2. Cross safety and run protection breaks down
The Pats’ issues grew within the late first quarter, with the Packers placing collectively a scoring drive that was aided by a 15-yard private foul on Sam Roberts for a late hit on quarterback Jordan Love and a 42-yard sideline throw to Romeo Doubs that was initially dominated incomplete. The Packers completed off the drive with Love hitting rookie Jayden Reed on a crosser for a landing, beating Shaun Wade throughout the sphere. Wade had a stable two practices however was victimized by a superb throw by Love.
Once more it was up and down for the Patriots offense. The great, Mac Jones transformed two third downs, exhibiting poise beneath strain on the cash down. The primary got here with Mac getting the ball out shortly within the face of strain, discovering Pop Douglas to transform a Third-and-10, then Mac and Kendrick Bourne once more linked for a 17-yard acquire on Third-and-8.
However these high quality conversions had been all for not when left sort out Andrew Stueber was overwhelmed off the sting by Kingsley Enagbare, who hit Mac and compelled a fumble that Inexperienced Bay recovered. The Packers then reduce by means of the Patriots protection in eight performs, going 57 yards for the landing with 5 first downs alongside the way in which.
The Patriots run protection was particularly troubling early within the recreation with many starters within the recreation, as Inexperienced Bay put up 78 yards on the bottom with a 5.2 yards-per-attempt common by means of their first 4 possessions. Josh Bledsoe and Josh Uche appeared to lose the sting on Patrick Taylor’s eight-yard landing run.
Situational protection was once more an issue as effectively, because the Pats allowed a area purpose on the ultimate drive of the primary half. It got here on eight performs, over 57 yards, with 23 of them approaching a troublesome go interference name on Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez was in section with the receiver however an underthrown ball helped provoke sufficient contact for the yellow flag to return flying in. Final week towards the Texans featured an identical downside to finish the primary half.
Gonzalez continues to accumulate precious expertise. He had a stable third-down sort out that pressured a punt and even on his go interference penalty, confirmed spectacular restoration expertise to get again into protection after initially squatting on what he thought was an beneath route. It will likely be a course of for the rookie, however he is making strides each time he takes the sphere.
