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Aaron Rodgers Makes All the Difference In Packers’ Win Over Dolphins

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By @Langtron57

Aaron Rodgers Cameron Wake Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers

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The Green Bay Packers had a very convincing and dominant start to Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, but they were unable to hold on to their numerous leads until a miraculous drive late in the fourth quarter.

The second half of play saw a completely different Packers’ defense in comparison to the first. Injuries and fatigue caused a lackluster performance on both the offense and defense. When all was said and done, though, Aaron Rodgers may have secured his title as best quarterback in the NFL on Sunday as he was able to lead a near-perfect late game drive for the win.

While the passing game was sharp for much of the game, the rushing game failed to produce results time and time again until very late. Eddie Lacy was frequently unable to break tackles, and James Starks made some solid gains but was tackled for a loss far too often. While Rodgers was able to lead some steady drives in the second half, he was not supported by the defense with the same dominance they showed early.

In the first half, the Packers’ defense looked outstanding, picking off two Ryan Tannehill passes and completely shutting down Lamar Miller and Knowshon Moreno. They allowed just three points in the first half, but began to crumble in the second half. They allowed 21 points and looked like a disturbingly familiar Packers team with three players walking off the field with injuries. Linebacker Jamari Lattimore suffered a neck injury in the first half, and starting cornerbacks Sam Shields and Tramon Williams both left with leg injuries in the second half.

Tannehill and the Dolphins took advantage of the balmy weather in Florida, which gradually wore down the Packers. Tannehill threw two touchdowns in the second half, one each to Mike Wallace and rookie Jarvis Landry. Running back Lamar Miller had some great rushes in the second half including a 14-yard run for a touchdown.

But Miami’s defense was their story of the game, providing very solid pressure on Rodgers and covering some of the league’s finest wide receivers with great skill and discipline. Rodgers was sacked three times by Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon, who were all over him for all four quarters. While the defensive line of the Dolphins deserves ample praise, the Packers’ offensive line is equally to blame for much of the pressure on Rodgers throughout the game.

Ultimately it came down to some great clutch plays late in the fourth quarter. Rodgers, who was under immense pressure throughout the contest, found Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Starks for some key passes leading his team down the field with just a couple of minutes left in the game. And with just six seconds left, Rodgers threw a perfect pass to tight end Andrew Quarless.

While fans should be ecstatic with this last-second win, the team lacked consistency, especially in the second half. Rodgers is one of very few quarterbacks who can extend every play when needed. His offensive line’s protection today was just that — offensive. Rodgers was scrambling all over the field, but thankfully for cheese heads he can make plays while sprinting in the opposite direction of a defensive line.

The defense may see some changes in the next couple of weeks depending on the state of the three defenders who left due to injury. Losing two starting cornerbacks and a linebacker could be a tragedy for a Packers’ defense that has been more on track in the last couple of weeks.

Chris Langton is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to the MMA page. Follow him on Twitter @Langtron57, “Like” him on Facebook, and add him to your network on Google.

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