Much criticizing has been done over the past few years of Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers. But he has been a defensive mastermind again this year, and his defense did their part in getting things going for the Packers as they headed out West in week 15 to take on the Oakland Raiders.
But the Raiders defense had gotten off to a better start. They forced the Packers to have two three and outs to begin the game. The Packers for their first six plays had gotten a total of one yard of offense. Khalil Mack had a big third down sack on Aaron Rodgers on their second possession to keep them down in the yardage department. With the wheels seeming to spin early on again for the Packers offense, it was time for the defense to rise to the occasion.
Micah Hyde was the man who made the big play as he intercepted a deep ball intended for Clive Walford on a third and nine. Hyde would almost get the touchdown himself, but would be tackled at the two and then they would push the ball back to the 17 yard line due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The first person to reach the end zone in the game was the fullback, John Kuhn, as he would rush it in from five yards out to get the first points of the game. Mason Crosby would hit the PAT to put the Packers up 7-0.
The next offensive play for the Raiders would be in the Packers favor as well. Derek Carr went back to throw the ball again but found a Packers player in a white jersey yet again. This time it was Damarious Randall who would take the ball and he would not be denied as he would return it all the way for a touchdown to put the Packers up 14-0 early.
But the Packers offense still would struggle and they would end up letting the Raiders get back into the game as the Raiders would rely on one of their oldest players, Sebastian Janikowski, as they had back to back drives sputter out in the red zone as he made the field goals from 23 and then 30 yards out.
Just when it seemed like the Packers offense was getting it together, James Starks would cough up the football on the door of the red zone and it was recovered by Benson Mayowa of the Raiders to stop that drive with 1:11 left in the half. Carr would get the offense going though as it only took four plays for them to drive down the field for Amari Cooper to catch a touchdown from 19 yards out the Raiders only trailed by one at the half as the Packers led 14-13.
The Packers would score first in the second half as they turned to Crosby quite a bit more. Crosby's first field goal was good from 24 yards out to make it a four point advantage. But the Raiders would come back and get a touchdown with Carr connecting with Cooper again on their next drive from 26 yards out to give the Raiders their only lead of the game, 20-17.
When the Packers got the ball back, their offensive drive was kick started by their special teams, as Jeff Janis was able to return it all the way to the Packers 47 yard line, making them just 53 yards away from paydirt. Rodgers would find Jared Abbrederis for a gain of 18, and then would find James Jones for a gain of eight and then the remaining thirty on the next play to put the Packers back on top. Then they turned back to Crosby as their defense kept the Raiders off the board. Crosby would hit from 21 and 33 yards out to put the Packers up 30-20, and the Raiders would have a few turnovers on downs as the Packers defense would hold up and bring them to victory.
Statistical Leaders
Passing: Derek Carr (23/47, 276 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT)
Rushing: Latavius Murray (21 carries, 78 yards)
Receiving: Amari Cooper (6 catches, 120 yards, 2 TD)
Next Up
The Green Bay Packers (10-4) will travel to face the Arizona Cardinals (12-2) and did clinch a playoff berth with their victory today. That will be important as the Packers need a victory to have a chance to get that first round bye. The Oakland Raiders (6-8) have now been eliminated from playoff contention and will have a short turnaround as they face the San Diego Chargers (4-10) on Christmas Eve.