5 Things We Learned from the Green Bay Packers' Loss to the New England Patriots

The Green Bay Packers took the New England Patriots to the wire with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers watching from the sidelines. Nobody expected the Packers to even be in the game—besides Packer fans, of course—yet, with Matt Flynn leading the offense, Green Bay found themselves with a chance to win at the end.

Unfortunately, the inexperience of Flynn ended up costing the Packers dearly as he was unable to relay a play to his offense with time running down. By the time the ball was snapped, the Packers had killed most of the clock making they play the last of the game.

Flynn was sacked and fumbled the football, ending the Packers' upset hopes. Now, Green Bay has a must-win game next weekend at home against the New York Giants.

Despite the loss for the Packers, there were a number of things to take away from the game.

With that being said, let's get started.

Flynn Can Win

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty I

The former LSU QB shocked many Sunday night when he almost led the Pack to an upset win. No, there isn't going to be a QB controversy in Green Bay, but it's nice to know that, if needed, Flynn can fill in respectably. 

The Patriots defense didn't play well Sunday night and they aren't exactly a juggernaut. So while Flynn put up good numbers, we must remember it was against one of the lowest-ranked pass defenses. 

Regardless, it was a gutsy performance from Flynn on the road. 

The Packers' Rushing Game Can Get It Done

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers tries to get past the tackle of DeAndre Levy #54 of the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

When you think of Green Bay, the first thing that comes to mind isn't its rushing attack. But Sunday night, the Packers relied heavily on the running game, and it paid off.

Brandon Jackson rushed for 99 yards on 22 carries and fullback John Kuhn pitched in with some timely first-down runs. 

Overall, it was a productive day on the ground, thanks in large part to the offensive line. When Rodgers gets back from his concussion, it will be important for the Packers to continue to run the ball.

It's easy to get away from the run game when you have a passing attack like Green Bay does. But in the playoffs, you win football games on the ground.

Nobody Wants to Play Green Bay Come Playoff Time

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Safety Patrick Chung #25 of the New England Patriots tackles wide receiver Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The

If the Packers can manage to make the playoffs, look out for this team. The Packers gave up 31 points last night, but the defense only gave up 24—Flynn through a pick-six early in the third quarter.

Green Bay has been impressive on the defensive side of the ball lately and need to continue it in order for them to make a deep run. As good as the defense is playing, it is ultimately the offense that makes the Packers a dangerous team.

With Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones, the Packers are as potent as any team through the air.

No team wants to see Green Bay oppose them in the playoffs.

The Patriots' Defense Isn't Super Bowl Worthy

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Jermaine Cunningham #96 and Jarrad Page #44 of the New England Patriots celebrate a defensive stop in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo

If New England is going to get to another Super Bowl it isn't going to be because of the defense. The Patriots' defense allowed the Packers to hold the ball for 40 minutes. That can't happen when you are an offensive team.

New England was unable to rattle the inexperienced Flynn and allowed him to get comfortable. Imagine what Rodgers would have done to the Pats' D Sunday night—it wouldn't have been pretty for New England.

The worst of it all was how New England let Green Bay run on them. Green Bay ranks in the bottom half of the league in rushing and the Pats are certain to see much more potent ground games in the playoffs.

As good as Tom Brady's playing, it's the defense that needs to pick it up.

Don't Kick to Dan Connolly

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown run with teammate Dan Connolly #63 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7.

Okay, I'm kidding, but it was enjoyable to watch.

The right guard of the Patriots returned a squib kick 71 yards and looked mighty good doing so. He rumbled his way inside the 10 before being brought down by Packer defenders. 

Connolly provided everyone that saw the play a good laugh. 

While I don't expect Connolly to return another kick the rest of the season, if he does, watch out.