Second Half Collapse Costs Packers Victory

Although only 10 points were scored, the Green Bay Packers dominated the first two quarters against Jacksonville last night. Brett Favre (14 of 20 for 130 yards) seemed to be on the money with every single throw, while the tight ends, one of the Packers biggest concerns headed into the regular season, proved to be very effective.

Rookie wide receiver James Jones also had an extremely impressive night, hauling in six catches for 80 yards. His routes were run well, his cuts were decisive and crisp and his hands were soft. He really has the makings of a quality NFL wide receiver and I can see why Favre has raved about him this offseason. Unfortunately, he may become heavily relied on much sooner than anyone expected.

Starting wide receiver Donald Driver was carted off the sidelines with a foot injury, but the severity of that injury has not yet been determined.

"He's in good spirits," McCarthy said of Driver. "So we'll have more information tomorrow."

It would be potentially devastating to the Packers season if Driver was lost for any significant period of time.

Corey White, who served as the Packers back-up running back last night, also earned himself a little more attention with an 11 carry, 60 yard evening. With most of the other running backs out with injury, minus Brandon Jackson who did his first Lambeau leap, White has really stepped up and made his presence known.

Despite all the positive things, Green Bay's second and third team defenses couldn't really hang on in the second half. They gave up 14 unanswered points in the third quarter to fall behind 14-10 before quarterback Ingle Martin threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and ultimately proved to be the final nail in the coffin.

Other Observations:

- Rookie linebacker Desmond Bishop can flat-out hit.

- Brandon Jackson can be a legitimate weapon out of the backfield.

- The Packers defensive line needs to start putting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Final Score: Jaguars 21 - Packers 13