The Packers book ended their season with road losses, week one vs New Orleans, and Sunday in Detroit to the Lions falling 34-30. Still, Green Bay is the NFC 1 seed, and will have home field advantage throughout the postseason. “I was happy with the effort…but no matter who’s out there the expectations are about winning,” said Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur in his post game presser.
Green Bay finishes the regular season 13-4 and is as healthy as it has been all year with 3 key starters are set to play in the postseason following extended time on the IR. LT David Bakhtiari, who missed the entire regular season before playing in the first half Sunday, comes off an 11-month recovery from an ACL blowout. CB Jaire Alexander recovered from a week 4 shoulder injury (and from Covid 19) and is ready to get back on the field for the Pack. Slot WR Randall Cobb is again healthy and could have played Sunday but sat coming off a core injury. And, the Packers’ most key injury is QB Aaron Rodgers left pinky toe. Rodgers continues to nurse the toe with limited practice time. As usual, Rodgers was efficient Sunday (playing in the first half only) throwing 2 touchdowns with no pics.
Not Enough Love:
Green Bay had backups at all skill positions on offense in the second half including at QB with Jordan Love taking the reins from Aaron Rodgers. The O managed 17 points but Love who was 10-17 throwing for a TD and 134 yards threw drive ending interceptions on the Packers final 2 possessions in the game’s final 2 minutes.
The Facts:
Packers 30 Lions 37
Turnovers: 3/0
Sacks: 1/8 vs 4/16
3rd&4th DN: 9/16 vs 6/14
Rushing: 27/122 vs 26/99
Passing: 24/35 for 256 vs 22/32 for 305
Penalties: 0/0 vs 2/15
The Feelings:
Securing first place in the NFC earned the Pack a bye week for the Wild Card round. And, for Packers’ fans, it will be party-time, watch some football, scout the opponents and enjoy your one stress-free week during this playoff run.
The Dark Side:
Packers fans care about one thing, winning the Super Bowl. Sure, another MVP for Rodgers would be a nice feather in the team’s proverbial cap. Certainly, a Coach of the Year award for Matt LaFluer would feel good, but don’t let any Packer chatter fool you. If Green Bay does not win the Super Bowl, the season will end in disappointment. This notion is sure to have Packers fans cautiously optimistic at best headed into the postseason.
Good Enough?:
Packers’ fans are surely asking the question, “are we good enough to win the Super Bowl?” Next week, for TPS I will take a more in-depth look into this question. But here are some key points. The D is pretty darn good and has a bend but don’t break mentality. Depending on which website you look at the ranks will vary but the Pack has a top 10 Defense. We hold onto the ball and, in fact, the three 2nd half turnovers Sunday in Detroit we the first turnovers since week 10 versus Washington. And, as always, Rodgers continues to play great football and finished the season with 37 TD passes to just 4 pics. All good news which is sure to have Pack fans feeling happy.
Green Bay has a bye next week and will host a Divisional Round Opponent, time and date TBD.
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