The Packers have made the playoffs every year but Rodgers’ first year as starter. With the victory in Tampa, not even a raging case of the flu or deadly lightning could the Green Bay Packers. It wasn’t a pretty win. But as there are no style points in football, an ugly win is still better than a kick in the head. And the Packers won’t be joining Chicago, San Francisco and New Orleans as they watch the playoffs from the comfort of their own home. So without further adieu, on to the listicles!

  • I’d take a sick Aaron Rodgers over a healthy Jay Cutler any day of the week. Twice on Sundays. Even with a case of the snots, the dizzies and +/- a fever, Aaron Rodgers still had a pretty good day. 31 of 40 passing attempts, 318 yards, 1 TD and a passer rating of 108 (which may have also been his temperature.) Contrary to popular belief, he did not have a bad game.
  • That said, for the love of God, Rodgers, if you have the flu, STOP HUGGING YOUR TEAMMATES unless you want them all to drop like flies as prepare for the most important game of the entire season.
  • Davante (insert his middle name here) Adams, will you please stop dropping the ball.
  • Do not agree with Mike McCarthy going for it on 4th down that early in the game. Call me conservative, but don’t turn down three easy points when your QB is still trying to find his rhythm in the game. Thankfully those three points didn’t come back to bite them in the rear. Sure he was trying to make a statement, but it didn’t work.
  • And who knew John Kuhn could run like Eddie Lacy. He proved today exactly why the Packers kept him as one of the dinosaur FBs in the league. Sure, he’s primarily out there as a battering ram to punch holes for Lacy, but he had two huge runs where it was more than his customary one or two yards. Loved the return of his intensity. He was on fire and kept the offense alive.
  • FIRE CAP….oh, wait. Never mind.
  • So how ’bout that NASCAR defense? Loved the speed and intensity of throwing their fastest, ugliest at the QB. Josh McCown didn’t stand a chance. Sure, it was the Island of Misfit Toys on the other side of the line of scrimmage, but it was reassuring that the defense could knock down and neutralize McCown early and often.
  • Daniels and Neal were filthy dangerous today. Loved Clay around the edge to kill the QB. This is the Defense we’ve all been waiting for.
  • And look at Datone Jones making a big play. Good things come to those who see a crap play fall apart.
  • Finally, an offensive pass interference against the other team. Then again, it’s hard to ignore a wide receiver draped all over Tramon Williams like a bad coat.
  • FIRE SLOCUM
  • Dear Special Teams, why are you finding new and interesting ways to screw things up. A hold on a fair catch, seriously? That takes an extra special brand of poor play.
  • TJ Lang was back on the line for field goals. It may be a total coincidence, but there were no blocked kicks today.
  • I would not be disappointed if Slocum found a career in something other than Packers’ football. The call for Capers’ head may be unfounded, but I think there’s a good argument for a fresh start on special teams.
  • Starting to worry about Detroit. They proved again they can quickly degrade into a Jim Schwartzesque dirty team. Yes, I’m worried they are going to gun for Rodgers’ gimpy leg.
  • *Sacrifices one whole chicken to the physical therapy gods to get Rodgers ready to rumble next Sunday at Lambeau.
  • Packers control their own destiny as far as seeding goes. A win next week would guarantee a number two and a first round bye to heal up and refocus. That would sure be nice.
  • I don’t buy the whole momentum BS. Every dog has its day, and hubris tends to spring from the myth of momentum. I like the Packers hungry. After a loss last week, a win today and a game to determine seeding and the NFCN championship, I like where the Packers are standing heading into the post-season.
  • That said, will be at Lambeau with my brother Jay. They always in when he’s there with me.  It dates back to 1996. That is totally based on science. So Go Pack Go.
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Kelly Hodgson is a writer for PackersTalk.com and you can listen to her as a Co-Host of Out of the Pocket. You can also follow Kelly on Twitter at @ceallaigh_k

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