There are three reasons, as to why the Packers lost:
1) This play completely changed the game. Kyle Orton completed a pass to tight end Leonard Pope and as he dove for the end zone, he tried to switch the ball from his right hand to left hand. He eventually lost the ball and it rolled out the back of the endzone. However, the referee immediately blew the play dead and stated that the player had stepped out of bounds before losing possession of the ball. If however, the play had been called a fumble, which it clearly was after watching the instant replay, instead of 1st and goal for the Chiefs inside the Packers 5 yard line, it would have been 1st and 10 for the Packers on their own 20 yard line. This is because when the ball is fumbled into the endzone and it rolls out of bounds, the play results in a touchback. The Chiefs eventually managed to get a field goal which was essential in the win.
2) Every football fan knows that the Packers defense has been pretty suspect this year. They are known as a "bend but don't break" kind of defense. That was pretty much the story line of this week's game and it played a huge role in the loss. Now don't get me wrong, the defense is not to blame for the loss, but there are some plays that should have been prevented. At the end of the game, with the Packers down 19-14, with three timeouts left, the defense could not get off the field when they needed it most. Also, the league leading defense in forcing interceptions with 23 did not force one single turnover. With under two minutes left, the defense allowed a few short runs and then a 14 yard run by Chiefs running back Jackie Battle which sealed the deal. While watching the game, all I could think of was the Bart Scott interview when he said that the defense "couldn't stop a nosebleed". That's what it looked like today, and boy was it tough to watch.
3) It was obvious that Greg Jennings was deeply missed today. Most people thought that the deep Packers receiving core, which includes Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley could fill in for the injured Jennings. But today showed just how much Jennings does for the Pack Attack . He's a speedy deep threat that can also work in the slot and aside from veteran Donald Driver, he is the most experienced receiver on the team. Jennings also seems to have a connection with Rodgers that not many wide receivers have with their quarterbacks. With Jennings out of the lineup, the Packers well-oiled machine didn't look like that well-oil machine we're used to seeing.
All in all it was a tough day to be a Packer fan as we haven't witnessed a loss in what seems like forever. I think that this loss only makes the team stronger and I think they will bounce back with a very solid effort against their bitter rival, the Chicago Bears next week.
* In other NFL News:
Eagles running back Lesean McCoy broke the eagles touchdown record with his 3 touchdown performance in their win over the Jets. Packers' rookie Derek Sherrod broke his leg in the game against the Chiefs and OT Brian Bulaga sprained his knee. The Indianapolis Colts won for the first time this year by a score of 27-13 over the Titans. Tebow lost, but played quite well and seems to be more comfortable throwing the ball. In the loss, Rodgers set the Packers franchise record for touchdown passes with 40.
Eagles running back Lesean McCoy broke the eagles touchdown record with his 3 touchdown performance in their win over the Jets. Packers' rookie Derek Sherrod broke his leg in the game against the Chiefs and OT Brian Bulaga sprained his knee. The Indianapolis Colts won for the first time this year by a score of 27-13 over the Titans. Tebow lost, but played quite well and seems to be more comfortable throwing the ball. In the loss, Rodgers set the Packers franchise record for touchdown passes with 40.
Moment of the week: The Broncos half-time show was the greatest thing I've ever seen on TV. Check it out here.
CHeers
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