Cory's Corner: Don't Give Up On This Team

Green Bay showed on Sunday that it isn't quitting — even with a depleted roster. 

You can be disappointed. You can be upset. Heck, you may want to stick your head out the window and yell, “I’m mad as hell!” 

All those things are warranted after the Vikings squeaked out a 34-31 win thanks to a 29-yard field goal by Greg Joseph as time expired. 

“Everything matters,” said Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. “The wins matter, too.” 

That is true in the pro game. All you have to do is keep winning games because that’s all that matters. Think back to how many ugly wins the Packers have had this year. The Bengals in Week 5 and the Washington Football Team in Week 7 come to mind. 

This Green Bay loss actually reminded me a lot of the Kansas City loss. Obviously, with Aaron Rodgers being the glaring difference. Even with a bad toe, Rodgers played amazing without his top running back, top tight end, starting left tackle and starting center. Oh and the second-best offensive lineman on the team in Elgton Jenkins tore his ACL and is now lost for the season. 

The fact that Minnesota needed a field goal in the waning seconds says more about Green Bay’s resiliency after being down 16-3 midway through the second quarter. 

I knew that Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson was good, but he is starting to approach Randy Moss and Cris Carter territory. He’s tied for first in the NFL with 21 catches on third down that went for a first down and is tied for third in the NFL with 11 catches that went for at least 25 yards. 

The Vikings were finally getting healthy as the Packers were also without Rashan Gary, Whitney Mercilus, Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith. And even with those losses, the Packers still hurried Kirk Cousins 16 times — which is more than the Packers had against Kyler Murray (14) and Patrick Mahomes (8). 

Let’s be honest, the NFC North is awful. Even if the Packers would’ve won this game, what would it have said? Granted, Green Bay would’ve buried a division rival even farther but division titles don’t do it for the Packers anymore. The Packers have won two straight NFC North titles and are on pace to have it wrapped up by mid December. 

Cousins threw for 341 yards and three scores but he could’ve had three picks — including one on the final drive to Darnell Savage that would’ve sewn the game up. I really hate to blame games on officiating but it is beyond frustrating to have to consult the rulebook just to see if a player caught a football or not. In a pass-happy league, that needs to be streamlined. 

And I know that many Vikings fans were screaming “Karma!” afterwards as an ode to the Dez Bryant non-catch in the 2014 NFC Divisional Playoff. I get that, but even as I watched that game at Lambeau Field, I felt odd because there were so many people that had no idea what to make of a simple football play. 

Either way, the Vikings had a chance to put the Packers away and didn’t do it. Even without a full arsenal, the Packers aren’t going to stop fighting. 

“It’s a good offense, and they got the better of us today,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. 

That’s a direct reflection of the head coach. If you want to say that I’m chalking up a moral victory, I’m fine with that. At the very least, Green Bay gets to overtime because the ground cannot cause a fumble. 

The sky isn’t falling. The Packers may have lost the No. 1 perch in the NFC playoffs, but if they keep playing this hard, they will be just fine. 

 

 

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__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

__________________________

3 points
 

Comments (74)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Cubbygold's picture

November 23, 2021 at 06:33 am

The team with the easiest path is rarely the one best equipped to handle the stress of playoff football. We see that time and time again.

It would be really nice to have LA or Arizona come to Lambeau in January, instead of the other way around... but Rodgers loves to be the underdog too. Being the tough gritty team that gets heathy at the right time isn't a bad spot to be.

7 points
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NickPerry's picture

November 23, 2021 at 06:56 am

You know some of the comments I read after Sunday's loss just blew me away. I mean the VENOM that spewed out of peoples mouths about a team who had just held Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, and Russell Wilson to a COMBINED 34 points were just unbelievable to me. I mean some were so absurd I wasn't sure what made me more upset, the Packers losing, or my fellow CHTV posters and Packers fans had lost their MINDS!

I'm as big of homer as there is on this site or ANY Packers site for that matter so giving up on the Packers isn't EVER an option. I may get pissed, post something really stupid because I'm pissed, but at the end of the day, once I've calmed down which I always do by sometime Sunday night, I'll never give up on this team. Hell, I didn't give up on them when Scott Hunter or Jerry Tagge was the QB, I'm sure in the hell not giving up on them when Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love is the QB.

I said this yesterday and it's worth repeating. This is a TIRED football team. A BEAT UP football team who needed the bye about 2 weeks ago. Somehow the Packers need to play their BEST game os the season so far on Sunday is a game which IMO is the most important so far on the schedule. Win THIS week and I think the Packers will have the #1 seed at the end of the season. If they lose, they fall 1.5 games behind the Cardinals (Own tiebreaker) and a game behind the Rams who then obviously would own the tiebreaker over the Packers.

IMO the Packers are IN the playoffs right now. Get a few guys back like Alexander, Gary, and Smith on Defense and Jones, Bakhtiari, and Meyers on offense and the road WILL go through Lambeau.

16 points
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dobber's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:26 am

"This is a TIRED football team. A BEAT UP football team who needed the bye about 2 weeks ago."

...who is about to draw a rested Rams team coming off their bye on Sunday. I think this is the third team the Packers have had to play coming off their bye this season.

11 points
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bjkdad44's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:12 pm

Some explain how they make up a schedule… let’s see… how do we put the screws to that packer team???

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HawkPacker's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:08 am

'You know some of the comments I read after Sunday's loss just blew me away.'

Good post Nick. I had that same feeling and it wasn't a few commenters but a bunch. I did not even feeling reading anymore about the Pack that evening as I thought I would hear more 'so negative comments'.

5 points
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dobber's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:54 am

It's become very clear over the years that there's a core group of people--win or lose--who post and are involved here every week. Even-handed sorts who are good at give and take of ideas and admit when they're off. I think many of these are good people and fun to interact with. It makes this a good place to talk Packers.

There's a group of people who tend to be more vocal and active when things are going well and the Packers win. Just as true--there's a group of people who only emerge when things are not going so well or the Packers lose. You see more of the uppers some weeks and it's more sugary here, and you get the reactionary downers other weeks and the climate skews more doom-and-gloom. There are a few NFCN trolls who like to poke the beast, too.

3 points
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jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 03:09 pm

I read a few comments on the early threads after the loss and then just bagged it after posting a very short comment myself. Not sure how people who can get that worked up about what is, after all, just a game can function day-to-day. Except the trolls, of course - they're just having "fun".

2 points
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HawkPacker's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:41 pm

Good point Dobber. I like to comment a whole lot more when they win rather than when they lose ~;-))

0 points
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Houndog's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:23 am

Give up, never, a little pissed off, for sure!
The part that rags me the most was watching their D-back zone scheme get torched in the first half, and then it happening all over again in the second half. Either make adjustments or play man to man, could "Man" have been any worse? They need to figure this out, the middle of the field is too open, too often, too.

The offense starting flat didn't help either, and I'm not certain, but I can't remember a single screen pass against a near constant pass rush by the Queens. There's enough players on this "O" to be a really good team.
I love this team and the guys that have stepped up, some of these guys were sitting at home watching games a few weeks ago and it still takes time to gel. I am impressed with that.
A little luck, a break from the injury bug, and a few guys coming back from injury and this team will be real tough to beat.
Give up, never!

6 points
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dobber's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:27 am

"Give up, never, a little pissed off, for sure!"

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? HELL NO!!!

6 points
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Houndog's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:47 am

LOL, good one dobber!

2 points
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HawkPacker's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:09 am

Germans??

0 points
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dobber's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:38 am

Shhh...he's on a roll!

3 points
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Gee's picture

November 23, 2021 at 01:29 pm

Well played gentlemen, now I'm off to a parade, to lead the marching band!!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:54 am

It might have been for All Nippon Football

0 points
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bjkdad44's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:14 pm

Ummm?!?!?

0 points
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Reghamster's picture

November 23, 2021 at 11:39 pm

Germans? Hmmm Dobber has been drinking the kool aid again !

0 points
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Harold Drake's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:37 am

Why pose the question? I doubt if any sane Packers' fan is doubting the overall strength and competitiveness of the team. Rodgers came back to life in the 2nd Half and had it not been for Savage's (supposed, but for the ludicrous decision of the referee Hockuli, an imbecile of the highest order) failure to hold onto the late game interception the Pack would likely have won this game. The defensive secondary had an off night, but Kirk was only a fraction of a second away from being clobbered on his long pass to Jefferson. I was not that disappointed with the team at all and Rodgers again demonstrated on the TD passes to Deguara and MVS that the man can still bring it! Go Pack Go. Now and forever.

9 points
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jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 03:10 pm

If someone gives up on a team, then by definition that someone is not a fan. A bandwagon-rider maybe during the good times, but never a true fan.

I agree, posing the question was, well, up to Cory's usual standards.

-3 points
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CHEESEHEADDALLAS's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:42 am

Why give up if you do you can beat that drum band wagoner i I have been a die hard packer fan all my life win lose or draw and always will. GO PACK Go

2 points
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CHEESEHEADDALLAS's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:42 am

Why give up if you do you can beat that drum band wagoner i I have been a die hard packer fan all my life win lose or draw and always will. GO PACK Go

-2 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:47 am

Who would be giving up on this team?

This team is currently 8-3. They are playing with so many backups. And not just backups, backups to All Pro/ pro bowl players. Think of this for a minute. We have been without our LT all year. Our LG moved to LT is now done. Our starting OC and a guy who was playing as good as any OC in the league has been out. Our OL is a shell of the best unit we can have playing. Our OLB crew is very similar. We have had Za’Darius, Gary, Mercilus, Ramsey, Rivers all miss at least 1 game. Don’t forget we have been without Alexander, Tonyan, we didn’t have Jones, or Lazard in this game. MVS has missed time.
We could have still beat the Vikings despite all the players we have been without. Had Savage held onto the interception or if he caught that in the end zone, the game likely ends differently.

If anyone wants to give up on this team, that is their choice. I will never give up on this team! Especially after this game! Packers were down 2 scores and found a way to tie it. Rodgers looked the best he has all year. We will be getting players back. They are about to have a much needed bye. Getting this team some rest and hopefully some players back soon will give them a boost!

7 points
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marpag1's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:50 am

Another rambling puff piece that doesn't know what it wants to say.

And if anyone really had to consult the rulebook to understand why the Savage play was ruled incomplete, that person needs to start paying attention. This isn't a new rule. It's old news, really.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:58 am

I don’t like the rule, but I haven’t seen a better one proposed. The rule is, I think, pretty clear but the vagaries of what is a football move are not.

Going to ground by a defender should be deemed a football move since the defender is at a disadvantage on every play, whereas I’m fine with it not being for an offensive target, regardless of where in the field it takes place.

4 points
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marpag1's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:54 am

We just need to get our heads around the fact that "possession" is quite an arbitrary concept, and cannot be defined absolutely. What does it even mean to "possess" the ball? How long do you have to hold it? How tightly do you need to hold it? What if you have it pinned under your arm, but not in your hands? What if you have it by clamping the laces between your teeth? If you are lying and the ground and the ball is just resting on top of your chest, is that possession? There is no "right" or provable answer to any of these questions, and we just need to admit it. Possession is what we say it is.

A lot of people thought that the advent of high def super slo-mo photography would solve the problem. Not only were these poeple wrong, but the truth is probably the exact opposite. Cameras will show all the little bobbles, the bumps where it touched the ground etc.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:17 am

The problem with the NFL rule book is that it’s written by lawyers to be vague. Nothing is defined absolutely. It’s really quite easy to define most things if one accepts that sometimes there will be a play that seems to be called in a way fans or teams don’t like. That is fine with me, if it’s simple and clear and capable of consistent implementation. Very little in the current rule book is, I think by design.

That’s not to exonerate the standard of officiating, but it would require fixing in any serious bid to improve that. The problem is that the rules are written by a committee of owners with conflicting knowledge, vision and interests. They look and work like a compromise nobody really thought optimal. In a sense they punted it on to the officials whom they then decline to invest in sufficiently.

3 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:52 am

While it is the rule it is still a stupid one. Look at Kevin Kings play a week earlier. Had he not caught it in the end zone would it have counted? I don’t think so. Why are there 2 sets of rules? 1 set for end zone and another set for out side of the end zone.

Just my opinion in the Savage play. He has full control, 2 feet down and then a knee down. That should be ruled a completed play regardless of where it’s at on the field.

Of course that is just my opinion, which in reality means nothing.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 23, 2021 at 01:00 pm

None of our opinions do

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:00 am

Injuries aside these guys have some ups and downs but they are a feisty bunch who never quit! Enjoy teams like these don't come along every year!

5 points
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Lphill's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:25 am

Don’t underestimate the Vikings , they can catch and pass the Packers in the North , there is also the possibility that , Smith, Myers , Alexander and Bakhtiari don’t return this season .

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:03 am

There’s a possibility that Putin or Xi start WW III before the playoffs, that a meteorite wipes Green Bay off the map …

This site is fast turning into APC 2, a nest for emotional angst and football ignorance that stifles interesting football perception and discussion. At some point it’s time to say stop. I know that was eloquently stated at the top of the thread, but maybe too subtly it seems.

4 points
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Lphill's picture

November 23, 2021 at 11:09 am

Well well , Baktheri undergoing another surgery , as I said a good chance , Bak, Alexander, Myers , Smith don't return , let's hope Jones and Gary do.

-1 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 23, 2021 at 01:03 pm

"Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero). That means Bakhtiari won’t be able to practice or play this week, but the procedure should enable him to return sometime before the season is through. "

I must have missed the part where it said he's not coming back this year.

4 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

November 23, 2021 at 03:30 pm

Well well, indeed.

0 points
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fordguy's picture

November 23, 2021 at 06:11 pm

"but the procedure should enable him to return sometime before the season is through. "

You must have missed the part that says "should enable" instead of "will enable"

-3 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:49 pm

Crappy car guy defending Lphill. Awesome...lol

1 points
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fordguy's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:53 pm

Nope, just pointing out what you said is wrong.

-2 points
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Bitternotsour's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:13 am

I think it's likely that smith, alexander and myers are done. Bakh's injury timeline should be week 14, hopefully Nijman has proved he's an NFL tackle by then, I've certainly liked what I've seen so far.

that said, i think it's totally ok to underestimate the vikings. they are a horribly flawed team with awful ownership, revolting uniforms and terrible fans. last sunday is the highlight of their season.

2 points
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Packers0808's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:36 am

Mr Sunshine.

1 points
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Rebecca's picture

November 23, 2021 at 12:25 pm

And Rodgers has a significant toe injury that will affect him for awhile. The way this season is going Minnesota might have a chance at the top spot in the North Div. Crosby is becoming a liability. How long do we wait for his kicking to get back to where it is needed?

-2 points
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Fubared's picture

November 24, 2021 at 11:12 pm

That is kind of my sentiment. Right now the Vikes are 3 back. Lets say we play them again and lose, its two back, we lose to the Rams and they win, its one game back and thus we have to win all our games or they really could pass us up at the end of the season.
We've already lost home field advantage, that went our the window with Savages dropped interception.
I see Baht being a shell of himself going forward like Beluga was once he had a similar injury. Its one thing after another.
Smith probably could come back but I think he wants out of GB due to contract issues, and Alex is probably done for the year and they know it

0 points
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Fubared's picture

November 24, 2021 at 11:12 pm

That is kind of my sentiment. Right now the Vikes are 3 back. Lets say we play them again and lose, its two back, we lose to the Rams and they win, its one game back and thus we have to win all our games or they really could pass us up at the end of the season.
We've already lost home field advantage, that went our the window with Savages dropped interception.
I see Baht being a shell of himself going forward like Beluga was once he had a similar injury. Its one thing after another.
Smith probably could come back but I think he wants out of GB due to contract issues, and Alex is probably done for the year and they know it

0 points
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Brockrice99's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:36 am

My only concern is how tough the NFC is the Packers, Buccs, Cowboys, Rams, and Cardinals all have a shot at the one seed... and if you don't get that 1 seed you have got to go through a hell stretch of 3 games to get to the Super Bowl. The Vikings also have a very easy cupcake schedule, while we still have some real tough games left with LA, Baltimore, Cleveland, and the Vikings again. If the injuries keep piling up and we can not bring guys back, and the Vikings continue to stay hot... this division could very easily come down to week 17 Sunday Night Football against the Vikings.

3 points
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dobber's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:44 am

I would not at all be surprised to see the Vikings come out flat after an emotional home win v. the Packers and get pummeled by SF this weekend...right now, SF is a better football team. The Vikes lose 3 more games (@SF, vs. LAR, @GB), minimum, is my prediction at this point...that's 9-8 and could sneak them into the playoffs as a WC.

5 points
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Brockrice99's picture

November 23, 2021 at 11:17 am

Oh 100% I could also see that happening! But who knows, when a team gets hot anything can happen. And I do not want to play the Vikings in a Wild Card game, very tough to play a team 3 times in a season.

0 points
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PackerGravy's picture

November 23, 2021 at 08:39 am

The Packers are hanging in there despite a killer rash of devastating injuries that would sink most teams by mid-season.

MLF, Gutey and Rodgers are keeping this team competing even though things look bleak injury wise.

Even though things look bad (especially after the Jenkins injury) I’m sure the Packers will give the Rams all they can handle at Lambeau Sunday before a well deserved bye week.

Go Pack!!

5 points
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Fubared's picture

November 24, 2021 at 11:17 pm

Its not just injuries. Stokes, King, savage, douglas and sullivan were not injured and had zero excuse for playing the way they did. We had this game won had they stepped up and played man that last series instead of play back and let Thielan and Jefferson run wide open.
The defense was on the line and they failed. Its not the guys who cannot play that hurt but the ones that arent hurt and cannot play due to not being very good

0 points
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4thand1's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:05 am

I see the Pack maybe losing against the Rams. 8-4 going into the bye. They will run the table and finish 13-4, 3, 13 win seasons in a row, it's in the stars. The NFL and it's greed is going to see more and more injuries to players they say they care about. They should start a week earlier and give each team 2 bye weeks. By the time the Packers get to the bye, they'll be down to fuckin a practice squad.

5 points
6
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HarryHodag's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:27 am

I railed on a couple of "Debbie Downers" over on the Journal-Sentinel site who are convinced the Packers are done.
The Packers have some stiff challenges, but the most amazing thing for me has been the play of the reserves who come in and do pretty well considering the circumstances. That shows good knowledge of personnel and a good coaching staff. Some teams fall off the table because the backups suck. Not the Packers. Yes Jenkins is gone, but the rest of the o-line that has played together for weeks is there.

Back in the 'bad old days'(post-Lombardi and before Ron Wolf) that was a key as to why the teams were so bad. They had some decent players as starters but the backups were really bad, especially on defense.

I'm far from an eternal optimist but even if the Packers go 3-3 the rest of the way they will end up at 11-6 and likely in the playoffs. It would be certain at 12-5. They will not lose six straight and end at 8-9. They can beat the three division rivals so I'm not too concerned. If Aaron Rodgers goes down it gets more dicey.

"One day at a time" goes the old cliche but it's true here. Beat the Rams, (not an easy task), take a week off then come back for the stretch run.

4 points
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jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 03:17 pm

I look at the Packers' chances as two glasses half-full:

1. We do adequate to great the next three games, then win out and get some players back for the playoffs.

2. We do adequate to poorly to finish the season because the injuries keep piling up and we're left with 25 men on the IR. We finish the season 9-8 and get decent drafts choices for next year instead of late-round choices like we've been used to.

Not a win-win scenario, and I'd love to have number 1 happen, but if number 2 happens I'd be okay with it. In either case, we'll be better next year, even with a new QB, because we'll be able to sign our upcoming FAs and will have a good draft.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:48 am

You mean don't give -up on Arron Rodgers. The guy makes plays. And I will never give -up as long as he is the QB! So whats changed with the defense. Thats the head scratcher. But is it? This defense had a Golden opportunity. They Failed. And the injuries had nothing to do with it. This defense always needed better LBs. CM3 and Nick Perry are gone. Yet the problem still; is who are the OLBs? The pressure won't Come from the DL. They've been neutralized to much. And this secondary won't be aggressive until there is pressure. So the Defense now has to wait for Gary. Sad but True. Because these guys can't make big plays without pressure. Leaders make plays. Who are the leaders on this Defense? Someone please stand up!

-3 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

November 23, 2021 at 06:04 pm

The defense bailed out the offense in several games this year. Offense couldn’t return the favor this time out. Just came up short. It is what it is. Can’t win them all. You want to go back to Pettine or Capers?

0 points
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PackerBacker84's picture

November 23, 2021 at 09:53 am

I’m truly thankful this team put up the fight it did. A few things on the game and this team: it was glad to see the offense put up some points and prove that we can still make plays despite being without AJ or our OL. Moving forward, I can’t wait to see the aerial attack and The Quadfather wearing down defenses. Secondly, I cannot be any more PROUD of our DEFENSE. We got 16 pressures with a predominantly 4 man rush WITH no R. GARY! My heart goes out to JENKINS. I pray for a speedy recovery. Our team is still playing well as a whole and I’m looking for a hard fought, intensified game on Sunday with a TON TO PLAY FOR! Go Pack Go!

3 points
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dobber's picture

November 23, 2021 at 02:49 pm

" it was glad to see the offense put up some points and prove that we can still make plays"

If there's a plus that came from this game, it's that the offense rallied and started showing more energy, rhythm, and spark.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:42 am

Whether a die-hard optimist or a demand more pessimist, the banter here is the same week after week, game after game, with reasons or excuses for the win or loss.

I've decided to take the wait and see what happens in the playoffs. Either this team makes the SB and ends the failing or it continues, and the Division Winning lovers can once again attempt to convince all that it was a successful season.

Personally, the officiating in the games has now reached a level of bad that I'm at the 'I don't give a shit anymore' level and believe now, more than ever, that there is obvious bias in the Referee ranks, and they use these plays are 'unreviewable' to implement their bias or outright control of who wins and loses.

Maybe I'll see you in February or maybe I'll see you in January depending on the Referees' decisions.

5 points
7
2
jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 04:50 pm

Yeah, the refs truly suck, and legalized and NFL-abetted (pun intended) betting means that, IMO, they will only get worse. It'll take a huge scandal with games (and a Super Bowl) intentionally thrown by multiple refs before the league does anything about it, and then it'll only be damage control. After all, give a Referee (as opposed to anyone else on his crew) $100Gs and you can probably guarantee more holding calls on one particular team; give $100Gs to each member of the crew and you can win a Super Bowl for your favorite underdog team!

1 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

November 23, 2021 at 06:10 pm

I completely agree about the refs, and it’s not going to change any time soon. I still say the league needs full time refs. Review their officiating on a weekly basis and have consequences for blown calls. It’s a joke that a league making as much money as the NFL still has part time referees.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:43 am

This is my 60th season as a long distance Packers fan. I made it through the 70s and 80s so giving up on this team is not and never has been an option for me.
Especially after one disappointing loss in a season where the Packers have looked better than they have since at least 2010 and maybe since the Holmgren era.

In spite of numerous injuries and disastrous STs this team plays hard to the end of every game. The coaching staff, except for STs, has done a great job of preparing the team each week with the exception of the Saints game.

As usual the league driven by greed and stupidity has created a ridiculous scheduling situation for the teams and the players this season by adding an extra game without adding an additional bye week. How is it fair to have some teams playing 12 consecutive games to begin the season and others playing 12 consecutive games to finish their season. Why wouldn't the league create a fair schedule where every team has the bye week during weeks 7 & 8 or weeks 8 & 9. 16 teams have a bye during week 8 and the other 16 teams have a bye week the next week. They would still have enough games to fill out their TV schedule for those 2 weeks.
Failing in that why not add another bye week to the season that's now been extended? The league alledges that they want parity but they create inherently unfair schedules.

As for the Packers it's Go Pack Go! Never give up, no surrender and take no prisoners. Thanks, Since '61

7 points
7
0
Lphill's picture

November 23, 2021 at 11:12 am

I think the Thursday night game is another reason for the rash of injuries around the league , your body is still healing from Sundays game.

4 points
4
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Since'61's picture

November 23, 2021 at 12:57 pm

TNF is just another unnecessary money grab for the league.
I haven’t liked Thursday football since Lombardi’s Packers lost their perfect season against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day in 1962. GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
3
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jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 04:52 pm

You must've read my post on another thread where I proposed the exact same bye schedule. And yeah, that schedule is way to effing logical for it to be implemented.

Great (and old) minds think alike. :)

2 points
2
0
bjkdad44's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:28 pm

I agree with you 100%!

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 23, 2021 at 11:03 am

"Heck, you may want to stick your head out the window and yell, “I’m mad as hell!”"

Just curious Cory (I know, curiosity kill the cat!), did you stick your head out the window and did you yell: "I'm mad as hell!" Or at least almost did it...

Joke aside, I would say that there was several doubtful decisions by officiating crew, but more or less it was question of how you will understand rules. So, for that part of officiating I will not complain.

I would like to rise question of so many OL holding penalties. Why? Because entering the game Packers was No 1 in NFL with total 6 holding penalties from OL in 10 games (about 1,5 per game), while Vikings OL was 32nd in NFL with 20 holding penalties. It sounds weird, isn't it. Packers had 8 penalties from OL (7 holdings + 1 hand in the face). Vikings - not even 1! And Vikings OL used that to contain Packers pass rush.

That is not just weird, it is intentional. Also, first Packers TD (Deguara) - look at route and what Kendricks did. It was pure holding behind 5 yards from the schrimage but there was no flag. What if it was not TD. Nothing, FG try!

I agree with many that it was not Savage INT, but referees where constant. Remember 20 sec to go in the 1st half and Captain Kirk throw the ball to the 17 (Osbourne). It was called complete, but it was so bad call, that you could see from Moon that it was not completed pass. MLF needed to throw flag to get correction of the call. Hell Cory, you can not call that average officiating, not even for todays NFL standards...

0 points
3
3
jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 04:54 pm

On the play you referenced, MLF by rule couldn't challenge because it was in the last two minutes of a half. The call to challenge would've had to come from the booth.

2 points
2
0
fordguy's picture

November 23, 2021 at 07:46 pm

That's when you call a time out and give the booth hopefully the time to see it on their own and then charge no time out.

-1 points
0
1
bjkdad44's picture

November 23, 2021 at 10:32 pm

Why the three downvotes? He makes some good points…shhhheesh!

0 points
0
0
NitschkeFromTheGrave's picture

November 23, 2021 at 11:33 am

Give Up ?!?
Real Packer fans don't give up. What's wrong with you?!

Sure some may have been talked down from the window ledge when Lombardi left, a few others may have gone on a real 10 day bender after the Superbowl loss to the Broncos. But truthfully, this loss stung but in the scheme of things it don't mean the world has crashed. Shit, we didn't lose to the Bears LOL, we're 8 and 3 and playing for top seat in the NFC.

Cmon man.....

5 points
5
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jurp's picture

November 23, 2021 at 04:55 pm

The fans who went on only a 10 day bender after that SB loss were rookies :)

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

November 23, 2021 at 03:44 pm

Cory, you seem like a great guy and I know you love the Packers. I'm wondering if the carbon monoxide detector is working in your home. It's good to pop in a fresh battery with the time change. In the meantime, crack a window and let some fresh air into the house. The light-headedness should pass.

3 points
4
1
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

November 23, 2021 at 06:12 pm

I’d start Love against the Rams and let Rodgers rest that toe for three weeks. Our only hope in the post season is to get everyone healthy. One more win or loss isn’t going to matter.

-2 points
2
4
Fubared's picture

November 24, 2021 at 11:23 pm

Ya we got injuries but the real problem is right there in our face: we got guys who are not injured and playing who arent very dam good. If these guys were second or third string back up fill ins that one story but these guys are the top line pretty much: KIng, Savage, Stokes with
Douglas and Sullivan are second tier.
You just dont have talent in the secondary plain and simple. So where do we think this team is going? Home field is lost already. NFC may be lost too. We could be gone in the first wild card weekend game.

-1 points
0
1
Packerlifer's picture

November 25, 2021 at 06:21 am

What bothers most about last Sunday isn't so much the loss but who the Pack lost to. In the proverbial "game of inches" the Packers came up short a few too many inches. And it's getting to the point that nobody is even denying any more that that U.S. Bank Stadium is about as close to "rigged" for the home team as you can get. The unusual number and kind of penalties the Pack drew are a reflection of that.

But the loss that matters more is still Kansas City. Without that one we would be feeling a lot better about the Packers' situation at 9-2 than we are at 8-3. And we know why we lost that one; right A Rod?

0 points
0
0
gpt999's picture

November 25, 2021 at 11:20 am

As most of these comments suggest, if you're a true Packers fan, you are not going to let one game bring you down. The sky isn't falling, this is a good team and they still control their destiny in the North. And maybe even the NFC No 1 seed with a little luck?

The only thing I am concerned about with the Pack - injuries notwithstanding - is the weekly Aaron Rodgers drama. Like many fans, I felt sorry for him re: the Jordan Love draft debacle. BUT my god I do not feel that way anymore! He is still a great QB but I do not care to know what is going on inside his non-football brain. He is embarrassing himself weekly now on the Pat McAffee show and is becoming the butt of all jokes nationally including SNL. I just saw an article from NBC news about him calling out the wrong reporter on his supposed "covid toe". Over 100 people responded to this article - almost all of them highly negative towards him as a person, not a football player.

Don't get me wrong. I still think he's a great QB and the Pack are lucky to have him AS LONG AS he can stop being a weekly distraction. Some easy advise for Aaron - Concentrate on being a great football player, keep your non-football thoughts to yourself, hire a PR person ASAP and above all, stop self-sabotaging your legacy.

1 points
1
0