Packers proving they can win by relying on their defense
GREEN BAY, Wis. — (AP) — The Green Bay Packers’ defense is meeting offseason expectations and giving this storied franchise a new look. The Packers rank sixth in scoring defense (15.0) and sixth in total defense (302.7). But the fact the Packers limited a Tom Brady-led offense to a dozen points without having their best cornerback shows what this defense is capable of accomplishing. Until then, the defense will continue to pick up the slack as the Packers chase a fourth straight NFC North title. “We’ve just got to build it week by week.”NOTES: The Packers signed CB Corey Ballentine to the practice squad.
wftv.comTed Thompson, 68, GM when Packers won last Super Bowl, dies
Thompson was Packers general manager from 2005-17 and drafted many notable players on the current roster, including two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)GREEN BAY, Wis. – Ted Thompson, whose 13-year run as Green Bay Packers general manager included their 2010 Super Bowl championship season, has died. Mike Sherman had been working as Packers coach and general manager up to that point. “Certainly he’s a guy who’s held in the highest regard in this building and, I think, just around the league,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. Gutekunst, who had been working with Thompson as player personnel director, was promoted to general manager and remains in that position.
ODDS, STATS, MORE: Super Bowl berth at stake as Packers host Buccaneers
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)TAMPA BAY (13-5) at GREEN BAY (14-3)Sunday, 3:05 p.m. SPREAD — Buccaneers 11-7; Packers 11-6SERIES RECORD — Packers lead 33-22-1LAST MEETING — Buccaneers beat Packers 38-10 in Tampa, Oct. 18, 2020LAST WEEK — Buccaneers beat Saints 30-20; Packers beat Rams 32-18AP PRO32 RANKING — Buccaneers No. STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — This is the second playoff meeting between Tampa Bay and Green Bay. The Packers beat the Bucs 21-7 in a divisional playoff game at Green Bay on Jan. 4, 1998. …Brady is making a league-record 14th conference championship game appearance, his first in the NFC.
Rodgers, Tonyan lead Packers to 30-16 victory over Falcons
Tonyan caught three of Aaron Rodgers’ four touchdown passes, Za'Darius Smith recorded three sacks and the Packers remained unbeaten with a 30-16 victory over the winless Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. “I just had to continue to do what I've been doing, just keep playing well and stick to the game plan,” Tonyan said. Green Bay star receiver Davante Adams sat out a second straight game with a hamstring injury and Allen Lazard is on injured reserve with a core problem. Tonyan has scored in three straight games and now has five touchdown catches to match Tampa Bay's Mike Evans for the NFL lead. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark (groin) missed a third straight game.
Jones' big day helps Packers beat Lions 42-21 in home opener
Jones rushed for a career-high 168 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 75-yard breakaway, as the Green Bay Packers rallied from an early 11-point deficit to beat the Detroit Lions 42-21 on Sunday. After his first touchdown of the day, a 7-yard reception from Aaron Rodgers, Jones did a different kind of Lambeau Leap. Rodgers was 18 of 30 for 240 yards with touchdown passes to Jones and Robert Tonyan. Green Bay took the lead for good 17-14 on Rodgers’ 11-yard pass to Tonyan with 14 seconds left in the second quarter. Packers receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), center Corey Linsley (hand) and running back/receiver Tyler Ervin (concussion) left in the second half.
Rodgers at ease as Packers roll past Vikings 43-34
Davante Adams was predictably the biggest beneficiary, with a career-high, franchise-record-tying 14 catches for 156 yards and two scores. Aaron Jones rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown for the Packers, who posted their highest score against the Vikings since a 44-31 victory at the Metrodome on Oct. 27, 2013. Jaire Alexander, who also recorded a safety on an untouched cornerback blitz in the second quarter, made the bobbling interception. When LG Lucas Patrick (shoulder) was forced out in the second quarter, Jenkins moved back to his original spot and free agent addition Rick Wagner entered at RT. ... DT Kenny Clark (groin) was hurt in the second quarter during Alexander's interception and didn't return.