Packers @ Jaguars Recap - Jags confound Pack in comeback

Run the tape.

The Packers got off to a slow start against the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon, allowing the Jaguars to get off to an early lead. Green Bay fought back to get back in the game, only to see their efforts prove to be fruitless in the game’s final quarter.

Sound familiar?

Jacksonville became the latest antagonist for Green Bay fans in this short story, joining the Falcons, Titans, Panthers and Texans as teams that simply got the job done against a Green Bay defense that couldn't finish off their opponent.

“We did not make enough plays to win the game,” Coach Mike McCarthy said after the game.

The Jaguars did.

Using a pass heavy attack featuring a number of plays over the middle, the Jaguars kept the Packers on their heels through the final drive of the game. That last drive lasted just three-and-a-half minutes, as Jacksonville drove 80 yards on six plays for the game winning score. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew punched it in from 2 yards out on just his twelfth rushing attempt of the game. Overall, the Jaguars called 38 pass plays against 16 rushing plays.

The Packers had a similar offensive balance, calling 37 pass plays against 26 running plays. Running back Ryan Grant gained only 56 yards on 21 attempts for a 2.7 yard average, his worst yards-per-carry performance since week 4 against Tampa Bay.

Still the Packers had the opportunity to win the game. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers drove the Packers 54 yards in nine plays to set up Mason Crosby’s go-ahead field goal with under six minutes left on the clock. But with a two-point lead, the Packers defense played out their disappointing 2008 role to perfection. The Jaguars took the ball and moved easily down the field for Jones-Drew’s game-winning touchdown. With one final shot to win the game, Rodgers overthrew Donald Lee over the middle and Jaguars safety Reggie Nelson intercepted the pass for what was the only turnover of the game.

Report Card:

Offense: B – It certainly wasn’t the most impressive performance of the year in terms of points, but the offense had no penalties on the day and accumulated 338 yards total. Rodgers was off target a couple of times but looked solid overall. Still, he again failed to come up with the game-winning drive in the waning minutes. Grant looked alright the ball, but he never was able to break the big play.

Defense: B- - After giving up an opening-drive touchdown to the Jaguars, the defense did not give up another score until the fourth quarter. But two fourth-quarter scores allowed Jacksonville to get away with a victory. The biggest problem for the defense continues to be the 10-20 yard pass over the middle and the inability to stop the big play. Jacksonville only had three plays over 20 yards, but the defense again surrendered a long play (41 yards) on Jacksonville’s game-winning drive after the Packers had taken the lead

Special Teams: B – Crosby continues to be the bright spot on the Packers special teams, adding another touchback to his résumé and connecting on three field goals. Kapinos kicked well in his first road game for the Packers. His first punt traveled 48 yards and gave the Jaguars the ball at their own 25, while his second punt left the Jaguars starting at their own 11. Coverage and returns were both fine with both teams averaging around 20 yards on kickoffs and minimal returns on punts.

Overall: B – There is not a whole lot to say about this team that hasn’t been said. They are very close to being in the playoffs when you consider all of the close losses, but at the same time playoff teams win the close games. This was another game that the Packers simply did not close out when they had their opportunity. Green Bay controlled the clock, converted more third downs than they failed and had only three penalties to go along with over 300 yards of offense. Those types of numbers typically translate into wins, but for some reason the Packers simply could not get it done in a last ditch effort to salvage their season.