Packer fans desire a postseason trip rather than a repeat of last year’s disappointing ending.
GREEN BAY: It’s hard to ignore the similarities.
Just like they did a year ago, the Green Bay Packers are currently 8-8.
They just finished a comprehensive tuchus-kicking of the Minnesota Vikings, one of their NFC North rivals, exactly like they did a year ago.
And just like they did a year ago, they now have a win-and-they’re-in regular-season finale at Lambeau Field against a division opponent who has been eliminated from playoff contention, only this time it’s the 7-9 Chicago Bears rather than the Detroit Lions.
They just have to make sure they don’t let history repeat itself and lose and miss the playoffs — just like they did a year ago.
After the Packers defeated the Vikings 33–10 at U.S. Bank Stadium on New Year’s Eve, quarterback Jordan Love remarked, “We know exactly what we have to do.” I believe that everyone is aware of the previous year. Many of the men were members of the squad. We are aware of the precise events that transpired, the sickening flavor that resulted from losing that match, and no
Although I believe that many of the guys in that locker room still recall it, the year is fresh. We therefore operate under the mentality that we must simply win and take care of business.
Of course, Love was sidelined for that chilly Lambeau Field night’s 20-16 loss to the Lions while supporting Aaron Rodgers. He will be under center on Sunday, 364 days later, continuing his outstanding first
With a passer rating of 125.3 after finishing 24 of 33 passes for 256 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions against the Vikings, Love is coming into Sunday’s finale having completed 345 of 547 passes (63.1%) for 3,843 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions for a 93.8 quarterback rating. This is his seventh game in the last nine outings with a passer rating of 100 or better.
He has performed even better over the last nine games, going 210 of 313 (67.1%) for 2,351 yards and 19 touchdowns against just three interceptions (105.5 rating).
But once more, it all boils down to one game, despite all the development and progress he and the rest of the offense have shown, as well as the inconsistencies and setbacks the defense has experienced.
Even if they lose, the Packers still have a complicated, roundabout path to the postseason. However, there is very little chance that they will receive all the necessary support if the following happens: the Vikings lose to the Lions, the Seahawks lose to the Arizona Cardinals, the Bucs lose to the Carolina Panthers, or the Saints lose to the Atlanta Falcons.
Just moments before, in the midst of a wild celebration in the visitors’ locker room of U.S. Bank Stadium, coach Matt LaFleur told reporters in Minneapolis, “It really means nothing unless we take care of business.” We couldn’t finish it when we were in a similar circumstance a year ago.
We are aware that it will be extremely difficult. Looking at Chicago from Week 1 to this point, I believe they have improved as much as any team.
The Packers would have firsthand knowledge. On September 10 at Soldier Field, they crushed the Bears 38-20 in a game that was even more lopsided than the score suggested. Since then, Chicago has won five of its last seven games after suffering a drama-filled 0-4, probably saving coach Matt Eberflus’ job.
We can tell it will be a great challenge because they have clearly performed exceptionally well over the last several weeks in particular and are on a roll, according to LaFleur. “They would love nothing more than to eliminate us from the postseason, and we know we’re going to get their best shot.”
After a trade before last year’s draft, the Bears acquired the Panthers’ first-round selection, and they appear to be rallying around quarterback Justin Fields, who may be replaced by Caleb Williams, the team’s projected No. 1 overall pick.
Field remarked, “I really think our guys are coming together.” “December and January are when we’re playing our best football, and I think that’s really important for our future.
Of course, the Packers have no concern about that. Making history is their main goal, not making the same mistakes as last year.
“We have experienced the worst feeling of losing last year,” remarked veteran running back Aaron Jones, one of 34 players who were in the lineup for the Lions game but are still with the team either on the active roster, injured reserve, or practice squad. “There you are, losing to a team that isn’t even able to make it to the postseason.
Leave a Reply