With the Packer win, and the Cowboy win yesterday, we're talking playoffs!
Sidenote: The way Jim says, 'playoffs?!' is why this will be forever memorable, but I think the most underrated part is the last line: 'I just hope we can win a game!' Laugh out loud funny.
So, in meeting #200 in the NFL's oldest rivalry, the Packers top da Bears 21-13. Another week, another win. The Packers sit at 11-3, have a playoff spot clinched, need to win only one of their next two to win the NFC North (doesn't have to be against Minnesota), and with the Niners losing at home to Atlanta yesterday, the #1 seed is all of a sudden in play.
With all of that going for them, wouldn't you think Packer fans on social media would be happy today?? Nope! 'They got lucky again!' 'One and done in the playoffs when they play a real team!' 'Rodgers is past his prime!' And on and on and on. Instead of presenting a counterpoint to those folks, I'll simply refer them to one of the great philosophers of the 21st century, Dominic Toretto:
Preach! With all of the close, tense games the Packers have played this year, Packer fans have been split into two camps: One camp where people are enjoying the ride and deluding themselves a bit, and one camp that's (probably) a bit more realistic with poopy pants. It's been that way for about 10 weeks now.
Look, would I prefer they win by three touchdowns, and be more convincing in the way they keep piling up wins? Sure. But after the last two seasons, I'm not going to complain too much about an 11-3 season where there is a realistic chance that the road to the Super Bowl goes through Lambeau Field. Honestly, read the last part of that last sentence again. If you would have told me in August that I would be typing that on December 16th, and it STILL wouldn't be enough to satisfy some of the fan base, I'd have probably self combusted.
– It feels like the, 'is Aaron Rodgers declining' discussion has been going on for years. The way I see it: 2008-2014 he was as good as anyone who has ever played. Statistically the best ever. 2015 (Hail Mary year) was up and down, the second half of, 'Run the Table,' in 2016, he was as good as he's ever been. 2017 he was off to a great start before the collarbone injury, and 2018, while decent statistically, is probably his worst season in the NFL. I think this year has been better than last year. We're seeing more shades of 'classic Aaron,' than we did almost all of last year. But we're also still seeing some odd decisions and bad habits. That said, the throw to MVS was perfect, and MVS dropped it. The throw on the touchdown to Davante in the first quarter, was poetry. 2008-2014 Rodgers is still in there, but he needs more weapons, and more experience in the new system.
– ^Related, I'm not sure if MVS is a bust or not, but I've seen about enough of him for this season. He leads the league in me screaming, 'F#@#$,' after a drop or a poor route on what should have been a completed pass. Honest to God I think he *should* have 8-10 touchdowns this year.
– ^Geronimo Allison: See above.
– Kenny Clark was banged up to begin the season, but is clearly healthy again and is WRECKING things up front. Guy is back to looking like Warren Sapp out there. 3.5 sacks in the past two games. If he's all the way back, combine him with the Smith Boys up front, and you've got a fantastic pass rush.
– There is nothing in the NFL more electric than an offensive or defensive lineman ending up with the ball. Nothing. Dean Lowry showcasing softer hands than most of our tight ends yesterday.
– 2 more touchdowns on the ground puts Aaron Jones at 17 total for the season. The franchise record is 20, set by Ahman Green in 2003.
– Is Chris Berman back to doing the Fastest Two Minutes on Monday Night Football? If so, I may have to tune in tonight for a three, 'WHOOP,' special that Jake Kumerow put together yesterday.
– That last lateral play:
Do you want me to say I pooped? Fine. I pooped.
So, another, 'win ugly,' but as long as that first part of the phrase is there, I don't care. Offense did enough, defense bent but didn't break, Tyler Ervin continued to revitalize the special teams, we'll take it. On to Minnesota and a chance to clinch the division in their backyard.
By the way, here's the path to the #1 seed after the Falcons put together a shocking upset of the Niners IN San Fran yesterday: The Packers need to win out, and they need Seattle and San Francisco to each lose one more time. What complicates that path is that Seattle and San Fran play each other in the final week of the year. Meaning that if they both win this weekend, there's no chance. The Niners play at home against the Rams on Saturday (LA still fighting for a playoff spot), and the Seahawks play the Cardinals at home on Sunday. If either (or both) lose, the Packers will know on Monday that the 1 seed is very much in play.
PS: 'No mention of the Tramon Williams penalty that changed the game?!'- Bears fans. Look, if it makes you feel better, that was a horrible call. And as an NFL fan, you just hate that it led to a drive where the Packers scored a touchdown. Hate to see it! I wish we could have replayed it, and gotten it right. But sadly, we can't.
Double PS: I'm in the moment and enjoying this ride, but looking to next season, playmaking WR or TE has to be the #1 move, right? Getting back to the, 'is Aaron Rodgers in decline,' conversation: Look at his weapons. Davante Adams is an All Pro level wide receiver. Not Pro Bowl, All Pro. Aaron Jones is a Pro Bowl level running back. After that? Not much. MVS hasn't contributed anything in 6 weeks, and he's technically your #2 receiver. Then you've got three undrafted free agents: Allison, Lazard, Kumerow. Nothing against Lazard and Kumerow, I think they should be your #2 and #3 wide receivers at this point, but the facts are, neither were picked in 7 rounds of the draft. Your tight ends have given you almost nothing. Sternberger and Tonyan are really raw, Lewis is a blocking tight end, and Graham, try as he might, has iron feet at this point in his career. You can make the, 'Rodgers is making a boat load of money, he's got to make those players better,' argument, and I think there's some merit there. But outside of Adams and Jones, there's nothing close to resembling a weapon on that side of the ball.
