Green Bay Packers: 4 Reasons a Loss is Good for Them

Unbeaten up until Week 15, the Green Bay Packers' dream of an undefeated season were stolen by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 19-14 loss on the road Sunday.

While the reigning Super Bowl champs would have loved to bring home another championship without a single flaw on their record, this loss is a good thing for the team for a few reasons.

Relieves Pressure

One team, and one team only, has gone through an entire NFL season and won the Super Bowl with an undefeated record, and that was almost 40 years ago when the 1972 Miami Dolphins were able to do so. In other the words, even the term "rare" should be used loosely.

Due to the rarity of this type of accomplishment, the hype and pressure surrounding a team in pursuit of this scarcely succeeded feat can be quite burdensome. No matter how much a staff and its players want to deny it, the idea of holding onto the cherished zero can become both the focus and the distraction.

It can also result in the team changing their style and playing not to lose, particularly in tight situations, rather than sticking to the plan and playing to win.

Besides, winning back-to-back Super Bowls holds enough pressure on its own.

Reality Check

The end of a perfect season for the Packers' most importantly says one thing, the Packers are not perfect.

With their last loss coming almost a year ago today, on December 19, 2010, during Week 15, the Green Bay Packers may have started to feel like the untouchables.

However, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers not on his usual A+ game, the offensive line hurting and receivers dropping balls, the Packers suddenly had some weaknesses exposed.

Sure, they've had their moments this season, and not so glorious film to watch before today, but nothing compares to the sting of defeat.  

Better Now Than Later

So the Packers won't go undefeated this season, but regardless of the loss, the ultimate goal is still intact, and that's to win a Super Bowl.

While an undefeated season would definitely land Green Bay in the record books, the idea is to win championships and back-to-back championship seasons wouldn't look so bad either.

This loss may be just what the doctor requested in order for the Packers to realistically win it all again this year.

After all, better to suffer a loss now than to be like the 2007 Patriots and save it for the Super Bowl.

Time To Rest, Recover and Prevent Further Injuries

While the Packers clinched a playoff berth many weeks ago, their loss Sunday means they have not yet secured home-field advantage.  However, all the Packers need is one win or a San Francisco loss in order to do so.  

With the 49ers playing the Steelers on Monday, this could happen sooner than later, which would give the Packers no reason not to rest players.

If the Packers earn the luxury of sitting players for the last couple of weeks and allowing others to recover, they're depleted roster will be in much better shape come playoff time.

Furthermore, no more injuries to key players will be risked. 

Had the Packers remained undefeated, then they may have been tempted to keep playing all starters through Week 17.