Packers Beat Colts on Late 11 Points

The Packers got off to a fast start Friday night thanks to the YAC of Finley and Nelson. It seemed that the Packers had to resort to the dump off passes, because the offensive line as having a hard time with the Colts defensive line. The Packers scored 11 points in the final minute of the game Friday night for the 24-21 win. The run was courtesy of Graham Harrell, who ran a perfect 3:17 drive for 73 yards which was capped with a touchdown to Ryan Taylor. They converted the two-point conversion, recovered an onside trick kick, and Crosby made a 50 yard field goal for the win.

The running game was nowhere to be found Friday night as the Packers ran the ball 19 carries for 45 yards. Right now it seems that Starks is your staring running back, but that is just because he seemed to play well on the screen game. Starks finished the game with 5 catches for 38 yards. Other than that, Finley and Nelson were the top guys for receiving yards. If they continue to get the match up of a nickel back or linebacker it could be a great year for these two. Driver did what Driver does - catch balls on third down for the first, but James Jones was out there for no reason. I really feel that the Packers kept Jones just so he didn't sign with the Bears or Vikings. The three pack of Driver, Jennings, and Nelson should be a deadly combo this season.

On the defensive side of the ball it seemed that the Packers got a lot of pressure on the quarterback, but just had a few communication breakdowns. Reggie Wayne caught a 57 yard touchdown that he could have caught and then walked in from the 10 yard line. Addai had some big runs for the Colts, but for the most part the Packers controlled the run game. Though it seemed every time Morgan Burnnet blitzed on the outside and the Colts ran the ball, they would gain about 12 yards a carry. So I would guess they will work on fixing that problem. Matthews and Woodson were getting hits on the QB, but only Matthews recorded a sack for the first team. The Packers first team defense has not really got any turnovers, and that is what really carried us last year. It is still only pre-season, but it would be nice to see a few turnovers.

I don't know what Coach Mac will do with the starters for Thursday nights game, but I don't think they will see much playing time. The rosters will have to be cut down 53 people by September 3rd. The Packers cut three people Sunday, as Spencer Havner (TE), Brett Swain (WR), and Theo Sherman (T) were all shown the door. The Packers have so many weapons at the tight end and receiver position that these cuts had to be made. I could see both these players maybe getting a special teams spot on other teams.

The Packers final preseason game is Thursday night against the Chiefs, game time set for 7pm.