RODGERS THROWS HIS BEST PASSES WHEN IT COUNTS

There are any number of ways to measure a team’s ability to withstand the pressure of the post-season.

And we certainly saw some of the worst of it in the four divisional round games. We’re looking at you, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.

But when it comes to clutch performances at this time of year, few situational superlatives stand out more than an offence’s ability to deliver on third down at critical moments of a game.

In the Green Bay Packers’ often-impressive 28-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was ultra-clutch in that spot, converting on nine of 14 third-down attempts. Not only did the veteran keep drives alive, he did so at some of the more tense moments of the game.

“I think a good indication of a really good quarterback is to look at third down,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “Just clutch throws and his ability to stand in there. It’s something we really put a lot of concentration on this season.”

Four of the nine third-down conversions stand out above all from Sunday. Early in the third quarter, with the Seahawks having just scored to open the second half, Rodgers was all touch with a pass he feathered into the arms of Jimmy Graham for a 27-yard gain. The drive ended with a touchdown to answer the impressive scoring march from the Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson.

Early in the fourth quarter, with victory still very much in the balance, Rodgers gunned a sidearm effort to Geronimo Allison on third-and-10 for another first down.

Then came two huge plays to extend the final drive of the game and put the Seahawks away. The first was a beauty of a touch pass to his go-to man, Davante Adams, along the right sideline. With the clock ticking down to the two-minute warning and the markers showing third and eight, Rodgers hit Adams for 38 yards.

A couple of plays later it was the final nail, finding Graham once again on third and nine up the middle. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll didn’t like the spot, but it was just enough for the first down and victory formation. Rodgers knew the significance of his work in those situations was at least as important as his two touchdown tosses to Adams.

“I know there’s been a lot of talk about the esthetics of our wins, (that) what we haven’t always done is close out wins the right way,” Rodgers said. “To put together a drive to close the game out was pretty special.”

Whether Rodgers will do the same to a more stout 49ers defence in San Francisco next Sunday is another question, but with a varied offensive attack and multiple weapons, he was at his efficient best against the Seahawks.

WILSON SHINES IN LOSS

Who was the best player on the field on Sunday night? A case could be made for Rodgers for sure and for Packers wide receiver Adams, who set a post-season Packers record with 160 receiving yards, including those two big scores. There was also the work of running back Aaron Jones, who rushed for a pair of scores.

On the other side of the ball, watching Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith on every play was a treat for those who love aggressive defensive football.

Credit to that group and more in green and gold, but the best player on the field was Seahawks quarterback Wilson.

Almost single-handedly, Wilson gives his team a chance to win each week. Consider that with injuries to the running game and the offensive line, Wilson did his thing to lead the Seahawks to a road win in Philadelphia and one score away from an upset in Green Bay.

There hasn’t been a quarterback more central to the success of a modestly talented team than Wilson since Peyton Manning ’s many years with the Colts.

LAMBEAU LOVE

Packers haters dismiss the Lambeau experience as overhyped and cliched, but you don’t have to be a Packer partisan to appreciate the history and theatre of the experience, one that is unique in North American sport.

“We have such a special relationship with our fans,” Rodgers said. “It’s a different connection. We don’t have an owner. We have thousands of people who have a piece of paper that’s a stock certificate. People feel like they’re invested in what we’re doing.

“To be able to walk off that field again and be victorious, there’s no feeling like it. I was just grateful for the opportunity and loving what I do.”

The crowd of 78,998 at the renovated Lambeau was the second largest in post-season history at the Wisconsin landmark.