Star Ratings: Giants-Packers

As the week went on, I felt good about Packers chances to move on in the playoffs. The narratives surrounding Giants and their success at Lambeau Field was overplayed due to the New York-driven media and their quarterback’s last time. I didn’t expect this to happen tonight. A friend texted me ‘What the hell happened tonight?’ Packers win 38-13 in one of their bigger playoff blowouts during the McCarthy era.
Five Stars
Aaron Rodgers – He deserves it again. Every week, I come away more impressed with what Rodgers is doing on the field. The offensive line is giving him all sorts of time to pass the football, and he’s creating like a maestro. He’s on another level right now, and i’m not sure what his Kryptonite will be this postseason. Rodgers continues to make the big plays. He finished with 362 yards with four touchdowns and completing 30 for 47 passes. Most of his incompletions came early on. This team is scary good.
Ladarius Gunter – The undrafted second year man deserves a ton of credit for what did against Odell Beckham Jr. He made him an afterthoguht for most of the game. Gunter stayed with him the whole time and handled his own out there. Even with some safety help, it’s impressive to see what Gunter can do in the defensive backfield. Love what I saw from him, and hope it’s going to continue in the postseason run.
Randall Cobb – RANDY! Out of nowhere, Randall Cobb comes through with a huge game. Five catches for 117 yards with three touchdowns. Cobb looked great out there and seemed like he had an extra burst of quickness out there. If Packers can get this version of Cobb for the whole playoffs, look out.
Four Stars
Clay Matthews – He didn’t have the biggest game of the afternoon, but Matthews provided the hit to Eli Manning forcing the ball loose then picked it up when Paul Perkins had a brain fart. Matthews came off the edge when Packers needed a big play from their front seven. It seems like Matthews lives for these kind of moments. He’s done it his whole career. Savvy play to pick up the ball as well to complete the play.
Damarious Randall – Are we starting to see Damarious Randall make the turn? He only allowed three passes thrown at him out of 10 with allowing 48 yards. Randall had a rough year, but the thought was he dealt with too many injuries down the stretch to be effective. The Arizona State product could be healthy again which is bad news for opponents.
Davante Adams – The year of Davante continues with an eight catch 128 yard day with a touchdown. Like 2015 when Jordy Nelson went out with an injury, Adams became one of the guys. He looked that part on Sunday taking over the number one responsibilities. I’ll write about this once we know the Jordy verdict, but Packers are in much better shape without him than they were last season.
Three Stars
Christine Michael – My assumption is there will be a great debate on whether Michael should get the starting nod for this team. He had 47 yards on 10 carries and provided a second-half spark for this running game. The reason he’s down at three is Packers fault for ignoring him for the first half of the game. C-Mike needs more touches.
Two Stars
Slow Start – I’m wondering if Green Bay should think about getting the ball first on Sunday and moving forward. Packers stalled out for a couple drives to begin this game much like Detroit to finish off the year. Not sure what that could be from the team. Mike McCarthy’s script isn’t what the team needs? Packers need to adjust and come out firing early on.
One Star
Jordy Nelson’s ribs – Dirty hit, nothing he could and it looks like Nelson might be done for the playoffs. Hope he’s only going to miss a game or two.
Charlie.