While Aaron Rodgers is undeniably having an MVP-worthy season, and few defenders have been able to contain him, Leonard Floyd can't allow a 37-year-old upcoming Jeopardy! guest host to do this to him:
TOUCHDOWN @Packers #GoPackGo
— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) January 16, 2021
Aaron Rodgers faz o fake e entra na end zone para ampliar o placar!#NFLBrasil #NFLnaESPN pic.twitter.com/PWODnYYPM4
That nifty pump-fake touchdown functions as a good capsule of what the Green Bay Packers, who won 32-18, did to the Los Angeles Rams' top-ranked defense on Saturday. Another one stuck in my mind was otherworldly defensive lineman Aaron Donald beating what was excellent pass protection to grab a handful of Rodgers's jersey ... as the QB threw a pass for a big gain anyway. The Rams defense played with discipline and even came very close to a rare Rodgers pick, but it didn't matter. Donald, who played with a rib injury, was double-teamed and effectively nullified by Green Bay's offensive line. Rodgers was 23-of-36 for 296 yards, with two passing TDs, no turnovers, and no sacks taken. The rest fell into place.
The closest L.A. got to a threat was forcing the Packers to punt with a 25-18 lead. Jared Goff and the offense couldn't do anything with that opportunity, and on the next possession Rodgers found Allen Lazard for a 58-yard touchdown pass. Even with almost seven minutes left in the game, it still felt like that iced it.
TOUCHDOWN @Packers #GoPackGo
— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) January 17, 2021
Aaron Rodgers acha um Allen Lazard livre com um lindo passe e aumenta a vantagem para os Packers em Green Bay! #NFLBrasil #NFLnaESPN pic.twitter.com/LkNvi5XPYi
The Rams now have plenty of time to analyze what went wrong—and decide whether they'll find a quarterback better than Goff for 2021. Meanwhile, Leonard Floyd can study film so that he won't fall for a "Look over there!" trick next season.