History After Disappointing Loss Favors Packers

The Green Bay Packers could very well lose Sunday’s game.  However if history is any indication, the team could well be back on track by Sunday night.

The Green Bay Packers laid an egg in Denver last Sunday night.  That we can all agree upon. The reaction from the fan base varied between shock, dismay, surprise to down-right anger. A loss to a quality opponent is one thing.  A thumping before a national television audience is quite another.

The Packers will now travel to North Carolina on Sunday where the team could be looking at a second straight loss at the hands of the undefeated Carolina Panthers.  The Panthers have a good team, but far from a great team.  They possess a talented multi-dimensional quarterback who at times can be dynamic and a game-changer, but can also be inaccurate with his throws and careless with his body. 

In short the Packers could very well lose Sunday’s game.  However if history is any indication, the team could well be back on track by Sunday night.

In each of the past three seasons disappointing loses have led to impressive bouce-backs wins which in-turn led to a string of crucial victories.

October 7, 2012

The famous “Chuck-Strong” game.  Head Coach Chuck Pagano had been diagnosed with cancer the week before and assistant Bruce Ariens was named interim coach just before this game.  Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and company overcame a 27 -3 half time deficit to defeat the Packers 30 -27 with Luck connecting with Reggie Wayne for the go-ahead score in the waning moments of the game.  It was an emotional win for the Colts and a shocking collapse by the Packers who also lost three starters during the game (Raji, Benson and Finley). 

The team was scheduled to go on the road the following week against an undefeated Houston Texans team which began the season 5-0.  The Packers thumped the Texans 42 – 24.  Aaron Rodgers was amazing throwing for six touchdowns, 328 yards and a passer rating of 133.8.

The Houston win was the start of an impressive five-game win streak to improve their overall record to 7 -3.

September 22, 2013

The Packers third game of the season came on the road against a mildly-respected Cincinnati Bengals team.  The Bengal were behind by 16 points in the third quarter and still trailed the Packers entering the fourth quarter by a 30 -21 score.  But the Packers couldn’t hold on as the Bengals scored 12-straight unanswered points to seal the victory 33 – 30.  It was a disappointing loss.

Injuries also played a role as Green Bay lost tight end Jermichael Finley to a concussion and ran out of running backs. Eddie Lacy was inactive with a concussion,  James Starks dinged his knee in the first half and rookie Jonathan Franklin ran for 103 yards and a touchdown before limping off near the end of the game.

Aaron Rodgers had a day to forget after throwing for one score and only 244 passing yards.  He was sacked 4-times and ended with a passer rating of 64.4.

The next week the wounded Packers paired up against the Detroit Lions and won handily 22 – 9.  Aaron Rodgers was impressive by completing 67% of his passes for 274 passing yards, a touchdown and a 106.8 passer rating.  The Packers would rattle off four straight wins after the Cincinnati letdown to start the 2013 season 5 – 2.

October 26, 2014

The Packers were on a roll when they met the Saints in New Orleans.  They had won the previous four contests and their record stood at 5 – 2.  The previous week they had dismantled Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers at home 38 – 17. 

The lightly regarded Saints were struggling with a 2 – 4 record but that day New Orleans took it to the Packers. The Saints out-scored the Packers 28 - 7 in the second half to walk away with a 44 – 23 victory.

Sam Shields and Morgan Burnett missed the game for the Packers with injuries and the Saints receivers ran rough-shod on the Packers weakened secondary.

Aaron Rodgers who had been on a tear was efficient but not great as he threw for 418 yards but chalked up only one TD on his way to a 93.8 passer rating. Rodgers suffered two INT’s and was sacked 3 times. Saints quarterback Drew Brees could not be stopped completing 27 of 32, three TD’s and a passer rating of 138.4.   

The following week was an entirely different story.  The Packers met the Bears at Lambeau Field and trashed their rivals 55 -14.  Aaron Rodgers was again un-worldly throwing for 315 yards, six touchdowns and an almost perfect passer rating of 145.8.  It was the start of five straight victories and a 10 -3 record.

Winning programs, no matter which team you happen to be, will suffer disappointing losses from time to time.  The Packers loss in Denver surely can be categorized as that.  But championship teams dig deep, rely on their talent, character and leadership to find a way to rebound.

There is also this fact worth mentioning.  An Aaron Rodgers led Packers team has not lost two in a row since weeks 5 - 6 of the 2010 season.

With history on their side a victory on Sunday would go a long way toward finding out just how good this Packers team can be.

 

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Comments (40)

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NashvilleCheesehead's picture

November 06, 2015 at 06:51 am

Hmmm....last week we kept hearing about what "history" shows about the Packers coming off a bye week. How did that historic "fact" work out?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:04 am

Beat me to it!

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croatpackfan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:07 am

Exactly!

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SpudRapids's picture

November 06, 2015 at 01:38 pm

I'll take that one with a grain of salt because how many teams have they played coming off a buy that also came off of their bye?

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NashvilleCheesehead's picture

November 06, 2015 at 04:39 pm

And how many of the teams they faced after getting "their asses kicked" were undefeated? Sheesh! Stop looking for meaningless patterns. Assess the match ups, watch the game and then analyze the outcome.

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croatpackfan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:10 am

Despite I still believe that Packers will win this game I want you to notice one very important thing - 2012 Texans (Matt Shaub?); 2013 Detroit Lions (Matthew Satford?); 2014 Bears (Jay Cutler?), I think Cam Newton is much better QB that all of 3 mentioned.
Also, this season is looking like break the record season, e. g. Drew Brees tossed 7 TD in one game - single NFL all time record, Peyton Manning is on the verge to break Brett Favre most passing yards all time record, Aaron Rodgers broke the record of the less passing yards per game in his career etc.
So, do not count on records, because I read here several time how Aaron Rodgers brings his best games after bad peformances - and nothing happened. Bad game became worse game every time. We can only hope that he touched the bottom...

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Dan Stodola's picture

November 06, 2015 at 08:15 am

Why are you putting the brakes on the Packers season, when all they need is a break?

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croatpackfan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:11 am

thank you, misstype

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:19 am

History and stats don't always hold up. Can't rely on that to suggest a team will or won't win.

That being said, I hope to see an extra motivated team this week. They played one of their worst games in a while, and have had to listen to it all week.

For me the key in this game will be to stopping the run on defense. Panthers are a run first team, and they do a lot of different things based on the run.

Offensively they have to get the passing game going soon. Perhaps that will pick up once they get the running game going. I just expect to see overall a better appearance this week.

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NickPerry's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:34 am

I agree on all points RC. If getting your butt handed to you on National TV doesn't motivate you nothing will. The Panthers are going to "Read Option" the Packers to death, just like Seattle did to get their offense going in week 2. Cam is 6'5" and 260 LBS though, keeping them in 3rd and long will be the key for the Packers.

With all that said I just can't see this team to continue to be THIS bad on Offense. Somethings going to give, either the Packers come out of their funk and light em up, or McCarthy just might snatch that play calling sheet back from Clements. Someone suggested Clements and Edgar Bennett were in over their heads. I'm thinking that might very well be the case.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 10:08 am

I am hoping the Packers have the read option stuff figured out. The last 3 games they have played against the read option, they have done it well.
I agree that the key will be to keep them in 3rd and long.

Yeah, I think we will start to see improvements made in offense (or at least I hope).

I think we might see them getting a little more creative with play calling.
One thing that might help is to get Montgomery back. I am calling him our X factor. The guy who could take our offense from mediocre to good, or good to great... His versatility can allow the Packers to use 4 or 5 WR's and still have a rushing threat, or at least a threat of a player out of the backfield.
Hopefully he can play this week.

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MarkinMadison's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:25 am

I'm sure the Packers have probably never gone on the road against undefeated teams in consecutive weeks. And I'll bet my paycheck it hasn't happened after week 4 of the season since the merger. Oh yeah and we're talking about seeing two top 10 defenses on the road in a row too.

Honestly, I was looking for a defensive rebound after a poor showing against the Chargers. I thought the Denver game would be a low scoring defensive battle. Well, the Packers were low scoring... Defensively, the Packers will match its 21st ranked rushing defense against the Panthers #2 rushing attack, which features a good running back and the best rushing QB in the game.

The Panther defense may not be as good as Denver's but they are really good. The line is a little banged up, but they have Pro Bowlers at the second and third levels. The Packers offense is going to have to show something different to move the ball, score points, and keep the defense off the field.

Panthers 27-14.

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NickPerry's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:54 am

I still don't think that losing Jordy Nelson can cause this offense to be so ineffective because that's the difference, well that and the extra weight on Eddie. BUT I wanted to take a second and ask if anybody else watched the Thursday Night Game. THAT'S what a good TE means to a offense. I'm not saying for example Vernon Davis would be the cure all of the Packers offensive woes, but we all know Thompson didn't even inquire about Davis. He SAYS he explores all avenues to improve his football team but I call BS, otherwise we'd have a TE by now!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 06, 2015 at 08:10 am

I agree, Mark, and would just add that Carolina's Kawann Short is a top 5 DT. It will be strength vs. strength for our interior OL.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 06, 2015 at 08:08 am

Last time I thought GB would lose was NE and SEA last year. GB was the better team both times. I think GB will lose on Sunday. Hope that's some kind of a rabbits foot.

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4thand1's picture

November 06, 2015 at 11:57 am

They weren't the better team when it game to special teams in Seattle. Against N.E. they were the better team.

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Since'61's picture

November 06, 2015 at 08:26 am

Nick - as far as the TE position goes I agree with you and have been commenting since 2013 and the loss of Finley that the Packers need an effective TE to make their offense work. As I said earlier this week, we're not only playing without Jordy we are basically playing without a TE as well. As for this week's game it is a matter of stop the run and run the football. Running the ball effectively keeps Cam Newton off the field and simultaneously protects Rodgers and helps the passing game. The OL needs to rebound this week if we're going to see a return to sustainable offensive production. I would also like to see some moving pockets and some quick passing by the offense. Something to establish some rhythm and get some positive plays so we're not always 3rd and 8 or worse on third downs. On defense, it would nice to see a few forced turnovers and some good pressure on the QB. If this defense doesn't know how to stop the read option by now it never will. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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chaka's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:47 am

TE Colt Lyerla would fill that void.

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dobber's picture

November 06, 2015 at 10:00 am

Colt Lyerla is history...long gone. Put him out of your mind.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 10:10 am

Sorry Colt has signed elsewhere. He is now in the AFL. Sorry for your loss.

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4thand1's picture

November 06, 2015 at 11:59 am

What gets me is, MM has always been a TE guy. This offense needs a weapon at TE and so far its not happening.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 06, 2015 at 12:56 pm

I've wondered that as well. We have been in need of a TE for too long.

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 01:41 pm

I wouldn't mind seeing Backman getting an opportunity. He seems to have the speed that could stretch the middle of the field. He may not be a blocking TE yet, but he seems like he could add something as a pass catching TE.

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Dan Stodola's picture

November 06, 2015 at 06:57 pm

All due respect but just like Janis. When the coaches think he can help the team and they trust him, he'll get playing time.

Why do you continue to hope and wish that they play guys that the coaches clearly don't think can help or they can trust?

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tm_inter's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:23 pm

The coaches suck!

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RCPackerFan's picture

November 07, 2015 at 12:21 am

I think we will start seeing Janis getting more playing time soon.

I don't expect Backman to be playing this week. I just would like to see him slowly get some playing time as the season goes on. For me I see almost nothing in Perillo to think he is going to add anything to the team. Based on what I saw from Backman in the preseason I believe he could offer more then Perillo.

Obviously the coaches don't think he is ready. Maybe he will be ready towards the end of the season. I am just saying that I wouldn't mind seeing him get an opportunity over Perillo.

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croatpackfan's picture

November 06, 2015 at 04:52 pm

They wanted Mitchell Henry. They were very high on him, they thought they can put him on the PS. If he was here from the day one of the season, he will be in instead of Perillo. But Broncos called him after cut and placed him on their PS. After they released Henry Packer immediately signed him on PS. Now, they are preparing him.... This might be one of the reason why we do not see much interest in available FA TE...

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 07, 2015 at 09:51 am

I agree, Croat, pretty much anyway. I like Henry much better than Backman, who at best is a long term project and at worst is someone who really should be on the PS rather than wasting a roster spot.

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Chris Scoggins's picture

November 06, 2015 at 08:58 am

Sadly - I was at 2 of those 3 disappointing losses.

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Fejs Buks's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:38 am

Also after Giants game in 2012,SNF 38-10, we won vs. Vikings 23-14.

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chaka's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:48 am

They need a real TE like Colt Lyerla. It would cost them very little.

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NickPerry's picture

November 06, 2015 at 04:58 pm

Probably just a little bail money.

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PaulRosik's picture

November 06, 2015 at 07:11 pm

Are you Colt Lyerla's manager or his mama? geez give it a rest already.

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4thand1's picture

November 07, 2015 at 07:23 am

chaka gets a kick outa the responses, no way he's serious. Or.......................................maybe he's Colt???

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jh9's picture

November 06, 2015 at 09:53 am

In response to this being a bounce back game--I sure as F hope so!

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EdsLaces's picture

November 06, 2015 at 10:47 am

I was at that Cinci game. What a nightmare and a waste of a good vacation...except it was Oktoberfest so that was kinda fun. Bengals fans are a joke...no class. The better run game will win this game, and I really hope they get Eddie and Starks goin early. Go pack go!

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4thand1's picture

November 06, 2015 at 12:10 pm

Playing a great defense on the road is as hard as it gets for a good offense. Hard to audible and communicate to the team. They showed a clip of Bulaga and Bahktiari during the Denver game looking at Rodgers waiting for the snap, they having to find pass rushers when the ball is snapped. Huge disadvantage for the o-line. This offense needs total communication when AR starts reading defenses.

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Bohj's picture

November 06, 2015 at 01:00 pm

Anybody know what became of Jonathan Franklin? I liked that guy and thought he was staying on as one of the coaching staff.

Two other things that stood out in the article to me. Past injuries to Raji, Burnett, and Lacy in the games we lost. Hurts having that type of talent sidelined so much. Seems to be hurting us this year too.

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MarkinMadison's picture

November 06, 2015 at 05:58 pm

Franklin retired due to neck injury.

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4thand1's picture

November 07, 2015 at 07:26 am

I think he was referring to Franklin still working with the team, not playing. Never did hear where he went. To bad he got hurt, looked promising.

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