2015 Green Bay Packers season

Last updated

2015 Green Bay Packers season
OwnerGreen Bay Packers, Inc. (360,760 stockholders) [1]
General manager Ted Thompson
Head coach Mike McCarthy
Home field Lambeau Field
Results
Record10–6
Division place2nd NFC North
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(at Redskins) 35–18
Lost Divisional Playoffs
(at Cardinals) 20–26 (OT)
Pro Bowlers
5
AP All-Pros
1
Uniform
Packers 2015 uniforms.png

The 2015 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 97th season overall, 95th in the National Football League (NFL), and the tenth under head coach Mike McCarthy. With a Week 15 win over the Oakland Raiders, the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot for the seventh consecutive season, but they failed to win their fifth consecutive NFC North title after a Week 17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, the fifth-seeded Packers traveled to Washington to face the fourth-seeded Redskins in the wild-card round. They beat the Redskins 35–18, and then traveled to Arizona for a rematch against the second-seeded Arizona Cardinals, where the Packers' season ended as they lost to the Cardinals in overtime, 26–20. One highlight of the Packers' season was a stunning come-from-behind victory over their division rivals Detroit Lions, which resulted in a 61-yard game-winning Hail Mary pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to tight end Richard Rodgers II as time expired.

Contents

Although the Packers finished the season with a 10–6 record and made the playoffs, their offense struggled throughout the entire season after Jordy Nelson suffered a torn ACL in the preseason. [2] The team started the season 6–0, but went 4–6 in their next 10 games. Second year wide receiver Davante Adams struggled throughout the season, leading for calls to give snaps to Jeff Janis. [3] [4] The offense finished the season 23rd in yards, their worst since Lindy Infante’s final season. [5]

Offseason

Free agents

PositionPlayer Free agency
tag		Date signed2015 team
QB Matt Flynn*UFAJune 11, 2015 [6] New England Patriots
QB Scott Tolzien UFAMarch 8, 2015 [7] Green Bay Packers
RB DuJuan Harris ERFAMarch 19, 2015 [8] Minnesota Vikings
FB John Kuhn UFAApril 13, 2015 [9] Green Bay Packers
WR Jarrett Boykin RFAMarch 27, 2015 [10] Carolina Panthers
WR Randall Cobb UFAMarch 7, 2015 [11] Green Bay Packers
OT Don Barclay RFAApril 9, 2015 [12] Green Bay Packers
OT Bryan Bulaga UFAMarch 10, 2015 [13] Green Bay Packers
NT Letroy Guion UFAMarch 30, 2015 [14] Green Bay Packers
NT B. J. Raji UFAMarch 30, 2015 [14] Green Bay Packers
ILB Jamari Lattimore UFAApril 1, 2015 [15] New York Jets
CB Jarrett Bush [16] UFA
CB Davon House UFAMarch 10, 2015 [17] Jacksonville Jaguars
CB Tramon Williams UFAMarch 16, 2015 [18] Cleveland Browns
SS Sean Richardson RFAApril 13, 2015 [19] Green Bay Packers
FS Chris Banjo ERFAApril 17, 2015 [20] Green Bay Packers

      Re-signed        Signed Away        Suspended, Released
RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent, FT: Franchise Tag
*Player was signed after the June 1st deadline and will not count towards compensatory selections.

Draft

2015 Green Bay Packers draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
1 30 Damarious Randall   Cornerback [21] Arizona State
262 Quinten Rollins  Cornerback Miami (OH)
394 Ty Montgomery   Wide receiver Stanford
4129 Jake Ryan   Linebacker Michigan
5147 Brett Hundley   Quarterback UCLA from Cleveland via New England
6206 Aaron Ripkowski   Fullback Oklahoma
6210 Christian Ringo   Defensive end Louisiana-Lafayette compensatory selection
6213 Kennard Backman   Tight end Alabama-Birmingham compensatory selection
      Made roster    †    Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

Staff

2015 Green Bay Packers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning


Final roster

2015 Green Bay Packers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 6 reserve, 10 practice squad

Starters

Regular season

Offense

POSNameGSNameGS
QB Aaron Rodgers 16
RB Eddie Lacy 12 James Starks 3
FB John Kuhn 6 James Starks 1
WR Randall Cobb 15
WR James Jones 15
WR Davante Adams 12 Ty Montgomery 3
TE Richard Rodgers II 12 Andrew Quarless 1
LT David Bakhtiari 14
LG Josh Sitton 16
C Corey Linsley 13 J. C. Tretter 3
RG T. J. Lang 15 Lane Taylor 2
RT Bryan Bulaga 12 Don Barclay 5

Defense

POSNameGSNameGSNameGS
DE Mike Pennel 5 Letroy Guion 1
DT Mike Daniels 16 Mike Neal 2
NT B. J. Raji 15 Letroy Guion 3
OLB Mike Neal 12 Nick Perry 1
OLB Julius Peppers 16
ILB Clay Matthews III 16 Jake Ryan 5
ILB Nate Palmer 11 Sam Barrington 1
CB Sam Shields 12 Damarious Randall 9
CB Casey Hayward 11 Quinten Rollins 4 Micah Hyde 2
SS Morgan Burnett 11 Micah Hyde 5
FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 16
S Sean Richardson 1 Chris Banjo 1

Playoffs

Offense

POSNameGSNameGS
QB Aaron Rodgers 2
RB Eddie Lacy 2
FB John Kuhn 1
WR Randall Cobb 2 Jared Abbrederis 1
WR James Jones 2
TE Richard Rodgers II 2
LT J. C. Tretter 1 David Bakhtiari 1
LG Josh Sitton 2
C Corey Linsley 2
RG T. J. Lang 2
RT Bryan Bulaga 2

Defense

POSNameGSNameGS
DT Mike Daniels 2
NT B. J. Raji 2
OLB Mike Neal 2
OLB Julius Peppers 2
ILB Clay Matthews III 2
ILB Jake Ryan 2
CB Quinten Rollins 1 Sam Shields 1
CB Casey Hayward 2
CB Damarious Randall 2
SS Morgan Burnett 2
FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 2

Standings

Division

NFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(3) Minnesota Vikings 1150.6885–18–4365302W3
(5) Green Bay Packers 1060.6253–37–5368323L2
Detroit Lions 790.4383–36–6358400W3
Chicago Bears 6100.3751–53–9335397L1

Conference

NFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division Leaders
1 Carolina Panthers South1510.9385–111–1.441.438W1
2 Arizona Cardinals West1330.8134–210–2.477.457L1
3 Minnesota Vikings North1150.6885–18–4.504.449W3
4 Washington Redskins East970.5634–28–4.465.403W4
Wild Cards
5 [a] Green Bay Packers North1060.6253–37–5.531.450L2
6 [a] Seattle Seahawks West1060.6253–37–5.520.431W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Atlanta Falcons South880.5001–55–7.480.453L1
8 [b] St. Louis Rams West790.4384–26–6.527.482L1
9 [b] Detroit Lions North790.4383–36–6.535.429W3
10 [b] Philadelphia Eagles East790.4383–34–8.508.473W1
11 [b] New Orleans Saints South790.4383–35–7.504.402W2
12 [c] New York Giants East6100.3752–44–8.500.396L3
13 [c] Chicago Bears North6100.3751–53–9.547.469L1
14 [c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South6100.3753–35–7.484.406L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West5110.3131–54–8.539.463W1
16 Dallas Cowboys East4120.2503–33–9.531.438L4
Tiebreakers [d]
  1. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 3 4 St. Louis and Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on conference record. St. Louis finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
    Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on head-to-head sweep, while Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 3 The New York Giants and Chicago each finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory, while the Giants finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record.
  4. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Schedule

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1August 13at New England Patriots W 22–111–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2August 23at Pittsburgh Steelers L 19–241–1 Heinz Field Recap
3August 29 Philadelphia Eagles L 26–391–2 Lambeau Field Recap
4September 3 New Orleans Saints W 38–102–2Lambeau Field Recap

Regular season

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1September 13at Chicago Bears W 31–231–0 Soldier Field Recap
2September 20 Seattle Seahawks W 27–172–0 Lambeau Field Recap
3September 28 Kansas City Chiefs W 38–283–0Lambeau Field Recap
4October 4at San Francisco 49ers W 17–34–0 Levi's Stadium Recap
5October 11 St. Louis Rams W 24–105–0Lambeau Field Recap
6October 18 San Diego Chargers W 27–206–0Lambeau Field Recap
7 Bye
8November 1at Denver Broncos L 10–296–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
9November 8at Carolina Panthers L 29–376–2 Bank of America Stadium Recap
10November 15 Detroit Lions L 16–186–3Lambeau Field Recap
11November 22at Minnesota Vikings W 30–137–3 TCF Bank Stadium Recap
12 November 26 Chicago BearsL 13–177–4Lambeau Field Recap
13December 3at Detroit LionsW 27–23 8–4 Ford Field Recap
14December 13 Dallas Cowboys W 28–79–4Lambeau Field Recap
15December 20at Oakland Raiders W 30–2010–4 O.co Coliseum Recap
16December 27at Arizona Cardinals L 8–3810–5 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
17January 3, 2016Minnesota VikingsL 13–2010–6Lambeau Field Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason

Playoff roundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
Wild CardJanuary 10, 2016at Washington Redskins (4)W 35–181–0 FedExField Recap
DivisionalJanuary 16, 2016at Arizona Cardinals (2)L 20–26 (OT)1–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: at Chicago Bears

Week One: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers7371431
Bears3103723

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

The Packers opened their season against their famed arch-rival, the Bears. The Bears, behind the strong running of Matt Forte, had the early lead against the Packers, but the Packers were able to gain the advantage in the second half behind Aaron Rodgers' three touchdown passes, two of which were to James Jones, who had been cut by the New York Giants just a week prior. The Packers clinched the win with a Clay Matthews interception, followed by an Eddie Lacy touchdown run, giving the Packers their tenth win over the Bears in the rivals' 12 most recent games.

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks3014017
Packers10331127

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

The Packers' home opener featured a rematch of the 2014 NFC Championship Game between the Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, who had won in their previous three meetings with the Packers, all of them in Seattle. The Packers got the early 13–3 lead, helped by James Jones' 3rd touchdown reception in only two games, but the Seahawks were able to rally back on two Russell Wilson touchdown passes, giving Seattle a 17–13 lead in the third quarter. The Packers then scored 14 unanswered points, aided by two Seahawks turnovers and shut down the Seahawks offense, holding their star running back, Marshawn Lynch, to only 42 yards rushing with a 2.7 yards per carry average. The Packers won 27–17, building up a 2–0 record and adding to a ten-game winning streak at Lambeau Field.

Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Three: Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs0771428
Packers14107738

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

The Chiefs came in as one of only two teams in the NFL, the other being the Houston Texans, who have never lost at Lambeau Field (until Week 13 of the 2016 NFL season.) The Packers dominated the Chiefs for most of the game, with Aaron Rodgers throwing five touchdown passes, though the Chiefs managed to outscore the Packers 21–14 in the second half. The Packers' 38–28 victory ended the Chiefs' being undefeated at Lambeau and extended the Packers' own home winning streak to eleven games.

Week 4: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Four: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers7010017
49ers03003

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CDT/1:25 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 70,799
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This game was the Packers first trip to Levi's Stadium, which opened in 2014. [24]

With the win, the Packers improved to 4–0. [25] The Packers not only got their first win over the 49ers since 2010, but it was also the Packers' first victory over Colin Kaepernick.

Week 5: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Five: St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rams0100010
Packers1407324

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

Aaron Rodgers threw his first interception at home since 2012, which was picked off by James Laurinaitis. [26] The Packers' defense intercepted St. Louis quarterback Nick Foles four times, one of them returned for a touchdown by Quinten Rollins for 45 yards.

The Packers went to 5–0 for the first time since 2011.

Week 6: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers377320
Packers1437327

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

The Packers wore new throwback uniforms, replicas of their uniforms from the 1940s, for their game against the Chargers.

The Packers took another early lead, helped by James Starks' two touchdown runs, but the Chargers came back, with Philip Rivers hitting key passes to Keenan Allen. The two teams traded points in the second half, with the Chargers able to keep pace with the Packers. In the last play of the game, Packers rookie cornerback Damarious Randall has deflected what could have been a game-tying touchdown pass from San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

With the win, the Packers entered their bye week at 6–0. It is also the second time the Packers started 6–0 after the 2011 season.

Week 7: Bye week

No game. Green Bay had a bye week.

Week 8: at Denver Broncos

Week Eight: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers073010
Broncos7107529

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST/6:30 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 77,075
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Packers flew to Denver for a duel with Peyton Manning and the undefeated Denver Broncos. The Broncos wore their alternate blue uniforms with white pants as worn in Super Bowl XXXII.

Packers cornerbacks Sam Shields and rookie cornerback Quinten Rollins suffered a shoulder injury in the game and their returns were questionable. [27]

The Broncos took the lead early in the first quarter when Ronnie Hillman scored a 1-yard touchdown.

In the second quarter, Hillman scored another touchdown and the Broncos led 14–0. The Broncos lead became 17–0 when Brandon McManus made a 50-yard field goal. Von Miller was injured during the second quarter. The Packers struck back when Eddie Lacy scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. They trailed 7–17 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Packers cut Denver's lead to seven when Mason Crosby made a 56-yard field goal. Denver extended their lead to 24–10 when C. J. Anderson made a 28-yard run.

Denver continued to dominate when Brandon McManus made a 24-yard field goal and DeMarcus Ware sacked Aaron Rodgers for a safety, making the score 10–29.

The Packers defense finally recorded an interception when Damarious Randall picked off Peyton Manning. In this game, the Broncos held Rodgers to 77 yards passing, the lowest of his starting career in a game where he hasn't come off with injury.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

Week Nine: Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers7071529
Panthers3243737

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 74,461
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Green Bay would travel to Charlotte to take on the undefeated Panthers. The Panthers would lead all game. The Panthers would lead 37–14 at one point. Green Bay would try to come back, but they wouldn't, as Carolina hung on for the win. Despite the loss, Aaron Rodgers would throw 4 touchdown passes with only 1 interception.

With the loss, the Packers fell to 6–2.

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions036918
Packers3001316

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 78,526
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

For the first time since 1991, the Packers lost to the Lions at home.

Week 11: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Eleven: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers61031130
Vikings607013

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 30 °F (−1 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 52,529
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
Green Bay visits Minnesota to play the Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings 22 Nov 2015.jpg
Green Bay visits Minnesota to play the Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium

The Packers broke their three-game losing streak with a victory in Minnesota. Green Bay held Minnesota to two scores, including a 47-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Kyle Rudolph for the game's first touchdown. The Vikings' extra point try went wide, and after three Green Bay field goals, the Packers closed out the first half with a TD pass from Rodgers to Cobb to take a 10-point lead. Adrian Peterson scored in the third quarter to bring the Vikings within six points of the Packers, but Green Bay got it back with a long pass from Rodgers to James Jones in the corner of the end zone. Two second-half Crosby field goals brought Green Bay's total to 30, and the Vikings relinquished their brief first-place standing in the NFC North back to the Pack.

Week 12: vs. Chicago Bears

Thanksgiving Day game

Week Twelve: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bears0140317
Packers760013

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: November 26
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 78,488
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

On a night where the Packers would retire long-time star quarterback Brett Favre's jersey, Chicago would upset Green Bay, winning 17–13. The Packers had a chance near the end to steal the win from Chicago, but the Bears defense would force a turnover on downs to end the game.

With the loss, the Packers fell to 7–4.

Week 13: at Detroit Lions

Week Thirteen: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers00141327
Lions1703323

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Fourteen: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cowboys00707
Packers01401428

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 78,369
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

In a rematch of "Dez Bryant's no catch game", the Packers rattled the depleted Cowboys 28–7. This was the first game Mike McCarthy took back play-calling duties after relinquishing it to Tom Clements. [28] [29]

With the win, the Packers improved to 9–4.

Week 15: at Oakland Raiders

Week Fifteen: Green Bay Packers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers14010630
Raiders0137020

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Game information

The Packers would travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The defense had a good day, intercepting Derek Carr twice, as the Packers won 30–20.

With the win, the Packers improved to 10–4.

Week 16: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Sixteen: Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers00808
Cardinals01721038

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST/2:25 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 64,878
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

In this game, Aaron Rodgers suffered, what many call, the worst game of his career, as the Packers got destroyed 38–8 in Glendale to a good Arizona Cardinals team. The Packers would commit 4 turnovers in this game and Rodgers would be sacked a career-high 9 times.

With the mistake-filled loss, the Packers fell to 10–5, and would have to face Minnesota the following week for the NFC North championship.

Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week Seventeen: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings3314020
Packers3001013

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 24 °F (−4 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 78,412
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Packers looked to complete a 2–0 season sweep against the Vikings in order to win the division, but their hopes died late in the fourth quarter as Aaron Rodgers attempted another hail mary play that ended up being tipped by the Vikings defense, allowing Minnesota to win the division title for the first time since 2009 and preventing Green Bay from winning the division title for the fifth straight season. This was also the first time in franchise history that the Packers would go 0–3 at home against their division.

This loss dropped the Packers to 10–6, splitting the season series with Minnesota, 1–1.

Postseason

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (4) Washington Redskins

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: (5) Green Bay Packers at (4) Washington Redskins – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers01771135
Redskins567018

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Game information

The Packers would play in Washington for the first playoff game. The first half was all Redskins, as they jumped out to an 11–0 lead during the early point of the second quarter. However, the Packers would come back, and would outscore Washington 35-7 the rest of the game.

With the win, the Packers advanced to the Divisional Playoffs.

NFC Divisional Playoffs: at (2) Arizona Cardinals

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (5) Green Bay Packers at (2) Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Packers0677020
Cardinals70310626

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

In a rematch of week 16's game, the Packers went back to Arizona for a showdown with the Cardinals. This game was a lot closer, as the Packers lost a shootout 26–20 in overtime. This game was wild, especially towards the end. In the fourth quarter, trailing by 7 with less than 2 minutes left, facing a 4th and 20, the Packers converted with Rodgers completing a 61-yard pass to receiver Jeff Janis to set the Packers up. Later, with 5 seconds left, Aaron Rodgers would throw another Hail Mary pass, this time to Janis, and to tie the game at 20. In overtime, the Cardinals would get the ball first. On the first play from scrimmage, Carson Palmer would complete a pass to Larry Fitzgerald, who was able to run through the Packers defense for a gain of 75 yards and be tackled at the Green Bay 4 yard line. Two plays later, the Cardinals would win it after Fitzgerald took it in on a flip from Palmer to end the game and send Arizona to the NFC Championship game.

With the loss, the Packers ended their season with an overall record of 11–7.

Statistics

Regular season statistical leaders

Player(s)Value
Passing Yards Aaron Rodgers 3821 Yards
Passing TouchdownsAaron Rodgers31
Rushing Yards Eddie Lacy 758 Yards
Rushing TouchdownsEddie Lacy3
Receptions Randall Cobb 79 Receptions
Receiving Yards James Jones 890 Yards
Receiving Touchdowns Richard Rodgers II
James Jones		8
Kickoff Return Yards Jeff Janis 406 yards
Punt Return Yards Micah Hyde 184 yards
Tackles Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 100 tackles
Sacks Julius Peppers 10.5 sacks
InterceptionsMicah Hyde
Damarious Randall
Sam Shields 		3 INTs

Statistical values are correct through Week 17 [30]
*leads the league in statistical category

Best game performances

Player(s)ValueOpponent
Passing yards Aaron Rodgers 369 yards@ Carolina Panthers
Passing touchdownsAaron Rodgers5Kansas City Chiefs
Rushing yards Eddie Lacy 124 yards Dallas Cowboys
Rushing touchdownsEddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy
John Kuhn
James Starks
Aaron Rodgers
Eddie Lacy
James Starks
John Kuhn		1@ Chicago Bears
@ Denver Broncos
@ San Francisco 49ers
San Diego Chargers
Detroit Lions
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
@ Oakland Raiders
Receiving yards Richard Rodgers II 146 yardsDetroit Lions
Receiving touchdownsRandall Cobb3Kansas City Chiefs
Tackles Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Micah Hyde
Nate Palmer
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix		9 tackles Seattle Seahawks
San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
Detroit Lions
Sacks Julius Peppers 2.5 sacks@ Oakland Raiders
Interceptions Quinten Rollins 2 INT St. Louis Rams

Statistical values are correct through Week 17

Awards

RecipientAward(s)
Mason Crosby Week 11: Special Teams Player of the Week [31]
Eddie Lacy Week 14: FedEx Ground Player of the Week [32]
Damarious Randall Week 6: Castrol Edge Clutch Performer [33]
November: Rookie of the Month [34]
Aaron Rodgers Week 3: NFC Offensive Player of the Week [35]
Week 3: FedEx Air Player of the Week [36]
Week 11: Castrol Edge Clutch Performer [37]

See also

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The 2011 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 93rd season overall and their 91st in the National Football League (NFL), and the sixth under head coach Mike McCarthy. The team not only improved on their 10–6 record from a season earlier, they became just the sixth team in NFL history to win 15 games during the regular season. As of 2023, the 15–1 record stands as the best in team history, as well as the best record for a defending Super Bowl champion. The Packers won their first 13 games of the season to extend their winning streak from the previous season to 19, the second-longest in NFL history behind the 21-game winning streak of the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004, and also tied the record for the best start to a season in NFC history that the New Orleans Saints had set in 2009. The only loss for the Packers during the regular season was a Week 15 defeat in Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. They also became the first NFC North team to go undefeated in the division since the 1987 Chicago Bears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL team season

The 2012 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 94th season overall and their 92nd in the National Football League (NFL), and the seventh under head coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers won the NFC North division title for the second year in a row with an 11–5 record. The Packers lost in the Divisional round of the playoffs to the eventual NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers by the score of 45–31, finishing with a postseason record of 1–1. The Packers offense finished the season fifth in points and eleventh in yards per game. The defense finished eleventh in points allowed and twenty-second in yards allowed per game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL team season

The 2013 season was the Green Bay Packers' 95th season overall, 93rd in the National Football League (NFL) and eighth under head coach Mike McCarthy. This for first time since 1998 Donald Driver was not on the opening day roster and for first time since 2005 Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson was not on the opening day roster. The Packers came into the 2013 season looking to win the NFC North for the 3rd year in a row. They came off a 45–31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs the previous season. The Packers started the 2013 season in a rematch with the San Francisco 49ers, to whom they lost 34-28. After winning their home opener against the Redskins, Green Bay lost 34–30 in Cincinnati to the Cincinnati Bengals after holding a 30–14 lead in the 3rd quarter. Following the loss in Cincinnati, the Packers won 4 games in a row to sit at 5–2 before losing a Monday Night game at home to the Chicago Bears, 27–20. In that game, the Packers lost star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a broken collarbone in the 1st quarter. He would be replaced by backups Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn during recovery. In Week 12, the Packers tied the Minnesota Vikings 26–26; it was Green Bay's first tie since 1987.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 55th season in franchise history

The 2014 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), the sixth playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fourth full season under head coach Jason Garrett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Philadelphia Eagles season</span> 82nd season in franchise history

The 2014 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Chip Kelly. The Eagles led the NFC East for most of the year, but when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Indianapolis Colts in week 16, they were eliminated from playoff contention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL Green Bay Packers season

The 2014 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 96th season overall, the 94th in the National Football League (NFL), and the ninth under head coach Mike McCarthy. The team tied with four other teams for a league-best 12 wins and 4 losses, while also adding a fourth consecutive NFC North division title. The club went undefeated at home for the first time since 2011. They also led the league in scoring, with 486 points, then the second-most in franchise history. It marked the first time since the 2009 season that the team had a 4,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers, and a 1,000-yard rusher.

The 2015 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 86th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 82nd as the Detroit Lions and the second under Head Coach Jim Caldwell. By Week 7 of the season, the Lions had already lost six games, more than they did in the entire 2014 season. This led to the firing of Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and two other coaches. After falling to 1–7 the following week, the team fired President Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew. On November 19, the Lions named Rod Wood as team President. The Lions were eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to St. Louis in week 14. The team had a 6–2 record in the second half of the season to finish at 7–9, good for third place in the NFC North. One highlight of the season was the Lions beating the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for the first time since 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Arizona Cardinals season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 96th in the National Football League (NFL), their 117th overall, their 28th in Arizona, their 10th playing home games at University of Phoenix Stadium and their third under head coach Bruce Arians. The Cardinals clinched their first NFC West title since 2009, in addition to the first 13-win season in franchise history. They also clinched a first round bye for the first time in franchise history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 56th season in franchise history

The 2015 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 56th season in the National Football League (NFL), the seventh playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fifth full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys finished the regular season at 4–12. It was the team's worst record since 1989, when they went 1–15, and the first time the Cowboys finished in last place in the NFC East since 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL team season

The 2016 Green Bay Packers season was their 98th season overall, 96th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the 11th under head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite a 4–6 start to the season, the Green Bay Packers went on a 6-game winning streak to finish the regular season with a 10–6 record. The team clinched the NFC North for the fifth time in six years with their week 17 win over the Detroit Lions. They routed the fifth-seeded New York Giants 38–13 in the wild card round of the playoffs and defeated the top-seeded and heavily favored Dallas Cowboys 34–31 in the divisional round of the playoffs, but their season came to an end when they were beat by the second-seeded Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game 44–21.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Atlanta Falcons season</span> NFL team season

The 2016 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Dan Quinn. It also marked the team's 25th and final season playing their home games at the Georgia Dome, as the Falcons moved into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons won the NFC South for the first time since 2012 and improved on their 8–8 record from 2015, going 11–5 and earning the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matt Ryan was named the 2016 NFL MVP. The Falcons scored 540 points, the most in the NFL for 2016 and 8th all-time. The team scored fewer than 23 points only once all season: a 24–15 loss to the Eagles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 New York Giants season</span> 92nd season in franchise history

The 2016 season was the New York Giants' 92nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 41st season playing in The Meadowlands, their 7th playing at MetLife Stadium and the first under head coach Ben McAdoo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Carolina Panthers season</span> 23rd season in franchise history

The 2017 season was the Carolina Panthers' 23rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their seventh under head coach Ron Rivera. During the offseason, the team's notable free agent signings included Matt Kalil, Captain Munnerlyn and veteran Julius Peppers. Peppers previously spent his first eight seasons with the Panthers, appearing in Super Bowl XXXVIII with them. On July 17, 2017, the team announced Dave Gettleman had been relieved as general manager. His predecessor, Marty Hurney, was hired as interim general manager a day later. For the first time since 2011, the Panthers did not play the Seattle Seahawks during the regular season. The Panthers rebounded after a disappointing 2016 campaign, where they were the defending NFC champions but finished 6–10 and last in the NFC South. 2017 saw the Panthers qualify for the playoffs with an 11–5 record. However, they lost to the Saints 31–26 in the Wild Card round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Baltimore Ravens season</span> 22nd season in franchise history

The 2017 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 22nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their 10th under head coach John Harbaugh. This was also the 10th season with Joe Flacco as the team's starting quarterback. The Ravens improved on the previous season's 8–8 record, but failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season because of a last second touchdown in a 31–27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, combined with a Buffalo Bills' victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 17.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Green Bay Packers season</span> NFL team season

The 2017 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise 's 99th season overall, 97th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the 12th under head coach Mike McCarthy. After reaching the NFC Championship Game in the previous season, the team attempted to improve on their 10–6 record from 2016. However, the team was eliminated from postseason contention after Week 15, marking the first time since 2008 that they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Green Bay Packers season</span> 101st season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the Green Bay Packers' 99th in the National Football League (NFL), their 101st overall and their first under new head coach Matt LaFleur. This for first time since 2008 Clay Matthews was not on the opening day roster who sign with Los Angeles Rams in offseason. After suffering back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1990–91 and missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2005–06, the Packers improved on their 6–9–1 record from 2018, finishing 13–3 and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. This guaranteed the Packers' first non-losing season since that same year. Green Bay swept the NFC North for the first time since their franchise-best 2011 season, and achieved their best record since that season as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Green Bay Packers season</span> 102nd season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Green Bay Packers' 100th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 102nd overall and their second under head coach Matt LaFleur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Green Bay Packers season</span> 103rd season in franchise history

The 2021 season was the Green Bay Packers' 101st season in the National Football League (NFL), their 103rd overall and their third under head coach Matt LaFleur.

References

  1. ↑ Shareholders Retrieved September 16, 2015
  2. ↑ Hodkiewicz, Weston. "Packers finding a way despite offensive woes". Packers News. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Packers' Davante Adams 'wasn't proud' of 2015 season". NFL.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  4. ↑ Wood, Ryan. "Janis' speed may add explosiveness to offense". Packers News. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Packers 2015 team report card". www.jsonline.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  6. ↑ Kyed, Doug (June 11, 2015). "Reports: Patriots Sign Quarterback Matt Flynn, Waive Garrett Gilbert". NESN. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Packers re-sign backup QB Tolzien". Packersnews.com. March 8, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Vikings sign RB DuJuan Harris". Packersnews.com. March 19, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Report: Packers re-sign Kuhn for 9th season". Packersnews.com. April 13, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Jarrett Boykin signs with Carolina Panthers". NFL.com . March 27, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Report: Randall Cobb re-signs with Packers". Packersnews.com. March 7, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Barclay signs restricted tender". Packersnews.com. April 9, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Bulaga reportedly signs 5-year, $33.75 million deal". Packersnews.com. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  14. 1 2 "Packers give Raji, Guion another chancel". Packersnews.com. March 30, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Jets sign former Packers LB Jamari Lattimore, re-sign LT Ben Ijalana". espn.com. April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  16. ↑ "Report: Jarrett Bush suspended additional 10 games". rotoworld.com. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Report: Davon House to join Jaguars at $6.25M per year". NFL.com . Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Report: Browns add Randy Starks, Tramon Williams". NFL.com . Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Report: Packers match Sean Richardson's offer sheet". Packersnews.com. April 13, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Chris Banjo signs his exclusive-rights tender". packersnews.com. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Packers size up Damarious Randall as a cornerback". ESPN . April 30, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Packers get two sixth-round picks". jsonline.com. March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Packers trade up for UCLA QB Hundley in 5th round". PackersNews.com. May 2, 2015. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Packers hit the road to challenge 49ers in team's first visit to Levi's Stadium". Fox6now.com. September 30, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  25. ↑ "4-0! Packers remain undefeated after 17-3 win over 49ers at Levi's Stadium". Fox6now.com. October 4, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Aaron Rodgers Throws 1st Interception at Home Since 2012". TheBigLead.com. October 11, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Injured CBs Shields, Rollins won't return". PackersNews.com. November 1, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Mike McCarthy takes back Packers' playcalling duties". NFL.com. December 13, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Mike McCarthy calls plays for offense in win over Cowboys". ESPN.com . December 13, 2015.
  30. ↑ "Packers.com - Statistics". Packers.com. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  31. ↑ "Panthers QB Cam Newton, Buccaneers LB Lavonte David & Packers K Mason Crosby named NFC Players of Week 11". NFL . Retrieved November 25, 2015.
  32. ↑ "FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week". NFL.com . Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  33. ↑ "Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  34. ↑ "NFL Rookies of the Month - November". NFL . Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 3". NFL . Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  36. ↑ "FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week". NFL.com . Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  37. ↑ "Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
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