In a Wild Card Playoff round that was highlighted by defensive dominance, the first round weekend concluded with offensive firepower. After a combined average of 27.6 points being scored in the first three games, the Green Bay Packers versus Washington Redskins contest tallied a combined total of 53.
Weeks leading up to this Sunday afternoon matchup, the two squads were trending in opposite directions. After starting the 2015 season 6-0, the Packers dropped four of their final six games. The combination of offensive line struggles, inconsistent rushing and lackluster receiver play was the formula for the franchise’s alarming demise in the last two months. Contrastively, the Washington Redskins became the feel good story in the campaign’s second half; their 7-3 finish after beginning 2-4 caused critics and fans nationwide to jump on the D.C. bandwagon. The staggering turnaround was sparked by the dominating play of Kirk Cousins. A signal-caller I deem to be a Pro Bowl snub, the fourth-year quarterback finished his campaign with 29 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions (23 of those scores occurred in the last 10 games). You like that, Redskins fans?
Up until early in the second quarter, these trends continued. Stifled by the Redskins early, Aaron Rodgers was sacked in the end zone for a safety. Washington would then go up 11-0 after a 24-yard touchdown strike to tight end Jordan Reed–another should-be Pro Bowler–with 13:02 left in the first half. The team scored only seven points the rest of the way. Aaron Rodgers returned to his elite level of play while the running game controlled the second half. The Packer defense also took over with six sacks, 13 hits on the quarterback and a few fourth down stops. After the 35-18 victory, the Packers advance to the second round for the second consecutive season to avenge their December debacle against the Arizona Cardinals.
Here at Last Word On Sports, we’ll be handing out post game awards immediately after each NFL playoff game. In particular, we’ll be naming a game MVP, most surprising performance, an unsung hero and the biggest disappointment. Without further ado, let’s take a look at which players distinguished themselves (both good and bad) with their performance today.
Green Bay Packers vs Washington Redskins Post Game Awards
Game MVP: Aaron Rodgers
In his famous spelling lesson early last season, Aaron Rodgers showed us that it truly pays to R-E-L-A-X. Alike that point in time, the Packers’ season had arrived at a crossroads. Also alike that point in time last year, the team responded. After their slow start in this game, Aaron Rodgers helped the offense get into rhythm by spreading the ball around the field. With his passing ability always on display, Rodgers illuminated his awareness trait by hiking the ball before the Redskins defense was set to bring them closer to the endzone. The 12-yard touchdown pass Randall Cobb got the comeback in motion. A touchdown to Davante Adams right before halftime gave the Packers even more confidence. Rodgers finished the game 21 for 36, 210 yards and two scores with a 93.5 passer rating. Giving the bunch from Wisconsin new life moving forward, the two-time league MVP is this game’s MVP.
Surprise Performance: Eddie Lacy
In an up-and-down season for this backfield, the Green Bay bellcows really stepped up when called upon. Eddie Lacy and James Starks combined for 24 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Criticized much of the season for his noticeable weight gain, Eddie Lacy used his added mass and girth to be the bruiser in the run game by rushing for 63 yards and a score. Averaging 5.3 yards per attempt, Lacy relished contact everywhere imaginable and still persevered forward for extra yards, dragging Redskins defenders in the process. If he stays consistent, Green Bay’s offense instantly becomes more formidable.
Unsung Hero: Mike Neal
In a very impressive outing by the Packers defense, it was difficult to select only one player to this title, but outside linebacker Mike Neal gets the slight nod. A pass rushing force throughout the night, the 28-year-old accounted for two of Green Bay’s six takedowns of Kirk Cousins, including a pivotal one on fourth down late in the fourth stanza. Neal also had three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss on the night. His stat sheet didn’t set the world on fire, but his presence certainly burned Washington’s offensive line.
Biggest Disappointment: Kirk Cousins
Redskin faithful won’t like this too much. Early in the second quarter, it appeared as if Kirk Cousins was going to send his team to round two, but suddenly was placed in check for the remainder of the evening. His 29 for 42, 329 and one touchdown performance wasn’t terrible, but it was enough either. His three fumbles (one lost) put his squad in unfortunate situations. Forced to attempt several fourth downs, Cousins was sacked twice on those occasions. Although those takedowns may not be his fault, a quarterback just can’t go down in those circumstances. Cousins did become the first player in franchise history to record both a rushing and passing touchdown in a playoff game, but the history that lingers is that Washington has now been void of a playoff win since 2005.
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