Mike McCarthy
The Green Bay Packers first offense made three pushes into the red zone, but they came away with just one field goal. Yet the backups did plenty to help the Packers pull out a 22-11 win over the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in Foxboro on Thursday night.
Aaron Rodgers completed eleven of 19 for 117-yards, but didn’t find the end zone. Backup Scott Tolzien went 10 of 16 for 107 yards and a touchdown and rookie Brett Hundley hit four of six for 60-yards and a touchdown.
The Packers top unit moved the ball with ease, but couldn’t find pay dirt. But Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn’t show any concern.
“Obviously, we want to score touchdowns,” said McCarthy. “But I’m more focused on the opportunities. It’s great work. Any time you have long drives you feel good about it.”
McCarthy turned over the play-calling duties to Tom Clements, his associate head coach, during the offseason. The Packers responded by running no-huddle the entire first half.
The Packers got some solid performances from their backups. Besides the quarterbacks, undrafted rookie Alonzo Harris carried seven times for 41 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown run.
Defensively, Ladarius Gunter picked off a pass, continuing the trend that he established during the first two weeks of training camp. The Packers also sacked New England backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was also sacked seven times by the Packers defense.
AUDIO: Aaron Rodgers says they played with a short playbook and did OK :22
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy asked if he’s disappointed with the #1 offensive production :18