There was a school of thought that this could be the week the Packers would lose their first game: The undefeated defending champions might be getting a little complacent, they were taking a long road trip to San Diego, the Chargers were desperate for a win, and the Packers have to lose some time, don’t they?
Maybe not.
The Packers showed once again on Sunday that they’re the head of the class in the NFL, jumping ahead of the Chargers early and holding on late to win 45-38.
Aaron Rodgers continued his MVP campaign with another smooth, efficient game when he made it look too easy: Right now Rodgers appears capable of carving up most defenses without even having to break a sweat. Today Rodgers completed 21 of 26 passes for 247 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating on the day of 145.8.
Meanwhile Philip Rivers had some big moments but some other plays when he looked -- as he too often has this season -- like he’s just not right: In the first quarter he threw two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, and the Chargers were never able to climb out of the hole those turnovers dug for them. Rivers did a lot right -- he completed 26 of 46 passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns, but his three interceptions (including one on his last pass, sealing the Chargers’ loss) were the difference in this game.
At 8-0, the Packers are clearly the best team in the league, and there’s not even a close second. A lot can change over the second half of an NFL season, but at the moment the Packers look like they’re going to be an extremely tough team to beat.