Almost three years to the day that kicker Mason Crosby single-handedly lost the game for the Packers in Detroit, he nearly did it again.
With just over two minutes remaining in the Sunday's Week 5 game, the Packers offense failed to get in the end zone - and then Crosby missed what should have been a go-ahead field goal from 36 yards out. With the game in the defense's hands, Packers fans know how this one usually ends.
But, fast forwarding through two more missed fields by the Bengals and Packers apiece: luck ultimately prevailed for the Packers in OT as Crosby knocked through the game winner.
On Offense
Of course, the story going into this one centered around injuries, which surely factored into the game coming down to the wire in the first place. Already without three of their most important players, the Packers O-line had to adjust for last-minute absences from starters Elgton Jenkins and Josh Myers. The output: just enough to lift a visiting Packers team over the Bengals for the first time since 1998.
If you're of the opinion the Jenkins and Myers' absences didn't play a role in Sunday's contest, think again. Much of Matt LaFleur's play calling was designed specifically to reduce temporary exposure up front. LaFleur was forced to abandon the run on a number of occasions during the first half due to the penetration that Cincinnati was able to achieve on Lucas Patrick and the interior O-line.
In fact, the offense struggled to sustain a consistent rhythm the entire game. Mixed in with several clutch third-down conversions were forced throws by Rodgers, usually trying to find Davante Adams or draw a flag in the process. The red zone offense stalled on a number of occasions, including in the second half, when it mattered most. Overall, the Bengals' run D had their way against the Packers' rushing attack.
Several big plays by the Packers' stars - including a 57-yard run by Aaron Jones and 59-yard reception by Adams - were what kept the offense afloat. Adams, himself, turned in a career day, hauling in 11 passes for 206 yards receiving. Constantly leaning on Adams and Randall Cobb on important downs, it's worth pointing out the importance of chemistry between Rodgers and his receivers in the passing game.
On Defense
Facing one of the weaker O-lines in the game, Joe Barry's defense generated about as much pressure on Joe Burrow as you'd expect. It felt like Burrow had no more than two seconds to throw on most passing downs. However, much of that pressure came from the D-line, rather than the Packers' edge rushers. Defensive end Dean Lowry had himself a day, getting to Burrow once and batting down two passes.
Where the front seven could have been better was versus the run. After holding Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine in check during the first half, Barry's run D began to let up down the stretch, helping the Bengals stay within striking distance late and amassing over 100 rushing yards as a team.
In the secondary - where the Jaire Alexander-less Packers were seemingly most vulnerable - the results were mixed. Rookie Eric Stokes had strong coverage on the speedy Ja'Marr Chase downfield but struggled to defend shorter passes where his footwork still holds him back. Safety Darnell Savage continued to progress as a tackler but failed to prevent a brutal 70-yard touchdown pass to Chase just before half that kept the Bengals close.
In Summary
Without so many starters, the Packers were far from flawless in Cincinnati - they need to get healthy fast. But, in a game that could have easily gone the wrong way in the fourth quarter, they proved resilient against a good team on the road. Facing yet another stellar front seven in the Bears next week, improving the health of the offensive line will be crucial.
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