A Packers Thanksgiving: 3 Things to be Thankful For

Let me be the first to wish a very Happy Packers Thanksgiving! Hopefully everyone is taking today to time to spend with family and friends, and reflect on all we have to be thankful for. As a Packers fan, there is certainly a lot of that list, so I wanted to highlight 3 things in particular to be grateful for this year.

Aaron Rodgers

With hall of fame quarterback play over the last 30 years, it’s easy to take it for granted. But in what very well might be his last year as a member of the Packers, let’s be thankful for having the chance to watch Rodgers play each week. Aaron said it best last year on the Pat McAfee show, “down years for me are career years for most quarterbacks.” As the most statistically quarterback in league history, he is still able to have a handful of throws each week that few others could ever make.

In 2021 he yet again is posting a TD/INT ratio greater than 5:1, with a passer rating over 106. He has already added to his list of improbable comeback victories, which happen frequently enough that it has become a meme. As a wise ‘Nard Dog once said, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days, before you’ve actually left them.” Hopefully Packers fans can truly appreciate what they’re able to see each week, before the time comes when it’s already gone.

Joe Barry

Not many were particularly enthused when the hire was announced, but the return through 11 weeks has been better than imagined. The Packers defense has improved significantly from a season ago, down key players for most of the year. Barry has brought great energy, intensity, and a discipline that the unit lacked. The overall ideology of his scheme is not vastly different than Mike Pettine’s, but the execution has been.

The Packers have been one of the best tackling teams in the league, and one of the tops in preventing big plays. With it beginning to appear more likely that both Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith will be able to return this year, the Packers finally have a defense that appears championship caliber.

The Bears (and Lions) Still Suck

Last of all, as we all sit down tomorrow to enjoy our turkey with two NFC North foes taking the field, we can be thankful that no matter what happens, the Bears – and Lions – still suck. With Chicago getting set to fire their head coach less than one full season into their new franchise quarterback’s career, and the Lions still longing for the Jim Caldwell era, Packers fans can truly appreciate Matt LaFleur and all he has accomplished thus far. He has gone 13-2 against the NFC North overall, including 10-0 against the Bears and the Lions. With the Bears still set to visit Lambeau in December, the Packers will likely be close to securing another division title, and another year reigning as the Kings of the North.

Jared is a rogue Packers fan from a Steelers family and an overall football junkie, including playing 4 years at Ithaca College. You can follow him on twitter at @JPrugar.

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