Lacking running backs but flush with playmaking receivers, the Green Bay Packers leaned on Aaron Rodgers and the offense’s much maligned passing game to power Thursday night’s 26-10 win over the Chicago Bears.
The result was a feat accomplished only once before in NFL history.
Rodgers connected on a franchise record 39 passes, including 13 completions to Davante Adams, 11 to Randall Cobb and 10 to Ty Montgomery. According to ESPN Stats and Information, the Packers became just the second team to have three players with at least 10 catches in a single game, joining the 1994 New England Patriots.
Packers are 2nd team in NFL history to have 3 players with 10 receptions in game. Other: 1994 Patriots (via @EliasSports).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 21, 2016
Rodgers attempted 56 passes, mostly out of necessity. Without Eddie Lacy (ankle) and James Starks (knee) available, and Don Jackson and Knile Davis unprepared to carry the load in the run game, the Packers had to forget about offensive balance and throw on almost every down. Rodgers used the short passing game to emulate a running game, feeding completions to Montgomery and Cobb underneath while Adams made the big plays down the field.
Now a receiver-running back hybrid, Montgomery caught 10 passes for the second consecutive game. He also ran nine times for 60 yards.
Cobb, who was also used in the backfield, hauled in 11 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, and ran five times for 21 yards.
Together, Montgomery and Cobb combined for 35 touches and 242 total yards.
Meanwhile, Adams produced one of the finest games of his young career. The third-year receiver from Fresno State caught 13 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first receiver ever to catch at least 10 passes for over 100 yards and two scores at Lambeau Field.
Amazingly, Jordy Nelson caught just one of Rodgers’ 39 completions.
Despite the personnel available, the Packers still ran for 103 yards on 21 attempts—with six players contributing to the final totals. Yet the biggest story from the victory will always be the incredible production from Adams, Cobb and Montgomery.
The Packers probably can’t survive playing this way the rest of the season. But for one magical night, Aaron Rodgers and three productive receivers were able to power a hurting team to a much-needed win under the bright lights of Lambeau Field.
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