No "You Like That" in Washington; Packers use balanced attack in wildcard win

The Green Bay Packers used a balanced attack to defeat the Washington Redskins 35-18, in the wildcard round of the NFL playoffs. The Packers had 32 rushing and 37 passing plays. After finding themselves down 11-0, Mike McCarthy didn't waver from the game plan. Eddie Lacy and James Starks both had 12 carries, one touchdown and a run for over 20 yards. Randall Cobb and John Kuhn also had carries for the Packers, who ended the day with 141 rushing yards. This balanced attack kept the front seven of the Redskins in check. After an early sack by Preston Smith that led to a safety, the offensive line did not allow another sack on Aaron Rodgers. 

Rodgers and the Packer offense started slow once again. Rodgers started 1 for 8 and the Packers punted on three of their first four drives. The other drive ended in a safety. With the wind, the passing game opened up the running game. Seven different receivers caught passes from Rodgers, who finished 21 of 36 for 210 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers continued to struggle on third down, converting only three of 11 opportunities. However, timely runs and passes kept drives alive.

The defense made a statement early in the game. After the Redskins recorded a safety, they received the ensuing kickoff and started the drive on their own 45 yard line. Five plays later the Redskins had a first and ten, on the Green Bay 15 yard line. Kirk Cousins completed a short pass over the middle to DeSean Jackson. Jackson weaved to the sideline and lunged for the end zone. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix didn't give up on the play and forced Jackson out of bounds. The officials ruled touchdown on the field, but reply clearly shows that the ball never crossed the plain of the goal line and the call was over turned. The Packers defense had a goal line stand and forced the Redskins to settle for a field goal. This series set the tempo for an aggressive defense that recorded six sacks.