Cory's Corner: Not A Must Win, But A Hefty Need
The Packers are hitting their stride at the right time. But they need to find out just how good they are.
It really boils my butter when I hear the term must win.
But a win against the Vikings in Minneapolis on Sunday would be gigantic. Not just because it’s the Vikings and it would silence that god awful horn, but it would prove something to the Packers that are a dreadful 1-3 in the division.
Green Bay has a spot reserved for the playoff tournament. Many think the Packers can coast right now because they don’t have much to play for.
But the Packers need this one. And they need it for themselves. The Packers are a completely different team than when they first played the Vikings on Sept. 29. In the last five games, the Packers are averaging 32.6 points. But this is the better part: in that span, Jordan Love is only averaging 211 yards a game.
The Packers are playing really well right now and they still haven’t peaked. That’s downright scary for the rest of the league. Just like the 2010 team that went on the road to Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago before capping it all off with a win at Cowboys Stadium in Super Bowl XLV.
Some may scoff that I’m comparing this year’s Packers to the ones that had an unreal run with Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews. But this team is playing fantastic football with one of the best running backs in the league with three yards after contact and 20 percent of Josh Jacobs’ 21 touches a game, he gets a broken tackle.
Love has been getting better at recognizing pressure and what to do with the ball when he does see it. Tucker Kraft might be the most underrated tight end in the league and is tied with Jayden Reed as the best Packers draft pick from 2023.
Not to mention that the Packers have been without their best defensive back for the past five games and things don’t look great that Jaire Alexander will play on Sunday. That hurts because the Vikings might have the best tandem of receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Both are averaging a combined 154 receiving yards a game. Sam Darnold is fourth in the league in passer rating after being cast off in New York, Carolin and San Francisco.
This is a litmus test game for the Packers. After beating up on New Orleans, Seattle and Miami, it’s finally time for the Packers to figure out who they are. Is this a good team that can beat the average to poor teams or can they get over the hump and finally beat a team that matters?
If Green Bay wins this game, it can have confidence to go on the road and beat whoever stands in their way.
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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
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Comments (63)
porupack
December 28, 2024 at 07:28 am
Well... along with your "must win" thing that boils your butter, how about the "prove" thing? Who needs to prove anything? Bunch of opinionated fans, pundits, Power rankers? Proof is written all over every column and comment, yet no one agrees with any "proof". Ok, maybe you're right in a slightly different way...and maybe you'd agree...the significance of this game is having 2 more games of low pressure impact: a) refining what is working, fine tuning execution b) working on a few under performing plays, c) getting different players involved, d) getting their confidence high. Oh, and another chance for MLF to practice clock management. Treat this game like a hell of a practice session.
Packerpasty
December 28, 2024 at 08:17 am
so it doesnt bother you that the Packers cant beat the top two teams in the division?? You think they will magically turn it on and beat these teams just because its a playoff game? I do want to see some proof that they can beat a really good team, sorry 'bout that, but I do...and I will be pissed if they lay an egg..
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 09:10 am
In a word, no. Doesn't bother me in the least. Each of the games lost this season have been there for the taking. The playoffs are a different animal, and the board is reset. This isn't the Packers first rodeo, and sustained excellence is our standard and that's not true for the rest of the division. This game is a tune-up, not a defining moment.
stockholder
December 28, 2024 at 08:04 am
A win would help the lions more than anyone.
And the bigger question is our Defense.
Stop the Vikings offense.
And you'll have that Confidence.
jannesbjornson
December 28, 2024 at 08:35 am
You cannot spot them 28 points and expect to win. See if LaFleur can get creative without running high school plays. The defense is better with Cooper in the front seven. I would let Valentine dog Jefferson all day. McKinney should be able to handle Hockenson. Addison and A.Jones create the mis-match. Maybe limit McDuffie's exposure and keep Wilson on the field. Score points.
LambeauPlain
December 28, 2024 at 11:20 am
McDuffie was invisible on the stat line vs the Saints. Nothing recorded. That was unusual. I wonder if he is hurting? Expect he would get targeted by Darnold.
Regardless, longer term, I believe Wilson (if not Cooper), needs to play Mike and wear the green dot now. And when Quay gets back, keep McDuffie on the sideline.
dobber
December 28, 2024 at 01:00 pm
"I would let Valentine dog Jefferson all day. "
I suspect we're going to see a zone-heavy defensive game plan.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 09:16 am
100% Stock. It would be both hilarious and multi-dimensional chess if Matt started Malik Willis, and rested Josh Jacobs in this game. Make the Vikings and Detroit go all-in on the final game of the season.
EricTorkelson
December 28, 2024 at 10:10 am
So Bitter ... Your assuming the Packers would lose starting Willis ?? I'm not so sure
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 11:25 am
Well, a Willis win would make quite few heads explode. A nice point you make, but Willis defeating them sets another standard.
EricTorkelson
December 28, 2024 at 03:59 pm
Nuclear explosion's on this website... :}
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 04:52 pm
across all media, not just here. It would be fodder for ESPN and the other talk at you sites for at least a week.
bjkdad44
December 28, 2024 at 08:52 pm
Interesting!!!🤔
Packerpasty
December 28, 2024 at 08:20 am
I see a lot of comments here and elsewhere that indicate fans are already making excuses in case the Packers cant beat the Vikings...or the Lions...or the Eagles...time to prove they belong...and how in the hell did the absolutely dreadful Bears come inches away from beating the Packers anyway...thats hard to figure out...
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 09:20 am
Admittedly I'm a fan and practitioner of ellipses in writing, but six in one paragraph is a bridge too far, even for a troll like you pasty.
There are several internet based tutorials that can help you with ellipsis usage, and you might even consider using ChatGPT to improve your lead-on troll game.
///...///...///...///...///...///...
Leatherhead
December 28, 2024 at 10:17 am
I like ellipses in casual writing....I use them all the time....it's like a stream of consciousness....
NFLfan
December 28, 2024 at 11:11 am
@BN-one of the hallmarks of a mature adult is the ability to cope with those who are not in complete lockstep with you.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 12:14 pm
you're going to have site a reference on that one. we don't simply run on opinion here.
GregC
December 28, 2024 at 12:05 pm
The "absolutely dreadful" Bears are not as bad as most people think. After narrowly losing to the Packers, they took the Vikings to overtime, then lost by 3 at Detroit. They imploded after their coach got fired and got blown out a couple times, but then they lost to the Seahawks by just 3 points. Their defense is pretty good, and it is not uncommon for teams with rookie QBs to have problems winning close games. I think the Bears could be greatly improved next year if they get a good offensive-minded head coach and a couple of good offensive linemen.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 12:13 pm
They'll be saddled by the fact that they chose the wrong QB. No coach is going to change that. When you plant corn, you get corn.
dobber
December 28, 2024 at 01:21 pm
I don't see Williams as a lost cause, yet. He takes care of the football, he's a judicious runner.
He just might not have his heyday in Chicago.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 01:29 pm
Hey, I have a role to fulfill on this site, and I think it's disrespectful that you are choosing to highlight a possible flaw in my logic.
GregC
December 28, 2024 at 01:51 pm
He's got arm talent, and he can move well. He is very slow with his decision-making though. The big question is whether he can get better with that. Maybe the right coach and the right teammates on offense can help him improve in that area. If not, he will never amount to much. Speedy decision-making is essential for an NFL QB.
TOMMY'63
December 28, 2024 at 05:54 pm
To bittersnour. Caleb Williams played his first season under an atrocious offensive line,he played quite well considering being thrown in the fire,no? Take ours ,mr love ! Wasn't capable of playing in his first year,correct? 3 years behind arod,correct? Remember at kc when arod had corona? A nightmare!! Last year ,after 3 years as a reserve studying arod he was made 1st qb, He started playing well towards the end of season into the playoff,remember? If mr love was drafted by a needy qb team he'd be already out the nfl,mate! A little respect for the qb of our divisional rivals!! Most likely in a couple of seasons he can reach the levels of burrow,not mr love can reach the levels of Joe burrow. Am I right or wrong mate?
MitchAnthony
December 29, 2024 at 01:18 pm
If they chose Jayden Daniels or any other QB in the draft they would be pretty much right where they are. They are the Bears and they do Bear things.
They knew they were going to take Williams with that top pick yet they went and loaded up with defensive players and wide receivers, and no decent offensive linemen to help a new QB coming from a college system where he had the luxury of hanging onto the ball for several seconds and watching the field unfold. The NFL game rarely ever offers that. The Bears simply didn't do a good job of planning for and protecting their investment. Yet.
I also questioned the pick but that was based more on the perceived maturity of Williams. I still think he has some upside and ability. But, Bears.
TOMMY'63
December 28, 2024 at 06:21 pm
I'm with you gregg, I've read on nfl news through the league, some journalists, analysts have stated the very creative, competent offensive coach Johnson of Detroit is interested in a hc position at Chicago, who knows? Anyway yes , they need a good offensive mind to fully develop Williams. Its his first year thrown in the fire,no? If our mr love was drafted by a needy qb team ,and started his 1st year he'd be out the nfl now,no? I think Williams in a couple of seasons can play close to the levels of Joe burrow, I really enjoy Justin Herbert at chargers, he was wretched by former coaching staff. I think with mister harbaugh in command ,he'll explode bombs away next year!! I wished we could have got Herbert to replace arod!!
bjkdad44
December 28, 2024 at 08:53 pm
Or the Lions…?!
PackEyedOptimist
December 28, 2024 at 08:20 am
It's not the win that's a "must."
What they "need" is to not lose confidence.
Wins can turn on the whim of the refs, or bad luck, or an untimely injury.
Thet just need to feel certain they CAN win against the top teams.
GregC
December 28, 2024 at 12:08 pm
That's where I'm at. They need to lay it all out there. A narrow loss would not be the end of the world, but to lose convincingly would be a real setback.
Leatherhead
December 28, 2024 at 10:11 am
I don't think that going 2-4, or 1-5, in your division, and getting swept by two division opponents, is the resume of a Super Bowl team.
Every game from here on out is a must win, IMO.
beerandbrats
December 28, 2024 at 10:57 am
I agree LH. It would be a tarnished Lombardi if we win the SB but the vikings and lions have bragging rights over us.
LambeauPlain
December 28, 2024 at 11:26 am
I agree, LH.
I will be very disappointed in Matt if he treats Sunday's game like a preseason game, "resting" starters for the regular season...and the usual slow start to the season.
A slow start in the Playoffs leads to a fast start to the Offseason.
(also because I despise the Ugly Purple!)
dobber
December 28, 2024 at 01:13 pm
They've leveled up the physicality since the Bears game and there's really only one game since--Detroit--that has been contested much after the first quarter.
Winning at Detroit was a tall order. Winning at MN will be a tall order. They need to play offense with more urgency in the second half, but if they bring that level of play they'll have a shot this week against a MN team that's 7-1 at home this season.
From my perspective, they're in the tournament, but they don't want to be the 7, so beating MN and staying ahead of Washington is important...they could pass MN and be the 5 if things work out and that gives an outside chance at hosting in the divisional round.
beerandbrats
December 28, 2024 at 10:14 am
There's an excellent chance we will see the vikings or the lions again in the playoffs. This may not be a must win game but the next time we meet will be...
Leatherhead
December 28, 2024 at 10:18 am
IF you assume that the final four will be Lions, Eagles, Vikings, and Packers, then it's 100% that we'll be playing a good team who has already beaten us. On their home field.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 10:38 am
Big IF for certain. Once in the playoffs, past performance is not indicative of future results. The table resets, all bets (so to speak) are off. You got to be there if you wants to dance.
LambeauPlain
December 28, 2024 at 11:31 am
"Once in the playoffs, past performance is not indicative of future results."
Actually it is, or there would be constant upsets. Are always a few, but the past performance of the best teams usually win.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 12:19 pm
i would refer you to several lower seeds who have won or at least played in the super bowl. Only 13 #1 seeds have won the super bowl in the last 27 years.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 12:21 pm
You might in fact note the two failures of the Rodgers/LaFleur era were as #1 seeds (if I'm remembering correctly)
porupack
December 28, 2024 at 11:02 am
Well, I didn't mean to suggest the pack not try to win. Just to focus the game on execution, refinement, work on detail, assignments, and some of the weaker parts of the game; a formula that focuses on technique and carry over to future games when those games will be win-or-go-home. For example, GB could try to pound again with Jacobs, a formula that seems to be effective. Or rather, GB could focus on weaker elements of its offense rather than go with the proven formula. Exit the game confident that the fundamentals are crisp and the team has all parts of its machine humming. The focus should be to have a game that prepares for January. It can be a nice advantage to have little pressure (in terms of seeding impact) on the next 2 games. Take advantage of that quirky situation.
If Minnepo wins b/c of pulling out all kinds of gambles and trickery, so be it. Have a good practice! and a +plus+ if that practice gets a win.
GregC
December 28, 2024 at 12:10 pm
The best way to prepare for January is to win this game any which way they can, fundamentals be damned.
cdoemel
December 28, 2024 at 04:36 pm
Win the game
NFLfan
December 28, 2024 at 11:14 am
GB needs to be conscious of not over-relying on Jacobs & Cooper.
GregC
December 28, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Well, they are our best players on each side of the ball, so there's that. Not sure how they could "over-rely" on Cooper anyway.
NFLfan
December 28, 2024 at 12:57 pm
@Greg-Let me break it down for you. The Packers regress to a troubling degree when Cooper is off the field-I don't even want to think about Jacobs. Over-relying means making 2 players too responsible for the outcome and playing them too hard which makes a player susceptible to injury. Everyone needs to step up and that includes those who do not pull their weight on a consistent basis.
GregC
December 28, 2024 at 01:46 pm
Quay Walker is out, and he usually plays 100% of snaps. Ty'Ron Hopper is questionable, and he never plays on defense anyway. So they are essentially down to three linebackers. This would be an odd week for the Packers to limit Edgerrin Cooper's playing time. Not sure why you "don't even want to think about Jacobs." What's the problem with Jacobs?
Maybe you should tell the Vikings not to over-rely on Justin Jefferson. I would be fine with that.
Leatherhead
December 28, 2024 at 04:24 pm
Are you telling me we regress defensively when our best player isn't on the field? Do you have any data on this? Do any other teams experience this phenomenon?
As regards Jacobs, about 50% of our plays go through the RB. Fortunately, we've been able to keep him healthy and rested all season. The Packers have had 8 games this year where he gets 20 or more touches and we've won all of Them. We're a .500 team when he doesn't get fed enough.
NFLfan
December 28, 2024 at 11:21 am
Let's see what Flores throws @ MLF. Please don't run Jacobs into the ground.
LambeauPlain
December 28, 2024 at 11:32 am
MN is #30 vs the pass, #2 vs the run. I think this may be a game were Matt may pass more to open the game, loosen up the Viking front 7...then unleash hell in Jacobs, Jets, screens, pitches.
dobber
December 28, 2024 at 01:27 pm
But they're #3 in points allowed, even for all the passing yards they give up. They lead the league in INTs and are something like 4th in sacks. In general, they force enough down and distance situations that teams struggle to score 7s without ending drives in picks or sacks.
Protect Love, play action, make smart decisions with the football, hit the edges in the run game and don't give up on the run if it's not working early.
WD
December 28, 2024 at 11:33 am
From my perspective this is a playoff game and a must win. We have lost to Detroit .....twice. Another loss to the Vikings will make us 0-4 against those two teams in our division. We need to show them, our fans and the rest of the nation that we are contenders.....not pretenders. We need to unleash hell on the Vikings!
porupack
December 29, 2024 at 05:25 am
don't need to show anything. Pointless to "show" just to show. Who cares what you show. What you show, will be studied anyway...and every team is going to seek how to beat you the week later. Otherwise no other team gives a damn what you "show". Only pundits and power rankers make hay by show.
Just win when you must. Focus on execution and refinement when you don't really need the win.
NickPerry
December 28, 2024 at 01:37 pm
I know this isn't a "must win" but it sure in the hell would be sweet. First and foremost it WOULD give this very young bunch of players a lot of confidence going into the playoffs. I mean how great would it be to watch the Packers pound the shit out of the Vikings, just like they've done the last 5 weeks to other opponents?
Josh Jacobs carries 22 times for 110 yards and 2 TD's. Now if THAT happens we know they can do it against anyone. Not to mention we'd know MLF isn't all of a sudden getting cute. KEEP doing what has been working and don't give up on it too fast. RUN the ball, get the play action working, and for Gods sake use the short passing game. Everything doesn't need to be 30 or 40 yards downfield.
I have a good feeling about this week. I think this team is really starting to believe. This could really put it over the top. I can't recall right now but I'm assuming Cooper didn't play that many snaps in the first meeting. I saw he had 4 tackles but I don't know how many snaps. Regardless, the dude is growing into a monster right in front of us. I'm already excited about NEXT year!
LeotisHarris
December 28, 2024 at 02:11 pm
"But this team is playing fantastic football with one of the best running backs in the league with three yards after contact and 20 percent of Josh Jacobs’ 21 touches a game, he gets a broken tackle."
**sinks upper and lower incisors into back of left hand**
"Both are averaging a combined 154 receiving yards a game."
**slugs self in the crotch twice**
"Love has been getting better at recognizing pressure and what to do with the ball when he does see it."
**winces**
"This is a litmus test game for the Packers. After beating up on New Orleans, Seattle and Miami, it’s finally time for the Packers to figure out who they are."
**douses self with gasoline**
After all is said and done, this border battle certainly almost always never sends the victor on their way to the Super Bowl, unless you count Jordan Love being completely different than he was in September, and that's what really matters, then, because as far as we know, Ja won't play again.
Leatherhead
December 28, 2024 at 04:41 pm
I'm not sure twice is enough for that one. But don't play with gasoline, because stuff can happen.
I'm going to go out on a limb, here. I think the Packers have figured out who they are. I don't think it's an accident that they've scored 30+ points in 5 games in a row. I think it's not an accident that we're not giving up more than 20 points most of the time.
This coincides with a QB who has protected a the ball a lot better since the break than the same QB did before the break. Nothing else has changed.
Half of the plays go to the RBs. The other half are distributed to Reed, Doubs, Kraft, Watson, with a few plays for the rest of the guys. We run an offense with lots of motion and misdirection which gives it the Illusion of Complexity. We like to throw deep and we're good at it and teams have to respect it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Border Battle?? Right now, today, I'd much rather beat the Vikings than worry about the playoffs or the Super Bowl. These guys need to be pummeled in front of their own fans, just like we did last year.
JA? I'm not a guy who likes to denigrate our own players, but he's just habitually unavailable and isn't one of our Top 3 CBs as a result. Nixon, Valentine, and Stokes have all contributed more to the team this year than Alexander. And don't even get me started on the money.
We need to find a way to move this guy in the offseason.
Bitternotsour
December 28, 2024 at 04:48 pm
I prefer to simply not worry. As for habitually injured. You know who else was injured a lot and came back for a pretty good, hall of fame career? Jesus. He literally had to be raised from the dead and yet even today he's being talked about.
Lighten up on Jaire.
LeotisHarris
December 28, 2024 at 09:36 pm
Plus, no one knew where JC was from the time he was 12 until he was 30. The so-called "missing years." You want to take about availability and accountability?
Leatherhead
December 29, 2024 at 09:44 am
JC wasn’t taking up a roster spot or costing millions against the cap. And He was available when he was needed.
porupack
December 29, 2024 at 05:31 am
Hey...now....that puts a lot of pressure on JA, ya know....
I agree. We're frustrated, but life doesn't dish out predictable results. Each person has their own particular battles. Root for the guy as long as he is a packer.
EricTorkelson
December 28, 2024 at 04:18 pm
The last time JA played the savior role the Packers lost to the Niners in the championship game 2020... JA was a none factor.
This Packer Defense should be brim with confidence, and my premonition is if our D-line can show up and pressure/sack Darnold the Packers could pull this off ...
porupack
December 29, 2024 at 05:34 am
I prefer to root for the guy as long as he is a packer. Life dishes out frustrating waves of challenges sometimes. I can't disparage a guy going through such challenges. As long as he is a packer, and isn't being a jerk...I'm hoping he gets back to full strength. I believe in anyone, anytime if they are trying. No evidence that he isn't trying to get back on the field.
TOMMY'63
December 28, 2024 at 05:26 pm
It is a must win match,mate! The pack needs to prove above all to themselves they can beat the the elite teams! They haven't thus far, won close game against reserve ol in some, got lucky at Chicago with a deflected fg, otherwise we'd be 10-5, enough of the past , the team needs to win to prove they can beat the better teams, for faith and confidence. A 5th seed is better than 6th or 7th, never know, if the higher ranking teams fall , it's possible to host a nfccg,not likely but possible! Yes ,it's important to win up there with the bloody horn blowing all match!!
porupack
December 29, 2024 at 05:41 am
yes, Tommy....that was akin to my point. I referred to "boiling my butter" about this idea of having to "prove". I mean to say, that proving anything to anyone else is meaningless. No one else cares what a team proves on any particular sunday, they are still going to try to beat you the next week. The only thing that matters is focusing on discipline, execution and confidence in that you never give up the full 60 minutes. Yeah, just win on discipline and execution, focus on discipline and execution, and whether you win or lose, focus the next week on discipline and execution.