Packers Winning it All: Why Not?

Those of you who follow me on Twitter are familiar with my game day persona.  As a Packers fan who has been through many highs and lows over nearly four decades, I've learned that the one thing I can never be too much of, is sure.

While that will always ring true (thank you 4th and 26 and the nuclear meltdown in Seattle), I am also a realist.  A realist who watched a Packers team that needed every single quarter of every game, and outside help, in 2010 just to get into the postseason followed by a tear that brought home another Lombardi Trophy.

So why not allow ourselves to believe this Packers team that already has 11 wins and a playoff spot secured, can win it all now?

Last week, I asked everyone to stop looking for this Packers' team's identity.  A few days later, they hung on for another ugly win among the others in 2019.  But a win is still a win and these Packers know how to do it.  

With a playoff spot already secured, head coach Matt LaFleur and his staff can already begin preparing their schedule and mindset with two games to go.  Two important games so I'm not suggesting that the staff sleepwalk through preparations for either.  But with a new culture, the postseason is another realm that LaFleur has to put his stamp on.

Despite already racking up 11 wins while learning the in's and out's of being a head coach and installing a new offense, LaFleur isn't without his flaws.  The NFL postseason is an entirely new game, a new season.  They can eat you up in a hurry and before you know it, you're on the plane headed home for the winter.

But LaFleur's Packers have 11 wins.  They're in the playoffs!  (This is where, if you haven't already, you impersonate the famous rant of former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Mora).  Despite all of the reasons why they shouldn't be this good yet, they are.  Just get in and anything can happen.

Do the Packers look like a dominant force that can go into any building and make it a neutral territory?  No, if we're being completely honest.  Can they win anywhere?  Yes, if you believe anything is possible.  Still not convinced?  Tell defensive captain Za'Darius Smith his team can't win it all and see what his reaction is.

Back to these next two games.  The Packers can hang onto at least a playoff bye if they simply win both.  Winning both won't be simple, at all. 

Monday night's tilt with the Minnesota Vikings is the pivotal game for Green Bay's seeding.  Win and then beat a Detroit Lions team that shut down their quarterback and just yesterday felt the need to announce that their head coach and GM were set for next season, and the Packers are no worse than the 2-seed.  

That means playing at home unless they face the 1-seed, which right now is the Seattle Seahawks. Get some help over the next few weeks and that 1-seed could be the Packers.  That means the road to Miami goes through wintery Green Bay, Wisconsin first.  

I'm trying to stay on theme here and remain upbeat but the idea of having to return to Seattle with another shot at a Super Bowl on the line is already killing my appetite.  On one hand, we'd love to see the Packers celebrate an NFC title in the CLink and exercise that demon.  On the other, do we really want to risk the Packers not getting that NFC title. . . again?

What about going back to San Francisco or on the road to New Orleans instead?  Neither is calming the butterflies in my stomach.

None of it matters, until it does and that's the beauty.  We have the fortunate problem of worrying about where the Packers may have to travel to in the playoffs.  There have been some heavy disappointments in our past.  There have also been some unlikely triumphs.  

This year's team is healthy and is just winning games, regardless of how.  We won't know until we know what is what and where is where.  Above all else: why not the Packers to be the last team standing?

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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9 points
 

Comments (54)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Leatherhead's picture

December 18, 2019 at 01:07 pm

I remember my friend Leo had a shirt that said “shit happens”, man. So why not? If we beat Minnesota we could be the #2 seed.

We made the NFC Championship game 4 times in 10 years. Why not 5 in 13?

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Gman1976's picture

December 18, 2019 at 01:23 pm

I can see it now, "Packers Win the Ugliest Superbowl!"

7 points
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Spawny's picture

December 19, 2019 at 02:28 pm

Gman,

If the Packers win the ugliest super bowl to date, no one in the Packer Nation will care. Ten years from now we will all remember the blow outs of the Redskins, Giants and Bears.

Back to reality. Just beat the Vikings this week. Why? Because I enjoy listening to Viking fans give the credit to crooked referees who always give Aaron Rodgers the wins.

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mrtundra's picture

December 22, 2019 at 08:53 am

I'd love to see the Packers beat the vikings on a controversial play or call. If for no other reason, than to watch purple heads explode when the subject of losing to the Packers comes up.

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mrtundra's picture

December 22, 2019 at 08:54 am

I'd love to see the Packers beat the vikings on a controversial play or call. If for no other reason, than to watch purple heads explode when the subject of losing to the Packers comes up.

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LambeauPlain's picture

December 18, 2019 at 01:45 pm

I do think the 2019 Packers have an identity....WINNING NFL games.

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Lphill's picture

December 18, 2019 at 02:02 pm

On the sports show circuit nobody thinks the Packers are for real and won’t make it to the dance, so what better motivation is there than that, let’s hope Rodgers gets that chip on his shoulder thing going and prove the doubters wrong.

8 points
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Spawny's picture

December 19, 2019 at 02:33 pm

As long as Booger McFarland doesn't pick the Packers I fine with that. Booger hasn't been right on anything this year. In fact with a name like Booger, I'm pretty sure the Packers don't want his endorsement. Go Pack Go, Win Ugly.

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paxbak's picture

December 18, 2019 at 02:05 pm

If they can beat a hot Minnesota team in an Ugly Fashion than I am all in on ugly. In my opinion, 3rd down needs to get fixed before we are a serious team to be reckoned with. In my opinion, we get beat by about 7 teams right now. The other 24 we can beat in an ugly fashion.

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BradHTX's picture

December 18, 2019 at 07:29 pm

Now I kinda want an “All In On Ugly!” tee shirt.

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TheVOR's picture

December 18, 2019 at 02:52 pm

Why not GB winning the SB? Because it's going to take scoring more than 23.6 points to win the Super Bowl..

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jasonperone's picture

December 18, 2019 at 03:34 pm

Can anyone remind me what the score was last year's SB? Surely at least the combined point total was more than 23.6, right? I'll wait

6 points
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ironman3169's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:50 pm

Ha ha! Schooled!

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Spawny's picture

December 19, 2019 at 02:38 pm

PACKERS WIN SUPER BOWL 3-2 ON CROSBY LAST SECOND FIELD GOAL FROM 70 YARDS OUT.

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 18, 2019 at 02:52 pm

The majority here at CHTV,writers and fans, for some reason cannot accept anyone being disgusted by the obvious flaws of this team regardless if they win.The surest way to end up not winning is ignoring the flaws that are so obvious. The 'Ugly ' win mantra is a nice mantel to grasp hold of but don't cry about the flaws when they prove too much to overcome in the GAME that matters.

Can the Packers win it all,absolutely, that's why they play the game each week. Will they win it all, unlikely, unless they show something significant outside the usual inefficiencies witnessed each week, an ugly win doesn't look to be in the cards vs Minn and that will prove to be the reason for early exit in the playoffs.

But,as a Packer fan, I will continue to hope for a SB this season, while still being disgusted with the 'ugly' play that rewards 'ugly' wins until they win pretty instead of 'ugly.'

It isn't easy being a 'realist' but I will persevere to many a chagrin.

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Razer's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:00 pm

...It isn't easy being a 'realist' but I will persevere to many a chagrin...

Too funny. Maybe, like Rodgers, you need to let old ways go or, at the very least, use the Force.

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:06 pm

I love a challenge as a realist.
Using the ' Force ' would be cheating since it works easily on the weak minded.

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murf7777's picture

December 19, 2019 at 01:09 pm

Taryn, The reality (being a realist) is to also understand that other teams all have flaws....

SF has lost 3 out of the last 6 teams and injuries are piling up. Seattle at +26 has a lower point differential then us. Very good team, but like us but winning "ugly"? New Orleans, oh my, they just got by Carolina, Jaqs & Cowgirls 3, 7, 2 points respectively. They got bashed by Atlanta 26-9 and Rams 27-9. Sound familiar? Viqueens, do I need to even go there? they have 4 losses and we already beat them once....and they got beat by the Chiefs, who we beat and da bears who we beat twice.

Yes, the Packers have their flaws as well, we were smoked twice and have won some close games. Give up some yards, oh yeah we do that well. TD's not so much, especially lately. Yes, we have 11 wins and that is what matters, obviously we are doing somethings right, like 2nd in the NFL in turnover margin to name just one item.

If we could secure a first week bye, who knows maybe, just maybe, we will peak at the right time and win it all! Now, go and kick some Viqueens behinds!

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 19, 2019 at 02:49 pm

" Taryn, The reality (being a realist) is to also understand that other teams all have flaws...."

Agreed, all teams have flaws and more some than others any given week....but I'm on a Packers site talking about their flaws. Talking about other teams flaws here would just be covering up the Packers.

It's easy to dis another team but it's a true fan that can recognize,accept and dis their own with same vigor,especially when warranted.

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murf7777's picture

December 19, 2019 at 05:53 pm

I wasn’t dissing another team just laying out facts for comparisons sake. But you were talking about the packers unlikely to win ugly against the Vikings as if the packers win ugly. No team on the NFC is dominate. We beat the Vikings and I suspect we will beat them again 31-28 or 28-24. Ugly of course is subjective, but in my definition playing ugly won’t = a win, and a win doesn’t = ugly.

You can nitpick or find negatives in everything in life or you can choose to focus on what is happening that is right. The packers have a lot of things going that is right. Of course this is a blog and anyone can choose to talk about whatever they like. It sure would be great if more of us would talk about the good plays and players vs focusing on the negative. That being said you have a lot of good info to share many times.

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Spawny's picture

December 19, 2019 at 02:43 pm

Taryn,
Why do you thing Baby Yoda wears green?

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 19, 2019 at 04:32 pm

Baby Yoda doesn't wear green.
Baby Yoda is green.
He wears light brown/tan robe.

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Adorabelle's picture

December 19, 2019 at 10:00 pm

Your premise is flawed. No one anywhere, not a fan, not a writer not anyone thinks this is a final product great team that can just sit back and do nothing after this season. It has been a nice bounceback season and some nice additions were made but win or lose a lot more work remains.

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Razer's picture

December 18, 2019 at 03:51 pm

The whole season is just one big surprise. The team played like crap for two years and missed the playoffs. This year we play like crap and have a chance to be one of the top two teams in the NFC. That is a big WTF! As they say "it is better to be lucky then good".

While I have little confidence that we will beat one of the better teams, we at least, have a chance. And, if Aaron Rodgers ever figures out this offense and plays up to potential we could go all the way. I don't want our QB to be the reason we don't move ahead because it will signal a bigger problem that Packer fans don't want to face yet.

Go Packers

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murf7777's picture

December 19, 2019 at 01:19 pm

Razer, how can winning = "play like crap"? (against SF and LA I would agree) When you win, you are doing things right, not crappy. Remember, there is another team that is also trying to win and will make some plays against you. They will also defend plays and break up the best laid out plans. There is a lot of parity in the NFL, IMO, more so then other sports.

What team are you most scared of the Packers playing? Go look at their record and you will see some crappy playing from them as well. Do I think we are the best team in the NFC right now, NO, but we are not very far from it and on any given day we can beat any team. "Crappy", not even close.

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Sol's picture

December 19, 2019 at 08:55 pm

So many good teams, but the ones I don't want to see in the NFC would be San Francisco we just don't seem to have an answer for tight ends this year. The AFC Super Bowl match up would be the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. I still remember how Michael Vick came to town and knocked us out of the playoffs in 2002 and Lamar looks like Michael Vick on Steroids, Boy is he good.

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Sol's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:13 pm

Sure we win ugly but a win is a win. The one thing we do pretty well at is ball security and if you can take care of the football you are in any game, plus we are one of the healthier teams in the league.

Remember a football is an oblong shape and liable to bounce in any direction once it hits the ground, it will give us at least a fifty, fifty chance at a free possession. As far as winning it all, stranger things have happened in the NFL. What's that they say about the NFL on any given Sunday, "any team can beat any other team" and "you have to play the games (to determine the outcome)"

We made it to the dance when everyone just three and half months ago said we were a year away and would never get to dance. Well look who is dancing now! Who knows, we may be watching a new version of (Dancing With The Stars) too a song called (Title Town.)

Go Pack

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Razer's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:01 pm

BTW Jason - well written. Always a good read. Thanks

3 points
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jasonperone's picture

December 18, 2019 at 05:31 pm

Thank you Razer!

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:31 pm

Can this team win the Super Bowl? Yes.
Will this team win the Super Bowl? No clue, that is why we are watching the games to see.

Middle of the season we were seeing the offense catching some fire. For whatever reason since Adams has returned it hasn't been the same. If Rodgers gets hot and the offense catches some fire the last couple of weeks and into the playoffs, it will make for a very tough team to beat. Not going to lie they are close. They just missed on a number of big plays the last few weeks. They hit those and 'the look' of the offense changes.

Also the defense has been getting their hands on the ball as well. They have the ability to make these plays.

The reasons why i give this team a true chance is for one they are as healthy as anyone. They have the OL and DL's that are playing great. A pass rush that can effect most QB's. They have enough skilled players to do damage. Oh and they have one of the greatest QB's. They have DB's that can match up well with a lot of the better WR's. They have a great kicking game, and finally have a return man who can be scary for teams.

If they can get the 2 seed and play in GB, teams like New Orleans will struggle more to play here.

There are only so many opportunities for teams to get to the big game. When you have an opportunity you have to go for it. And why can't GB be that team?

7 points
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Sol's picture

December 18, 2019 at 04:41 pm

I agree 100% on all point made.

Go Pack

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4zone's picture

December 18, 2019 at 05:45 pm

RC,
The big term here is 'if', which so far, hasn't been. I doubt that all of a sudden, at the end of the year, a light switch will come on. I wish the opposite were true, but I just don't see it. Its the oddest thing. I've seen them bad, I've seen them great, but I've never seen them so luke warm before.

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 19, 2019 at 03:15 am

What the Packers NEED to do is have the light switch go on LONG ENOUGH at the start of each game (Just like weeks 2, 5, & 15 for example) where they score enough points and then hang on for the win.

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Leatherhead's picture

December 19, 2019 at 12:19 pm

Actually, Nick, that’s what happened against the Bears. We scored 14 3 minutes into the second quarter and we held on to win. And people appear to be unhappy about it.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 19, 2019 at 08:14 am

There is a lot of "IF" involved. Because lets be honest, to this point there has not been enough consistency in the offense.
The one thing that might help that is changing of personnel. LaFleur has stated that Kumerow will get more reps. Lazard has already gotten more reps.

Using the TE's more as well. Sternberger has been getting open on routes. Its only a matter of time until Rodgers starts throwing him the ball.

If they can just get 1-2 more drives a game going they will be there.

1 points
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Bearmeat's picture

December 19, 2019 at 12:22 pm

Agreed on all points. Let's not forget that this rebuild was targeted toward 2020-2021 the whole time. This team is ahead of schedule, and any damage we do in January this year is a bonus.

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murf7777's picture

December 19, 2019 at 01:21 pm

RC, well stated! WE have some reasons for optimism without putting on "rose colored glasses"

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4zone's picture

December 18, 2019 at 05:41 pm

Why not? Because they can't figure out how to play football for more than 5 -10 minutes per game. Good lord, AR can't hit open receivers, OL can stop false starts, clock management is abysmal, until we signed Rocket Man, we couldn't figure out how to run a kick the right direction. They can't remember that Aaron Jones can catch passes too, and is quite good at it.

Sorry, this team seems to have chronic brain freeze that partially thaws once in a while. The best I can say it is they play WAY under their talent level, and that won't win the Charmin Toilet Paper Bowl, let alone a playoff game in the NFL.

-2 points
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porupack's picture

December 18, 2019 at 05:45 pm

Well, yes the packers can win once in the playoffs. I guess that is what Vegas is for, to figure out the probabilities and get paid accordingly.

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ewanmorrison's picture

December 18, 2019 at 09:41 pm

With a playoff spot already secured, head coach Matt LaFleur and his staff can already begin preparing their schedule and mindset with two games to go.
https://theimpossible-quiz.co/

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canadapacker's picture

December 18, 2019 at 10:09 pm

No team has ever won the Superbowl from outside of the playoffs -FACT- several teams have won the Superbowl from the 6th seed. Seem to remember the Pack doing it. So we are in the Dance . Fans have got to dump on the team even when it is winning because they are not perfect. Writers have got to dump on the coaching staff for not using certain players at certain times and for not calling certain plays at certain times because they get paid to write things that get read. Writers lately want to say that AR should not be in the Pro Bowl and is not in the top 8 QB's currently playing but of course everybody has an opinion and everybody has a right to that opinion. But most people are not in the trenches doing the work. My opinion is that AR still has some ego issues. AR still has a lot of jump and a lot of arm strength but his head is not in the game sometimes which is why he is missing some easy throws. AR still has the ability to win the big game with some big throws. Therefore AR has the ability to win 4 games in a row and that is all that you need to win the SBowl. I am not sure that we are in a good place but this Monday and the final games against the Lions are both in a controlled climate and I would like to see us play like a Championship team on all levels and that will make the Ugly win is still a Win -seem like history.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 18, 2019 at 11:29 pm

Fans or trolls from the land of pointy-hatted, little purple -people sitting among the toadstolls? They care more about their fantasy team than the green and gold. I like this team. People act as if LaFleur has never been to the big dance before. Fast track this week and no wind to move Rodgers passes around, or 10 degree days to freeze the WRs mitts. looking forward to some offensive surprises a' la Doug Pederson. Attack them and wear lead boots.

1 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

December 18, 2019 at 11:14 pm

While that will always ring true (thank you 4th and 26 and the nuclear meltdown in Seattle)

It wasn't the 4th and 26 that was the issue that everyone keeps talking about.

BUT, it was the 4th and One when the PACKERS had the ball and deciding to PUNT the ball to the Eagles and place the ball into Donovan McNabb's hand.

As a Green Bay fan I was utterly disgusted with Mike Sherman. It was a matter of principle!! Our best against Philly's best and Mike Sherman Wussed out !!!! I don't even want to think about it anymore.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 18, 2019 at 11:33 pm

A gutless display by my least favorite Packer coach. One of the best offensive line groups in Packer History, Ahman Green, and a HOF quarterback. The guy goes into retreat.

2 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

December 19, 2019 at 11:55 am

Playing not to lose greatly increases the probability you will.

1 points
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jasonperone's picture

December 19, 2019 at 12:25 pm

Problem with that argument, Doug is that 4th and 1 had already happened. The Packers had to make a play and overcome it and they didn't. . on a play that had a ridiculously low probability of converting. Hindsight means we can go back to any number of plays vs. "the one" we remember a game for or talk about. 4th and 26 is a thing. Still THE thing despite the punt and Favre's God-awful heave in OT afterward.

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TXCHEESE's picture

December 19, 2019 at 03:04 pm

Amen. Best OL in the game and one of the very best short yardage backs in GB history. Had the game won, if he would have called a simple off tackle to Ahman.

1 points
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Timeout's picture

December 19, 2019 at 04:31 am

Too many past failings in the McCarthy-Rodgers era with an average offense and the "bend but don't break defense" makes me think the results will be no different this year.

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egbertsouse's picture

December 19, 2019 at 07:54 am

The Packers WILL win the Super Bowl! And Santa IS getting me the beach house on Maui that I asked for!

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

December 19, 2019 at 08:21 am

Well I have my doubts in this Packers team. They look unbeatable at some moments, at other ones they looks like 0-16 team. So I would like to know from you are the Packers contenders (up votes) or pretenders (down votes). Please vote under this post not to rate this post but to give me your (anonymous) opinion. Thank you!

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PatrickGB's picture

December 19, 2019 at 10:10 am

We can do it!!!

2 points
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ILPackerBacker's picture

December 19, 2019 at 12:10 pm

14 superbowls were won under 23.6 points. 3 I recall were won at 24

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TXCHEESE's picture

December 19, 2019 at 03:10 pm

Love the picture you chose Jason. Mercedes Lewis looks like he's walking off the field with his little brothers. Dude is a beast! Let's give credit where credit is due. This team knows how to win. They don't have to impress the pollsters or media, all they have to do is beat the other guys. So far they've gone 1 and 0 eleven times this season.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 19, 2019 at 05:12 pm

The Packers are predictable by being unpredictable each game. LOL! I mean at times they are too damn hard to even watch.

A great problem to have after the past two years. Maybe more! I too wonder about them as I think somewhere/somehow this team has it within themselves to dig deep for a game or two and can beat anyone. I would not want any other QB in the league than Rodgers with this young and growing team with an inexperienced coach. Having Rodgers there to maintain a steady hand guiding them through the upcoming games and playoffs is invaluable. Stranger things can happen!

It is my feeling the Packers are on the verge of evolving into a young dominant team for the next 4 or 5 years....if they have a stellar draft in 2020/2021. Gutey and Lefleur (also Pettine) have been great additions. Reluctantly many of us need to congratulate Mark for finding and hiring them.

I do think however this Viking game is very important not necessarily from a win perspective but to go into Mpls against a formidable opponent who MUST win. If the Pack plays well, hard, and competitive even in a loss it will demonstrate resolve, fortitude, and show us they can play big in big games. Where at the moment we do not really know what the Pack is truly capable of.

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