A complete-game shutout
Packers’ offense builds a big lead, defense stuffs Bills
BY GENARO C. ARMAS
GREEN BAY, Wis. — This is more like it for the Packers.
The offense built a big lead as quarterback Aaron Rodgers gutted through another game with a brace on his injured left knee. The defense had seven sacks and pitched a shutout for the first time in eight seasons.
Green Bay put together its most complete game of the season in a 22-0 victory Sunday against the Bills.
“I’ll just definitely start off with the defense,’’ Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. ‘‘I mean, the shutout is huge. It’s what you’re looking for.’’
And just the edge that the Packers (2-1-1) needed with Rodgers not necessarily playing at his best. He was 22-for-40 for 298 yards with one touchdown. Green Bay had decisive edges in yards (423-145) and first downs (22-11).
Rodgers also threw his first interception of the year and fumbled the ball away on a sack early in the fourth quarter.
Ever the perfectionist, Rodgers certainly wasn’t pleased, even if he seemed to be moving a little better this week.
“It was as bad as we’ve played on offense with that many yards in a long time,” Rodgers said.
Aaron Jones had 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries for the Packers, who slowed in the second half after a fast start on offense. A slasher with big-play ability, Jones could eventually emerge as the top ballcarrier in the Packers’ crowded backfield.
The Bills (1-3) were much worse. Rookie quarterback Josh Allen had three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble late in the fourth quarter that stood on review. He was 16-for-33 for 151 yards.
The Bills had a much tougher time on the road in the NFC North this week after a stunning victory at heavily favored Minnesota.
“I take this one on my shoulders,” Allen said. “We can only go as far as the quarterback goes.”
Even the return of running back LeSean McCoy, who missed a game because of a rib injury, didn’t help the Bills (1-3). McCoy had 24 yards on five carries and 13 yards on three receptions.
“We were out of rhythm on offense,’’ Bills coach Sean McDermott said. ‘‘We needed to find some consistency.’’
Packers kicker Mason Crosby had two 52-yard field goals, bouncing back after an extra-point attempt in the first quarter hit the right upright.