As the season approaches the end with three games remaining, the Green Bay Packers are beginning to gain momentum. It is difficult not to draw parallels between the current team and the 2010 Super Bowl champions. The NFC North has been incredibly competitive. In 2010, the Packers finished with a record of 10-6, trailing the Bears in the division standings. Currently the success of the Lions and Vikings has overshadowed the achievements of the Packers.
Matt LaFleur chose to receive the ball in the first half. From that point onward, the Packers dominated the trenches. Last week, I wrote that the key to this team’s success against the Seahawks was to stick to their offensive identity. This game exemplified the benefits of not abandoning the run game.
I love how this team is playing right now. Honestly, there isn’t a ton to nit-pick from this game. However, there was some stalling leading to a lull in the second half. Nevertheless, they were able to overcome some mistakes by playing complementary football. Right now, the Packers are flying under the radar.
The Packers move past a Hostile Environment
The Seahawks’ stadium has witnessed some of the most brutal moments in the franchise’s history. However, Packers fans took over Seattle, ensuring it sounded more like Lambeau Field. In the game against the Lions, the team came out rigid. Sunday night, however, told a completely different tale. It seemed as though the Packers were beginning to craft a new narrative.
This team will go into significantly more challenging environments during the playoffs. While the Seahawks may not be classified as a top-tier team, they have recently been performing at their best. A statement victory is exactly what is needed to maintain the momentum.
One issue that can affect this team is clock management. Matt LaFleur acknowledged that he mishandled the end-of-half management. While such mistakes may be acceptable in a regular season game, they cannot happen in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Packers overcame several less-than-ideal situations and still won the game decisively.
The Star Players that can Lead this Team
Jaire Alexander was out of this game. However, the cornerbacks had an impressive performance and rose to the occasion when needed. Carrington Valentine came up with an interception. The pass rush showcased their most complete performance of the season, achieving seven sacks—seven sacks contributed by six different players.
The primary star of the night’s presence was felt throughout the field. Each time I looked up, it seemed that Edgerrin Cooper was making a significant play. Cooper flies to the quarterback, tackles with intensity, and is capable of generating turnovers. Cooper embodies what the Packers anticipated Quay Walker would be. He is exactly who this team needs.
Jordan Love is clearly the standout, improving with each game and maintaining a steady presence. He has gone four consecutive games without a turnover, and his ability to protect the ball has been essential during this period. He is not forcing plays and is instead taking what the defense gives him, unlike earlier in the season.
The team that showed up on Sunday is one that is ready to compete in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Packers are currently playing at about seventy percent of their potential. If they can play even close to eighty percent of what they can be, we may see another magical run capped from heating up at the right time.
