Packers Outsoar and Outscore Eagles

January 9, 2011

Packers 21
Eagles 16

This NFC Wild Card matchup is a rematch of Week 1, were the Green Bay Packers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-20. This was their third postseason meeting. The Packers lead the Eagles in All-Time match-ups 24-15. The Packers allowed 320 yards and 20 points to the Eagles in their Week 1 win and have they have scored an average of 18 points themselves per game on teh road this season.

The week before this game, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick received a jersey from his former high school classmate, Lakers Kobe Bryant. The jersey was signed, "Be Epic." This was Vick's first playoff game in six years. Even with a career high 62.6% completion, 3,018 pass yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season, Vick had his work cut out for himself.

The Packers ranked #5 in overall defense and ranked #2 in opponents' points per game, with an average of 15.0 points allowed. Vick was sacked three times, the first sack having taken place during the first offensive drive of the game. Vick heavily relied on running back Lesean McCoy, who, although recovered the ball, fumbled it early in the first quarter.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was successfull in the Week 1 meeting, had a similar game, completing 18/27 for 180 pass yards and three touchdowns. Rodgers spread the ball around, having six receivers including Pro Bowl selection Greg Jennings as offensive threats. Rodgers also used his full backs John Kuhn and Quentin Johnson and running backs Brandon Jackson and James Starks.

Directly following Vick's failed two point conversion attempt to put his Eagles within a field goal of the Packers, line backer Clay Matthews waved to the crowd, as if telling the Eagles and their fans to sing their playoff swan song.

Despite Eagles head coach Andy Reid's 4-1 Wild Card playoff record coming in to the game, the Packers managed to shut them down for the second time this year. This is the Packers' first playoff win since 1997. The Packers will be travelling to Atlanta to face the NFC South Division Champion Falcons next weekend.