There’s certainly been prettier wins in the Mike McCarthy-era, but if the Green Bay Packers 2009 season goes to plan, Sunday’s 36-17 grinder over the hapless St. Louis Rams may turn out to be one of his most critical considering the circumstances.
Needing a bounce back after week two’s let down effort at home against Cincinnati, the Packers (2-1) forced three Rams turnovers, two helping build an early 9-0 lead on three Mason Crosby field goals.
A spectacular Donald Driver one-handed 46-yard grab from Aaron Rodgers set up a John Kuhn one-yard touchdown score and a 16-0 Packers lead.
After Rams starting quarterback Marc Bulger was knocked out, former Baltimore outcast Kyle Boller tossed two touchdowns, both on Packers linebacker Brandon Chillar, before and after a Driver touchdown to pull the Rams within 23-14 at the half.
St. Louis (0-3) pulled within 23-17, but two long completions from Rodgers to Greg Jennings and a Charles Woodson interception headlined a dominating Packers second half to help seal the win. Rodgers finished off the final two drives with a delayed-draw and a flip to Kuhn for game-icing scores.
**Thumbs Up**
Whatever little room he had to run with, Ryan Grant made the most of. Grant finished with 99 yards, helping run down the clock.
For the second straight week, Rodgers scrambled for 40-plus yards. His athleticism may end up giving defensive coordinators headaches.
The Packers run defense held up against workhorse back Steven Jackson, lead up front by strong days from Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly.
**Thumbs Down**
Another week, more penalties on special teams. This week’s culprits: rookie Brad Jones and usual suspect Jarrett Bush.
Dropped passes continue to plague the Packers. On the first series of the second half, Jordy Nelson and James Jones couldn’t haul in big-gainers.
**Up Next: At Minnesota (Monday, Oct. 5)**
Other than the fact that that the Packers are playing against a legendary quarterback of 16 years and the game is for the divisional lead, it’s no big deal. They don’t get much bigger for a week four game than this one. The Packers progress on run defense will need to continue against all-world Adrian Pederson. Daryn Colledge had a solid day at left tackle in St. Louis but Jared Allen will present a huge challenge as Chad Clifton will miss next week.
