Wow. Not the impression I came away with at all. In fact, the impression I came away with was...
That was one of the finest defensive performances I have ever seen put on. Absolutely stunning.
Thomas not only didn't lose a stride, he looked the best I have seen him in 3 years (save one blown coverage when Rodgers pulled a Rodgers hurry up). Richardson not only held his own, despite having little time to get in sync with the rest of the line, he was outstanding. Griffin, that rookie playing across from Sherman... WOW.
The defensive line played disciplined. Right up until the end when the defense was gassed, Rodgers was contained. He didn't get outside the pocket to burn us with his fresh legs. He was frustrated, and running for his life all game long.
Against a guy like Rodgers, you can't judge success by sacks. He avoids them like no one else. You judge success by how well you contained him. If you over pursue for the sack stats, he will burn the ever living hell out of you. I think his stats for the first three quarters speak volumes to just how dominant, and disciplined a defense we put out there (D-line and secondary).
It really wasn't until the end, when the D was totally gassed, that they lost some of that disciplined play. That is on the offense for not giving the D a little more rest.
Really, that was an amazing performance all the way around, and may be the best I have ever witnessed.