2022 3GML Season - Week 7

 Green Back Packers @ Washington Commanders

LANDOVER - The Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) walked away with an exciting 34-28 overtime win over the Washington Commanders (5-2) in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's return.  The Packers looked in trouble early as Tagovailoa showed signs of rust and the run game was non-existent.  Heading into half, Green Bay found themselves down 21-3.  However, a uptempo pass attack in the second half allowed the Pack to use their weapons and climb back in it, including scoring 18 points in the 4th quarter.

Stefon Diggs caught 9 passes for 121 yards on the day and seemed to enjoy the pass-happy offense.

"This is what we're capable of," Diggs said.  "We have to open it up a bit.  No one is stopping all these weapons."

Washington won the coin toss and in overtime and hoped to erase the Packers hope with a scoring drive.  However, on the first play quarterback Taylor Heinicke was strip sacked by Haason Reddick and Lamarcus Joyner picked up the ball and ran it back for the game winning score.

After the game, Coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the change in offensive philosophy during the second half.

"Well, we were down and needed points quickly," LaFleur said.  "That always necessitates a change in game plan.  However, I liked what I saw and will keep that in mind as we move forward."

Could Offensive Coordinator Deuce Staley be in trouble?  We'll find out next week as Green Bay travels to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills.

Houston Texans @ Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS - The Houston Texans found themselves on the wrong end of a big second quarter and fell 24-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).  Houston's offense struggled to move the ball in this one but the defense kept things close most of the game.  However, the Raiders used a 17-point second quarter powered by Davante Adams to keep things out of reach for the Texans.  Adams, who finished with eight catches for 127 yards, proved to be the difference in this one.

For Houston, the loss coming out of the bye to a one win team stings.  The will try to right the ship next week as they take on the AFC leading Tennessee Titans.

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers used three interceptions and pouring rain to fuel a 25-17 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.  The rain in Santa Clara was strong all game and had obvious impacts on the game.  The 49ers (6-1) used it to their advantage, running Justin Fields most of the game.  The Chiefs (5-2), tried a different approach and continued their pass-heavy offense, throwing 43 times on the day.  That approach proved costly as a slippery ball and field led to the three interceptions by Mahomes.

JC Jackson, who had two of the interceptions (Derwin James had the other) showed he earned the contract GM CD gave him this offseason.  However, shortly after the second interception, Jackson was injured on a pass deflection and had to be carted off the field.  Early reports aren't looking promising and it's very possible San Francisco will be without him for a lengthy period of time.

With the win, San Francisco kept their firm grasp on first place in the NFC West.  They will now travel to Los Angeles to take on a familiar opponent in the Rams.

2022 3GML Season - Week 6

 San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA - In a tale of two halves, the San Francisco 49ers held on to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 17-14.  The 49ers (5-1) came out hot in the first half and built a 17-0 lead.  However, the offense fell flat in the second half, letting the Falcons (2-4)  back into the game.  

After two 4th-quarter Atlanta touchdowns, San Francisco found themselves in a high pressure situation.  However, a methodical drive down to the two-yard line ate up much of the clock forcing Atlanta to burn its timeouts.  The strategy almost worked as the Falcons forced a 4th and one situation.  Rather than kick the field goal to go up six and give Atlanta the ball back, Coach Kyle Shanahan opted to go for it and try to run our the clock.  The strategy worked as San Francisco picked us the first and ran out the clock.

"The numbers guys told me it was the way to go."  Shanahan said.

San Francisco now heads home to host the Kansas City Chiefs.

New York Jets @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - Down starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa another week, the Green Bay Packers struggled their way to a 13-13 tie with the winless New York Jets (0-5-1) in the pouring rain.  Backup duties went to Drew Lock this week and it was more of the same struggles as in week five.   Locke missed multiple open receivers and was unable to get the offense past mid-field most of the game.

"We have to be better," Coach Matt La Fleur said.  "At the end of the day, this was a home game against a winless opponent.  If we want to achieve our goals, this isn't going to cut it."

For Green Bay (4-1-1) it felt like they could have easily walked away with a win or a loss.  With time expiring in the 4th, Green Bay decided to kick the tying field goal on 1st and goal from the two with 11 seconds left rather than try and get one more play in.  However, on the other side, the New York defense dropped multiple potential interceptions off Lock in the rain.  A few of them that could have easily been pick-sixes.

"Man, it was like we had oven mitts on or something," Sauce Gardner said. "That ball was hard to hold on to, like a hot pocket fresh out of the oven."

Green Bay should have Tagovailoa back next week as they travel to take on the 5-1 Washington Commanders.

 

2022 3GML Season - Week 5

 New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

LONDON - The Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and dropped their first game of the season 37-14 to the New York Giants (4-1).  Tagovailoa missed with a concussion and backups Sam Howell and Drew Lock both struggled in their play.

The Packers (4-1) will have to figure out a better plan next week as Tagovailoa doesn't appear likely to clear concussion protocol by Sunday.  Howell looked inexperienced throwing mutliple interceptions and taking unnecessary sacks, while Lock showed flashes but ultimately turned the ball over two times himself.  

Coach Matt LaFleur stated, "We'll have to look at the tape and practice this week to see who we start if Tua can't go."

Regardless, look for a more run heavy offense as the Packers host the Jets in week six.

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE - With Hurricane Ian working its way through Florida, the Houston Texans (4-1) outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-14.  Weather was the defining factor in this game as the teams saw gusts of up to 90 miles per hour.  The NFL was insistent that the teams get the game in before the hurricane arrived, but the Ian had other plans and the outer edge arrived early.

Jacksonville (1-5) looked unprepared to play in these conditions and surprisingly came out throwing the ball on a majority of plays.  This led to six interceptions from Trevor Lawrence and the inability for the Jaguars to stay close.

"I just call the plays that are called man," Lawrence said.  "You'll have to talk to coach on why we we throwing it with trees being uprooted outside."

Special teams were also severely impacted as punts into the wind traveled an average of less than ten yards.  The game was very reminiscent of the 2017 AFC Championship between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, often referred to as the Wind Bowl, where the teams were unable to punt with the ball traveling almost backwards once it was up in the air.

In this one, Coach David Shaw smartly played Malik Willis the entire game and used his legs to move the ball.  With the Texans relying on the quarterback's speed, they were able to minimize the wind and score points when they needed.  

Willis, who ended with three rushing touchdowns for the Texans, said, "That was crazy, man.  I don't know if I've every playing in weather that bad.  Coach had a great game plan and I was just happy I could help our team get the W today."

Houston has their bye next week and will probably need the extra time to get dry after this one.

San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE - The Carolina Panthers (1-4) continued their downward spiral as the visiting San Francisco 49ers dominated from start to finish, walking away with a 31-0 shutout.  The 49ers (4-1) again used the legs of quarterback Justin Fields, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on the day.  Fantasy football owners everywhere are thrilled with the prospect of having additional running back stats on their roster as Fields is on pace to rush for over 1700 yards on the season.

Defensively, the 49ers held the Panthers to 243 yards of total offense and recorded six sacks on the day.  Four of those were by Brian Burns who is on pace for a breakout year in San Francisco.

"Just happy to help this team win," Burns said.  "Not sure I'd want to be on that Carolina team right now."

Word has already leaked that the Panthers plan to fire head coach Matt Rhule tomorrow and will look to start anew once again.

As for the 49ers, the stay in the AFC South next week as they take on the Atlanta Falcons.

2022 3GML Season - Week 4

 Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the season Sunday to the visiting Los Angeles Rams (2-2).  The 49ers were hampered by two lost fumbles and a lack of points on offense as the Rams did just enough to walk away with the 17-10 win.

The Niners (3-1) had a chance late to try and tie things up after a rarely-called pass interference on a Hail Mary gave them the ball on the 10 yard line with one second left.  Justin Fields, who has been electric with his legs all year, took off on a scramble and was tackled on the one yard line, denying San Francisco the chance for overtime.

The 49ers will try to get back on track next week against the Carolina Panthers.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans used a stifling defense and timely offense to take down the Los Angeles Chargers 22-17 in week four.  The Texans (3-1) kept Justin Herbert from getting in rhythm all game but mixing up coverages and forcing the Chargers (2-2) to take short completions.  The few times Herbert tried to force things down field, he found himself intercepted or the receiver blanketed in coverage.

"Trying to lean on the strength of this team," Coach David Shaw said.  "We know they have a special quarterback over there but this defensive unit was ready and I'd put them up against anyone."

Offensively, Houston did just enough and rode the hot hand of Gardner Minshew in the second half to keep things out of reach.  After four weeks, it appears that the Texans have the offensive line they desperately need with two unproven quarterbacks to protect.  Minshew was able to throw from a clean pocket most of the day and had plenty of time to connect with his receivers down field.

Houston will look to keep pace in the AFC next week when it takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers (4-0) stayed undefeated after taking down the injured New England Patriots 17-9 Sunday in Green Bay.  New England (1-3) was down starting quarterback Mac Jones after an ankle injury last week and turned to rookie Bailey Zappe who was starting his first NFL game.

The Packer defense was stout in this one, forcing Zappe to throw the ball away all afternoon.  When Zappe did throw it in play, the corner-duo of Casey Hayward and Patrick Surtain II made life difficult, forcing three interceptions (two by Hayward and one by Surtain).

"Never heard of the guy, Billy Zabka? Is that his name?" said Hayward. "Anyway, no matter who it is, rookie or Tom Brady, our mantra is 'No Mercy.'"

Not everything was a positive after the game, though, as the Packers learned quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and his outlook for next week is doubtful.

"Just an unfortunate situation," Coach Matt LaFleur said. "As he was getting tackled, a player swept his leg and he fell awkwardly."

The Packers will have to rally their quarterback room quickly as they head to London next week to take on the New York Giants.  LaFleur has already indicated that rookie Sam Howell will get the start if Tagovailoa can't go.

"I'll be ready. They're going to have to take me out in a body bag to stop me from playing." Howell said.