EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Packers got what they needed on Sunday.
A lot of what they needed, actually.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers got some mojo back with four touchdown passes, the defense got some swagger back with three interceptions, and even punter JK Scott got back on track a bit.
The result was a 31-13 road victory over a struggling Giants team at a snowy, slippery and maybe half-full MetLife Stadium that got the Packers to 9-3 and put last week's frustrations further in the rear-view mirror.
"I don't think these guys ever lost confidence, to be honest with you," Head Coach Matt LaFleur said. "We had a bad performance (in San Francisco) … but I don't think these guys wavered at all. They just got back to work and ignored the noise."
It wasn't as easy as the final score indicated, as the Giants (2-10) have been in a number of one-score games in the fourth quarter during what is now an eight-game losing streak.
In this one, New York got within 17-13 in the third quarter before Rodgers made two game-changing plays – finding Geronimo Allison over the middle on fourth-and-10 and hitting Davante Adams on a free play on third-and-goal from the 17 – to restore Green Bay's two-score lead.
The Packers then intercepted Giants rookie QB Daniel Jones on the next two possessions to put the game away. Rookie safety Darnell Savage and veteran corner Tramon Williams got them after cornerback Kevin King snagged one in the first half.
It marked the fourth time this year the Packers' defense generated multiple takeaways the very next game after getting shut out in that category. Green Bay gave up a few explosive plays to Jones (20-of-37, 240 yards, one TD, three INTs, 49.4 rating) but ultimately made him pay for his mistakes.
"I think our guys are always going to try to be ball-hawking and relentless in their pursuit of the football," LaFleur said of a defense that has developed a reliance on turnovers. "That was a big emphasis we talk about each and every week, and to their credit our guys were all about it. Our guys came up big today."
So did some offensive veterans, beginning with right tackle Bryan Bulaga playing through a knee sprain and kicker Mason Crosby making all his kicks two days after his sister-in-law's unfortunate passing.
The Green Bay Packers faced the New York Giants in a Week 13 matchup on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Tight end Marcedes Lewis capped the scoring with his first TD reception as a member of the Packers. Receiver Davante Adams had two TD receptions among six catches for 64 yards and now has three TDs on the season after scoring none through the first 10 games.
Young receiver Allen Lazard was the early star, recording his first career 100-yard game. Lazard made a diving 43-yard catch over the middle to set up the Packers' first score, came wide open for a 37-yard TD late in the first quarter, and added a 23-yard grab early in the third.
"He's a guy from the day we got here he's just been about the right stuff," LaFleur said of Lazard. "He gives it his all each and every day and plays physical. That's his game. He's earned his opportunities."
Rodgers certainly has no qualms about looking for the former Iowa State star after he stepped up for his second big performance this season. He likes the 6-foot-5 target's size and attitude.
"I've always said about Allen, he just has a calm demeanor," Rodgers said. "He expects to make those plays, and you love that as a quarterback. He gives you confidence back, almost like 'the ball should be coming my way.'"
The Packers couldn't run the ball very well against a stout Giants front, but Rodgers (21-of-33, 243 yards, four TDs, 125.4 rating) was able to do enough in the difficult weather to get the Packers back in the win column.
He credited strong pass protection all game and his comfort moving in the pocket on the slippery field. Rodgers wasn't sacked and added 24 yards rushing on three scrambles.
"I love the conditions," Rodgers said. "I was a little worried it might be more rain than snow, but when those big flakes were falling down, I felt pretty good about our chances."
Added LaFleur: "I told our guys, this is great Green Bay weather right here. I think they embrace that."
The Packers get actual Green Bay weather for their next two games as they look to stay atop the NFC North and move closer to a playoff berth.
