Packers Defense Impresses NFL Twitter as Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Beat Rams
Dec 20, 2022
Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith (91) celebrates a sack in the first half of an NFL football game against the Los angles Rams in Green Bay, Wis. Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
It's rarely been pretty for the Green Bay Packers this season. Monday night was no exception. But for once, the defense stepped up in a major way.
Green Bay stifled the beat-up Los Angeles Rams offense, holding it to 156 yards in a 24-12 victory.
The Packers defense has not earned plaudits often this season. But on Monday night, NFL Twitter tipped its cap to that unit, namely edge-rusher Preston Smith:
Packers defense has 9 QB hits, 6 TFLs, 5 sacks, 5 pass breakups and a takeaway tonight. Front has been disruptive against a bad OL.
The Packers have five sacks tonight, two by Preston Smith, and it's their most in a game since Christmas Day last year against Baker Mayfield with the Browns.
This was always how it was supposed to be for the #Packers.
The defense plays super well to limit points on the board. The offense would utilize their running backs in many situations, figure it out to put up points, and be serviceable.
You could make the argument that the Rams offense was more dreadful than the Packers defense was superb. Fair enough. Baker Mayfield, in his second game as the team's quarterback, finished just 12-of-21 for 111 yards and a touchdown with an interception and took five sacks.
The Rams were just 4-of-11 on third down. They held the ball for only 22 minutes, 41 seconds and managed 72 rushing yards. It was ugly.
The Packers didn't exactly light it up. The running back duo of Aaron Jones (126 yards from scrimmage, one touchdown, one fumble lost) and AJ Dillon (71 yards from scrimmage, two scores) carried the load. Aaron Rodgers threw for 229 yards and a touchdown with an interception.
But the defense kept Mayfield uncomfortable and ensured the Packers offense didn't need to go wild. Because of that, the 6-8 Packers still have playoff hopes.
Aaron Rodgers said "there's still a lot to play for" on the postgame broadcast. #Packers QB smiling after Green Bay moves to 6-8.
It's still a long shot. For Packers fans, the immortal words of Lloyd Christmas come to mind: "So you're telling me there's a chance."
There's a chance, Green Bay. If the defense can repeat this performance, those odds will improve.
Baker Mayfield, Rams Offense Called Out by Twitter for Struggles in Loss to Packers
Dec 20, 2022
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with quarterback Baker Mayfield (17) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis. Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
It was fun while it lasted, but the magic of Baker Mayfield ran out after just over a week for the Los Angeles Rams.
Mayfield and the rest of the offense put forth a lackluster effort in a 24-12 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football. The 27-year-old finished with 111 yards and a touchdown against one interception. He was sacked five times.
Just last week in another primetime matchup on Thursday Night Football, Mayfield powered Los Angeles to a comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders two days after being claimed off waivers.
That feel-good moment feels like months ago, as Monday's performance was a reminder as to why he was waived by the Carolina Panthers.
Third sack for the #Packers tonight. this one from Quay Walker, who forces a fumble the Rams recover. This defense is eating Rams offensive line for a holiday dinner.
The Rams will not have a chance to defend their Super Bowl title in the playoffs after falling to 4-10. Los Angeles has had multiple key players suffer injuries, including Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald.
While Mayfield is behind center, Los Angeles has to accept that there will be more performances like he had Monday. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has not proved he can produce consistently.
The Rams will look to bounce back at home against the Denver Broncos (4-10) on Christmas Day.
NFL Playoff Scenarios 2022-23 Week 16: Standings and Matchups to Watch
Dec 20, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 18: Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 18, 2022 at tIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If it feels like almost all of the teams in the NFL are holding on to playoff hopes, however, slim, the feeling isn't wrong. Heading down the stretch, a number of clubs remain in the running for the postseason, while positioning remains in flux.
Below, we'll break down the current standings and playoff implications of every matchup this week.
1. Buffalo Bills, 11-3* (Wins tiebreaker over KC based on head-to-head win percentage.)
2. Kansas City Chiefs, 11-3**
3. Cincinnati Bengals, 10-4
4. Tennessee Titans, 7-7
5. Baltimore Ravens, 9-5
6. Los Angeles Chargers, 8-6 (Wins tiebreaker over MIA based on head-to-head win percentage.)
7. Miami Dolphins, 8-6
8. New England Patriots, 7-7 (Wins tiebreaker over NYJ based on head-to-head win percentage.)
9. New York Jets, 7-7
10. Jacksonville Jaguars, 6-8 (Wins tiebreaker over CLE and LV based on best win percentage in conference games. Division tiebreak was initially used to eliminate PIT.)
11. Las Vegas Raiders, 6-8 (Wins tiebreaker over CLE based on best win percentage in conference games. Division tiebreak was initially used to eliminate PIT.)
12. Cleveland Browns, 6-8 (Wins tiebreaker over PIT based on head-to-head win percentage.)
13. Pittsburgh Steelers, 6-8
14. Indianapolis Colts, 4-9-1
15. Denver Broncos, 4-10 (eliminated)
16. Houston Texans, 1-12-1 (eliminated)
NFC
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 13-1*
2. Minnesota Vikings, 11-3**
3. San Francisco 49ers, 10-4**
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6-8
5. Dallas Cowboys, 10-4*
6. New York Giants, 8-5-1
7. Washington Commanders, 7-6-1
8. Seattle Seahawks, 7-7 (Wins tiebreaker over DET based on head-to-head win percentage.)
9. Detroit Lions, 7-7
10. Green Bay Packers, 6-8
11. Carolina Panthers, 5-9 (Wins tiebreaker over NO based on head-to-head win percentage. Wins tiebreaker over ATL based on head-to-head win percentage.)
12. New Orleans Saints, 5-9 (Wins tiebreaker over ATL based on head-to-head win percentage.)
13. Atlanta Falcons, 5-9
14. Los Angeles Rams, 4-10 (eliminated)
15. Arizona Cardinals, 4-10 (eliminated)
16. Chicago Bears, 3-11 (eliminated)
* Clinched playoff berth
** Clinched playoff berth and division crown
The first game of the week on Thursday night will have pretty major playoff implications, with both the Jets and Jaguars looking to keep their postseason hopes alive. The loser will be in serious trouble, especially the Jags.
Saturday's early slate will contain plenty of intriguing matchups:
The Bills will look to stay atop the AFC standings against the lowly Bears.
The Saints and Browns will battle to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Tennessee can't get complacent against Houston, with the Jaguars nipping on their heels.
The Seahawks can't afford to drop games as they look to get back into playoff position, but a tough matchup against a Chiefs team trying to steal the top spot in the AFC looms.
Both the Giants and Vikings are jockeying for NFC postseason position, making their matchup intriguing.
Sunday's shocking loss moved the Patriots out of a playoff spot, making the upcoming matchup with the Bengals enormous.
Both the Panthers and Lions, somewhat astonishingly, have battled back into playoff consideration. The loser will see those hopes potentially dashed for good.
The Ravens are trying to catch up to the Bengals in the AFC North, while the Falcons still have a legit shot to win the NFC South.
The afternoon slate holds two huge matchups: Washington and San Francisco fighting for playoff positioning, and the Eagles looking to clinch the NFC East when they face the Cowboys, though Philadelphia might have to do so without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who sprained his shoulder in Week 15.
Saturday night's matchup between the Raiders and Steelers will feature two teams trying to worm their way back into wild-card contention.
And then there are the Christmas showdowns. Miami will look to keep its hold on a wild-card slot against the Packers, while the Bucs look to hold onto their tenuous hold on the NFC South in a matchup against the Cardinals. The Broncos vs. Rams will be the week's only game between teams eliminated from playoff contention.
Finally, Monday night's matchup between the Chargers and Colts will be key for an L.A. team looking to stay locked into a wild-card spot.
Rams' Aaron Donald, Packers' Jaire Alexander Named to 2023 Pro Bowl Games
Dec 20, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams walks off the field after a defensive interception in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Ahead of Monday night's game between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, the NFL announced that each team had a player selected to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games.
Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald and Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander were the first players revealed to be members of the NFC side. The full Pro Bowl Games rosters will be unveiled Wednesday.
Donald will not play Monday because of an ankle injury. He has recorded 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 11 games.
Donald has been selected to nine Pro Bowls, earning the honor every year since he was drafted No. 13 overall in 2014. He didn't participate in the 2022 Pro Bowl because the Rams made it to Super Bowl LVI, and they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals for their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
Alexander will make his second Pro Bowl appearance thanks to a bounce-back performance. After an injury-marred 2021, the 25-year-old has returned to form with 48 tackles, 12 passes defended and a career-high four interceptions through 12 games.
The 2023 Pro Bowl will be unlike any other, as it will feature a flag football game with squads coached by Peyton and Eli Manning. Leading up to the contest, the 2023 Pro Bowl Games will include various challenges and competitions among players.
The Pro Bowl game will be held Feb. 5 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
John Harbaugh Shows Support for Greg Roman as Fans Call for Ravens OC to Be Fired
Dec 20, 2022
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, talks with offensive coordinator Greg Roman during drills at the NFL football team's practice facility, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
The fans who want Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman to be fired won't be getting their wish right now.
Head coach John Harbaugh declined to entertain any questions Monday about whether he plans to reshuffle his coaching staff.
We're not getting into all that. I mean, you guys can talk about all that and I respect that. I love the fans talking about everything they can talk about. We're together man. We're a team. We're spending all of our time getting ready for the Atlanta Falcons with every ounce of energy and fiber we got with a bunch of very, very good people at what they do, who understand everything about our team better than anybody else possibly could. You know the end of the bar talk conversation is for the people sitting at the end of the bar.
Some within the fanbase are clearly fed up. Pieces of paper calling for Roman's firing were littered outside of the team facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. Ravens outside linebacker Tyus Bowser shared a video of the scene before deleting it.
Ravens HC John Harbaugh says he’s talked to Tyus Bowser about this instastory video. Tyus has also talked to OC Greg Roman about it.
“I could go on a social media rant. I don’t care about any of that. I’m not foolish enough to live in that world.”#RavensFlockpic.twitter.com/UjoQoFScEw
"When stuff like that happens, you communicate with one another, and you find out there's really not much there, in terms of what people are thinking and all that," Harbaugh told reporters of the situation. "I could go on a social media rant, but I don't know why anybody lives there."
The scrutiny toward Roman has steadily intensified as the season has gone on, and the performance of the offense since a Week 10 bye is doing little to help his cause.
The Ravens are 3-2 over that stretch but scored more than 16 points just once. From Week 11 on, they've been averaging 328.2 yards per game.
Some of that is related to Lamar Jackson's knee injury. The 2019 MVP exited a Week 13 win over the Denver Broncos after playing 10 snaps and hasn't returned to the field. Tyler Huntley has been running the offense in his stead.
But it's also true the Ravens offense hasn't returned to the heights it enjoyed when Jackson was shredding opposing defenses three seasons ago. Baltimore ranked first in offensive efficiency that year, per Football Outsiders, and then fell to 11th in 2020 and 17th in 2021.
If anything, Jackson's injury has reinforced how dependent upon his individual brilliance the team has become.
Especially for a team that's on pace to make the playoffs, firing or demoting a top coordinator would reek of desperation. For better or worse, it seems unlikely that Roman will be going anywhere.
Should the current trend continue, Harbaugh might have a difficult decision on his hands, though.
Packers' Aaron Rodgers Has Even 'Deeper Appreciation' for Davante Adams After Trade
Dec 20, 2022
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 04: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers said Monday that his admiration for his former teammate, wideout Davante Adams, has only grown since his trade to the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
"Him and I have stayed really close, and still talk all the time," Rodgers told Serge Ibaka on How Hungry Are You? (9:40 mark). "People think, 'Oh, you must not like Davante, he's on another team.' And I'm like, 'I love him even more!' Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I have an even deeper love and appreciation for him now that he's gone."
In March, the Packers traded Adams to the Raiders for the Nos. 22 and 53 picks in the 2022 NFL draft. Adams promptly signed a five-year, $140 million contract extension with Las Vegas.
Rodgers told Ibaka that he thought his own uncertain future in Green Bay may have played a role in Adams' decision to seek a trade.
"A lot of it was his desire to have a new start, a fresh start," he said. "There was an unknown with my future and how long I was going to be here. And I think he loved playing with me and maybe didn't want to necessarily get locked into a long-term deal here if I wasn't going to be in the long-term plans of the team. Or, in my own mind. But I think ultimately, it was just time. Time for a new challenge for him, new opportunity."
Adams, 29, has fared quite well in his new digs, catching 86 passes for 1,275 yards and 12 touchdowns. The adjustment from Rodgers to Derek Carr hasn't slowed him down.
Rodgers, on the other hand, has had one of his poorer seasons in recent memory, throwing for 2,864 yards, 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing just 64.3 percent of his passes.
There's little doubt that the loss of Adams, and a mediocre receiving corps in general, has played a part in the two-time defending MVP's down season. A broken thumb on his throwing hand, which has been an issue since Week 5, has undoubtedly played a part as well.
Offenses don't get better after losing a player of Adams' caliber. But Rodgers seemed genuinely happy to see his former teammate having success in Las Vegas.
Aaron Rodgers Names Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Brett Favre as Best QBs Ever
Dec 20, 2022
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers smiles during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
During an appearance on Serge Ibaka's show How Hungry Are You?, Aaron Rodgers revealed his list of the top five quarterbacks of all time.
The Green Bay Packers star initially said he would not include himself, but Ibaka convinced him to do so. Rodgers then named the other four: Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Steve Young, Brett Favre and Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller Tom Brady.
Rodgers also revealed he would pick Brady as the greatest ever because of his seven championship rings.
"I mean I think, greatest quarterback? I think you gotta go by championships, probably. So that'd be Tom," he said.
Despite his initial refusal to put himself in the top five, Rodgers also told Ibaka he considers himself to be the best Packers quarterback of all time above Favre. It's clear that the four-time NFL MVP knows where he stands among the greats in league history.
Aaron Rodgers Jokes He'd Want to Join Oakland Raiders If He Didn't Play for Packers
Dec 19, 2022
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 04: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently appeared on the How Hungry Are You? show hosted by Milwaukee Bucks forward Serge Ibaka to answer some hard-hitting questions.
When asked what team he would've wanted to play for if he didn't return to the Packers for the 2022 season, Rodgers initially said the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. When pressed further, he jokingly answered, "the Oakland Raiders." Rodgers is obviously aware that the franchise no longer resides in the Bay Area, so it seems he was having some fun with Ibaka.
While Rodgers may have been facetious in his answer, naming the Raiders is an interesting choice considering his favorite wide receiver Davante Adams was traded to the team this past offseason. The five-time All-Pro has thrived in Las Vegas, tying for first in the NFL with 12 receiving touchdowns to go with team-highs of 86 receptions and 1,275 receiving yards.
In Adams' absence, Rodgers has not been as dominant as he was in recent years. The back-to-back reigning NFL MVP has struggled to develop chemistry with an unproven crop of receivers, many of whom are rookies. Veteran Sammy Watkins, who signed with Green Bay as a free agent, was released on Monday after failing to make an impact.
Rodgers has thrown nine interceptions so far this season after throwing a total of nine picks in 2020 and 2021 combined. In 13 games, he's racked up 2,864 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 64.3 percent of his passes.
The Packers are 5-8 entering Monday night's game against the 4-9 Los Angeles Rams. While Green Bay has a slim chance of making the postseason this year, Rodgers has indicated that he doesn't want to take the last weeks of the 2022 season off. However, if the Packers are eliminated from playoff contention, it could open the door for third-year quarterback Jordan Love to get a chance to start.
Aaron Rodgers Says He's Best Packers QB of All Time: Who Wouldn't Say Themselves?
Dec 19, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks on in action during a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 04, 2022, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers appeared on Serge Ibaka's show How Hungry Are You? and was asked who the best quarterback was in Green Bay Packers history, himself or Brett Favre.
Rodgers initially said Bart Starr but was pressed by Ibaka to answer the original question. After thinking it over, Rodgers said, "Me. Who's not going to say yourself?" (3:00 mark)
From a statistical perspective, it's certainly up for debate.
Favre's 61,655 passing yards with the Packers are the most in franchise history. Rodgers is No. 2, with 58,224. Meanwhile, Rodgers is the franchise leader in touchdown passes (471), with Favre in second (442). Rodgers also has a superior completion percentage (65.3 percent) compared to Favre (61.4 percent).
They are equal in Super Bowl wins, with one apiece. Favre has more regular-season wins as a Packer (160) than Rodgers (144), but the latter has a higher winning percentage (66.0 percent to 62.3 percent). Favre also has 12 playoff wins, compared to Rodgers' 11.
Rodgers has the slightest of edges in the accolades department, however, as a four-time MVP, 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro selection. Favre was a three-time MVP, 11-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro selection.
Favre is a current Hall of Famer. Rodgers will be a first-ballot selection upon his retirement.
Rodgers has spent 18 seasons in Green Bay, though the first three were as Favre's backup. Favre was a Packer for 16 seasons before stints with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.
The answer, for some, may come down to play style. Favre was exciting as a gunslinger, but he was also loose with the ball, throwing for the most interceptions (286) in Packers history by an enormous margin (Lynn Dickey is second, with 151).
Rodgers doesn't have the same swashbuckling aura about his play, but he rarely beats himself, with only 102 career picks and just two seasons with double-digit interception totals. His nine interceptions this season are equivalent to his totals from the 2020 and 2021 seasons combined and the most he's thrown since 2010.
So it comes down to a matter of opinion. It's tough to blame Rodgers for choosing himself.
Chargers CB J.C. Jackson Arrested in Connection to 'Family Issue'
Dec 19, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 23: Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) during the Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers on October 23, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson reportedly was arrested on Monday afternoon.
According to Julianna Lima of Boston 25 News, Jackson was booked at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction in connection to what was described as a "family issue."
Lima reported Jackson had been making an appearance at probate court before he was detained by Fall River police.
The Chargers released a statement to reporters addressing the matter, saying, "We are aware of media reports this afternoon pertaining to J.C. Jackson. We will continue to gather information on the matter and will refrain from further comment at this time."
Jackson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a dislocated kneecap against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 23, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. He totaled 15 tackles and two passes defended in five games. The 27-year-old signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with Los Angeles this past offseason after playing the first four years of his career with the New England Patriots.
In 2021, Jackson established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL when he led the league with 23 passes defended while adding 58 total tackles and eight interceptions. He earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and was named second-team All-Pro.
During his redshirt freshman season at Florida in 2015, Jackson was arrested in connection with an armed robbery and faced multiple charges. He was eventually found not guilty on all counts. After his acquittal, he transferred to a local community college for a year before transferring to Maryland in 2016.
