Vikings Game Could Tilt the Season

When the Green Bay Packers step on to TFC Field  this weekend they will be facing a make-or-break situation.  Win and they regain a portion of first place in the NFC North.  Lose and they face an uphill battle to win their fifth straight NFC North title.  

When the Green Bay Packers step on to TFC Field located on the University of Minnesota campus this weekend they will be facing a make-or-break situation.  Win and they regain a portion of first place in the NFC North.  Lose and the Packers will be facing a two game deficit in the division, loss of a tie-breaker (for now), and a steep climb to win the division for the fifth straight year.

Is this a must-win situation for the Packers?  You bet it is. 

Skill and talent are key components in achieving success in any team sport and maybe no more so than in the highly competitive and pressure-packed National Football League. 

Success also relies on the physical health of a team.  It is hard to win with key players out with injuries or at less than full strength with ailments that limit their contributions.

But there is more to winning than pure talent.  Call it the intangibles.

Anyone who has played the game of football realizes that it is a game of emotion.  Superior teams have fallen to teams who successfully demonstrate to their opponent that they are tougher, more strong-willed and hungrier for the victory.

It is also a game of confidence.  If plays work and you achieve results early, confidence builds.  When things start to fail, as they have done lately, game plans fall by the wayside and an air of ‘here we go again’ permeates the huddle and the sideline.  From there failure becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and usually results in a loss.

Lastly it is a game of momentum.  The results of the recent past weigh heavily upon each and every player, coach and staff member.

An argument could be made that the Packers have the personnel to match-up with anyone in the league.  That is what the team and most of the fans thought at the start of the season even with star receiver Jordy Nelson out for the year with a leg injury.

If that is true they have underperformed.  The reining league MVP looks tentative and uncomfortable with those around him.  The offensive line, a group that head coach Mike McCarthy has called his best since arriving in Green Bay, has troubles protecting Rodgers and opening holes for the running game.  

The list goes on:  the receivers cannot seem to gain separation, their star running back has all but disappeared and the TE position is lacking.  On defense the sacks of opposing quarterbacks have dried up, covering the opponents’ receivers has been at times challenging and as of late the special teams have reverted to Shawn Slocum-like levels of ineffectiveness. 

The coaching staff seems to have no answers other than a Ground Hog Day reliance on schemes that are not working.  According to Coach Mac the key to success is back to fundamentals with nine games already in the books.

In short, the team seems to be unraveling and with it comes a three-game losing streak.

The Packers will still be the more talented team on the field Sunday. Aaron Rodgers alone guarantees that.  Winning however may rely on the intangibles.  Regain their swagger and confidence they will have a good chance to secure the win.  

The key to the game will be the results early on.  The Packers will need to be successful early and impose their will on the Vikings.  They will need to see positive results and build successes.  Stop the run.  Run the ball themselves.  Have confidence in each other and execute the game plan with authority.  And when things break down for a time, as they always do, they will need to bounce back knowing that they have done it all before and can do it again.

By the end of the first quarter you should have a feel for the outcome of the game and what will become of their playoff hopes.  Look for McCarthy to go after the Vikings early in hopes that they can build on some successes and avoid a third straight second quarter let down.  

Let’s see how they handle a tough challenge with their backs against the wall.

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Comments (41)

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croatpackfan's picture

November 20, 2015 at 06:17 am

Jeff, if the problems are so simple, I would say, yes, lets change coaching stuff, or forget the season, lets change majority of players etc...
I do not see Packers problems to be that simple, neither I think they are much more complicated... Viking are the same team from last year plus one very important feature. They got back their the best, and I mean way above others the best player, Adrian Peterson, who carry this team and elevate their playing potential to the contender category...
Unfortunatelly, Packers' best player is in different situation. He is playing the worst football of his carrier. I will not going into discussion why is it. I think we all can agree that we never ever watched Aaron having so poor performance for him... But, if any other player can rise his game to the leader of the team level (like e. g. Clay, or Cobb or Josh or Eddie, or Mike Daniels, or name whoever you want) Packers has good chances to win that game on Sunday. Otherwise, I do not see it is possible...
Also, I think that Packers need to help Aaron in every possible way to come back to himself, even if that means to lose more games. Because we all know, w/o him at top form, Packers is not contender...

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Razer's picture

November 20, 2015 at 06:49 am

The Vikings are a very talented team, loaded with high round draft picks. And, they have drafted well. More than anything, the missing element has been coaching and they did a great job by bringing in Zimmer. They have looked at our bumper for many years and I think Sunday will be their chance to run over the Packers.

If we were playing our best, I wouldn't hesitate to favor the Packers but we are not. Mid season, McCarthy has us working on fundamentals so that our rookie corners can get ready for Adrian Peterson.

Our only chance is with Aaron Rodgers coming out of his funk and outscoring the Vikings... Let us Pray

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 20, 2015 at 07:28 am

Yeah, I agree.

Zimmer has been very good at stopping Rodgers before he got to Minnesota. And that is with Rodgers playing at his best. With the way Rodgers has been playing I would expect him to have a less then perfect day again.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 20, 2015 at 07:25 am

I think we will lose too. That said, the division turns on this game. Not the playoffs. No one, and I mean no one, wants to face Rodgera and Co in the playoffs.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 20, 2015 at 07:31 am

If we lose this game, its going to get difficult to win the North. That being said, Minnesota's schedule is not very easy.

If they lose this game, there is a good chance they still could win the north, and at the very least make the playoffs.

If the Packers get healthy for the playoffs, and find their groove they will be dangerous again as the playoffs approach.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 20, 2015 at 08:14 am

Yeah RC. That is true. The only thing personnel wise that I absolutely am concerned about is the lack of an outside threat at WR. They have Davante and that's it. Jones is a very good WR3. An average WR2. NOT a WR1. Davante is a good WR2. Not a 1. Cobb isn't an outside threat as much and we've learned that he also is not a WR1.

The rest is just scheme. You've got to think physically that Lacy, the OL and ARod bounce back soon.

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dobber's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:03 am

"Cobb isn't an outside threat as much and we've learned that he also is not a WR1."

He clearly benefits when there's a legit outside threat on the field. Some slot guys--like Antonio Brown--seem to be productive playing next to a sack of potatoes...clearly Cobb needs a Jordy Nelson type to be at his best.

Makes you look at that contract he signed last spring and wonder--in hindsight--whether he was really worth all that $$. Seemed like it at the time: needed to keep the cupboard stocked for #12. Also makes you wonder if he's playing as hard or with as much focus now that he's been paid...all those drops...

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:24 am

I think Cobb and Nelson form one of the best duo's in the league if not the best. Cobb isn't an outside WR, he is a slot guy. With Nelson he takes the safety deep and it allows Cobb to work underneath. So now defenses are focused on stopping Cobb. Without having that deep threat it is hurting Cobb.

IMO, offensively they have to start finding ways to still get him the ball. In the last game they targeted Adams what 48 times? Obviously they liked the matchup, but why not look to get Cobb the ball more? Even use him on reverses and misdirection type of stuff. Hell how about we see Cobb throw the ball on a trick play. Get defenses on their toes more.

I think the offense needs to be more creative in how they use Cobb especially without Nelson. They did a great job on the play early in the game. They used a bunch formation, got Cobb wide open and he dropped the ball. Well the playcall work so why not use it again? Cobb isn't going to drop a lot of those.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 22, 2015 at 12:39 pm

"Even use him on reverses and misdirection type of stuff. Hell how about we see Cobb throw the ball on a trick play. Get defenses on their toes more."

You said it brother!

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TarynsEyes's picture

November 20, 2015 at 08:47 am

"No one, and I mean no one, wants to face Rodgera and Co in the playoffs."

I would say the failings of the last 4 playoffs says otherwise.This team has show it's faults in that special time of year and has yet been able to devise a plan to refrain from repeating them as often as repeating as Division winner...whooooppeeee!!!!

Cold cocked by the Giants,twice beat by a Kaepernick and the ultimate 'We don;t want to win' meltdown in a a game that was over at half time and shouldn't been allowed to get close before the epitome of epic brain farts was unleashed on the fan faithful.

"We are the Black Widows,We are feared throughout the land."

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Bearmeat's picture

November 20, 2015 at 10:42 am

Taryn-

By that logic you could say that every single team that doesn't win at least two Super Bowl's has proven to be a lightweight at "that special time of year".

The Pats made won Super Bowl between 2007 and 2015. And they lost that Super Bowl. Peyton Manning's teams have only won one Super Bowl. Russell Wilson's teams have only won one Super Bowl. Eli Manning got lucky twice. What do you want? And you will juggernaut status and back to back to back champions? That would be great, but in my opinion it's not possible in the modern era of the NFL. The last true dynasty what's the Cowboys of the mid 90s and that was before free agency. Those two facts are linked at the hip.

Any team that is in a position to win it all meaning in the playoffs every year over a period of five years is doing very well. Green Bay has been the second best franchise and sports sense McCarthy took over. And really since Holmgren took over in the early 90s.

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TarynsEyes's picture

November 20, 2015 at 11:05 am

History of other teams success or failure is not the issue.You stating that 'no one' wants to play us in the playoffs is the issue I took issue with.You spoke of it as though we have have total success and are not a team to...fail.
The fact of reaching the playoffs is enough for many and fine,but the reality of this team is we have more often than not have been the beneficial recipient of Division Titles and playoff spots more to the even less than stellar play of our opponents and Division rivals and not via the 'oh crap' we got to play the Packers,you know the bad ass team from Green Bay.We are as bad ass as the mediocrity of an opponent allows us and even that lately has not been a benefit as in the recent years pass.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 20, 2015 at 11:42 am

See: Thats the thing though. Who exactly inspires that "oh crap" feeling in others on more than 2 years in a row. NO ONE except the Pats. And even then, they've had plenty of issues over the past decade.

The Seahawks in 11? Nope. 14? Nope. The 9ers in 11? Nope. 13? mayyyybe. The Giants? Nope. They came out of nowhere in 07 and 11 and have been pathetic to average every other year. The Colts? Nope. Ravens? Nope. Broncos? Nope. Steelers? Nope.

You see my point? The NFL itself is designed for parity. The very fact that GB is in the catbirds seat or very near to it almost every year for the past 25 years is IN ITSELF a testament to the greatness of the franchise since 1991. Only New England has been better.

Now - only winning it all twice? That is a complaint you can fairly make. They SHOULD have won it at least twice more (97 and 03 and you can make an argument for 14)

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NickPerry's picture

November 21, 2015 at 11:45 am

Not to be negative Bearmeat but Rodgers playoff record just isn't that good. Take out 2010 and the Packers are one and done in 2009, 2011, and 2013. In 2012 they beat Joe Webb and then were pounded by the 49ers in a game where Walden would still be looking for Kapernick. He's 2-5 in games not played in 2010. Obviously winnng the SB in 2010 can't be discounted but if you'd told me Rodgers would be 2-4 in the playoffs after winning it all I'd have called you crazy.

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Packer_Pete's picture

November 20, 2015 at 07:48 am

This game will not be close at all. Vikings will run the ball and control the clock. Packers O will stall again. I don't expect the Packers to score more than 10 in this one, as both QB and OL are banged up.
So I do think the NFC North will go to the Vikings this year. NFC championship will go through Charlotte. Packers will have to win next week to have a chance to go to the playoffs. I still think they will finish 10-6 and get it. If they do get in anything can happen, there is no real superior team in the NFC this year. Panthers are solid but can be beaten. Cardinals, Vikings, and whoever will win the East are just ok teams, nothing more. So the 2 wild card teams could play a good role in the playoffs, unfortunately I don't think the Packers are a very good team this year. So even though I think they get in, it will be 1-and-done again.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 20, 2015 at 08:08 am

Happy to your hear your optimism.

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dobber's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:11 am

I expect the Packers to load the box and force Teddy B to beat them. The Packers have had success at times against AP playing this way. Given the issues with the pass rush and lapses in coverage the last couple weeks, I don't know how much of a challenge this will be for Bridgewater. Would not be surprised to see the Packers OVER-aggressive and giving up some key big plays as a result.

Montgomery apparently had a setback on his ankle in practice yesterday, which is more than just unfortunate. I think he really helps to generate wrinkles in the offense and to get the coaches thinking outside the box a little more.

Fully expect to see the Packers pulling out all the stops this week. Trick plays, hopefully some unscouted looks. It's gotta happen now...if not, when?

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:37 am

'Would not be surprised to see the Packers OVER-aggressive and giving up some key big plays as a result.'
I would much rather see an over aggressive defense, give up a few bigger plays then to watch the defense play soft and give up play after play all game long.

Montgomery, ughhh... He is the guy I thought that could come in and change our offense for the better. He brings creativity for the coaches. He brings some playmaking ability and versatility that creates mismatches. Our offense hasn't been the same since he got hurt. After his set back I am going to assume he won't be playing this weekend.

'ully expect to see the Packers pulling out all the stops this week. Trick plays, hopefully some unscouted looks. It's gotta happen now...if not, when?'
I just said that in a post. I agree. This would be a great time to see Cobb throw a ball. Its something we haven't seen them do in a long time. I would like to see not necessarily trick plays, but plays that they haven't used before. Get some motion going to cause confusion on the defense.

The coaches have to do something schematically to help jump start the offense. Now is the time.

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NickPerry's picture

November 20, 2015 at 08:12 am

I agree with Jeff, this is really a "Must Win" game for the Packers. Not only is it a division game but it's another road game against a top 10 Defense. Rodgers has struggled to say the least against good defense's on the road, he's 0-7 in his last 7 starts.

If the Packers are as talented as everybody thought It's time to show that Sunday on the field before this really spirals out of control, in spite of McCarthy's powerful message about fundamentals.

Rodgers has won with worse Running Games, worse Defenses, worse WR's, and worse O-Lines, he can win with this team. The Defense should be motivated, especially those with Children. If I was on that defense I'd have ZERO problem playing against a man who beat his kid with a "Switch" which I guess is a chicken shit way of saying he used a tree Branch. Use it as "Tackling Fuel" as "The Waterboy" did and unleash a can of Whoopass. I'm one of those that believe Peterson should have never been allowed to play again. If you dont agree go back and look at the pictures and ask yourself again if you still think he deserves to be on the field.

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TarynsEyes's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:07 am

"If the Packers are as talented as everybody thought It's time..."

Regretfully,one can only put the talent on hand on the field and not that which dwells in the minds of fantastic dreamers of the lackluster.

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dobber's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:13 am

The MM comment on "fundamentals" is largely meaningless...another example of saying something but really saying nothing. He's learned well from TT in that regard: the mouth is moving but there's really no information to be had.

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Jimmy Ryan's picture

November 21, 2015 at 07:21 am

Go Packers

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NickPerry's picture

November 21, 2015 at 11:47 am

Exactly my point Dobbler. To expand on it a little after 10 years, Mike McCarthy teams still don't play fundamental football.
Tackling...Nope
Catching...Nope
Blocking...Nope
Communication...Nope
Then there's the main reason he gave up play calling, he didn't know Clay Matthews wasn't in the game the last 5 minutes in the NFL Championship Game. Shut the F up Mike! If you're the head coach of a football team and your assistants aren't informing you of something like a injury to your best player OR you don't notice yourself? Gimmie a break! Every play Seattle made in the last 5 minutes they showed shots of McCarthy and he LOOKED like he was watching, he didn't notice Clay was out? I guess he's always got the stupid "I Have No Idea" look.

Then there's Teddy who after 10 years of doing nothing in Free Ageny, Trades, or keeping a valuable Vet over a Rookie continues to tell us he is ALWAYS looking at ways to improve his team.
BULLSHI# !!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's annoying is he continues to tell the fans that. He doesn't have to answer to the fans, not really even though I believe there's some obligation. But after 10 years of having 2 of the best QB's to ever play the game he has one SB. Yes I know, several Teams don't have even one SB, they never make the playoffs or win the division, BUT they DIDN"T have Favre or Rodgers either.

10 years is a long time in the NFL. McCarthys message is old and stale and TT way limits the Packers from winning to much. I'm sorry but picking late each year and losing players to FA, injury, or age without stpocking the team even a little is ONLY used by TT. Hell every one of the GM's from the Thompson Tree do nothing like Thompson himself. Yes they build through the draft, but the also use every way possible to get better. Ted T completely misses the boat with that process.

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egbertsouse's picture

November 20, 2015 at 12:31 pm

I agree 100%. I want the Packers to win but could be happy in defeat if somebody gives Beaterson a shot to the nuts so hard that he's gargling them. I hate bullies that hurt kids even worse than puppy murderers.

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Khoa Vo's picture

November 20, 2015 at 08:35 am

x

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WinUSA's picture

November 20, 2015 at 10:32 am

I was certainly dismayed to hear the Monty is going to be out.

But I am very, very, optimistic that this team is going to beat the Vikings.

Historically, when the black and blue division plays each other...you can throw the damn records and standings out the window.

Expect the Packers to come out with their ears flattened.

They have been reading all the negative print the last couple of weeks....and they will be ready to get some payback.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 20, 2015 at 12:19 pm

Montgomery out? Not good. Maybe the Pack will shock everyone this week. Stranger things have happened. Go Pack Go

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dobber's picture

November 20, 2015 at 01:37 pm

"But I am very, very, optimistic that this team is going to beat the Vikings."

I'm the optimistic sort, too, and something about this game has me thinking of that prime time game at Houston a couple years ago (yes, the infamous "RELAX" game). Some of the pieces are setting up the same way.

"Expect the Packers to come out with their ears flattened."

I expect to see an emphasis on the run game this week...just a hunch. Perhaps a #27 sighting.

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carl's picture

November 20, 2015 at 10:35 am

A win will be on the OL, nuff said!

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EdsLaces's picture

November 20, 2015 at 11:19 am

I am not excited for this game. I mean ...cmon lions really? I guess it's good news that we aren't playing in the dome with that stupid fn horn. But if you look at the two teams it's hard to see how the pack wins this game. Vikings have 31st passing attack and 1st rush attack. So what will we do load up on the run and then watch teddy b throw for 250 yards+. I love the packers but an unhealthy throwing shoulder for qb1 is going to kill us this year.

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NickPerry's picture

November 21, 2015 at 12:17 pm

Life for the Packers would be a hell of a lot easier if Lacy got going. Clements NEVER gives the guy a chance TO get going. He's carried the ball 15 times or more twice this year and both games he gained 85 yards or more. Last season he had 42 receptions, this year he has 10. If the Packers are going to get going this year at any time, it has to start with Lacy. Starks is a change of pace back, a slasher but by no means is he a back you can put a team on his shoulders. The offense had been pathetic anyways, might as well do something you haven't done in 7 of the 9 games and that's stick with Lacy. Obviously injury has played a small role, but for a few weeks where Lacy didn't play much he wasn't even listed on the Injury Report.

The Packers can stop AP from killing them and at least slow him down. If they stopped Lynch, Charles, and Stewart they can slow down A/P. If they can manage that we got a game.

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Bohj's picture

November 20, 2015 at 01:48 pm

Had time to digest that Lions game. Execution was at an all time low. Playcalling could help, but I saw missed passing opportunities, and about four to five drops that would have changed the course of that game. Plus, a special teams gaff on a kick return. The D looked stout for most of the game except one drive. And we still almost won on a crap try by Crosby. Sooooo........my point is. We could use about five plays more and get this thing rolling again. If we get this road win, it could really slingshot us into a nice position and confidence we need for the rest of the season. Then we can continue our revenge theme (see Seattle and niners)....and get another crack at Carolina later. And then....maybe.....by some miracle, Denver can get to the Superbowl to give us one more revenge cherry on the top.......how epic would that season be? A year where Favre gets retired, we go on to beat the Broncos in the Superbowl earning Rodgers that second ring. A guy can dream right!?

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Samson's picture

November 20, 2015 at 05:02 pm

Actually, the last game of the season against the Vikes in GB will be a "must win". --- If the Pack loses this game, a two game lead by the Vikes can be eliminated in, well, two weeks. The Vikes are going to lose a few more yet even after this game. (@ Atlanta, Seahawks, @ Arizona, Bears, Giants, @ GB)

What I find disheartening is that even if the Pack make the playoffs, this team just doesn't have it to do anything in the playoffs. I doubt they'll be able to beat a playoff team on the road. -- Simply not enough talent in key areas. ---- This is the downside of D&D. --- Time to examine TT's head.

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Since'61's picture

November 20, 2015 at 05:00 pm

I think the key to his game against the Vikings is the Packers defense. If we can hold down AP as we did with Forte, Lynch and a few other premier RBs earlier this season we would force TB to beat us. It will important to keep AP off the field with some long drives as well. Except for the Denver and Carolina games our defense has played well and they will need to do so again versus the Vikings. We no longer have the offensive firepower to come from behind, especially by 2 or more scores. We need to play with a lead or at least keep it close. Montgomery's set back is a big disappointment. I was expecting him to add a spark to our offense. Maybe we will get a big play from our Special teams and/or our defense. Go pack! Thanks, Since '61

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Samson's picture

November 20, 2015 at 05:05 pm

It's called "desperate" when you wish for a big play on special teams in order to pull out a win.

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dobber's picture

November 21, 2015 at 06:10 am

Worked for Detroit last week...

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2015 at 10:34 am

I didn't say that we need a big play from STs or that I expect we'll need a big ST play to pull out a win. I said maybe we'll get a big play from STs or the defense. That means maybe a big erturn from ST to give this team some spark that's been missing for the few games. Maybe a big stop or a forced TO will help to get us going. And yes, a big ST play might win the game for us. If Crosby hits the game winning FG last week, that would have been a big ST play. Special teams are part of the game there is no reason why STs cannot factor into a win, I'm not sure that it is desperation. That doesn't mean they pull out a win, but it could. Thanks, Since '61

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D Ernesto's picture

November 20, 2015 at 06:36 pm

I have to ask myself how can the packers win. Running game is not working, passing game is in the tank, O line isn't that protective all of a suden, special teams are anything but again this year, and other than the Lions this is the worst pass defense in football.
Capers rushes five or six hoping to get to the QB because he knows his dbacks can't cover a cot with a king sized blanket.
No this will be a beat down, the Vikes will take over the NFC North for a lot of years to come not just this Sunday.
Get used to being disappointed. Too many marginal guys on this team.

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ben's picture

November 20, 2015 at 09:36 pm

Get use to being disappointed?

If your not disappointed in the last 11 years with the best and most influential player in the history of football, you are hard to disappoint. Give Aaron Rodgers 11 years, a dartboard for a draftboard, and a monkey with a headset and he'd manage 1 championship.

As bad as this division has been this last decade, it would have been difficult for Ted or anybody to do any worse.

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Since'61's picture

November 21, 2015 at 10:47 am

You probably missed it, but just as an FYI, Johnny Unitas is the most influential player in the history of pro-football. Rodgers has certainly lifted the QB position to higher level and has played the position at least as well if not better than anyone I have seen, but Johnny U. created the modern passing game and the modern QB position while he was playing the game. He is to the NFL what Babe Ruth is to baseball. His play made fans want to watch the NFL and drove the TV networks to make national deals with the NFL. Unfortunately, it all evolved into the greedy NFL monster that we have today. Having said that the Packers should have at least one more SB with Aaron Rodgers. Thanks, Since '61

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D Ernesto's picture

November 21, 2015 at 04:31 pm

Weather will be decent here tomorrow. Got only a light dusting of snow so travel should be good for you pack fans coming here. Drive safe, enjoy the game

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