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| One of several Citgo Preseason Packer hats in my collection. (dwm photo) |
Just as I begin considering this year's team, it occurs to me they could win 12 or lose 12.
It seems likely faithful followers of at least one NFL team will be gleefully surprised while fans of another bitterly disappointed when the 2020 Pandemic season ends.
Looking at Green Bay in its second year under Head Coach Matt LaFleur, I think the team will improve on offense. If they do a better job getting the ball over the goal line, that will take pressure off the defense and make it easier for them to get after the opposing quarterback and force turnovers.
I think Green Bay plays 16 games and qualifies for the playoffs.
I think the second quarter of the season is the toughest with a road game in Tampa for what is probably the final time Aaron Rodgers faces off with Tom Brady, followed by a game in Houston before hosting the Vikings and then flying west to play the 49ers four days later.
I think the second half of the season appears to have weaker opponents (on paper) than the first eight games, but like they say, "they don't play games on paper."
Yadda, yadda, yadda... enough talk; it's time to guess what happens.
First Quarter
9/13 @ Minnesota Green Bay won in their new glass home last year for the first time. This time no fans are allowed, which should help the Packers. It's hard to say which team has the advantage here. I'm counting on Green Bay's defense being better than last year and Rodgers more comfortable in his second year in LaFleur's offense. Green Bay wins.
9/20 v Lions If it helps the Packers to play at Minnesota in an empty stadium, it probably helps Detroit this week in Lambeau. After a tough opener and a trip to New Orleans coming up, this game will be a litmus test on what kind of team the Packers are this year. Green Bay wins.
9/27 @ New Orleans It's Sunday night in Louisiana and it may be quiet in the Super Dome as Rodgers and Drew Brees play for what is probably the last time (Brees is 41). The Saints have one of the best teams in the league. Saints win.
10/5 v Falcons Atlanta is looking for a bounce back year; the Pack wants to improve on a season that ended a step from the Super Bowl. It's too bad this Monday night game isn't in December. Green Bay wins.
10/11 Bye Green Bay 3 wins - 1 loss
Second Quarter
10/18 @ Tampa This game will be a late Sunday afternoon feature between two of the best quarterbacks to play the game. Defense will decide this one. Tampa had a good defense in 2019, but had a QB who threw as many picks as touchdowns. By this game we may know how much Mr. Brady has left in the tank. This would be an awesome win for the Pack, but I have a bad feeling about it. Buccaneers win.
10/25 @ Houston The Texans lost in the first round of the play-offs last season and play in a tough division (Colts, Titans, and Jaguars). The Texans and Packers defense are considered weak links going into the season, so you might expect the scoreboard to be busy. I think the Pack bounces back. Green Bay wins.
11/1 v Vikings It's pretty early in the season to be done with your biggest division rival. Both teams should have the rust knocked off after playing for a month and a half. I think the Packer running game takes it to the house. Green Bay wins.
11/5 @ San Francisco Teams don't like playing a road game Thursday night after a Sunday game, but that's how the schedule falls in creating the re-match of last year's NFC Championship game. The Pack lost twice on the west coast last season, so getting a win would be huge. I just can't predict it will happen. San Francisco wins.
Green Bay 5 wins - 3 losses (2 - 2 in second quarter of season)
Third Quarter
11/15 v Jaguars Jacksonville seems to be setting their team to earn the top pick in the 2021 draft. Green Bay is home after the mini-bye caused by playing on a Thursday and looking to get back on track. Green Bay wins.
11/22 @ Indianapolis Before COVID-19, I thought I might attend this game. The Colts are expected to be a strong team this year with an improving offensive line and top-level quarterback under center again after Andrew Luck's retirement. This place hasn't been friendly to the Packers in years past. Indianapolis wins.
11/29 v Bears Coming into this season the biggest unknown for Chicago was who is playing quarterback after Mitch Trubisky seemed to wear out his welcome. Let's see if he is still starting at this point. Green Bay wins.
12/6 v Eagles Brett Favre's former back-up quarterback, Doug Pederson is a great coach. He got Philadelphia their first Super Bowl victory. This is a talented team coming into Lambeau, I think it will be tight, but if the Packers are the team I think they are, they should prevail in a tight game. I was there the last time the Eagles came to Lambeau when Rodgers and company won big. Green Bay wins.
Green Bay 8 wins - 4 losses (3 - 1 in third quarter)
Fourth Quarter
12/13 @ Detroit By this point of the season, the Lions know whether they have a chance at the post-season or trying to spoil the year for somebody else. This game makes me nervous. Last year, Green Bay never lead either game with Detroit... until hitting the winning field goal as time expired. That may be the case again. Mason Crosby and Green Bay wins.
12/19 or 20 v Panthers If fans are allowed to attend games by this point of the season they will be anxious to learn whether its played on Saturday or Sunday. Carolina has a new coach and new quarterback, which should be good for the home team. Green Bay wins.
12/27 v Titans Tennessee played tough last season and surprised many in reaching the AFC Title game where they had a lead over Kansas City before losing. Both the Titans and Packers were one step from where they wanted last year; if both are trying to improve their play-off position this will be a rock 'em - sock 'em contest. Tennessee wins.
1/3 @ Chicago The NFL season typically ends with Green Bay playing Detroit or Chicago. Whether both are playing out the string or fighting down the stretch, it should be cold and interesting in Soldier Field. Green Bay wins.
My Pandemic Guess: Green Bay 11 wins - 5 losses (3 - 1 in fourth quarter)
Eleven wins and a second straight sweep of division foes will secure a division championship for the Packers. If a couple games go the other way and they finish 9 - 7, they still have a shot at the play-offs as the NFL expanded the post-season to 7 teams from each conference.
Green Bay isn't expected to do much in the eyes of the pundits, but after finishing one game short and Aaron Rodgers looking to cement his legacy as one of the greats - I expect a post-season that finishes with the team hoisting the Lombardi on the field in Tampa.
Go Pack, Go!
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