On a night where the Packers celebrated CEO Mark Murphy, Murphy continued an outstanding legacy. Since Murphy has been the CEO, the Packers have made the playoffs thirteen of his seventeen seasons. Joining Murphy’s success is Mr. December himself, Matt LaFleur. LaFleur’s record in December is 20-3 in six seasons as the head coach.
From the very beginning of the game, the Packers kept their foot on the pedal and never let up. Start to finish, the 34-0 score speaks for itself. The Saints were completely dominated in all three phases against the Packers.
While the playoffs are clinched, there is still work to be done. This team is improving every single week leading up to the post season. Next on the schedule is a huge divisional matchup versus the Vikings. This will be a game where we can truly see where the Packers stand against the NFC’s elite.
Packers Post First NFL Shutout this Season
In week sixteen of the NFL Season, the Packers post the very first NFL shutout this year. You can say, the Saints are incredibly injured, so it isn’t a big deal. However, every single team is dealing with massive injuries. The Detroit Lions, who are the current NFC one seed, have a record 21 players on injured reserve.
The Packers didn’t even allow the Saints to find any sort of cohesive rhythm. LaFleur is sticking to the identity of running the ball. Seven different players had a carry in this game by the second quarter. Josh Jacobs, Chris Brooks and Emmanuel Wilson all found the end zone. The running game has found a creativity that hasn’t been there in seasons past.
I can’t recall a Packers team that has been this physical in a long time. Ground and pound, tough as nails, hardnosed football. Jordan Love isn’t having to be a superhero. At the start of the year, Love definitely thought he had to do it all. Now that this team has a clear identity, Love can operate the offense at a high level and make the big time throws when it’s needed.
Eyes on the Vikings: Where do the Packers Measure Up?
What the Minnesota Vikings have accomplished this season is nothing short of remarkable. I did not think the Vikings would be awful, per say, but I did think they would be mediocre. I like being proved wrong, especially when the football play is sensational. Kevin O’Connell, my favorite for Coach of the Year, resurrected Sam Darnold’s career that was in the grave.
The last time the Packers faced this Vikings team was in week four. Both of these teams are far different than they were in the first matchup. The most notable thing is Jordan Love’s health. In week four, Love was stumbling all over the place and could not manage the pocket, still dealing with the injury he suffered in week one.
Nevertheless, this game on Sunday is going to be electric. Brian Flores’s elite defense versus Matt LaFleur’s dynamic offense. Kevin O’Connell’s efficient offense versus Jeff Hafley’s up and coming defense. This is a coaching matchup dream, and that is what the game will come down to. Who can draw up a near perfect game plan and which players will execute it?
This game will be a measuring stick for the Packers. Their only four losses have come to the top three NFC Contenders, all fairly close games. However, as the playoffs approach, the Packers need to show they can win one of these games.
If this team will be among the creme de la creme of the NFL, then they will win. You will play tough teams in the playoffs, and now the Packers have shown they belong on the same stage with the Lions, Eagles, and Vikings. Now it’s time to show they can remain on that stage with authority until the curtains close.
