In mid-October, the Green Bay Packers were 4-6, wallowing in the throes of a four game losing streak. In Green Bay, where the home-town Packers aren’t everything, just the only thing, the conspiracy theories abounded — Aaron Rodgers was “over the hill,” he was preoccupied with girlfriend Olivia Munn, Vladimir Putin was hacking the signals and relaying them to the opposition.
But, AR remained cool. Acknowledging that he hadn’t played up to par, he predicted that the Pack would “run the table” — win their remaining six games — and make the playoffs. Many observers were skeptical.
Tonight, AR silenced the skeptics. Overcoming hamstring and calf injuries, the lack of a consistent running game, and an unreliable defense suffering from numerous key injuries, Rodgers threw four touchdown passes (giving him 40 for the season) in leading the Packers to a 31-24 road victory over the Detroit Lions that clinched the NFC North title. AR eluded rushers who seemed to have him in their grasp, ridiculously extended plays, and made several key runs .
Kudos to the Pack’s under-appreciated offensive line, which provided outstanding protection while controlling the line of scrimmage. Additionally, the defense, under beleaguered coordinator Dom Capers, made key stops and generally contained the Lions’ high-octane passing attack led by quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Pack’s victory earned them a home playoff date against the NY Giants at Lambeau Field next Sunday. But, beware Packer fans: The last two times these teams met at Lambeau in the postseason, quarterback Eli Manning led the Giants to impressive wins.
Meanwhile, all was not lost for the Lions. They journey to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs next Saturday.
PWS
01/01/17