Sam's Grading The Pack Week 7: I Miss The Old Brett
Well that wasn't fun at all. The Packers featured a couple interceptions and an explosive running game, but it wasn't enough with a liability like Brett Hundley at quarterback. This wasn't the worst Packers performance year-to-date or anything, but this was a game that the Packers could have easily won. Hell, Brett Hundley didn't even get to 100 passing yards. The defensive did a decent job, but Drew Brees was still able to pick out passes for over 300 Yards and a victory. The offensive line gave it's best performance of the season, but it's irrelevant if the quarterback can't complete half his passes (literally, 48%). This game would not have been lost if Aaron Rodgers was at the helm, simple as that.
OVERALL: C+
Offense: C+ QB/RB: C- WR/TE: C+ OL: B
Defense: C DL: C LB: C DB: B- Special Teams: B-
BEST GRADE: A: Aaron Jones, RB; and Blake Martinez, MLB
A good sum of players needed to step up their game against the Saints, but two players certainly held their own. Aaron Jones had 17 Carries for 131 Yards and a Touchdown, which is an incredible day for a running back. It's also extraordinary because there was absolutely no pass game to provide an offensive balance. On the other side of the ball, Blake Martinez was an absolute monster at inside linebacker. He had 16, yes, 16 tackles. At this pace, he could easily lead the NFC in tackles by the end of the year. His performance was especially vital because fellow middle linebacker Jake Ryan's disappointing day ended early with a migraine.
WORST GRADE: D: Brett Hundley, QB
I repeat myself, If the quarterback who plays the majority of a game gets the worst grade on the whole team, then you're never going to win that game. Once again, Hundley just couldn't throw the ball, which is kind of important if you're a quarterback. Hundley finished going 12/25 (48%) for 87 Yards, NO touchdowns and an interception. His horrid passer rating of 39.6 only went up to 39.9 this week, and that alone could show why the Packers lost. His three rushes for 44 Yards and a touchdown was the only thing keeping him from an even worse grade this week. The Packers' playoff chances weaken week by week with Brett Hundley as the starting quarterback.
Honorable Mentions: B+: Jahri Evans, Justin McCray, G; and Davon House, CB
I never thought in my wildest dreams that Justin McCray would go from an "F" to being on the Honorable Mention. He and the rest of the offensive line put together a great game both pass blocking and run blocking, and that's without Lane Taylor. The aspect that pushed Jahri Evans and Justin McCray ahead of their fellow lineman on the grading scale was the fact that they both picked up a fumble recovery. Davon House stood out as the second-best defender for his interception and (mostly) excellent coverage on elite-becoming wide receiver Mike Thomas. Quinten Rollins was placed on Injured Reserved, boosting the expectations of the rest of the corners, and Davon House finally played like the #1 Cornerback he's being paid to play like.
MVP Watch: Jordy Nelson only reeled in one catch for 13 yards, but the rest of his performances keep him in first with a 3.42 GPA. Blake Martinez and his incredible day pushed him up to second place right behind Nelson with a 3.38 GPA. Davante Adams drops from second to third with a 3.26 GPA, and Aaron Jones' 3.21 GPA gets him very close to the top three.
STATS OVERVIEW:
Passing = Hundley: D (12/25, 87 Yds, 0 TD, 1 INT; 3 Rush, 44 Yds, 1 TD)
Rushing = A. Jones: A (17 Rush, 131 Yds, 1 TD); Montgomery: C- (4 Rush, 6 Yds)
Receiving = Nelson: C+ (1 Rec, 13 Yds); Adams: C+ (2 Rec, 12 Yds); Cobb: C+ (2 Rec, 15 Yds), Bennett: B- (2 Rec, 17 Yds)
Defense = 2 INTs (Randall, House), 1 Sack (Perry)
Question? Comments? Concerns? General Feedback? Should Brett Hundley be the starting quarterback moving forward? Please let me know!
Thank you and God Bless,
Samuel R. Fuller
