this throws. However, the Packers’ offensive line held their own against the pass rush. It wasn’t a great game by any means, but it was a good enough performance to get the job done. Rodgers had time to operate in the pocket. He simply played poorly; while Buffalo’s secondary did a fantastic job of disrupting the receivers.

Despite the offense’s performance, Green Bay was in the game from start to finish, yet coach Mike McCarthy chose to call the game as if the Packers were trailing by multiple touchdowns. His play calling showed his lack of trust is not only the running game, but also the defense.

For all its faults, the defense played well. They kept the Bills out of the end zone, allowing just four field goals on the afternoon. Buffalo’s lone touchdown came via Marcus Thigpen’s first-quarter punt return. They also held the Bills to just 4-of-16 (25 percent) on third downs, and managed to get the back to Rodgers with about two minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, running back Eddie Lacy carried the ball 15 times for 97 yards. He’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry this season, an improvement over last year, and is in line to become the first Packers running back since Ahman Green to have 1,000-plus rushing yards and 10-plus touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.

A heavy does of Lacy and James Starks may have changed the outcome of the game.

This isn’t 2011 or 2012. The Packers don’t have to be one-dimensional on offense. They have the offensive line and running game to play old-fashioned football.

Last Sunday called for them to do just that. Unfortunately, McCarthy didn’t have the trust in his players to call that game. He had better find it soon.

Otherwise, the outcome against Buffalo will repeat itself in January.

Please visit Row12.com for more sports coverage. Check out my recap of last Saturday's Heisman Ceremony.

This was one of your shorter recaps Porky, succinct and to the point.
You wrapped the game up very well.

As usual, I enjoy your "read".

No stud of the game? No turning point?
Matt, you okay? It was just one game bud!! No need to break from your format! :)

Zero2Cool;298481No stud of the game? No turning point?
Matt, you okay? It was just one game bud!! No need to break from your format! :)

I felt a more direct approach was needed for this week.

Plus, Christmas is throwing me off my schedule, so I had to shorten it up a bit. [shrug]

Turning point was the punt return for a touchdown