As reported by the Green Bay Press Gazette, a noon start on Christmas eve is no guarantee of “peace on earth goodwill to men” at Lambeau Field. Getting a head start on their Christmas Revels, a season high 30 rowdy fans were booted from the stadium during the Packers-Vikes contest, narrowly topping the 28 fans given the heave ho during the Packers December 11 win over the Seattle Seahawks. On the bright side, the six arrests fell woefully short of the 13 arrested during the Packers 23-16 victory over the playoff-bound NY Giants on October 9. But, the combined 36 arrests and ejections sets a season mark that can only be surpassed if the Pack beats the Detroit Lions in Detroit on New Year’s Day, which would guarantee at least one home playoff game at Lambeau. Ah, Christmas in Wisconsin — I remember it well!
Although it appears that much of the action was in the stands, there actually was a game taking place on the field. The Pack thrashed the Vikes 38-25. Aaron Rodgers was brilliant again, accounting for all five Packer touchdowns, four through the air and one running, notwithstanding hamstring and leg injuries.
The game was not as close as the score would indicate, as the Packers, with the game well in hand, spent most of the interminable fourth quarter in a so-called “prevent” defense, allowing Minnesota to run up tons of yards and score two meaningless touchdowns. Unfortunately, however, for much of the season it’s been difficult to tell the difference between the “prevent” and the porous “normal” defense that has allowed zillions of yards (particularly through the air) and lots of points — try 17 in the fourth quarter last week against the hapless 3-12 Bears that almost cost the Pack the game and their season. Only another spectacular throw from AR to Jordy Nelson as time wound down saved the day and prevented an embarrassing disaster at the hands of the “Midgets of the Midway.”
More arrests, evictions, and general rowdiness from Packer fans is predicted for next week’s Division Championship Game in Detroit both at the Lion’s home, Ford Field, and at the many bars, taverns in, and on the streets of, Green Bay.