The Green Bay Packers have been without quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the last seven weeks. The Packers season looked to be in jeopardy when Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McClellin sacked Rodgers on the Monday night game of week nine. It didn't look like much but the combination of McClellin and the ground of Lambeau Field broke the quarterback's collar bone. With Rodgers, the Packers were sitting at 5-2 and riding a four-game win streak. Without Rodgers, the Packers lost or tied their next five games. The season was slipping away. Fortunately for the Packers, no one really seemed much interested in winning the NFC North. Despite not winning any games, the Packers were still in the race. Two wins and a loss later, the Packers are playing the Bears again. The division title goes to the winner of the game. The Packers might also have Aaron Rodgers back on the field. The Bears defense gave up 54 points to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. This Bears defense hasn't really stopped many teams lately. I'm not sure that they can keep a healthy Aaron Rodgers out of the end zone. As with any team that is led by an elite quarterback, the Packers are a very different team without their elite quarterback. Sometimes, a backup can come in and be effective for a game or two. It's rare for a team to get sustained, effective play when their elite quarterback is on ice for several games. The New England Patriots got better, at least more efficient, when Tom Brady replaced an injured Drew Bledsoe about a decade ago. The 1972 Miami Dolphins lost Bob Griese to a broken ankle in week five. Earl Morrall was terrific in his place. He led the Dolphins to an undefeated regular season and into the playoffs until Griese returned in the AFC Championship game. As for the 2013 Green Bay Packers, Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn have been far from stellar. They've been scrappy as has their team. They got the team to a playoff-deciding regular season finale. That's all that Aaron Rodgers needs.
"We're preparing for the Chicago Bears with Aaron Rodgers as our starting quarterback."
-Packers coach Mike McCartthy
The Green Bay Packers are a completely different football team with Aaron Rodgers on the field. He's one of the best to ever play the position. While the Packers, if they get past the Bears, might be sneaking into the playoffs at only a half game over .500, they will be in the playoffs. That's really all that matters. A top seed is nice. Home field advantage for any playoff game is nice. All that really matters is that a team is one of the twelve to be involved in the playoffs. The Packers should be one of those twelve teams. With Rodgers throwing the ball, the Packers will be a tough matchup for any of the teams in the playoffs. The offensive line has to keep Rodgers healthy and clean.
The Packers might be getting receiver Randall Cobb back this week. That can't hurt.
No comments:
Post a Comment