Why do the Packers typically lose close playoff games?

Is it coaching? Injuries? Young players? Dumb luck? Why do the Packers typically on the short end of close playoff games?

After the Green Bay Packers lost the 1960 NFL championship, head coach Vince Lombardi told his team that they would never lose another championship game.

He was right. Lombardi and the Packers won their next nine postseason games.

Under current head coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have lost seven playoff games. Of those defeats, five have come on the game’s final play.

When it comes to postseason success, McCarthy is no Lombardi. But are the Packers playoff shortcomings – especially in close games – really McCarthy’s fault? Would Lombardi have fared different if he were transplanted to the modern era and roamed the sidelines during each of the Packers heartbreaking playoff defeats?

I have no idea. But I do know this: The Packers shortcomings during clutch playoff situations is maddening. Even after another miracle Hail Mary on Saturday night, in the back of my mind, I kept thinking, “That was awesome, but the Packers typically don’t win these types of games. Things will go south in overtime.”

Unfortunately, my negative mindset proved to be correct. Why have the Packers typically come up short when it matters most in the playoffs under McCarthy? Let’s try and figure it out.

Coaching
We’ve touched on it a bit already, but is McCarthy the one to blame?

I pointed the finger at the coach after last season’s NFC title game meltdown. I’ve also been critical of McCarthy after other playoff defeats, but what coach isn’t going to face criticism after his team loses in the playoffs?

There wasn’t much to be mad at McCarthy about following the loss to the Cardinals. He added a few wrinkles to his normally static game plan that helped keep his team in it despite a long list of injuries.

I believe any criticism of McCarthy cannot be strictly based on his postseason results. What gets me frustrated at McCarthy is his stubbornness, unwillingness to make pass-protection adjustments in-game and set-in-stone pass concepts that don’t adjust to the personnel available to him or what the defense is doing.

When those criticisms carry over from the regular season to the postseason (and sometimes they do), then McCarthy definitely shares in a big chunk of the blame for the Packers playoff failures. But to say these problems are exclusive to McCarthy’s playoff game plans and that they happen every single playoff game is shortsighted.

Young roster
The Packers typically have one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Does youth and inexperience contribute to late-game postseason meltdowns?

Maybe. But look closer at who’s been screwing up in the big spots during these nail-biting contests.

·         On Saturday, Sam Shields – a veteran – dropped three interceptions that would have wiped 10 points off the board for Arizona.

·         In last season’s NFC title game collapse, Morgan Burnett (veteran) picked off a pass late, then followed the instruction of Julius Peppers (another veteran) to kneel down despite a wide open field in front of him.

·         In 2013, Micah Hyde had a game-winning interception slip through his hands late in the game. Hyde was a rookie, so maybe we can chalk that mistake up to youth.

·         The overtime period of the 2009 wild-card game loss to Arizona saw Aaron Rodgers – in only his second season as a starter but his fifth season overall – overthrow an open Greg Jennings for a touchdown, then fumble on the game’s final play to give the Cardinals the win.

·         Finally, it was Brett Favre – the most veteran of veteran players – who threw the overtime interception that cost the Packers the 2007 NFC title game against New York.

Obviously, there were more plays that led to each Packers loss in the aforementioned games than the ones I’ve highlighted, but it’s been more than the Packers young guys messing up when the game is on the line.

Injuries
Nobody likes to use injuries as an excuse, but do the Packers have a case?

On Saturday, the Packers top four receivers when training camp opened were hurt. Rodgers was, basically, playing on one leg against Seattle in 2014. The 2013 loss to San Francisco featured a laundry list of injured Packers.

Every team is banged up when January rolls around, but the Packers seem to always be a little more banged up than others.

Bad luck
Whether it’s the regular season or the postseason, almost every NFL game comes down to a handful of key plays. For some reason, with the exception of the 2010 Super Bowl run, most of these plays have not gone the Packers’ way.

Was it luck that the Cardinals got two first downs by a single chain-link on Saturday night? Or that Russell Wilson’s desperation heave in 2014 on a late two-point conversion was caught by one of his own players instead of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix? Or that Arizona got away with an obvious offensive pass interference on their last regulation touchdown on Saturday and a facemask on the game’s final play in 2009?

When the ball bounces late in these playoff games, it typically doesn't bounce the Packers' way (Saturday’s Hail Mary being a major exception, of course).

All of the above
If the Packers struggles could be tied to just one issue, they probably would have solved it by now. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

Everything I’ve mentioned here, and likely several other issues I haven’t even thought about, contribute to the Packers late-game postseason shortcomings.

Is this something that can be fixed? Can a study be conducted and specific changes made that will turn things around? Or is it just a matter of players stepping up, the coaches coaching better and the Packers’ late-game luck turning around?

That’s a question McCarthy will have to address this offseason. Maybe he needs to try a Lombardi-style speech where he tells his team that "They will never lose another postseason game on the final play again."

Whatever might work, I'm all for it. We’re all sick of seeing the Packers walk off the field in defeat after another late-game playoff loss.

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Comments (77)

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Lphill's picture

January 19, 2016 at 01:15 pm

Sometimes as we all know Mike takes his foot off the Pedal and then let's teams climb back in, you would never see that from the Pats, keep playing and keep scoring is the way to finish. I think we see a change next season for the better , bring in some veteran help on defense and the draft and say goodbye to Matshay . Field position is everything.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:34 pm

I doubt Mike is telling his players, "hey, try not to score. We're winning. Just waste time."

Direct me to a game where we didn't have crucial slip ups towards the end of a game that we should have won.

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cheddarhead's picture

January 19, 2016 at 06:06 pm

Continuity and team chemistry is tough in the draft and development scheme. You have so many different combinations on the field, with all the injuries and rookies expected to preform. Then the following year u have more rookies. it's a wonder they win any games late in the season.IMO.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

January 19, 2016 at 08:26 pm

TT has been at the helm for 10 years. He's acquired 2 ( 3 if you count an aging Pickett, I won't) saavy vets on Defense during his tenure as GM. 2vets/10yrs=1/5=0.2(100)=20%. We have about a 20% chance of that happening based on track record, alone. In other words, don't hold your breath.

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Dan Stodola's picture

January 19, 2016 at 09:44 pm

Why the heck wouldn't you count Pickett? He was younger when they signed him than Peppers was, by quite a bit. In fact he was younger than Woodson too. Pickett was a valuable team player and leader and made a big play in the SB. He helped the Packers win alot of games!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 20, 2016 at 12:27 am

Why wouldn't you count Pickett? He was 26 when TT signed him, just coming off his rookie contract, and he was a big time player, at least a red chipper.

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Wenis's picture

January 19, 2016 at 01:17 pm

Most of the time if you have teams of comparable talent and the game is close the coaching can make all the difference. With that said its no secret I am no fan of Mike "Martyball" McCarthy but I think this Cardinals game should not fall on his shoulders.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:36 pm

Interesting. I'm curious to know why you don't fault MM on this one.

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Wenis's picture

January 20, 2016 at 07:58 am

I don't fault McCarthy for the multiple dropped passes and multiple dropped INT's that most likely would have put the game out of reach for the Cardinals. That 75 yard pass to Fitz was the result of a broken play that we watched multiple defenders have a chance to make the tackle or push Fitz out of bounds but they didn't even come close and it was pathetic to watch.

My main beef with McCarthy is he goes full tilt martyball and constantly plays not to lose instead of trying to win. I think the team as whole would be much better if they could get away from this kind of madness.

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D.D.Driver's picture

January 20, 2016 at 08:10 am

And here's where I point out that Ariens made the "aggressive" playcall with two minutes left in the fourth quarter (that all the "Martyball" complainers are clamoring for) and it nearly cost the Cardinals their season.

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D.D.Driver's picture

January 19, 2016 at 01:39 pm

I think you can read too much into it. Every team except one loses its last game. You have a bunch of great teams going after each other. A botched onside kick recovery or a crazy helmet catch and the season is over.

Don't forget, this year and last year, the Packers were over a touchdown underdog. The Packers were supposed to lose, and lose big. Out of all the games last weekend, the Packers/Cards was supposed to be the most lopsided. I'm far more upset about going 15-1 and getting spanked by the Giants than going on the road, as a heavy underdog and coming "this close" to pulling it out.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:36 pm

*high five*

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4thand10's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:33 pm

Ditto.

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Bearmeat's picture

January 19, 2016 at 05:36 pm

I guess.

To me the most painful playoff losses under MM would be (in order)

1. 2007 - Ugh.

2. 2014 - Ugh.

3. 2011 - Although truth be told I don't think that defense would have allowed a super bowl trophy - even with that amazing offense

4. 2013 - I knew we were injured like crazy. But I just hate Harbaugh and Kap so much that that REALLY sucked.

5. 2012 - Mostly because of how embarrassing it was. I thought we'd lose all along.

6. 2015 - We hung tough. But you could see AZ had more talent.

7. 2009 - Should have won, but ARod was so young...

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cinpackback's picture

January 19, 2016 at 10:01 pm

I was at the 2007 game, freezing my butt off, when the gunslinger let one fly...when you live by your quarterback you die with your quarterback.

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cinpackback's picture

January 19, 2016 at 10:01 pm

I was at the 2007 game, freezing my butt off, when the gunslinger let one fly...when you live by your quarterback you die with your quarterback.

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dasnogs52's picture

January 20, 2016 at 07:08 pm

2009 was a face mask...

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Dan Stodola's picture

January 19, 2016 at 09:50 pm

Agreed. Here's the thing... When you get in the playoffs the teams are generally fairly evenly matched. Its unusual that a team if favored by 7 pts, or even a team wins by more than 7 pts. When games are that close, it comes down to which team makes the big plays at the most critical times. Packers are and will continue to be very even matched w/ every team in the upper echelon of the NFL.

Was hoping this would be the break through year, but it got derailed especially by losing Jordy. That would be akin to NE losing Gronk for the season. A little better health and some development and improvement back to the play standards expected by a few players will push the Packers over the top next year.

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dschwalm's picture

January 20, 2016 at 10:46 am

IMO, the single most important variable in judging coaches/coaching is that the elite coaches find ways to win and can inspire teams to win at crunch time. They often call a time-out (if available to them), if need be to lay on the strategy and inspire them to give it more gas when they have all but run out of gas like last season's embarrassment. Never liked MM as coach but that ending in Seattle was unconscionable. He needs a change of scenery, and TT (Howard Hughes) needs to be committed.

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D.D.Driver's picture

January 20, 2016 at 11:34 am

Other than Belichick, who are all these other elite coaches that inspire Super Bowl wins. And even Belichick...would it surprise you to know that prior to last year, the Patriots lost their last two Super Bowl appearances on...wait for it...a touchdown in the last minute of the game? And was Belichick's super inspiration really what clinched the game against Seattle, or was it Carroll/Bevell tripping over their own clipboard in deciding to pass at the one yard line?

Or maybe, in the previous two Super Bowl appearances Belichick's super inspiration was simply trumped by Coughlin's super-DUPER inspiration. Like paper beating rock type of thing (which I have never really understood). But the Coughlin was just run out of town after a 6-10 season...hmmm....

The reality is it's all a Rorschach test. Fans will see what they already believe.

Here's what I believe. Belichick lost two Super Bowls to the Giants largely due to dumb luck down the stretch. (Remember the crazy helmet catch?) He won last year in a game he should have lost, also, due to a certain amount of dumb luck. We have built up this mythology about football as a game of warriors and tactical geniuses. Some coaches are good a their jobs. Some coaches are bad at their jobs. The coaches that are bad at their jobs don't go the playoffs every year. Most of them never get there.

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Razor's picture

January 20, 2016 at 03:16 pm

Well said - Could not agree more!

Ultimately it all comes back to Mike and Ted.

Select better, coach better, make changes sooner.

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Dan Stodola's picture

January 20, 2016 at 08:47 pm

Why in THE hell would a coach have to inspire a player to play they're best in the last seconds of a playoff game w/ so much on the line? Don't you think the players are aware of the implications of such a play and play that play or plays at the very highest level of execution and intensity they have?

Call a timeout yes, to get the play that best fits the situation and gives you the best chance. But inspire? Really? Get real.

I think you need to be committed!

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tm_inter's picture

January 19, 2016 at 11:32 pm

Right on!

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marpag1's picture

January 20, 2016 at 03:54 am

Ding! Ding! Chicken dinner.

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KenEllis's picture

January 19, 2016 at 01:49 pm

Some successful playoff teams go for the jugular, some have QBs that will them to victory, some have defensive warriors who reach down for that extra something when the going gets touch, and some have coaches who routinely outcoach the opposition.

Which of the above do the Packers have?

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2016 at 03:37 pm

THIS!!!

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Bearmeat's picture

January 19, 2016 at 05:23 pm

They used to. Their names were (in order):

Erik Walden (Bears week 17)
Desmond Bishop tackle on DJax punt return (WC)
Tramon Williams (Atlanta)
BJ Raji and Sam Shields (Chicago)
Clay Matthews/Ryan Pickett/Aaron Rodgers/Greg Jennings/Jarrett Bush (Pittsburgh)

What do you see? NO PATTERN WHATSOEVER. Different players stepped up to the bat and made plays. Several of them played out of their MINDS during the 2010 playoff run.

If you look at NYG in 2007 and 2011, Pittsburg in 2009, NO in 2009, BAL in 2012. Heck, even SEA over the 9ers in the NFC CG in 13 and NE over SEA in the super bowl last year.

In other words, flukey things happen. Plays are there to be made by the players and they HAVE to make them.

Some of that (perhaps most of it) has just been bad luck for GB in 09, 13, 14, 15. Some of it has been the things Adam mentioned above. The only thing that could be on the coaches would be DBs not making the INT when they can (that can be coached) and the onside kick in 14. These things CAN be corrected and they MUST be. Soon. Or Rodgers is going to run out of time to get Lombardi 2 and 3.

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Razor's picture

January 20, 2016 at 03:25 pm

Ted & Mike select and develop the players - so get better players and better coaches.

Just look at the playoff results the last five years since 2010 super bowl.
2011 got thumped by NYG in Lambeau
2012 got embarrassed by SF
2013 SF again in Lambeau
2014 epic fail in Seattle
2015 dropped INT's and JP out of position - loss in Arizona

Five years goes beyond fluke. Ted & Mike have had ten years - what new magic can we expect?

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marpag1's picture

January 20, 2016 at 04:05 am

Exactly. If we had any of these things that you're crying for, the football would not have ricocheted off the hands of a Packer defensive back directly to an Arizona receiver for a touchdown. But obviously we don't have any of these things, and that's why Michael Floyd got a gimme touchdown from Santa Claus.

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KenEllis's picture

January 19, 2016 at 01:52 pm

Just saw this and had to respond: "Nobody likes to use injuries as an excuse, but do the Packers have a case? On Saturday, the Packers top four receivers when training camp opened were hurt. Rodgers was, basically, playing on one leg against Seattle in 2014. The 2013 loss to San Francisco featured a laundry list of injured Packers."

In 2014, the Seahawks were without their 2 to DLineman and starting center in the NFC Championship game. Sherman & Earl Thomas suffered significant injuries during the game.

The Pack's Oline missed 1 game all last season. The team was one of the healthiest (missed amongst the fewest games) in the NFL. They still lost.

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Handsback's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:07 pm

This was posted on another site.........the breaks seem to go in groupings for and against. Now they seem to be against the Pack.

After the Sat. game against the Cards my son called me and in the course of the conversation he said "Green Bay never seems to get the breaks." I thought about that and in his lifetime that is true. In my lifetime, that's not true. Green Bay has had plenty of breaks over the years. It just seems that they come in groups with a lot of time between them happening. For instance, 65 the FG that the Packers got credit for in the playoffs and further study showed it was off. Because of that, the post were made longer. Next year, the playoffs between the Cowboys and Packers (winner went to the first Superbowl) the packers win on last play of the game with an errant throw by Meredeth. Of course he was rushed by Robinson so understand the pick. The next year the Ice bowl. Last play won it for the Packers.
I don't remember any close finishes until the mid-late 90 when the Magic Man won several close games on the last play. They weren't playoffs, but still exciting. You could say the Super Bowl win over the Steelers was a last second deal due to the interception by Bush. Let's face it, Big Ben makes that comeback most of the time.
Now we have the losses of San Fran (dropped interception by Hyde) Seattle (last year) and the Cardinals in 2010 (hands to the face penalty not called) and this years edition.

So yes Green Bay seems snake bit a little, but they will level out as the years go by. I just hope Aaron Rodgers can be the guy on the good side of more wins. Also if you note the more experienced a team....the better probability of a close win vs. a loss.

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JerseyAl's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:22 pm

You waste your time at other sites?

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Handsback's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:39 pm

I know it's crazy huh!

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Samson's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:15 pm

Too many low round draft picks and UDFAs on the 53. Too many unproven, undisciplined young players on the 53. What you are seeing in the Pack is TT's D&D philosophy backfiring. -- Some veteran leadership is needed in a big way all throughout the 53.

It's only coincidence that the Pack has lost 5 games on the last play. Teams can lose games (or win) at anytime during the game.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:43 pm

As much as I want to go on in detail, it's in the past now and too painful to rehash everything. I will say that in recent years it has been a combination of a dumb play, throw in some bad luck followed by equally bad coaching.

I just hope that MM is as sick about losing as we are and reexamines his own approach and the veterans we do have take more charge on the field. That and a good luck charm of some sort.

Calling it as I see it.

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ricestillfumbled's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:30 pm

I don't think the joy from the lone super bowl in the last 15 years outweighs the suffering we endured year after year. The pain I've gone through each of the last 3 years is truly remarkable.

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Dan Stodola's picture

January 19, 2016 at 02:59 pm

Comes down to the players on the field making the plays they hae the opportunity to mske. Youth is a contributing factor so might be injuries but i don't like to use injuries. Eothet way its on the players to make the plays. Too many missed opportunities in that regard.

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jh9's picture

January 19, 2016 at 06:43 pm

In all team sports, great teams with great coaches find ways to win--not ways to lose.

The Packers have a HOF quarterback. Ted Thompson is one of the best GMs in the NFL at drafting talent. As a whole, this Packers team has had enough talent over the last seven years to have won multiple Lombardi Trophies.

Bad officiating..? Bad bounces..? You have got to be kidding me.

The Packers had the game against Arizona in their hands with the second to last possession. There were some three minutes and fifty seconds left on the clock and what happened? Bad playcalling and bad execution, that's what happened.

A great coach would have learned Arizona's weakness by that time in the game. He would have known what plays and players he had to exploit that weakness. Great coaches have a way of getting inside of his best players heads and motivating them to get the absolute best out of them at the most difficult times. And none of those things happened against Arizona.

Remember Vince Lombardi? Bill Parcells? Chuck Noll? Bill Walsh? They were all multiple Super Bowl winners, and they all had the coaching talent to get the job done. Unfortunately, Mike McCarthy is not in their league.

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4thand10's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:40 pm

What about the Bills 4 superbowl losses? Yes, a little luck and officiating plays a roll...just like a million other variables in football.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 20, 2016 at 10:55 am

No doubt a great coach can overcome a lot and guide a team through adversity,but great coaches are hard to find and it's not like you can just go shopping. Seems like you take a chance on a good coach with potential and they prove to be one or develop into one,or they do not.

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porupack's picture

January 20, 2016 at 01:06 pm

Nice post JH9

No such thing as bad luck. I call it bad preparation for all situations.

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dasnogs52's picture

January 20, 2016 at 07:16 pm

I enjoyed your comment but I have to say being down 2 WRs (Cobb and Adams) and rolling with Abby and Janis (who most of us including me wanted all year)... I can't say McCarthy wears this one... The players earned this loss as much as they would have had they won it... 3 picks by shields dropped one that would have sealed the game.. Rodgers missed some throws he always makes... And still they were in OT to go back to the NFC championship game.. The fact that they were there has to say something... And I agree with Adam.. MAC gets me nuts with his lack of in game adjustments.. His stubborn ways... but this team was in OT against the #2 that whooped us 3 weeks earlier... With Janis Abby Jones and Richie Rodgers..

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PortlandMark's picture

January 19, 2016 at 03:27 pm

If you are going to channel Lombardi then you have to think that the Packers should have went for 2 and win after scoring on the last play. In Ice Bowl he gambled all or nothing on Starr getting across the goal line with 16 seconds and no timeouts left when a field goal would have tied it up and sent the game to overtime.
I still don't understand why Burnett went down after picking Wilson last year and why they didn't try to put a dagger in Seattle and have Rodgers look for Jordy instead of calling the obvious run play. If the Packers make the playoffs next year I hope they push for 50 points and don't ever let up until it's time for the victory formation. That said, I am happy to have MM for the head coach and TT as the GM. 7 straight years in the playoffs is remarkable and we should savor this time.

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pacman's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:06 pm

"7 straight years in the playoffs is remarkable and we should savor this time."

Sorry - but this is loser talk. If that's all you think this team is capable of. But if you think they are capable of more, then we should expect more. That's what MM is paid to do. I certainly hope he is not being paid just to get into the playoffs.

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4thand10's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:28 pm

Not really, the same could be said about big Ben and the Steelers. I would rather have the playoff loses with chances to go to the big dance than be like other teams which only have a good 2-3 year period...then you never see em for 8-10 years.

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zoellner25's picture

January 19, 2016 at 03:59 pm

Wow, MM is pissed and cleaning house. Bout time someone is held accountable there.

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Ima fubar's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:08 pm

Firing the running backs coach. Mike took over play calling from a guy who went 6-0 before all the injuries kicked in. We blamed him.
Mike fired an innocent running backs coach because again this year the O line proved to be soft, injury prone and pretty piss poor all around. Not to mention Eddy, 50 pounds over weight Lacy showing up to camp unable to tie his shoes. Ya that's the running backs coach's fault.
Mike fire Dom Capers.

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dschwalm's picture

January 20, 2016 at 10:52 am

But he needed to turf one more fat coach!

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Ima fubar's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:04 pm

I still blame last years Seattle loss to mental mikes decision to not (were in the red zone three times off turnovers) use Rogers arm and go for 7 but run Lacy left, run lacy right and take the 3. That decision costs the packers the game.
This year it was squarely on Dom Capers. Hey we all saw and were proud how this team had AZ on the run in the first half. Couldn't run, couldn't pass.
Why did Dom C go to a zone defense, open up the passing game for Palmer. As soon as he made that change the game changed immediately.
It was that same zone scheme that allowed Fitz to be more wide open than any receiver I saw this entire year and I get all the games. There wasn't anyone within 15 yards or this guy. That my friends does not win champoinship games. But hey, lets fire the running backs coach. He made eddie eat all that crap.
Mike it ain't a running league anymore. Give it up.

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Horse's picture

January 19, 2016 at 07:02 pm

Probably because Hyde went down. When Dom thinks he's lost the edge in man he goes to more zone. Is that wrong? He probably knows who can make what assignments work against which player a hell of a lot better than fans on a blog. Solution: get a couple horses to make zone D better next season

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dobber's picture

January 19, 2016 at 08:20 pm

"Mike it ain't a running league anymore. Give it up."

Based on regular season stats, 5 of the top 10 teams in rushing yards per game are playoff teams. Only 3 of the top 10 teams in passing yards per game are playoff teams.

Meanwhile, 9 of the top 10 teams in rushing yards allowed per game (defense) are playoff teams.

Just saying...

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EdsLaces's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:21 pm

Yeah MM has lead us to all these big playoff games because he sucks as a coach ...makes sense. The players have to win it not Mike. Like did MM bat down all those INTS Sammy should have had ?????

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Lphill's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:33 pm

Packers had too many rookies and young players on the field , remember 1996 run, Reggie, Kieth Jackson, Seth Joyner, Andre Rison , and others, that Ron Wolf formula worked back then maybe TT needs to read his book , I just did .

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WilsonMaywick's picture

January 19, 2016 at 05:17 pm

And Wolf won the same number of Super Bowls as TT. "Fart in the wind."

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D.D.Driver's picture

January 20, 2016 at 08:37 am

Of these guys, only Reggie White and Keith Jackson can be called difference makers. (But you also forgot Eugene Robinson , Sean Jones and Santana Dotson, who were all far more important than Andre Rison).

The real reason the Packers won was all the young talent: Brett Favre, Dorsey Levens, Antonio Freeman, Mark Chmura. What you really need are those young guys that are playing at a Pro Bowl level who are still getting paid on their rookie contracts and waaaay below their market value. The Packers also had that in 2010 with Clay Matthews and BJ Raji. I don't see it now.

It's all about the salary cap. The entire system is designed so that good teams get worse and bad team get better. Once teams have to start paying those top performers, life gets much harder. You've seen it in San Francisco and we are seeing it in Seattle now.

As I've said in another thread, there are really three elite franchises over the last decade: the Packers, the Patriots, and the Steelers. Then there is everyone else that climb their way out of the heap of shit for a season or two, are forced to pay their top performers, and then fall back into the pile of shit. But those three teams are good every year.

Packer fans take the playoff and division championships for granted. But the consistent level of success the Packers have enjoyed is not normal. It is--literally--exceptional.

** As a total aside, Andre Rison was not a big splashy free agent pick up. He was a late season, trash-heap waiver wire signing. I don't even think he ever learned the playbook. Its weird to me that so many Packer fans remember his as some important cog in the 1996-97 Super Bowl team.

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Razer's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:34 pm

Despite some of the miscues, I think that this is a well coached team. The game plan and prep of this team coming into Arizona was evident. The reasons for these short-falls are in other areas.

1. I think that we have persistent gaps at some key areas. ILB, TE and OLine depth have been problems for this team for several years. Having Joe Thomas or Jake Ryan chasing shadows will not win you championships. Opponents take advantage of these known weaknesses.

2. Lack of star players/difference makers. Selecting a the bottom of the draft and misses to numerous high draft picks has us short of guys who win you big games. Larry Fitzgerald won that game on Saturday. We don't have a Larry Fitzgerald.

Overall, the coaching is good (a cluster on offense right now) and the organization is top notch but we need more talent. TT needs to rock another draft and he has to find more Pepper. Tick tock

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EdsLaces's picture

January 19, 2016 at 08:16 pm

Yes green bay does have a Larry Fitzgerald. ..except he was out all season ....and he's white.

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Razer's picture

January 20, 2016 at 07:58 am

Jordy's good but he is not Fitzgerald. Jordy adds a dimension that we missed. Fitzgerald adds multiple dimensions and is used accordingly.

Not sure that being 'white' has much to do with anything.

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EdsLaces's picture

January 21, 2016 at 03:57 pm

Before jordy got hurt I would have taken him over Fitz all day long at this point in their careers. Being white doesn't have anything to do with anything u are correct.

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SpudRapids's picture

January 19, 2016 at 04:38 pm

Why do we view this as a negative? There is only been 2 games that McCarthy has lost in the playoffs that didn't come down to the final play. That's impressive in that his teams are always ready to play in the playoffs.

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TarynsEyes's picture

January 19, 2016 at 07:16 pm

Peppers has played two seasons is a huge reason for both losses in the playoffs in both. Telling Burnett to go down an Taki g away a possible score to secure a win which led to a cluster fu# meltdown las year. Then this season leaving his coverage of Fitzgerald.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

January 19, 2016 at 07:40 pm

Tarynfor12, Can't tell you how UPSET I still am over that game. I know I had it picked right. I know I had the season picked right. I had them B@#$ards Beat. I'm Convinced I had it figured Right, & then That Cluster F#@K at the end. I can't get over it. I won my bet, but I had that game won. How can that keep happening to GB.

LVT

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TKWorldWide's picture

January 19, 2016 at 07:44 pm

Um,.....quit gambling?

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

January 19, 2016 at 07:53 pm

I won the GB game bet. I'm Winning, Why Quit?? GB was the team. It gives me a Great Feeling to beat them Bastards, & I did again. I had 7 1/2 pt's with GB. I wanted to be right on the NFCC game where I had 12-1 on GB. It feels Good to Beat the House. You pick the NFCC Game with 10 or 11 weeks to go. I got within 1 game of being right. I had a Good Week. $1600 up. Next week would have been a better one. Why Quit??

LVT

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marpag1's picture

January 20, 2016 at 04:23 am

No offense, but I seriously doubt anyone other than you cares about your betting success. Why should they? Even if GB wins the superbowl, it doesn't mean some dude in Vegas will make money on a bet.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 20, 2016 at 11:02 am

I would if you shared the wealth. Lol

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

January 20, 2016 at 02:31 pm

Tundraboy, I wish I could sit down with you. I would share the wealth.

LVT

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Tundraboy's picture

January 22, 2016 at 04:19 pm

Thanks. My ex would take it all anyway.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

January 20, 2016 at 02:18 pm

marpag1, No offense to you, but your last statement "Even if GB wins the superbowl, it doesn't mean some dude in Vegas will make money on a bet", Doesn't Make Sense???

Just thought I'd post my feelings on the Tough GB loss. My betting success means something to only me. I posted to show how it feels to Win a bet & lose the game.

Your opinion on my Betting Success means Nothing to me, & as you put it, "Why Should it"?? I'm Very Successful & was Very Close to some Big Money this year. I enjoy Beating the House. I don't like ever losing. I also don't like GB losing games they should have won. I don't like AR taking the fall for a Secondary Mistake. He fought his Heart Out to Win that game.

There are a lot of things I don't like, but WINNING isn't 1 of them.

I didn't tell you that No One cares if you keep watching GB on Sunday. I didn't tell you to start betting, Did I??

You keep enjoying the games, & I'll keep Cashing the Tickets, whether they are for a few Hundred or a few Thousand. I'm sure that will keep us both happy. Go Pack!!

LVT

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Horse's picture

January 19, 2016 at 08:09 pm

It wasn't Peppers who was at fault.
Capers said Peppers did what he was trained to do, go get the QB. Randall was supposed to drop into coverage and got confused. He didn't. You can see it on tape.
Without knowing what each player's assignment is, pointing a finger at one of them is frequently wrong. That's why PFF grades blow so often. They don't know the assignments.

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Ima fubar's picture

January 22, 2016 at 11:42 pm

Ya you just described why I feel Capers has to go. You've got two rookies just learning the system. First half against AZ is going good, got em on the run. Dom changes to zone for the second half and these young kids have to be dam confused as to what to do out there.
AZ immediately looked a lot better because of it and it cost us the game.
Just like mathews, his game has gone down hill because they can't leave him alone in one postion. Every other play they move him. If he looked confused it was because he was confused. Dom Capers.

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Pack12's picture

January 19, 2016 at 08:15 pm

I think that this article does a good job of pointing out everything that has happened but that there is no clear answer as to why the Packers lose close playoff games. The best that I can explain it is that to be a champion a team needs to BELIEVE that it can be a champion. The difference between winning and losing in professional sports is miniscule and that there is such a thing as a championship mentality and the heart of a champion. There is a certain mental toughness that championships have. A team also has to have the killer instinct of putting away opponents. There seems to be a lack of going for the jugular and putting away opponents and perhaps because of all the close playoff losses an attitude of what can go wrong will go wrong. This is where a strong head coach and great leader comes in.

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tm_inter's picture

January 19, 2016 at 11:40 pm

Hey, why fault MM when the Packers lost in OT because of defensive breakdowns - failure to cover Fitzgerald in the last two plays of the game.

Shouldn't the fingers be pointed at defensive coordinator and defensive coaches instead?

Or blame the referee for not flipping the coin (twice) thus letting the Cardinals to take the field first in OT?

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Mebrooks5291's picture

January 20, 2016 at 03:39 am

It starts with players who are not prepared to play in pressure situations.

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porupack's picture

January 20, 2016 at 01:17 pm

That's a brilliant answer Mebrooks. It nails both players and coaches exactly as it should.

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WinUSA's picture

January 21, 2016 at 10:59 am

To make the Super Bowl there always are factors that play into the contestants making the Big Show, Talent, Injuries, calls or lack of calls by refs, and LUCK.

You did a good job of pointing out the Packers "Jonas" in the playoffs...but you forgot to mention some plays that actually did go the Packer's way.... the Dez Bryant "no catch" which was instrumental in our wins over the Cowboys...or Pittsburgh's Yancy Thigpen's wide open drop in the end zone on Christmas day that ended the drought for the Packers to get into the playoffs.

Injuries....this team in the last five years have been cursed with more injuries than any other team in the league....this can't be overstated....whether it is the conditioning of the athletes, the hybrid turf of Lambeau field or whatever...it has been the worse that Lady Luck could throw our way.

You are right though that we certainly have an AGONIZING low percentage of good luck and in this writers opinion we have been cursed by the most inept refs calls, or lack of calls that consistently have gone other teams way, the "Failed Mary, was so obviously grossly misreffed (is that a word?) that the NFL brought back the real refs in 2 days!!!!! .... Of late we have been really getting the short end of the stick. What teams like Seattle or New England do to get the breaks so consistently is beyond me. Due to percentages this trend of bad luck just has to change...but it has been so agonizing for Packer fans to suffer thru this continuous events of pure bad fortune.

Better days WILL come....until then GO Pack!!!!!!!!!!! See you in guys in 6 months!!!!!

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Ima fubar's picture

January 22, 2016 at 11:39 pm

What is wrong with this? Please people. Were in the NFC north. That means almost a guaranteed 6 wins in the division and for sure your going to play at least three cleveland level teams and if you have a real good game against a top team your in the 9 to 10 win range and haven't done diddly squat.

Now you face a contender like Denver and Ariz and get you hat handed to you and wonder, gee what the hell went wrong.

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