Green Bay’s remaining schedule is one of the easiest in football. Their eight remaining opponents have a combined 26-40 record. Only the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Bears have a record above .500 through Week 9. The unfortunate part about that is all three games are on the road. The good news is the Packers should have a realistic shot to beat every single team with or without Rodgers in the lineup.
One of the reasons Green Bay will have the opportunity to come away with a victory in all eight contests is because of Seneca Wallace. Once again, I was at the game on Monday night and I saw him miss far more targets than he should have. In fact, being at the game I probably saw more than the average fan saw on television, and let me tell you it wasn’t pretty.
Why believe in Wallace? It’s true he has not won a game that he started since 2010. However, don’t let that deter the fact that he is definitely capable of bringing home a victory.
There is no way Wallace thought he would get in the game against the Bears in front of a national television audience. In fact, Green Bay didn’t think so either, which is why he only got four snaps with the first-team offense last week. Wallace will be much better prepared for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday after he spends more time with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jarrett Boykin. We’re talking about a veteran who understands the game of football front and back. Not to mention, Rodgers will be there to help him along the way.
If you think for one second Rodgers is done for the season, think again. The Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP and NFL MVP is one of the toughest signal callers in the league. Even though he is accomplishing more than legend Brett Favre did (referring to Super Bowl MVP and various records), the last thing he wants to hear from the fans is “Favre would’ve stayed in the game.” I already heard it twice on Monday night alone so don’t think it’s not going to happen.
Rodgers is definitely coming back this season. At this point, it is just a matter of when. My money is on Thanksgiving. His collarbone will have three and a half weeks to heal and then he should be ready to tear it up on Ford Field, his favorite place to play.
Green Bay’s run defense has been unbelievable this season. I know, Matt Forte rushed for 125 yards on 24 carries against the Packers during Monday Night Football. I’m going to chalk that up as the entire team, stadium, fan base and ESPN crew were in a state of shock. Other than the defense’s performance against Forte, they have been stellar against the run this season. To hold teams to just 94.5 yards per contest is outstanding.
As the weeks get colder, the top-notch run defense is going to come in handy. Making offenses one-dimensional will go a long ways to helping the Packers win the NFC North division.
By far, the biggest reason the Packers will win Super Bowl XLVIII is because of the two-headed monster that is the offense. I understand that for the offense to still be considered a two-headed monster, Rodgers needs to return to form when he is healthy to suit up, unless of course Wallace pulls a Nick Foles over the next few weeks.
It doesn’t matter whether it is Rodgers or Wallace under center because the rushing attack has been the stuff of legend. Eddie Lacy for Rookie of the Year anyone? The kid knows how to play the game the right way, which is a huge reason why Green Bay is a very dangerous team. It is comforting to know that he has been able to have an immediate impact because it takes the pressure off James Starks and fellow rookie Jonathan Franklin. Not to mention, Lacy’s presence has improved Starks’ game tremendously.
The offense ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (148.6) and sixth in passing yards per contest (274.4).
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