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5 Takeaways From Green Bay Packers’ Week 16 Win

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5 Takeaways From Green Bay Packers' Week 16 Win

Green Bay Packers
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It wasn't pretty, but the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth with a 20-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win moves the Packers to 11-4 on the season, and sets up a showdown for the NFC North crown next weekend against the Detroit Lions in Lambeau Field. Here are five takeaways from the game.

5. Morgan Burnett Was Outstanding

Morgan Burnett
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5. Morgan Burnett Was Outstanding

Morgan Burnett
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In a game where Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers had at least two sacks apiece, Morgan Burnett was the best player on the field for the Packers. The progression of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as a free safety has allowed Burnett to play in the box more. He stuffed the run on multiple occasions, and he led the team in tackles with 10.

4. Return of the Pass Rush

Mike Neal
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4. Return of the Pass Rush

Mike Neal
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Week 16 saw the return of the Packers' pass rush. Julius Peppers, who had been invisible for the past month, had two sacks on Sunday, while Clay Matthews had two and a half sacks himself. The Packers had seven sacks total as they had Josh McCown running for his life.

3. Offensive Line Corrects Itself

Aaron Rodgers
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3. Offensive Line Corrects Itself

Aaron Rodgers
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The offensive line had troubles early in the game protecting Aaron Rodgers' blindside, but it was able to correct those mistakes throughout the game. The offensive line has been arguably the strongest unit on the team the entire season, and Sunday was no different with the exception of the first quarter. It was able to give Rodgers time and it opened up running lanes for Eddie Lacy. What more can you ask for?

2. Eddie Lacy Hitting His Stride

Eddie Lacy
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2. Eddie Lacy Hitting His Stride

Eddie Lacy
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Eddie Lacy has been a constant for this offense in the last half of the season, and he has at least 70 yards rushing in the last five games. He has a touchdown in each of the last three games, while averaging close to six yards per carry. He finished the day with 17 carries for 99 yards and a score. It is important to run the ball in the playoffs, especially when the weather is iffy. It's great to see from a Packers perspective.

1. Offense Still in a Funk

Aaron Rodgers
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1. Offense Still in a Funk

Aaron Rodgers
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For whatever reason, the Packers' offense has been sputtering the last two weeks. It was downright awful in Buffalo, but while the Packers racked up over 400 yards of offense, they only scored 20 points. It's hard to worry with Aaron Rodgers as the team's quarterback, but they will need to convert their red zone trips into touchdowns if they wish to have success in the playoffs.

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