With their 24-21 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, the Packers are now all but formally eliminated from playoff contention. I wouldn't go as far as Pro Football Talk to say we stink because we lost to an "expansion" team (seriously, I'm having major PFT backlash this week), but the Packers are not a good enough team to play past their scheduled 16 games.
Sunday's game is the Packers fifth loss this season by four points or less, each one more painful than the last. Maybe it's karma for winning all those close games last year (Chargers, Broncos, Chiefs, Redskins, Eagles). When you really look at it, the 2008 Packers are basically the same team they were in 2007, except for one major exception.
And unlike what ESPN would like you to think, it's not Brett Favre.
If Aaron Rodgers isn't an upgrade over Brett Favre, he's certainly not a determent. You really can't ask Rodgers to do anything more than what he has been doing in these games. Sure, there have been a few bumps along the way, but riding with Brett Favre was one big roller-coaster as well.
Those who sided with Brett Favre instead of the Packers this summer are now realizing it, too. There are many people out there who are rooting for Favre, but also appreciative of the work Rodgers is doing, and it's great. I would say the only people who are still anti-Rodgers are those who have jumped ship for the season to follow the Jets 100 percent.
The problem this year is the inability to close out games, and the blame falls on two entities. Mike McCarthy and the defense.
McCarthy is calling some of these games so conservative, and I can't think of a logical reason why. It's almost as if he's trying to reel Rodgers in the way he reeled Favre in last season, as if he doesn't trust him. The play calling this season has definitely been tight, to say the least.
As for the defense, they are an absolute mess. Losing Nick Barnett was a way bigger deal than people thought it would be. I'm not sure where defensive coordinator Bob Sanders will be working next season, but it won't be in Green Bay. The defensive line has more holes in it than an episode of Prison Break. And there isn't a word in the English language to accurately describe how poor the kicking coverage is.
The way these games are playing out, though, is nearly identical to last year, just occurring in a different order with different results. Every game so far in 2008 has a doppelganger for 2007, a game which was played out in almost the same manner. Let's take a look:
2007: Packers 16, Eagles 13
2008: Texans 24, Packers 21
Packers beat Eagles on a field goal with two seconds left to play, Texans beat Packers on a game-winning field goal.
2007: Packers 35, Giants 13
2008: Packers 34, Colts 14
Both games controlled by the Packers from the opening kickoff to the final whistle, and against quality opponents.
20 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Brad James 7 months ago
This was an excellent assessment. I believe that the Packers were nothing special last season and were exposed in the NFC Championship game. However, they're not terrible either and you article just goes to show how much one season in the NFL can change from another. Thanks for not glorifying Brett Favre. The man has been rather ordinary the past couple of weeks.
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Doug Dwyer 7 months ago
Rodgers stats look great. At one time in the first half, he was 7/11 for 102 with a TD. The defense came up with a turnover at the Texans 23 yard line. In fact, every TD came because of a Texans turnover. The fact is, the offense never produced on their own. They were 1 of 10 on 3rd downs. At the end of the game Rodgers has great stats 19/30 for 295 yds, 2 TD and 1 INT. Grant has 104 yards rushing. However, the offense is dysfunctional. It can it long plays, but then goes without a first down for a quarter of the game. The Offensive line gets penalties at the worst times.
Yeah, the Defense gave up a lot of yards, but it also produced 3 turn overs. The offense has all the weapons and will have to get consistent before the Packers can really be a force again.
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andy pech 7 months ago
If you believe Favre isn't the difference, not only do you not know anything about football, you really don't know anything about sports. The margin which seperates greatness from just being good is obvious and it is called winning. Do you really think pro football seasons consist of a series of resounding victories??? No, sorry folks, NFL games are almost always close and guess what, players who make the plays that win games make teh plays that win games. Again, you can throw out all the A-Rod stats you want, look at how many games he has come-from-behind victories in, look at how many victories he has. Guess what, Favre made teh big plays last year when teh Packers needed them, Rodgers has not made those plays. Fact is, there isn't anybody on the team who makes those plays anymore. Perhaps you deny the term "playmaker" has any validity. Perhaps in the days of stats and fantasy football you can argue winning isn't the only thing. Whatever!!!
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Zach Kruse 7 months ago
Favre had a a defense and special teams last season; Rodgers has neither this season. The defense sealed just as many games last season as they've lost for the Packers this season.
Also—refrain from saying he doesn't know "anything about sports". That's your opinion, but it's also disrespectful. You can say you don't agree, but then please back it up with facts—not just your emotional opinions.
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The Packers Lounge 7 months ago
Zach is a little more politically correct than me. This comment is just plain stupid. No need to sugarcoat anything.
I would say the non-knowing sports fan resides above this comment.
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Dracula's Buttocks has teeth 7 months ago
Andy is 100% correct.
Brett Favre brings certain intangibles to the field that Aaron Rogers simply does not, nor is likely to ever, possess.
To put it into simpler and more easily digestible terms, ...Favre is a winner and Rogers is not.
The Jets are a mediocre football team (awful last year) that Favre's mere presence has improved. He brings an aura of winning that is contagious among other players.
Rogers, on the other hand, brings nothing but the uncertainty of an untested, leader by default that no one actually believes will lead the team to anything other than mediocrity.
Half the battle is psychological, and Brett Favre has his teammates believing that they can win. Plus, he just has a ton more physical and mental ability than the un-seasoned Rogers ...despite his age.
Anyone who thinks that Aaron Rogers can compete at nearly the level of Brett Favre is either in complete denial or they are not paying very close attention to what's happening on the football field.
Great insight Andy.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Ok, if Favre is the only reason we won last year. Tell me, how many tackles did Favre have? How many forced fumbles or how many quarterbacks did he pick off?
If you have watched even ONE Packer game this year, you know the defense is THAT bad.
I agree, if we had Favre we would be in a better situation because he does make those big plays.
But only a couple games higher than we are now. The defense is just too bad.
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Mike Craig 7 months ago
Think about this if you will. The Packers are not yet ruled out of the playoffs.
If the Vikings lose their next 3 games and the Bears lose at least two, and the Packers beat the Jaguars, Bears, and Lions, the Packers win the tie breaker with an 8-8 record for all three teams.
Green Bay becomes the NFC North Champs. Of course I do not believe this will happen and I lost all faith in my team this season and any faith in management (especially the play calling by Mike McCarthy). All three of them need fired.
I know I wrote an article about not calling for Ted Thompson's head just yet, well I've changed my mind.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
key words of that article being: Just yet.
lol.
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Stephen Ellis 7 months ago
The game versus Minnesota where Rodgers had two safeties, one for intentional grounding and one sack. That was probably the most crucial game of the season, and we lost even with a punt return for a touchdown and an interception returned for a touchdown. Doubt that would have happened with Favre.
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Stephen Ellis 7 months ago
The game versus Minnesota where Rodgers had two safeties, one for intentional grounding and one sack. That was probably the most crucial game of the season, and we lost even with a punt return for a touchdown and an interception returned for a touchdown. Doubt that would have happened with Favre.
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Mark Washington 7 months ago
First off saying Aaron Rodgers is on the same level as Favre is rediculous, he isn't even the best first year starting QB in the NFL. I have seen nothing from Rodgers that proves he is anything more than an average QB. As for McCarthy's play calling, the reason why it seems much worse than last season is because Favre would change alot of the plays. Rodgers is young and inexperienced and probably believes in what McCarthy is doing. Favre is a veteran and knows what works and what doesn't and isn't afaird to step on someones toes to get it done and that is why he is not in Green Bay anymore. Thompson and McCarthy didn't like the fact that Green Bay was Favre's world and they were just living in it.
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John Fennelly 7 months ago
This team has tailed off in almost every category. The main ones being the scoreboard and the standings.
I think the loss to the Giants was the setup blow and the Favre drama the KO punch. This team will be back, but they need time to retool and get over the Favre affair
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andy pech 7 months ago
I understand people who thought Favre was overrated because he didn't win the superbowl every year are a little shocked that they could have been soooo wrong. I mean let's face it, a lot of people thought the the Packers would be better without Favre. I didn't mean to be rude, but I think it is strange that a lot of people are trying to diminish what Favre acomplished last year so they can explain the team's failure this year. Favre is not just some avrage QB even now. His accuracy is unbeleivable. His ability to release the ball quickly and make snap decisions improves the offensive line and keeps the defense on its toes. Offenses which oppose him game plan to keep him off the field. I would like to sit down with anyone who thinks this is untrue and watch the highlights from last year. You know, I think something which is really hurting the Packers is A-rod's inability to take risks at the right time. He doesn't make the same kind of mistakes Favre does and that is because he doesn't know when to press. Favre going for it lost a lot games but it won the Packers many more. You can sit and cry in your soup cans all you want, the Packers stink and that is just the truth. If you want to continue to kid yourselves and think Favre isn't that great, well enjoy your unsubstantiated fantasy.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Ok dude, you can't compare 5 point wins to 11 point wins.
no no no.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Ok dude, you can't compare 5 point wins to 11 point wins.
no no no.
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Don Zak 7 months ago
David,
how are we going to retroactively explain this season away by TT apologists as another post - "favre" rebuilding year when we played the soon to be SB champs to a tie? A tie means both teams are exactly even.
Like I said in my last article, the O is playing fine, it's the D and special teams.
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thomas moreland 7 months ago
the favre points are valid the author of this article is ruling out what favre brings to the team a winning atttude love for the game and its fans and the abilty to act under pressure. sure he throws picks but he also engineered 41 come from behind last 2 minute victories in his career! this was a 13-3 team last year. gee the quarterback is the leader and the offensive force of the team. like a general if you will. some generals win wars and battles,, some have not such good idea s about winning these battles. don t blame the coaching blame the players, especially the quarterback and the horribly inconsistent offense.
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Doug Dwyer 7 months ago
On Sunday, the Packers defense produced a 3 & out against the Texans in the 4th quarter. The Packers offense got the ball back with 4 minutes left and the game tied. One drive, eat the clock up kick a field goal, win the game. Didn't happen. Green Bay punted and gave the Texans almost 2 minutes to mount their own drive and win the game.
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jason nelson 6 months ago
haha ted thompson you schmuck!
reap what you sow bitch!
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