Packers Return To Arizona
Do you hear that? Do you hear the murmurs beginning to grow? Do you sense the excitement?
One game, one 17 point victory, yet it seems to mean much more. Beating a division leader should be considered an accomplishment, surely, yet when it comes against the Washington Redskins one can’t help but tone down the celebration. Washington was easily the worst football team in the playoffs, despite being “winners” of their division. In reality, they had the best record in a horrible division and benefited from having a fairly easy schedule. Consider this: Washington went winless against teams that finished the season with a winning record. They couldn’t defeat one team that won more than they lost. The Packers may not be great, but they were good enough to defeat Washington. Though they now find themselves in Washington’s shoes.
Clearly the worst remaining team in the NFC, there is an argument to be made that the Packers are the worst remaining team in the playoffs. Sure, Ben Roethlisberger’s injury makes the Steelers seem like prime pickings for the Denver Broncos, but if he is able to play anywhere near his usual level then the Broncos may well be in for a fight. Can you say the same for the Cardinals? Arizona demolished Green Bay but a few weeks ago. Though the Cardinals were assisted by two fumbles that were returned for touchdowns, which is something you just don’t see every week, they simply dominated all aspects of the game. Can the Packers make the game closer than they did a few weeks ago? Of course. Will they? I sure hope so. The Packers played their worst game of the season in Arizona, it just seems unlikely that it will happen again.
Arizona is the better football team. If the Packers are to have a prayer of beating them they will need to force a few turnovers and protect the ball better than they did against Washington. Even one fumble is too many. James Starks and Eddie Lacy will need to run well and open holes for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. Speaking of Rodgers, he needs to trust his receivers to make plays, and for that reason the Adams injury may be a blessing in disguise. Davonte Adams has yet to develop a knack for actually catching the football, and he may find himself with a pink slip in his locker come next season. Rodgers has been visibly frustrated with Adams when he fails to make plays that are commonplace in the NFL. Dropping passes not only make him look back but it also makes Rodgers look bad, throw in the fact that it hurts the team and Rodgers eyes may actually have been glowing red. Sure, Jared Abbrederis doesn’t have a great relationship with Rodgers either but there’s at least a chance that Rodgers isn’t thinking “just catch the damn ball” every time he looks in his direction. All of this will be for naught if the offensive line is unable to keep Rodgers off of his backside, though.
Arizona will likely win this game, and thus conclude the disappointing season for the Packers. Hey, there is always next year.
Arizona 27 Green Bay 17
