A Tale of Two Cities- A Poetic Take on the Night That Was

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...It was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief...it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope..."  (-An excerpt from A Tale of Two Cities)

There you have it, Charles Dickens must have been foreshadowing what life would be like as a Packer fan living in the 21st century, in his literary classic, A Tale of Two Cities.  Ironically, I believe that nothing could have better encapsulated the emotional state of the franchise and the fanbase alike, during the franchises' opening act to its one-hundredth season of football Sunday Night against the Bears.  Last Night, Lambeau Field was at the center of the football universe providing some of the most unfathomable, heart-stopping, jaw-dropping drama that NBC has seen in quite some time.  The audience was treated to a star-studded matchup of Aaron Rodgers vs. Khalil Mack as well as the historic, hundred year rivalry of The Packers vs. The Bears.  

In honor of Charles Dickens sentiments in the opening of A Tale of Two Cities which so accurately encapsulated the emotional state of the Packers fan base, here is a poetic recap of some of the twists and turns that occurred during the one-hundred and ninety-first installment of the Packers-Bears rivalry:  

This was a tale of two cities, a tale of two halfs, 

a tale of two franchises that have taken completely different paths,

This was a tale of a quarterback who was mired in pain

whose coaching staff didn't think could return to the game,

This was a tale of a team who was flat on its back, 

enduring multiple sacks from Khalil Mack

This was the tale of a score that left the Packers so far down

that they wondered whether their offense would ever be found

Suddenly, the injured quarterback jogged onto the field 

And the Bears grasp on the Packers had finally yield

Aaron Rodgers made throw after throw 

And dazzled Packer fans with an incredible show

The Packer defense rebounded in a miraculous way

Giving Aaron Rodgers the opportunity to make one final play

He slid to his left because he could no longer scramble

And fired a bullet over the middle to his buddy named Randall

He secured the pass over an outstretched arm

And took it to the end zone some 75 yards

The Lambeau Field crowd was jumping around oh so loud

Because Rodgers to Cobb had once again made them incredibly proud

This was a tale of two cities, a tale of two halfs

A tale of two franchises that have taken completely different paths

A tale of a quarterback who was mired in pain

Who put his career on the line to win a rivalry game.

 

Final Takes from the Packers miraculous 24-23 win over the Bears:

1. Aaron Rodgers is a Living Legend- After leading the Packers to a super bowl, orchestrating game-winning playoff drives, completing countless hail-mary's, and making throws that every other quarterback past and present dreams of making, there really wasn't anything else that Aaron Rodgers could do to further his legend, right? Wrong! Aaron Rodgers found a way to further his legend last night, under the NFL's brightest lights, Lambeau Field, by leading his team to a historic comeback win.  After getting taken off of the field on a golf cart in the first half, Rodgers jogged onto the field with the team in the second half and orchestrated one of the most memorable come from behind victories in Packers history, completing pass after pass on essentially one leg.

When the dust had settled the Packers came away with a 24-23 victory and Rodgers threw for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns.  There are two factors that make this performance one for the ages, one, overcoming a 20 point deficit so late in the game, and two, most players do not come back to the field after getting taken back to the locker room on a golf cart, let alone take the field again and throw three touchdowns.

2. The coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for their in-game adjustments- Mike Pettine, Joe Philbin, and Mike McCarthy showed a tremendous amount of progress by adapting to the game and changing up their gameplans and styles according to each situation.  They changed personnel groupings on both offense and defense which ultimately allowed the Packers to execute and put themselves in a position to win the game in the final moments.

It will be interesting to see how the health of Aaron Rodgers knee progresses over the course of this week leading into next Sunday's matchup against Minnesota.  One thing is for certain, the health of Aaron Rodgers knee will continually be a concern for the rest of this season.   

 

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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave 

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Comments (50)

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PatrickGB's picture

September 10, 2018 at 01:18 pm

Damn, that was great!
May I steal it and quote you?

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Turophile's picture

September 11, 2018 at 09:20 am

In the old haiku form (3/4/5 syllables):

Rodgers out
Kizer slips up
Return of the king

Or if you prefer the 5/7/5 format:

Mack rules Lambeau turf
sub Kizer intercepted
Rodgers back, Pack gels.

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DavidMichalski's picture

September 11, 2018 at 05:19 pm

Yessir, pass it onto Packernation. Thanks again for taking the time to read and contribute. #GoPackGo

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2018 at 01:26 pm

I have no words to describe this and if I was able to find them,they would be miraculously great as was Rodgers late.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:52 pm

curious if you received any apologies today?

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2018 at 03:08 pm

No...but I haven't been expecting any even if Rodgers hadn't come back to cloak the bad play.

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Bearmeat's picture

September 10, 2018 at 03:12 pm

Apologies? For what? Were people unkind in the game chat or something?

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JerseyAl's picture

September 10, 2018 at 03:50 pm

no, it's a joke. Taryn was being self-congratulatory on being "right" about the Packers bad play and said apologies should be forthcoming. This was in the 1st half, of course. We were overrun with the gloom and doomers yesterday, even before Rodgers went down. Really it only took the first two possessions of the game to bring them all out. Then guess what, they mostly were not heard from in the second half. Suddenly, they couldn't pat themselves on the back for being "right" anymore, so nothing to say or contribute. Drives me nuts. You want to make legitimate criticisms, go ahead - I did as well, but the "everything sucks" crowd when things are not going well can just take a hike.

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:41 pm

Please...everyone was shocked at the level of play the whole first half. Rodgers saved a win.yes and it was great but the fact that without him and the time with him wasn't looking good early..
Let's not forget the bad Chicago offense that many talked about...was it really that great a defense rebound...let's see what we get next week.

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Jordan's picture

September 10, 2018 at 06:51 pm

Huh? Defense rebound? Rebound from what? The Packers defense only gave up 16 points to the Bears' offense the entire game.

Packers defense gave up 10 points in first half. Seems reasonable.

Packers defense gave up 6 points in second half. Seems reasonable.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

September 10, 2018 at 06:32 pm

Bearmeat you can apologize to me for doubting Cobb ;)

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 11, 2018 at 01:49 am

People should wait three years to judge a draft. I certainly am going to wait more than one game before coming to any conclusions on Allison.

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fthisJack's picture

September 11, 2018 at 07:34 am

i was unkind to her in the game chat cause she was crowing "i told you so". its sickening. they probably ex nayed my post because it was x rated.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 12, 2018 at 01:30 pm

I did enjoy Perry's play and thought of you.

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Idiot Fan's picture

September 10, 2018 at 01:57 pm

It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times...

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Kb999's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:02 pm

I almost turned the game off at half time. That would have been the worst of times. I really would have been pissed in the morning. I am glad to see the Bears are still the Bears. Great job Arod !!!

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Since'61's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:07 pm

David while I appreciate your effort, stick to your day job and give up poetry.

Aaron's performance was Unitas like and one for the ages. While I have come to expect Aaron Rodgers to play brilliantly I was not necessarily expecting the Packers defense to hold up and allow Aaron to engineer the comeback.

Normally, under Capers, Rodgers would lead a TD drive and the defense would give a score right back. But Pettine's defense held the fort well enough for Rodger's to bring the Pack back. To me that is a very hopeful sign going forward for the season.

If I was Pettine I would tell CM3 that he has made his one bone head play for the season and if it happens again he sits. As it is based on his performance last evening he should sit and Gilbert should get more snaps. It may even be better to leave Gilbert on the edge and move CM3 inside.

In any case it was good to see the defense actually contribute to a victory. Let's hope it continues. Thanks, Since '61

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4thand1's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:17 pm

Right on '61. Last year's defense would have gave up another 2 TD's easily. All this defense has to do is get meaniful stops, it will get better and create turnovers. CM has to be put on notice by Pettine and held accountable.

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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:53 pm

Hey, a little memorialization fun just adds to the occasion. Thumbs up for doing this David.

That said, otherwise I agree Since ‘61.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:25 pm

Clay is getting blasted all over Packer media and by fans but I don't think what he did was so awful. He was making a play for the QB and was the only one within yards of him. He was two feet away when the QB released the ball. He'd have to contort his body to miss the guy and he actually did try. He barely bumped him. I Should have been a no call

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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2018 at 02:55 pm

I’d like to agree, but I honestly can’t on this one. He could easily have pulled out.

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4thand10's picture

September 10, 2018 at 09:42 pm

The Anthony Barr play last year would have been a penalty this year.

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Since'61's picture

September 10, 2018 at 03:21 pm

I'm confident that your post would take a very different view if it was Rodgers who that hit. Watch that play again. CM3 left his feet and hit Trubisky helmet to helmet. He could have been ejected for that hit.
Thanks, Since '61

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JerseyAl's picture

September 10, 2018 at 03:53 pm

you are wrong. He purposely hit him when he could have pulled up. It was really dumb.

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henry113's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:39 pm

Clay should thank his lucky stars that Nick Perry bailed his ass out. Stupid hit. He should give NP a Rolex.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:19 pm

That play by Matthews was a selfish play. What he did tells me that he was thinking of himself and getting a hit / touch/ anything in that moment just to tell himself he's somehow still relevant. He simply couldn't help himself on that play. No thought at all about the team, he was just thinking of hitting the qb. Unbelievable. If not for Nick Perry, he would be walking around Green Bay today wearing dark sunglasses with his hair up in a bun not trying to get noticed because he would get a public shredding. He was THAT close to Brandon Bostick territory.

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stockholder's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:40 pm

I believe it was frustration. CMII wants a new contract. (They've talked. ) He knows the money just isn't there for him. He's a player who gets locked in. It's now a scar. We all have seen one player or another do something dumb. I believe he did cause the game winning fumble too. I believe CMII makes up for his mistakes. Let's not cast doubt on that. He's still part of this defensive improvement. We need him.

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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2018 at 06:49 pm

Clay has always had a tendency to perpetrate the occasional overzealous play. Let’s hope it serves as motivation for future games.

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:35 pm

When you make so few plays or one, naturally you'll make one for a relevance, even if it hurts the one's you play for.

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Lare's picture

September 10, 2018 at 05:25 pm

Matthews probably isn't even a starter on many other teams in the NFL, he is in Green Bay simply because he's a fan favorite and because of his past history & production.

By the end of the year, I think it'll be readily apparent to everyone that his days as a starting LB in the NFL are past him.

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Kb999's picture

September 10, 2018 at 05:38 pm

Lare, Jordy was a fan favorite, he's gone. I don't think they will extend Clays contract. I think he will be gone next year. Watching last night's game, we need to get younger.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 11, 2018 at 08:26 am

Jordy was a huge fan favorite. Letting him walk was the first sign of a new attitude in GB. Matthews is still here because they don't have anyone better. I think he had a really bad game, but I need a larger sample size to say he's done.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 12, 2018 at 01:37 pm

Agreed. Thats the sensible rational take. But like Dix, he has to contribute.

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Hawg Hanner's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:32 pm

Hub Arkush of Pro Football Focus said this afternoon he
thinks the Bears 53 is better than the Packers with the huge exception of Aaron Rogers. This is due largely to the Packers poor drafting. I am glad we kept the two #1 picks. We need O Line big time

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

September 10, 2018 at 05:52 pm

We definitely need those 2 first round draft choices. I'd draft the best pass rushing OLB with first pick and a OT with 2nd first rounder. I'd then decide whether another OLB or OT is the best player available in the 2nd round and draft him. I'd do the same thing in round three.

These two positions are incredibly thin on Packer roster.

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Kb999's picture

September 10, 2018 at 06:15 pm

I would have used these pics on the Mack sweepstakes. The Bears went all in and got him. It was expensive but he is a he'll of a player .

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Coldworld's picture

September 10, 2018 at 06:52 pm

Well, I wouldn’t say the Bears have drafted well. They have drafted higher forever though. Not for the next two years though.

It’s hard to judge the Bears’ secondary. They were poor yesterday, but this was their first game under a new coach. I think they will improve. That said, I still am not convinced Trubisky will live up to their hopes.

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4thand10's picture

September 10, 2018 at 09:50 pm

The bears brought over a lot of players from other teams, that started when they switched to a 3-4. And now with Mack they won’t be drafting high for awhile. Trubiski is not ready, I’m not sure if he will be....they had chances in the final 5 minute to prove he’s the QB...and he didnt pass that test very well.

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henry113's picture

September 10, 2018 at 04:46 pm

Mr. David, I agree with the credit that you gave for the coaching staff making game time adjustments. Also the players for executing these adjustments.

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Denise Chanterelle's picture

September 10, 2018 at 07:00 pm

CMII late, preventable, hit on the QB last night reminded me so much of the stunt he pulled in the SF game a few seasons back where he launched himself vertically at the QB who was well out of bounds, long after the play was over. It was deja vu all over again. I don't get why he needs to do this kind of stuff. Completely uncalled for. Just saying. Thank you.

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Johnblood27's picture

September 11, 2018 at 02:01 pm

I totally forgive CMIII for the SF late launch-hit.

It was Kaepernick...

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DavidMichalski's picture

September 10, 2018 at 07:36 pm

Thanks to everyone for faithfully tuning into Cheesehead TV for all of your Packers News! My colleagues and I appreciate your viewership and contributions to our wall to wall Packers coverage, and thoroughly enjoy bringing you our unique takes every week. Nights like last night truly show how amazing this franchise and it’s fanbase are and I’m happy that I was able to share my thoughts on last nights miracle at Lambeau.

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Pauly's picture

September 11, 2018 at 12:13 am

I have to take issue with #2. I think MM screwed up the first half coaching something terrible.
Rogers told MM to change up plays to pistol and gun in 2nd half.

What I saw was MM letting AR get hurt because of his same-o play calling. Leaving Bulaga 84% alone on Mack. Stupid at first until Bulaga could settle in and figure Mack out somewhat.

Now AR is hurt because of MM's poor planning and ignoring the obvious fired up Bears defense to start the game!!!!!!! MM should have adapted in the first series after he saw the pocket collapse and Mack bull rush Bulaga.

I watched the Raiders. Jon Gruden faced a tougher defense on a dominate team Monday night. Carr came out with quick passes to TE Cook( 3 qtrs= 7 receptions, 145 yrds) and double teams on the line to protect his QB, and played LA tough for 3 qtrs.

I learned way back with Brett never to give up before the end of game and glad I stayed with it.

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Norm's picture

September 10, 2018 at 09:48 pm

Now do Green Bay Eggs & Ham.

Would you like them on a boat?
Would you like them with the GOAT?

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Tundraboy's picture

September 12, 2018 at 01:47 pm

Fox in Socks.

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Spock's picture

September 11, 2018 at 12:29 pm

Wait, I thought this was going to be a story about our upcoming game in Minnesota. Maybe something to do with the famous hooker in Minneapolis-St. Paul known as "The Tail of Two Cities"? :)

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Johnblood27's picture

September 11, 2018 at 02:03 pm

Now that's funny prose!

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Spock's picture

September 11, 2018 at 04:06 pm

jb27, I was going to bring in something about the Vikings "love boat" thing but everybody was going more minimalist, so I decided less was more. It's an old joke but I couldn't resist placing it here. Not sure why anyone would down vote a joke but that's life on CHTV, lol.

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Johnblood27's picture

September 11, 2018 at 02:04 pm

To David M...

I know Longfellow Deeds, and you sir, are no Longfellow Deeds!

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 11, 2018 at 03:20 pm

In honor of the big victory, tonight may be the wurst of times.

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