Sam's Grading the Pack Week 14: It Took Overtime Against the Browns?
The Browns are on the worst stretch of any football team in history, and they almost got their first win of the season against the Packers. Yes, DeShone Kizer played the best game of his career and the rest of the team definitely showed up to play, but a loss today would have led to a lot of pressure to let the heads of Packers' coaches and front office personnel roll. Davante Adams being Davante Adams certainly helped the Packers squeeze this one out, but let's give credit where credit is due: Brett Hundley, He had over 250 yards, 3 Touchdowns, no picks thrown and led the game-tying and game-winning drives. He had one of the best games of his career as well, and although it wouldn't have taken overtime if Aaron was at the helm, Brett Hundley's play was good enough for another clutch-time win, especially when Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones combined for less than 50 yards on the ground. Two Sacks against an abismal Browns offensive line is pathetic, and even with Nick Perry out, this pass rush needs to step it up big time. It's going to take a lot more than what they put up against the Browns if they want to win against Carolina or Minnesota coming up.
OVERALL: C+
Offense: B QB/RB: B WR/TE: B OL: B
Defense: C- DL: C LB: C+ DB: C- Special Teams: B-
BEST GRADE: A+: Davante Adams, WR
Davante Adams was in a league of his own against the Browns. With the pressure of having six more targets than anyone else on the team, he raked in 10 Receptions for 84 Yards and 2 Touchdowns, including the game-winning grab in overtime. At this point, he is by far the most valuable player on this entire offense. With Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb aging, Davante Adams better get a fat check in the form of a big-money extension this offseason.
WORST GRADE: D+: Davon House, Damarious Randall and Josh Hawkins, CB
I have little doubt that Davon House would have progressively gotten a worse grade had he not injured his back. House, Damarious Randall and Josh Hawkins combined to give up over 120 Yards between Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman, both average-at-best receivers catching from arguably the worst starting quarterback in the first 13 weeks in DeShone Kizer. That certainly isn't going to fly when they have to guard Devin Funchess and the rest of the Panthers receivers catching balls from former MVP Cam Newton. It should also be noted that if safeties Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Josh Jones didn't play as well as they did, with both coming away with interceptions, then the Packers would have undoubtedly lost the game.
Honorable Mentions: A-: Brett Hundley, QB; and Jamaal Williams, RB
I certainly didn't expect Brett Hundley to ever show up on this list, but a 265/3/0 line paired with a 111.2 Rating, only one sack and an extra 31 Yards on the ground with no costly plays leads him to an A- rating. Aaron Rodgers should be healthy for next week's game, but if not, this version of Brett Hundley would be okay with me. Jamaal Williams, coming off of a 100+ Yard game, proved to be a dual threat with 13 Rushes and 7 Receptions for 118 Total Yards and 2 Total Touchdowns. With a Quarterback that has problems throwing beyond a dozen yards, having a dual-threat running back can open up opportunities for a limited offense.
STATS OVERVIEW:
Passing = Hundley: A- (35/46, 265 Yds, 3 TD, 0 INT; 7 Rush, 31 Yds)
Rushing = J. Williams: A- (13 Rush, 49 Yds, 1 TD; 7 Rec, 69 Yds);
A. Jones: C- (4 Rush, -2 Yds)
Receiving = Nelson: B- (4 Rec, 33 Yds); Adams: A+ (10 Rec, 80 Yds, 2 TDs); Cobb: B (8 Rec, 39 Yds), Allison: B- (4 Rec, 29 Yds); Kendricks: C+ (2 Rec, 11 Yds)
Defense = 2 INTs (Clinton-Dix, J. Jones), 2 Sacks (Matthews, Fackrell)
Question? Comments? Concerns? General Feedback? Do the Packers actually have a legitimate shot at the playoffs? Please let me know!
Thank you and God Bless,
Samuel R. Fuller
