The stellar second-half defense was the difference in this game, but the O-line continues to be a concern.
Vince Lombardi once said, “Mental toughness is essential to success.” That toughness was on the display last Sunday afternoon in Green Bay.
Josh Jones (photo, Cheesehead TV)
I had predicted that the Packers would win easily against the Cincinnati Bengals. I was wrong! Yes, Green Bay won in OT, but…. After the first half, it looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for the Green and Gold.
Green Bay’s 2nd half was different. That mental toughness showed up. It wasn’t the offense that wowed me, it was the defense — for the second time in three weeks. Led by rookie Josh Jones, the Packers held Cincinnati without a TD for the rest of the game. The Packer defense gave the Packer offense an opportunity to generate scoring drives.
But, let’s be clear: the Green Bay offensive line is an issue. Aaron Rodgers was sacked six times. Six! That’s unacceptable. Rodgers needs time to throw and, more importantly, as the franchise player he needs to be protected.
Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is back practicing this week. He can provide much-needed energy to a depleted O-Line. The Packers will need that to beat the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
