Hey Packers Fans, Take a Step Back!
By contributor
Watching Aaron Rodgers struggle is weird and disconcerting. Much of the discontent currently coursing through Packer nation really boils down to this. The Packers have had one of the NFL’s most prolific and, crucially, aesthetically appealing offenses since Rodgers took over from Brett Favre. This year, the offense has been disjointed, riddled with three and outs, drops, and questionable decisions. More frustrating, it’s impossible to credibly pin responsibility for the drop off in productivity on any one party or group. This has, unfortunately, obscured some positive developments in Packerland.
Mike Daniels is awesome, and coming back - A true draft and develop success, Mike Daniels has improved for the fourth year in a row. He’s been an absolute beast on the defensive line, and signing a four-year contract extension means the Packers will have some quality continuity going forward. By all accounts, he’s also been a valuable locker room voice and reliable competitor.
The defense is better - The defense has not been pretty, but it has improved since last year, which is impressive given the number of snaps rookies have received in the secondary. Through 14 games, the defense ranks 17th in yards allowed, which is worse, but fifth in points allowed, which is a considerable improvement (up from 13th). That’s even more crucial given the struggling offense. In several games, the defense was really the primary reason the Packers were able to win the game.
Rookies getting playing time - Anytime you can learn more about your young players and still win games, that’s great. So far this season the Packers have been able to get Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, and Jake Ryan serious, important reps. Ty Montgomery would be playing if he hadn’t gotten injured. The results have not been flawless. Randall got torched by Amari Cooper until he started getting safety help on most plays. Ryan has missed more tackles than you’d like. But it’s better for the coaching staff and players to figure out their limitations now as opposed to a crucial moment in the playoffs. Sixteen games per season puts a lot of pressure on teams every game. It’s hard to win games, and player development time comes at a premium.
The special teams have improved - An upgrade from “horrendous” to “sorta okay” is still an upgrade. With two games yet to be played, the special teams ratings at Football Outsiders have the Packers ranked 18th in weighted DVOA (read: measure of efficiency) up from 31st last year. That’s a big deal! According to that ratings system, the Packers have improved in field goals, kickoffs, kickoff returns, and punts. Punt returns have been worse, than last year, but overall, the special teams unit has, in most cases, not made it harder for the team to win games. Middle of the pack might not be an ideal ranking, but it’s still ahead of some other playoff teams, like Arizona and Carolina.
The Packers are still pretty good! - Currently, the projections at 538.com suggest the Packers have a six percent chance of winning the Super Bowl. If you check the 538 projections from before the season started, the Packers were projected with a seven percent chance to win the Super Bowl. After all they've been through, from Jordy Nelson being out for the year to the continuing saga of Eddie Lacy, at least one projection* has their chances changed by only one percent. That's still way better than many teams.
This is actually better than they performed in the 2010 season, where they lost six games and made the playoffs as a wild card. While everyone would like to have home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the main goal is just to get to the playoffs. The Packers are in the playoffs! This page has a list of active playoff droughts. Four teams on that list have not reached the postseason in over a decade. Meanwhile, this is the 7th straight season the Packers have made the playoffs, tied for the the longest playoff streak in team history (the Cowboys and Colts are tied for the NFL record of 9 straight postseason appearances). Enjoy it while you can!
*Football Outsiders use a different system which currently gives the Packers a 1.8 percent chance of winning the Super Bowl.
Editor's Note: This article was written by guest contributor Richard Procter, who is a freelance business reporter based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He currently writes about the business of esports for Forbes.com and has written for the San Francisco Business Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, PC Gamer, and Scout.com, among others.
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Comments (103)
KenEllis
December 23, 2015 at 08:54 pm
I'm always curious when folks, like this author, lecture Packer fans: "this is the 7th straight season the Packers have made the playoffs ... Enjoy it while you can."
Am I really supposed to have ENJOYED last year's debacle in Seattle?
How about the 2012 playoff game in SF when Kaepernick ran for a record number of yards for a QB, was that really an enjoyable Packer fan experience?
Was losing badly to the Giants (at home after a 15-1 season) in the first game of the 2011 playoffs really that enjoyable?
I suggest Mr. Procter stick to reading 538 or whatever other sources convince him the 2015 Packers have been a success and stop instructing other Packer fans on the appropriate way to follow their team.
JerseyAl
December 23, 2015 at 09:05 pm
So the only things you remember are bad things? You are the person this post was probably written for.
jeremyjjbrown
December 23, 2015 at 09:22 pm
It's ok to be disappointed that even though they have a player who may be the best to play the game at the most important position in all of sports that the Packers are not ept enough as an organization to be playing in the Super Bowl regulary.
TKWorldWide
December 23, 2015 at 09:53 pm
Grossly underestimating how difficult that is.
jeremyjjbrown
December 24, 2015 at 05:32 pm
I'm not estimating anything. I'm saying they have a huge piece in the fold and the window will only be open so long, and it's ok to be disappointed in the results since 2010.
TKWorldWide
December 25, 2015 at 03:26 am
What do you mean by "disappointed"?
Thegreatreynoldo
December 26, 2015 at 10:57 am
I cannot speak for Jeremy, but I'd say disappointed is a good description if it means dissatisfied, dashed, teased, fell short of reasonable expectations, but not if it means embittered, or disgruntled. Certainly GB has given me many wonderful moments and a lot of enjoyment since 2010.
KenEllis
December 24, 2015 at 12:26 am
So Al if the Packers go to the playoffs 12 straight years (figure ARod has another 5 good years at least) and the Pack never gets to a second Super Bowl with Aaron playing QB, then TRUE PACKER fans should still be waiving the Green & Gold pom poms and celebrating, right?
Sorry, iI'm tired of those whose idea of SUCCESS is simply outperforming the dysfunctional Lions, the Jay Cutler led Bears and the Brad Childress/Leslie Frazier coached Vikes when Aaron Rodgers is the Pack's QB telling those of us who expect more out of the Pack that we are not real fans.
I'll be in the stands in Glendale this Sunday cheering wildly for the Pack, but I refuse to believe simply making the playoffs and not playing for another Lombardi makes this season one worth celebrating.
croatpackfan
December 24, 2015 at 05:17 am
KenEllis, here and on some other web sites there is a lot of fans who is concerned every year if Packers will win SB or not. What I found interesting is that Packers fans make their requests to the players to achieve top results at every moment. That requests are not wishes, but demands. That also says a lot of Packers fans. Everyone who achieved at least once to be the best at some moment, knows how hard is it to achieve that. Nothing is given to you, very often there is more obstacles than help on that way and when you achieve it, that makes you proud. NFL is made to try to achieve parity and all teams faces that chalange. I see a lot of fans thery are underperfoming in their lives, so that bis the reason why they demanbd from their team to cover them by achieving the top achievement. That is pathetic.
I was not fan of Packers (I knew a little of football!) at the time when Packers team was cheering when they have 5 wins per season! Post season was never achieving dream! But still those Packers teams has their fan base. There is the reason why. I can cheer and be fan of "loser" team if that team gave everything what they can to win, but on honest way, not by cheating. And I respect all players and coaches and managers who are part of that team. I do understand that I'm ignorant when I compoared to lot of you here, on this web site, so you can imagine how little I know in comparison with the worst coach and worst player in NFL? I know almost nothing! Your demands your team MUST win all is connecting with everything you personnaly can not, have not guts, abilities, will, persistance etc. in your personal life. And I'm sad to see your comment. Sad because of you, not sad because of what you written...
Charvid
December 24, 2015 at 08:03 am
YES!! They absolutely should still be waving their Green and Gold pom poms.
JerseyAl
December 24, 2015 at 08:11 am
So in the business world, if you have never quite been able to make it to company president, but you've been VP for many years and done a great job, you haven't been a success?
I'll let the number of down votes on your comment speak to what most people think of someone who can only cite bad things and is not willing to talk about all the good things. Life is not as simple as you either win everything or you have lost everything. But. to each his own...
Ibleedgreenmore
December 24, 2015 at 06:18 pm
Did you take lessons from Cow, man really give it a rest. You could be a Tampa Bay fan instead I remember the 70s and 80s it could be a whole lot worse.
Oppy
December 27, 2015 at 11:07 am
If you held the events of your own life and times to the same standard as you hold the Green Bay Packers, in the end, you will have lived a dour life largely devoid of happiness, when in fact, there is probably much you could have celebrated.
Just think about it. Do you hold the events in your own life to the same litmus test you hold the Packers? If you do, you're probably angry and depressed much of the time. If you don't, you should consider re-evaluating how you judge the Packers- a team I assume you follow for the sake of ENJOYMENT. You are probably missing out on much of that.
Oppy
December 27, 2015 at 03:23 pm
I live a relatively balanced life and because of that, I can find enjoyment in watching the Packers season, each and every year, for better or for worse.
Can it be frustrating? Yeah, sure. But will you see me lamenting a somewhat ugly 10-4 season? Nope, because I don't need the Packers to be world-beaters in order to get out of bed in the morning and be happy.
I enjoy the successes, and find interest in how they will overcome weakness, and enjoy the journey much more than the prize.
That 15-1 regular season was one of the most uninteresting seasons I ever watched. Just bulldozing opponents doesn't interest me.
Call me a fool, I enjoy the the drama of struggle, and the victories are sweeter that way.
AZPack
December 27, 2015 at 06:31 pm
Couldn't have said it better Oppy. The journey, not the results each week or at the end is what I find enjoyable. Like you I don't need the Packers to win. Sure its more fun, but its entertainment. Each year is a new journey and I pity the fan that can't accept that. Life would suck that way.
PaulRosik
December 23, 2015 at 09:26 pm
No one is happy when their favorite team loses. Everyone wants their favorite team to add good players to fill holes. Everyone gets mad when they see bad playcalling or poor execution.
But yes you are supposed to enjoy it when your favorite team wins games. You are supposed to enjoy it when they secure playoff bids. You are supposed to enjoy it when they win a division.
If the only thing that makes it enjoyable for you is a super bowl win you should really stop watching,. Cause every team in existence is going to not win it a lot more than they are going to win it.
PortlandMark
December 23, 2015 at 10:43 pm
7 straight playoff appearances is remarkable. I'm enjoying every victory along the way. If it all comes together and they win another SB then it's icing on the cake for me. The regular season is the longest part of the year and winning the division is hard. If they do it again it is worth celebrating. I count myself as being very fortunate to have able to attend two games at Lambeau during this streak (the SD game this year and the Saints game in 2012). This really is a golden era for the Packers.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
December 25, 2015 at 12:36 am
Correction PM...the longest part of the year is the off season.
marpag1
December 24, 2015 at 12:05 am
It's much, much worse than you think, KenEllis. Not only do your Packers sometimes fail, but you sometimes fail. Your health ain't perfect. Your kids ain't perfect. Your wife ain't perfect. Your job probably kinda sucks at times. Your house isn't the Taj Mahal and your car probably ain't the Batmobile. It just sucks that you have absolutely nothing to live for or enjoy. Sorry that these miserable Cheesehead articles are making your life so much worse than it already is.
Gforcetrivers
December 24, 2015 at 07:48 am
Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
NashvilleCheesehead
December 24, 2015 at 08:00 am
It sounds like you like being miserable. There is a team just across the St. Croix River waiting for you! LOVE MY PACK from the 60s right up to to today. It is FUN to be a fan and shareholder of this great franchise through its ups AND DOWNS!
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 01:48 pm
.....and nobody should dare to critique "your pack" or its fans. Otherwise, you do a character assassination. Good work! Get a life, N.C.! There is more to it than football, or should I say "your packers". Cheering for them for years gives you this entitlement??
ray nichkee
December 24, 2015 at 04:42 pm
Dschwalm, you are now on the deportation list.
BELIEVER
December 24, 2015 at 08:02 am
Really, that bad hu? As much as I hated losing that game in Seattle last year,it was still a whole lot better then not playing at all. Of coarse we would all like to win the superbowl.
Ibleedgreenmore
December 24, 2015 at 09:26 am
Let me see Tampa Bay or Cleveland how about you being one of those fans.
PaulRosik
December 25, 2015 at 12:38 am
As far as I know the NFL has not had any playoff games yet. But if you wish to concede the game and give up and wait for next year - go ahead - I am sure someone here will tell you what happens.
Bearmeat
December 23, 2015 at 09:59 pm
Good article. Winning ugly is still winning.
4thand1
December 23, 2015 at 10:02 pm
The Packers are playing possum. When they turn it up, everyone will be saying, where was that all season? Finally a positive article. Merry Christmas.
GOPACKGO
DrealynWilliams
December 24, 2015 at 11:29 am
Speaking from experience -- don't think that way. Lol.
I've done that many times and it hurts more when your team doesn't show up in "statement games" and/or lose to a damn near win-less team.
We are all familiar with those series where the Pack just can't seem to do ANYTHING right but then in the next series scores in 4-plays. I don't know what to call that. I'd like to think it's more inconsistency than players playing possum.
That's not to say the Pack won't turn it around though. I just don't want to believe that my team would actually lay down for games.
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 01:50 pm
I wish I could be watching the game with you on Saturday. It will be ugly for you! But, GOPACKGO! will solve all their woes because they were playing possum. Sheeesh!
4thand1
December 25, 2015 at 07:12 am
Yippee, another thin skinned person who doesn't get or can't take a joke.
Bearmeat
December 24, 2015 at 07:38 am
Cow,
That is a much healthier outlook. I'm happy for you and your family, and I'm sure you all will be happier Sunday evenings in the fall.
That said, while GB isn't the favorite this year, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll lose in the playoffs. And if they were the favorite, it doesn't necessarily mean they'd win in the playoffs.
Funny stuff happens in single elimination tournaments. Enjoy the process.
porupack
December 25, 2015 at 04:22 am
perfect reply Bearmeat.
Flow49
December 24, 2015 at 07:48 am
Am I the only one who after reading this had a vision of Admiral Akbar yelling, "it's a trap!"
Gforcetrivers
December 24, 2015 at 07:50 am
Thank you...Cow PEACE OUT!
Charvid
December 24, 2015 at 08:07 am
And his heart grew 3 sizes that day.
4thand1
December 24, 2015 at 01:08 pm
No, he took a couple of xanax.
FrozenTundra
December 24, 2015 at 01:07 pm
He had his fingers crossed.
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 01:56 pm
OMG, this guy , Cow, should be hung out to dry for calling a spade a spade. He is one of the very few posters on this and other Packer sites, who has a grasp of reality. They just don't have the horses. Other than Rodgers, there is nobody on this team who can pose as a "play-maker, not even Matthews and only if he is in the mood.
I agree with Cow. I am going to be happy for the next 5 years getting in the play-offs and I don't even have to watch them get embarrassed with "one & done" again. And last year's game in Seattle was more humiliating than a one & done year!! Great coaching demonstration that was .
jasonperone
December 25, 2015 at 12:31 am
Do you understand the meaning of "calling a spade a spade"? If you do, you'll apologize and edit your post ASAP!
barutanseijin
December 25, 2015 at 06:02 am
Do you?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_call_a_spade_a_spade
marpag1
December 25, 2015 at 06:52 am
LOL. It reminds me of all the commotion that has been caused by the perfectly proper use of the word "niggardly." Cuz it sounds like something else, you know, and Americans aren't smart enough to consult a dictionary.
WKUPackFan
December 26, 2015 at 05:30 am
I always get my best research information from wikipedia. It's sooooo accurate.
marpag1
December 26, 2015 at 09:55 am
If you'd like to double check the Wikipedia bit for accuracy, you can find a convenient, side-by-side bilingual edition of the referenced Greek and Latin citations at the following link. Scroll down to page 212, section 178, paragraph 15, the last words of the paragraph... Plutarch's Greek on the left, the Latin translation of Erasmus on the right.
https://books.google.mw/books?id=hlolxz4EidoC&pg=PP7&source=gbs_selected...
Of course, you'll need to be able to read Greek and Latin. Or you can just read Wikipedia. Either way.
TKWorldWide
December 25, 2015 at 02:46 am
Misery loves company.
WKUPackFan
December 26, 2015 at 05:08 am
Wow! The bar has been set low when this comment gets even psuedo praise.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 27, 2015 at 01:14 am
I do not like it when people try to hijack the language to make innocuous words or phrases into something objectionable. That said, it is important to realize that language evolves, and to make allowances for those who learned the word or phrase at a time when a negative connotation did not apply.
The phrase about calling a spade a spade originally had absolutely no relation to skin color, or race. My Latin is rusty, and my Greek was always minimal, but it appears that Erasmus mis-translated the Greek. If you won't accept Wikipedia, then my link to an NPR article sounds like it might be right up your alley.
I would believe that my parents (RIP) would not have had the slightest notion that there was anything racist in the phrase (and yes, my father could read and write Latin and Greek), and I learned the phrase from him, most likely. Nevertheless, clearly a spade has an alternative meaning that has become widely accepted, such that this phrase probably ought to be phased out of the language. The use of the phrase however does not make the user a racist - particularly dependent on the age of the user. As to the original meaning, one could use "call a hoe and hoe." One could even drop the "e", substitute the idiomatic meaning hoe w/o the "e" and come close to the probable original meaning in Greek.
http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/09/19/224183763/is-it-racist...
https://colvinism.wordpress.com/2013/09/04/call-a-spade-a-spade-miley-cy...
marpag1
December 26, 2015 at 12:19 pm
TGR, you and I both need to clean up our horrible political incorrectness. For example, we need to stop calling the Vikings "the Queens." That's a gay slur, you know.
So from now on, they shall be known as "The Minnesota Female Monarchs."
Tundraboy
December 23, 2015 at 10:28 pm
Cow., Yes enjoy it but despite how bleak it may look there is a always a chance they prove you all wrong. Been a crappie year so far but Is that so bad.
Bearmeat
December 24, 2015 at 07:39 am
Been a fishy year eh? ;)
Tundraboy
December 24, 2015 at 10:58 am
Hmm must have been subliminal.
calabasa
December 24, 2015 at 10:16 am
exactly what I was thinking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loen8o1IQL8
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 01:58 pm
There is a "chance" that the Cleveland Browns will win the SB next year.
WKUPackFan
December 26, 2015 at 05:10 am
There is no chance that you are anything but a low-life scum bag
Thegreatreynoldo
December 24, 2015 at 12:58 am
I enjoy each successful run, each completed pass, each defensive stop, each win, each division title, each conference title, and any SB victory. I enjoy watching the young players improve. But I do take note of the decline of older players, the struggle to develop of other young players, and the overall general health and direction of the franchise. I took note of making the playoffs this year, but I confess that I did not celebrate it. It would be like celebrating a bare passing grade earned by my a normally straight A student. I suggest that we can enjoy our team without wearing blinkers or rose-tinted glasses, and should do so. It is great to have a franchise, something that I feared losing at one time. So, enjoy!
Razer
December 24, 2015 at 06:49 am
Well said Reynoldo. Love seeing the Packers win. Not impressed with an underperforming team (offense). You only have to watch the Rodgers post game interview to see the disappointment. The guy just got into the playoffs and he, and many of the guys in the locker room, celebrated like a funeral. They know that they are playing sloppy ball.
I don't see the problem with people having higher expectations of this offense. Yes, let's recognize the feel good stories on this team and our run of playoff appearances. But let's not settle for mistake riddled football as an acceptable standard.
J0hn Denver's Gavel
December 24, 2015 at 02:43 am
1.8% from football outsiders? I guess that's why they call themselves football outsiders and not football insiders.
JerseyAl
December 24, 2015 at 08:15 am
+1
croatpackfan
December 24, 2015 at 05:23 am
I wish you all peaceful and emotionaly warm, Merry Christams. I wish all Packers fans everything best will happen to your lives. Also, I wish to myself and to all of you that Packers win it all this season!
CallingIt
December 24, 2015 at 05:52 am
Winning is good. Winning the NFC North is good. But really, its all about the playoffs. The year feeds the fans and preps the team but if you lay an egg in the playoffs you have gut rot for another off season.
Your current play is a preview of your future play. Now while we have won a few lately, it hasn't looked good at times. Its like we can't put an entire game together yet. Still, we are digging deep and finding ways to win. That's a good sign.
Sunday we are going to get a real litmus test. Arizona is rolling hard this year and a partial game from the Pack won't be pretty. It is a real showcase to see if they are ready to make a run or still have a lot of work to do. Ugly won't get it done this week.
I think we have the chops to get it done this week. The question as always is, will we?
As for the 7 year streak, it only matters this year and how we end up. The past is history. The question is, where will this team fit into that history when all is said and done. A story yet to be written! GovPack!
Charvid
December 24, 2015 at 08:12 am
I think the 7 year run has largely been brought up in the context of the current regime being inept and incapable of fielding a good team...which of course is preposterous. So while it is in the past it is relevant to look at when reading posters who tout "facts" as incontrovertable when slamming MM and TT.
CallingIt
December 24, 2015 at 09:03 am
Football is not a game of entitlement. You don't win just because you have more talent. You have to perform and even then, there's a bit of luck involved. No way would I trade coach or GM for another team's. Nothing is ever 100%, especially in football. Too many variables and moving parts. Does seven years in the post season speak of a great team or a bad division? Probably a bit of each. In the end, not something I would brag too much about. Its not liike the Steelers run to 4 SB wins. Or Lombardi's run of championships. But we get rid of either and they would be hired somewhere else by the end of the day.
The streak ain't bad by any stretch, it just doest shout greatness either. Maybe the league is too balanced these days to pull off dominance like years past. I don't know. I'dI'd be proud if my career included 7 straight post seasons There are some guys that never see one, let alone 7.
Regardless of the past, I hope for a good tough run again this year. Maybe a chip on their shoulder is what they need. Sure wouldn't hurt.
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 02:03 pm
Well, there's always next year, and next year, and next year....and at the beginning of each one of those years MM will declare , in capital letters, that one facet of his team will improve. What a coach!!!
4thand1
December 25, 2015 at 07:20 am
there's always next year, and next year, and next year.............come back in 3 years. Merry Christmas.
ray nichkee
December 25, 2015 at 11:56 am
Why do you want his dragging ass back in three?
WKUPackFan
December 26, 2015 at 05:22 am
Let's just tell it like it is. People who think playoff appearances are worthless without SBs are idiots. I'm tired of reading it.
Making the playoffs IS the goal in the NFL. Some people can't comprehend that making the playoffs IS NECESSARY to win the SB. Stated differently for the stupid, non-playoff teams cannot win the SB. Is that simple enough? Probably not for the morons.
Making the playoffs one year is an acheivement. Being there seven years in a row is a monumental acheivement, it doesn't matter if your QB IS AR. Brady, Manning, Starr, or Unitas. If you think otherwise, find someone to feed you, because you are too dumb to feed yourself.
Charlu19
December 24, 2015 at 06:54 am
Agreed.. we're spoiled. We expect greatness every year in our seeding, although our crowning achievement in the Rodgers Era was a season that featured 3 playoff road games before playing in a neutral environment that the we won in. Stop being so nit-picky. The Pack have won 10 games with 2 to go and have a good shot at the #2 seed if they can beat Arizona. Enjoy the success. I live in Dallas, trust me, it can be worse.
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 02:05 pm
We should expect "greatness" when you have the most talented QB on the planet. However, he has very little to complement his talent, and just maybe that's what frustrates many fans.
WKUPackFan
December 26, 2015 at 05:23 am
See above - find someone to feed you.
NickPerry
December 24, 2015 at 07:15 am
The Author expressed this thought which I thought was interesting:
"This is actually better than they performed in the 2010 season, where they lost six games and made the playoffs as a wild card. "
While it's true, this team has a "Better Record" at this point in the season when compared to 2010's team, there's only a few players I'd rather have from this team over 2010's. I'm also aware the author didn't say this was a better team than the 2010 Packers, but we've all heard the comparision be made.
The 2015 Packers WR Group don't compare in the slightest to 2010's group. Jennings, Jones, Nelson, and DD compared to who, Cobb??? Even if Nelson was healthy I'd take that group.
2015 has a Running Game but only once in a while.
There's also the 2010's teams defense. IMO you just don't replace Charles Woodson, especially the leadership he brought to that team.
There was also Nick Collins who I'd still rather have than Burnett and HHCD combined, he was just that good.
There was also the 2010 version of Matthews who was ROYALLY SCREWED for the DPOY Award, and lets not forget Desmond Bishop, the ILB Thompson still hasn't replaced.
I really don't mean to be negitive guys and girls, but the 2015 Packers just haven't given me reason for much hope.
dschwalm
December 24, 2015 at 02:07 pm
You speak the truth, Nick Perry.
RCPackerFan
December 25, 2015 at 06:10 pm
Lol, my favorite Christmas movie!
'Hey Griswold, where u going to put a tree that size... Bend over and I'll show you... You have a lot of nerve to talk to me that way... I wasn't talking to you...'
Oh, and of course... 'Shitters full'
RCPackerFan
December 24, 2015 at 08:03 am
Getting to the Playoffs for the 7th straight year is not an easy accomplishment. Only 2 teams can say that. That is a big accomplishment!
We don't know how they will fair in the playoffs this year. That is yet to be determined. But just making it to the playoffs means any team has a chance to make it to the Super Bowl.
The way the playoffs have ran the last few years, whoever gets hot right before the playoffs and in the playoffs is the team that makes the long run.
If the Packers find a way to win the next 2 games, they would be considered one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs. If they win the next 2 they will have won 5 in a row, and would be peaking at the right time.
There are some ifs, and questions. But at the end of the day every team is full of ifs and questions. We just have to be happy that we have a chance. That's all that any team can ask for is a chance.
Lets cheer on the Team we Love!
Merry Christmas to all Packer fans and everyone at CheeseheadTV!
Go Pack Go!
EdsLaces
December 24, 2015 at 11:20 am
" Merry Christmas ......merry Christmas ........kiss my ass.....kiss his ass......kiss your ass ....happy Hanukkah" . -Clark Griswold
CallingIt
December 24, 2015 at 09:08 am
On any given Sunday! That's why we watch it!
John Galt III
December 24, 2015 at 10:29 am
Merry Christmas to all and a SB win in the 50th rendition of the game in early 2016.
I am lucky to have watched the first SB game when I was in the US Army in California back in 1966. Then watched the 2nd win in Texas just before shipping overseas for a 3 year tour. That was after (3) other NFL championships under Vince. That is (7) total that I have seen.
Great to be a Packer fan.
4thand1
December 25, 2015 at 07:25 am
TY for your service John, Merry Christmas.
GOPACKGO.
EdsLaces
December 24, 2015 at 11:17 am
Watching the offense sputter has been quite lame. Watching the defense stone teams on 3 cracks at the endzone from the 1 yard line or pick the ball in the endzone has been saaaaweeeeeet. Glass half full I suppose. Our defense not letting the team score every time they get the ball as they used to in years past has been fun to watch. I prefer defense over offense and OUR defense is on the rise...............................................................that said Carson will probably put in some good work Sunday:( ....................Oh well that's why they play the game! MERRRRRRRY CHRISTMAS MY FELLOW PACKERS! I'm hoping for a new gun from Santa, but I'll enjoy watching my kiddo tear open his new ps4 and all his other gifts tomorrow morning either way. God Bless.
Tundraboy
December 24, 2015 at 11:58 am
Merry Christmas to all and a Packer victory on Sunday!!!
DrealynWilliams
December 24, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Wow, Rob Demovsky has us losing the Cardinals 30 to 13.
Bearmeat
December 25, 2015 at 11:02 am
This is not a surprise. Demovsky had hated TTs draft and develop philosophy since the beginning.
WKUPackFan
December 26, 2015 at 05:26 am
Demosky sold out to the evil four--letter network. He'll write or say anything they tell him to.
ray nichkee
December 26, 2015 at 06:42 am
Right, WKU, as long as disney approves.
DrealynWilliams
December 27, 2015 at 06:51 pm
Another wow. He was pretty damn accurate.
Clay the 1st
December 24, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Merry Christmas to all Packer fans and the Packers. Thank most of you for a contributing to a basically civil, engaging, honest, objective conversation about our beloved team in 2015. Thanks to Cow partly fulfilling his promise I think the tone at CheeseTV really improved.
I think we all have the blues a little because yes the reality is this team is quite a long shot right now. We can play the blame game all we want, and yes I will drop dead if Rodgers never gets another ring.
BUT the fact is that 31 teams every year get to play that blame game and lament that their team didn't win the Superbowl. In the spirit of the season, this article was just a reminder that although these are tough times, we are still alive, we have a basically well run franchise with a BRIGHT future.
I have little to no confidence we are going past the divisional round this year LOGICALLY speaking. But it's that time of year for me to stop with that B.S. and just be a fan and SUPPORT my team.
Sitting on the couch crying about the play calling, or drops, or whatever is all fine and good if that's your preference.
We ALL KNOW there are issues with this team.
So let's just say we got the rest of the NFL right where we want them! Or in Jim Carrey's words. "So you're saying there's a chance!"
God Bless you all and the Green Bay Packers. Also shout out to CheeseheadTV! Great work!
Tundraboy
December 24, 2015 at 01:01 pm
"Watching Aaron Rodgers struggle is weird and disconcerting."
That's it. Injuries, an epidemic of drops are bad enough, but Rodgers being so off has been a total shock.
Lphill
December 24, 2015 at 01:42 pm
Rodgers has over 3000 yds, 29 TD's and 6 picks, not bad for an off season, some QB's never accomplish that , and 2 games to go, can the Packers get ho? Absolutely they can, I don't think any team out there is hoping to play the Pack in the post season. Merry Christmas to all.even tiny Cow .
Tundraboy
December 24, 2015 at 04:03 pm
No not bad at all for mere mortals. In fact great Stat wise but not the Rodgers we know.
4thand1
December 24, 2015 at 11:38 pm
I've been told by my boss that I do a great job. He's also told me I'm one of the best employees he's ever hired. I just do my job and am really good at it. But there are days I just don't give a shit and don't feel like working at all. OK so what. To many fans expect AR to be perfect all the time, the expectations are off the charts. He's been breaking records right from the start. Asking him to run a well oiled offense without the horses to do it. This team hasn't had a chance to get into any kind of rhythm this season (so far). Remember when MM said,"I have a championship QB and I'm going to ride him". AR just isn't playing up AR's standards which are higher than anyone else's.
LASVEGAS-TOM
December 25, 2015 at 01:49 am
4thand1, Ease Up!! The playoffs don't start for almost 3 weeks. Believe very little of what you've seen, & almost Nothing of what you hear from now on. Let MM handle things. He knows where he is at. In the scheme of things, it helps GB if we win Sunday, but it's not the end of anything if we don't. This is GB's 2ond game on the road in a row. That is never a Good thing for a team, but the Oddsmakers seem to like GB more than what you would think. I do my own Handicapping. I don't think AZ is going to lose the next 2 games, but there are more than a few Handicappers who think they will. Wait & see where we are at after the Minnesota game before getting Negative. I think we're in Pretty Good shape barring any crucial injuries. We are Under the Radar, & that is not easy for GB. That's where we want to be. This game will tell me what MM is thinking. We may be in our Playoff Run. Hang Loose. LVT
4thand1
December 25, 2015 at 07:32 am
I'm good Tom. My point is it's easy to get a little complacent during the long grind of an NFL season. Especially with the success of this team. I have faith AR and the Packers will preform when the chips are down.
Merry Christmas Tom to you and your family.
GOPACKGO!
Since'61
December 24, 2015 at 02:14 pm
Merry Christmas to all my fellow Packer fans. We made it to the playoffs early this season and we still have a shot to win our division and a chance for the #2 seed. Who knows how it will play out, but at least we know that we have a game in January and maybe 3 or 4. Enjoy the holidays and Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
LASVEGAS-TOM
December 24, 2015 at 03:51 pm
Since 61, Happy Christmas to everyone. (War is over if you want it) "John Lennon" What is your thinking on this AZ game & the upcoming Minnesota game & GB's Playoff implications.
Contrary to what most people are saying, I like what I'm seeing so far on the AZ game. GB +4 1/2. Even though I Never like GB getting points, I have to play every game the same. At this point, I like GB at +4. Of course, I'm looking to Cover. How do you see this game playing out? What is the scenario if GB wins at AZ & loses next week at Minnesota? I'm just trying to gather some info. If this game goes higher, I think I would change my opinion.LVT
Since'61
December 24, 2015 at 04:42 pm
LVT - my take on this game is that the Packers need to control the football. The AZ offense has been very efficient this season and they score often. We need to keep C. Palmer off he field as much as possible. Since AZ has lost their All-Pro starting safety Mathieu we may be able to exploit this weakness with both our running and passing game. Stopping the run will be important as always but AZ's passing attack is very effective. Therefore we need to get pressure on Palmer and move him off his spot in the pocket. If he gets time he'll pick us apart with or without his ground game. The long, grinding drives that the Packers have produced in the last few games will be crucial if we're to win this game. If the real Eddie Lacy shows up I think that we can control the ball and the game. I like the Pack with the points as well. Thanks, Since '61
LASVEGAS-TOM
December 24, 2015 at 05:00 pm
Since 61, Right now, if I had a choice, I think I'd pick the 3 seed over the 2, but that's looking too far ahead.
By the way, you may not have seen it, but I responded again to your post on Lame Calls & Game Balls.
We were talking about all the Good/Great QB's GB has had over the years. I've been watching GB football from at least 1956. When I was a kid, my dad took me to County Stadium to see Tobin Rote play. He not only didn't have a team, he was the whole team. If you look him up, he holds some Pretty Good Stats for all time QB'S. He was a Great QB where ever he went, especially for GB & Detroit. He is the only QB to take both an NFC team, & an AFC team to a National Title game. He also is among the top QB's in rushing. Another GB QB that came along at the wrong time. LVT
alaskan tundra
December 24, 2015 at 02:47 pm
Ah yes. Life and football is all in how you look at it. So what that this team is a far cry from what we have come to expect. The goal every year is to get in the playoffs. Done. After that anything is possible. Period.
Merry Christmas
Since 64.
4thand1
December 24, 2015 at 03:36 pm
Is there a site just for whiners? No matter what some people will never be happy. Some even call SB 45 a fluke. I guess in their eyes the Packers should have just forfeited the game. In a perfect world the Packers would go 19-0 every year steam rolling over everyone. But I guarantee you, these same people would find something to complain about. Nothing in life is easy. People choose to be miserable, I just wish they didn't try to pass it on. This year has been full of bumps and there's still lotta football left. It ain't over til its over.
GOPACKGO!
D Ernesto
December 24, 2015 at 05:24 pm
Lets all sit back and enjoy the game. Hopefully the Cards won't go to the pass game and get too far ahead. Ball control and running the ball will keep it close.
Otherwise it could be a long day. Regardless we will all get to gauge what the Packers can do against a quality team.
Flow49
December 24, 2015 at 11:56 pm
If we can keep time of possession even or in our favor I think the D will keep us in the game. If we keep going 3 and out its going to be a long day that I'm not sure my tv remote will survive.
4thand1
December 25, 2015 at 07:36 am
Hope Santa brings you a spare remote.
Merry Christmas.
GOPACKGO!
dschwalm
December 25, 2015 at 12:55 pm
D Ernesto, I think we have seen what a quality team can do to the Packers, and we have seen it twice. It wasn't pretty.
tm_inter
December 25, 2015 at 07:19 am
Merry Xmas to y'all!
We're getting to see at least 3 more Packers games.
Wish we get to see 6 more games.
Since 66.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 26, 2015 at 12:04 pm
Merry Christmas to everyone. I wish good health and emotional well-being to everyone (including the players). Still think that our team with improved health can beat any team, and has a decent percentage chance of winning tough games against quality teams.