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| Scene at Packer Training Camp 8/6/2009 (dwm) |
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly was unhappy with how the team was being run. Primarily that he wanted to be in the conversation about the team's future. It was apparently something he wanted for a while, but the drafting of a college quarterback in 2020 was a breaking point.
Rodgers, for the first time in his career, stayed away from spring camp because he wanted input. His contract meant he couldn't leave Green Bay unless the team traded him. The team didn't even consider offers for him. He and the team agreed before summer camp opened to return in exchange for taking a year off his remaining deal and getting received Randall Cobb back in the green and gold.
Rodgers' contract runs through the 2022 season. That doesn't mean he'll be a Packer next season. Many observers believe he will be traded in the off-season. The Packer General Manager isn't showing his cards, saying publicly the team wants to keep Aaron under center for many more years.
In the meantime, the Packers have invested heavily in this season to improve every facet of the team while keeping most of the core players together who had the team one win from the Super Bowl.
So how will they do?
Because Packer starters don't play in pre-season games it's hard to get any idea what they'll do starting Sunday afternoon. Any team with Rodgers at quarterback is likely to make the play-offs. A strong offensive line, Dante Adams, arguably the best receiver in the league, dynamic running back Aaron Jones, and tight end Bob Tonyan coming into his own add up to lots of points any time Green Bay takes the field.
If the defense can average in the top-half of the NFL statistically and kick and return teams avoid mistakes, I expect the Packers to qualify for the play-offs and generally having more talent than the opponent.
Does that mean they win it all? No. If the team isn't as united as it seems on the cusp of the season or a key player misses significant time it could be over before New Year's Day.
One more thing, this year every NFL team plays 17 regular season games.
Here's my Fearless Forecast:
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| Packersnews.com |
First Four 3 - 1
Green Bay gets a break thanks to hurricane Ida which force the Saints to move their home game to Jacksonville. Packers win.
Monday Night home opener against the Detroit Lions. It could be close, but Packers win.
Third straight national game, this one on Sunday night in San Francisco. We'll find out what kind of defense Green Bay has in this game. 49ers win.
Back home to face the Pittsburgh Steelers and I'll be there to see it. Packers win.
Next Five 3 - 2 ( 6 - 3 season)
The first of two road games is in Cincinnati against what should be an improving Bengals team. It's the one team Rodgers hasn't beaten in his career. That changes today, Packers win.
Da Chicago Bears used their first pick in the draft on a quarterback, if Justin Fields starts the season hasn't started well for the home team. Packers win.
The Green Bay football team returns to Lambeau to face the Washington Football Team who are supposed to get a new name in 2022. The WFT won their division last year. It will be tight, Mason Crosby wins it for the home team. Packers win.
Four days later, Green Bay travels to Phoenix to battle the Arizona Cardinals. The road team usually has a tough time on Thursday Night Football. Cardinals win.
The only advantage of playing on Thursday is getting 10 days off before the next game. Rodgers and company will be looking to make a statement against the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs. It might be a Super Bowl preview, but I hope roles are reversed in February. Chiefs win.
Next Four 4 - 0 (10 - 3 overall)
The Pack is back in Lambeau for another high-profile match-up with the Seattle Seahawks and their excellent quarterback. Green Bay won't lose three in a row. Packers win.
It's the 11th game of the season before the Pack faces off with the Minnesota Vikings under glass in Minneapolis. The Vikings always pose a problem with their defense, it's hard to say what their offense will look like. Packers win.
Green Bay hosts the Los Angeles Rams for the second time in the calendar year facing Matthew Stafford who used to play in Lambeau once a season as a member of the Detroit Lions. The new defensive coordinator in Green Bay was a Rams coach last season when they lost in Titletown. He unveils a few new tricks and the defense is the difference. Packers win.
The thirteenth week is a long time to wait for the bye week. If the Packers are 8 - 3 at this point they should be sitting in first place in the NFC North and in position to play all their play-off games at home.
Chicago comes to town for the first game in December. Rodgers, Adams, and Jones start the big push to the post-season. Packers win.
Four to Finish 3 - 1 (Season record 13 - 4)
Two of the last four games are against AFC North teams; the Baltimore Ravens usually find their way to a good record while contending for the play-offs. Injuries were already impacting Baltimore before the season and that's the difference. Packers win.
Five years ago, no one would have predicted a Cleveland Browns - Green Bay Packer game headlining for the league on Christmas Day. Maybe they have the Grinch on their sideline. Browns win.
Minnesota may be hoping to earn a Wildcard slot if they can win in Packerland. Green Bay is upset after a close loss the week before and take it to the Vikes in Kirk Cousins final game in purple. Packers win.
Coming into this game with a 12 - 4 record and the NFC North Division title in-hand but no shot at home-field, Green Bay rests Rodgers and several starters. Jordan Love puts on a show in the Motor City, Packers win.
The next weekend, Green Bay hosts a Wildcard match-up in a quest for the team's 14th championship.
If they are healthy, cohesive, and playing as a team as the play-offs begin, I'll like their chances to win four more games to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown.
Go Pack, Go, get one more!
Green Bay has 4 Super Bowl wins and 9 NFL championships.
internet image. Packers.com
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