Packers' Playoff Hopes Continue to Dwindle With Loss in Pittsburgh

The Green Bay Packers didn't need to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday night to keep their rapidly deteriorating playoff hopes alive.

But after watching them go blow-for-blow with one of the league's top teams, it was still crushing to take their former Super Bowl opponent down to the wire and leave the Steel City with another one chalked up in the "L" column.

Even with backup quarterback Brett Hundley putting together the best performance of his career -- 17-of-26 for 245 yards and three touchdowns -- it wasn't enough to topple the Steelers' second-ranked defense in points allowed. It was 16.5 entering Sunday night, however, they'll get knocked down a few pegs after the Packers put up 28 points.

Down 28-21 with 8:37 left in the game, Hundley helped engineer a 12-play, 77-yard drive to help tie the game which would ultimately come down to a Chris Boswell field goal to win the game and prevent overtime. That solidified the fact that the Packers have yet to win in Pittsburgh since 1970 when Bart Starr and Terry Bradshaw were quarterbacking their respective franchises.

While it left a 5-6 taste in the Packers' mouths, they left Heinz Field with more to take away than what would seem so on the surface.

The Packers entered the game as 14.5-point underdogs against one of the more high-powered offenses seen in the last decade with receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le'Veon Bell -- both of which combined for 352 yards against the Packers -- running the show.

The stat line for Hundley looks nice, but according to Pro Football Focus, Hundley only attempted six passes 10-plus yards past the line of scrimmage, completing two of them. 183 of his 245 passing yards also came after the catch, including the 54-yard screen pass to running back Jamaal Williams that went for a touchdown.

Jamaal Williams (30) carried the ball 21 times for 66 yards and a touchdown and also caught four passes for 69 yards and a touchdown Sunday night against the Steelers. (Jim Matthews/USA TODAY Sports)

The Packers enter the final five weeks of the regular season with Aaron Rodgers' status still up in the air. If it's any consolation, he was throwing 54-yard bombs during pre-game warm-ups. He looked as if he was ready to lunge back into action, however, his target date remains the same: December 17th against the Carolina Panthers.

That's if the Packers are still in contention by then.

While many expected them to crumble without Rodgers against the Steelers, they have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns as the next pair of games on their schedule. A couple of wins during that slate and the Packers would be sitting at 7-6 by the time Rodgers is eligible to return from injured reserve -- and if his collarbone is fully healed.

Rodgers has said before that if the bone isn't healed, a return is completely "out of the question."

The Packers will also need some teams to drop a few games in the process. Specifically, the Seattle Seahawks -- one team the Packers have a tie-breaker over -- and the Panthers -- another team the Packers will hope to eventually have the tie-breaker over. Any hopes of an NFC North title is essentially nonexistent at this point with the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings playing scolding-hot football.

If Hundley plays the way he did and coach Mike McCarthy does his job of giving Hundley opportunities to succeed, there's no reason why the Packers can't rattle off two wins between now and mid-December. Allowing the opposing team to drive 35 yards in three plays and 13 seconds for a game-winning field goal as time expires is probably one avenue to avoid.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (36)

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GBPDAN1's picture

November 27, 2017 at 04:05 am

I'm eating crow. I really thought the Pack were going to get their @$$ kicked. They fought. Hundley learned from last weeks game. Season's basically over, but at least we didn't get humiliated on national television.

Mismanaging the clock at the end of the game was depressing. Seems to happen with this team to many times before half times , ect....

Was anyone else yelling at their TV to punt when the 57 yard FG was called? MM is a motivator, as his teams don't totally quit on him. But, he sure is a bad in game, on the fly, decision maker.

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dobber's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:02 am

"Was anyone else yelling at their TV to punt when the 57 yard FG was called? "

Like last week on some of those 4th down attempts, the FG attempt here felt desperate, not gutsy. It's one where--if you get it--you look like a riverboat gambler. If not, you're likely to be the goat (and I don't mean greatest of all time). Honestly, I don't think that decision ultimately decided the game: there was enough back-and-forth after that to put it in doubt. Much like the Dallas game, I didn't doubt that Pittsburgh was going to drive the field and get a shot at a game-winning FG at the end.

"Mismanaging the clock at the end of the game was depressing."

If you're talking about Williams going out of bounds, that's not on MM. That's a rookie trying to make things happen and not knowing the game situation--the opposite of a vet like Nelson reaching for that clutch first down.

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Samson's picture

November 27, 2017 at 12:18 am

7-6 after the next two games is very possible. -- However, the Pack finish the season at Carolina, Minn. in GB and at Detroit. -- Even with AR, GB will lose at least one if not more than one of the final three games. -- Seven losses and the playoffs are history.

"54-yard bombs" --- ??? Come on - You have video of this?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 27, 2017 at 04:49 am

We are still the 9th seed. Need to get to 6th place.

5. Carolina 8-3: @NO, MN, GB, TB, @Atl
6. Atlanta 7-4: MN, NO, @TB, @NO, Carolina
7. seattle: 7-4: Philly, @ Jacksonville, LAR, @Dallas, Ari
8. Detroit: 6-5: @Balt, @TB, Chicago, @Bengals, GB
9. Packers: 5-6: TB, @Cleve, @ Carolina, MN, @Det
10-12: Dallas, Washington, Arizona at 5-6.

I can see Atlanta losing 3/4 games. 4 of 5 are tough games. Best if they lose to NO, GB, MN, and they beat Carolina. 3 losses =9-7.

I can see Seattle losing to Philly, Rams and Dallas. Arizona always plays Seattle tough. 3 losses = 9-7.

I can see Detroit imploding. They have an easy schedule, though.

MN: @Atl, @Carolina, Cincy, @GB, Bears
NO; Carolina, @Atlanta, NYJ, Atlanta, @TB - 10-6?
Carolina: @NO, MN, GB, TB, @Atl 4 losses =9-7

We probably have to run the table. I've seen folks assert that we can get in at 9-7, but I haven't see that broken down.

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dobber's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:06 am

Has no one invoked their inner Jim Mora on this thread, yet?

"We probably have to run the table."

That's all they can control: what they do on a weekly basis. There are a lot of games to be played that will impact the post-season, but the Packers only play 5 of them. I appreciate the fact that we still feel like we can think playoffs, but they've just got to put one foot in front of the other and win a football game or two before we can get too wrapped up in scenarios.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 01:39 pm

You're correct. All the hopefull are not very realistic or watching our team. A lot of ifs don't cut it. May get by Bucs and Browns, maybe? Rodgers return, why? To get him hurt again! The Panthers, Vikes, and Lions can rush!! And the Pack will have Rodgers running for his life and self protection. Besides that he wont be in game shape, have his timing, and will be thinking of those collar bones!, So sit him. Also, the Vikes will try to hurt him again. I believe by the way we are playing that the record will determine the decision. But, I'd love to see anyone with the balls to plant Keenum n the turf hard and often for some retribution. Not. MM will say don't do that, play soft, like our DB's. What would Jesus do? He'd pray.

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HankScorpio's picture

November 27, 2017 at 01:57 pm

"Rodgers return, why? To get him hurt again! "

I used to think like that. I'm starting to wonder lately.

It's a risk/reward calculation that I have no idea how to factor, mostly because I cannot possibly understand all the ramifications inside the locker room, which I believe is the most important place for a football team outside the field. Here are a couple of considerations I think are pertinent. There are probably more.

1) Losing breeds losing and winning breeds winning. It's always better to win than lose. Rodgers gives them a better chance to win. It's better to break the habit of losing before the offseason than to have to do it when 2018 starts.

2) How does telling the 52 guys on the team not named Rodgers that they should risk their health and play hard while Rodgers sits it out play inside the locker room? Does it stay united? Is there grumbling about the special treatment? Does it drive the tiniest of wedge into some important relationship dynamic between players, coaches, medical staff and/or the organization?

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flackcatcher's picture

November 27, 2017 at 02:14 am

Good overview Zach. Packers kept a high powered Pitt offense under control till the very end. It took a 50 yard FG in a field where those shots usually fail. There is a reason why Pitt is the best team in the AFC this year. If Hundley had more experience, he probably would have seen the delay blitz by TJ Watt and reset out of the play. (sigh) The cost of playing with a QB who is in reality, a rookie.

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Lphill's picture

November 27, 2017 at 05:55 am

Was that not helmet to helmet hit by Watt on Hundley ? If it was it could have been a game changer.

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TarynsEyes's picture

November 27, 2017 at 01:55 pm

He became a runner and one can say Hundley clearly lowers his head into Watt but see what yo wish.

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Donster's picture

November 27, 2017 at 06:42 am

I'm eating a bit of crow too. They may have lost, but they haven't quit. Hopefully the same team shows up the next few weeks and get into the win column. At least don't lose to Cleveland! They won't run the table. And let Rodgers heal fully.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 01:42 pm

Please tell me the what if they lose to the Browns? Come on die hard loyal fans. Then what? Fan since 58. You say not a fan, I say truth being told.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 27, 2017 at 06:51 am

Yeah. We have to run the table to get into the dance. Not likely. Even with ARod. I'll be pulling for it though.

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Razer's picture

November 27, 2017 at 07:27 am

I am glad to see a good effort by the team. Even in a losing season we need to show Packer grit.

As for the playoffs - keep dreaming. We don't have an offense, a defense or a run-the-table QB to make that happen. At this point, I just want the team to play hard and develop the young guys. Then, I want us to punish Minnesota at home.

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Tundraboy's picture

November 27, 2017 at 07:41 am

Me too. And higher picks.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 07:45 am

I thought the Pack played well. Brown made a great catch on the sideline, Bell to quick out of backfield, Hundley helmet to helment play was huge and NOT called at a criyicsk time in the game.Hundley looked calm the first half, nervous the third qt., and not as jittery the fourth qt. Williams ran real hard. But 57 yd field goal? I must say they played hard and had their chance. A few plays hete and there.....Just didn't finish. I too thought it would be much worst. Let's see how they finish the season. I agree, get the Vikas QB and hit them real hard!!

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dobber's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:09 am

".Hundley looked calm the first half, nervous the third qt., and not as jittery the fourth qt. "

It seemed that Pittsburgh was content to stop the run and force Hundley to beat them in the first half. They made the adjustment to pressure him more in the second half, and it looked like the wheels were going to come off for a bit, but you're right: he pulled it together and--while not an elite passer--was a leader for this team.

This could be a turning point for him. The stage where the game suddenly wasn't too big for him. We'll have to see if the coaches continue to put him in good situations against lousy opponents the next couple weeks.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 02:02 pm

Good points Dobber and correct. The Steelers played to our level though, and we had great opportunities to seal the deal on tunovers. Good teams take advantage and do that. When they had to step up the Steelers did, the Pack didn't. Hope it improves, and like you said the next two games will tell a story, especially I feel for players, coaches, and GM futures....maybe?

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 01:45 pm

I like the punish Queens part. You really think though they will even try to punish their QB and 2 receivers? Rodgers was; get nasty Pack!!

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Tundraboy's picture

November 27, 2017 at 11:28 pm

Team played well, with pride, did not embarass themselves, and MM did his usual. To me a victory, as it proves to anyone who doesn't see it, that he can not manufacture a win when given the opportunity to do so. Two turnovers with O points, when he could have pulled out a win. More albatross than asset. Typical.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 07:55 am

Tundra boy is correct. The two turnovers and no points. 57 yard field goal? Very short passes with our back and receivers gaining extra yards most of the tiime. Not stretching the field at all. Could've had this one, but... this was ripe for the taking and we couldn't get it done. Sad.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 02:03 pm

Three, opps.

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egbertsouse's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:19 am

Three turnovers but the defense still gives up 31. MM does his usual game-changing dipshit call. Special teams give up big plays. Defense can't hold with 17 seconds on the clock. Same old stuff, but that will be forgotten because the Steelers for some reason let guys run wide open downfield and Ben kept throwing it to guys in white.

I give up hope that anything will change at this point. I see the handwriting on the wall. I now understand that the Packers will eke out a 8-8 season thereby permitting MM and TT to trot out the old worn excuses (injuries, refs, schedule, pad-level, blah, blah, blah) and save their jobs. We'll get another mid-round pick that Ted will piss away on a volleyball player that he will try to convert to CB. He'll then use a 7th round pick to get an edge rusher who will immediately go on the PUP list. We'll all hope that Dom will retire but he will come back for his 456th year of running the same D and napping up in the booth, Ron Zook will stand on the sideline with that "Huh?" look on his face on every bad ST play.

I was really hoping I wouldn't have this same Groundhog Day experience.

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Razer's picture

November 27, 2017 at 09:08 am

...I now understand that the Packers will eke out a 8-8 season thereby permitting MM and TT to trot out the old worn excuses...

This is my fear as well. MM keeps talking the "process" talk, TT keeps missing on draft picks and Capers keeps his guys in a mild state of confusion. I could live with this team - if we had a smashmouth defense and the rest as is. Problem is that we are no closer to a good defense than we were 4 or 5 years ago. Sorry, something needs to change.

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al bundy's picture

November 27, 2017 at 10:31 am

YOur not referring to the fact that Ted took fat ass eddy lacy when he could have had a talented Leveon Bell. That is on MIke. He wants bull in the china shop type runners and not those with speed, and agility.

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SpudRapids's picture

November 27, 2017 at 11:35 am

Except that the Steelers took Bell at 48 and Pack took Lacy at 61... nice comment

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 02:10 pm

Defense? More like 9 years with below average and playoff meltdowns. Change is needed. New blood, understandable schemes, and energy. Hire Jim Leonard as DC. Why not?

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dobber's picture

November 27, 2017 at 09:44 am

"that will be forgotten because the Steelers for some reason let guys run wide open downfield and Ben kept throwing it to guys in white."

Are you unhappy because Pittsburgh let the Packers hang around in this one or because the tables finally turned and the Packers got back what they'd been giving away the last several weeks? Would you rather the Packers dropped the INTs? That Hundley would've never found Cobb down the sideline or Adams breaking free in the secondary? I'm confused.

I have a hard time getting after players for making the plays that were there...you know: the plays they SHOULD be making.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:53 am

"Packers' Hopes for Coaching Staff Changes Continue to Dwindle With Loss in Pittsburgh"

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 02:05 pm

YES YES YES. Keep the same crew, get the same results in 2018.

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al bundy's picture

November 27, 2017 at 10:28 am

Playoff hopes were done about three games ago. First they will not beat Minny and will probably lose to Detroit. Hell they may give Cleveland their first win.
If this gets Dom Capers fired good but in reality the staff will just write it off as losing Rogers was the only problem on this team.

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DD's picture

November 27, 2017 at 02:06 pm

Correct!!!!

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joelilli's picture

November 27, 2017 at 03:30 pm

A few thoughts:
I've heard fire MM TT and DC (especially DC), get a good draft pick. All sound ideas, which will come to naught until it's felt in the pocketbook. ( ie empty seats). Nothing speaks louder. Also, someone mentioned they are not hungry. i agree with that statement, Something is lacking in this team with or with out Rodgers. Missed tackles, dropped passes, missed field goals. They need new leadership. How does Minn or Philly do it?

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Since'61's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:14 pm

At this point saying that we have playoff hopes is a little generous. It will be more like a playoff miracle if we make it into the post-season.

First we will need to run the table and get to 10-6.
Even then we need a lot of help. The NFC South could qualify 3 teams from that one division.

Now they are play each other over the next 5 weeks but even with that 2 of the 3 will probably end up at 11-5 and the division winner at 12 -4. Atlanta is playing better than anyone in that division right now and they have the most talented team in the division. They play Minn at home this Sunday then N.O. at home on Thursday night and then get an 11 day bye followed by a Monday night game. If they get through their next 2 games they will be very difficult to beat when they return from an 11 day break.

N.O. and Carolina can both be had by Atlanta but still finish at 11-5 or 10-6 at worst. N.O. holds the tiebreaker over GB. Carolina TBD.

We're 9th with Detroit ahead of us and they have the easiest schedule of the teams in the chase. they could end up 11-5 or 10-6 or they could implode as usual.

Seattle could lose to Philly and maybe the LAR but they should win their other games which gives them 10-6 minimum. The Rams game is in Seattle and they can win that game and go 11-5.

I won't give up on the Pack until they are mathematically eliminated but we need plenty of games that we don't control to break our way. Also, we don't know if Rodgers will be ready to come back at all never mind in 3-4 weeks. Enjoy what's left of the ride for 2017. Thanks, Since '61

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Lphill's picture

November 27, 2017 at 08:43 pm

McCarthy is exposed as a fraud without Rodgers to bail him and Capers out, both these coaches would have been fired years ago after one of the many playoff disappointments, for me it was the 2011 15 and 1 season , that should have brought change yet we had to endure heartbreak after heartbreak . What will it take for change in Green Bay before Rodgers retires?

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