Moving On: Positives to Take Away from the Packers' Loss to the Giants

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Trying to put a positive spin on everything can be counter-productive, delusional and let's face it, down right annoying.

However, I think Packers fans have spent enough time this week focusing on the negative aspects of the 38-10 drumming the Giants handed them this week and it is time to move on.

So with that, let's take a look at the positive things we can take away from last week's game and move on to the Vikings.

Jermichael Finley

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Finley came out this week and put out the most effort I've seen from him all season. He was running hard routes, making great blocks and made a great hustle play on a tipped pass that he brought down for a catch.

While it was not Finley's biggest game of the season stats-wise, the hustle that he displayed jumped off of the game tape. If Finley has turned a corner and decided to shut his mouth and just play football for the rest of the season, he could be a huge asset down the stretch.

M.D. Jennings

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Jennings continues to improve as the season progresses. His only glaring mistake may have been getting sucked up by the tight end on the Reuben Randle touchdown in the second quarter.

Jennings made his presence felt all over the field. He played well in run support and also did well in some one-on-one coverage situations. The mentoring that Jennings has received from the injured Charles Woodson is showing up more and more on the field.

Players are healing

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While players that sat out this week continue to get healthier, players that had previously sat out are looking closer to 100 percent as well.

Jordy Nelson, in his second game back after dealing with ankle and hamstring injuries, scored his first touchdown since returning. His burst off the line and route running are beginning to look like the Jordy we've grown accustomed to.

B.J. Raji is looking closer to full health as well. After missing a game with an ankle injury, Raji is showing much better penetration at the line of scrimmage. He is also showing much better lateral movement when pursuing ball-carriers.

Seeing these players getting back to full health in game situations is a big step forward for the health of the team overall. The quicker other injured players can rejoin them on the field, the quicker these players can get their game legs back and prepare for the playoffs.

Better Now Than in 6 Weeks

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An embarrassing loss in Week 12 is exponentially easier to swallow than an embarrassing loss in the playoffs. This loss can serve as a wake-up call to Packers players. They have now seen where they need to be to advance in the playoffs this season. The offense, defense and special teams now have five weeks to get their games to where they need to be to win in the playoffs.

That's a much easier lesson to learn in November than it is in January.

Recent history has shown that the team that gets hot at the end of the year is the most dangerous. This game can serve as the moment when the Packers get dangerous.