Packers top Vikes 24-10 in Wildcard round.

Less than two hours before the Vikings announced Christian Ponder was inactive and that Joe Webb would be starting. Viking fans got excited, thinking a dual threat quarterback, along with the best running back in the league could cause the Packers defense fits. Packer fans, myself included, become overcome with worry for the same reason. The Packers and Vikings are very familiar with each other, therefore you normally know what your getting when you play each other, so when one of those teams can throw a wrench in that familiarity its cause for concern. But that concern was quickly wiped away, Joe Webb looked like an awful QB, badly overthrowing and underthrowing open receivers all night, allowing the Packers D to hone in on AP and rendering him ineffective, opening the door for a two touchdown victory that wasn't even as close as the final score indicated.

On the first possession of the game the Vikings marched down the field, including a nice third down conversion run from Joe Webb, and it led to a Vikings field goal to open up a 3-0 lead, and it looked like this may be a good night for the Vikings. This was followed up by a three and out from the Packers, and the Vikings crossed midfield again. But the Packers finally dug down and got a stop. From there the Packers marched down, thanks in large part to Dujuan Harris, for their first touchdown of the game and a 7-3 lead. The game turned into a bit of a chess match for the next couple possessions, only a Packers field goal broke it up. leading 10-3, and in the two minute drill, the Packers got a touchdown, started with the ball in the second half, got another touchdown, and all of a sudden the lead swelled to 24-3. The Packers completely took their foot off the pedal at that point, and the Vikings got a garbage time touchdown to result in a final score of 24-10.

Three good things
1. Packers run defense: Holding Adrian Peterson under 100 yards is a major accomplishment for the Packer defense, who allowed him over 400 yards for the first two games. The Packers offense also has to get credit for this, the fact they were winning by three touchdowns the whole second half made sure the Vikings couldn't run the ball and AP only finished with 22 carries.

2. Dujuan harris: the statbook will say he only average 2.5 yards per carry, but that doesn't describe the large impact he had on the first half of this game. He almost single handedly helped the Packers on their first touchdown drive, and ran in for a nine yard TD run. He also led the team with recpetions, averaging over 10 yards per reception, an amazing number for a running back.

3. Aaron Rodgers: Duh. His pass to Jordy Nelson on the run inside the five yard line, right on the sideline to set up the second touchdown was one of the most beautiful passes you could imagine. Besides that one standout pass, it was typical Aaron Rodgers efficiency. 70 percent completion percentage, 104 QB rating, 274 yards, another day at the office.

three bad things
1. Handing off to Kuhn on third and goal from the one. I hate this. with a passion you would not believed. The Packers have tried this play on third and short about at least ten times this year. And it has worked a grand total of zero times (probably not accurate, but it feels like it.) its predictable, especially on the goal line, it doesn't work. STOP DOING IT MIKE!

2. Taking the foot off the pedal so early/then keeping Rodgers in the whole game: The Packers let up way to early, about five minutes into the third quarter they let up completely. That may ruin potential momentum for next week. Despite this, Rodgers curiously stayed in the game all the way through. And on the last possession of the game, a point in which he absolutely shouldn't have been in, he tripped awkwardly, then took a sack. Scary

3. Ryan Grant: seven carries for seven yards. One of the carries was for seven yards so 0 yards on six other carries. Its becoming increasingly clear the Packers didn't really need to bring Grant back, but at the time they signed him no one knew Harris was about to break out.

MVP of the week
2 points to Aaron Rodgers, even though he didn't have his best game. One point to Sam Shields and Dujuan Harris and a half point to Clay Matthews.

Candlestick next week, Rodgers first career game there! did you know Rodgers grew up in California a 49ers fan, was passed over in the draft by the 49ers for alex smith, and still has a huge chip on his shoulder because of it. Ill bet you do because ESPN says it every time these two teams play, and with this one being a playoff game and in San fran this time instead of Lambeau, expect ESPN to absolutely shove it down your throat this next week. I said last week, assuming at the time the Packers would beat the Vikings, that whoever wins the 49ers/Packers game will win the super bowl. I still think that. Do I think the Packers will win Saturday? I don't know, it will be difficult to be sure, but I know they can, especially if Rodgers shows up with a chip on his shoulder, and he will. Just a reminder, the last time Rodgers went into a game with a legitimate chip on his shoulder, he threw six touchdown passes against the undefeated Texans.