As soon as the clock hits midnight on January 6, a new season begins for the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers still have some work to do in the regular season, though. They clinch the sixth seed with a win and a Commanders loss. Otherwise, they’ll face the Eagles in Philadelphia if Washington wins.
Yes, the Packers haven’t beaten a contender all year. They lost to Detroit and Minnesota twice and fell to Philadelphia in Brazil. Green Bay averaged a 4.4-point margin of defeat in those five games.
If the Packers stay as the seventh seed, their playoff path could go through Philadelphia, Detroit, and Minnesota. Just because Green Bay lost to these teams in the regular season doesn’t mean they can’t win in the playoffs.
In Brazilian soccer, there’s a saying: “a camisa pesa,” which means “the jersey carries weight.” History shows the Lions crumbled under pressure and blew a 17-point lead to the 49ers in last years’ NFC Championship Game. The 2022 Vikings went 13-3 but lost their first playoff game to Daniel Jones and the Giants. In January, successful franchises know how to carry themselves and deliver when it matters most.
Green Bay’s jersey has “carried its weight” in recent memory. In 2016, they upset the Cowboys in Dallas, despite a weaker team. Last year, they made history as the first seventh seed to win a playoff game, ending the Cowboys’ 16-game home winning streak. Furthermore, the Packers’ 2010 season is more successful than anything the Lions and Vikings have achieved since the merger.
The Packers lost by five points to Philadelphia, scoring just six points on three red zone trips. It was also their first game under a new defensive scheme and philosophy. Philadelphia didn’t outplay Green Bay; the Packers couldn’t stop committing self-inflicted wounds, and that ultimately cost them the game against a very talented team.
It’s okay to feel frustrated about Green Bay not beating a contender in the regular season. However, the games that matter are still ahead. Matt LaFleur is a great head coach and will have his team ready to play, no matter the opponent or venue. The Packers will likely get a few key players back from injury, which will certainly help.
“I prefer to play X than Y” is a mediocre mindset that doesn’t align with the Packers’ winning tradition. Green Bay should not, and will not, fear anyone. Let the Eagles, Lions, or Vikings come. Yes, those teams are strong and have beaten Green Bay. However, if the Packers can turn things around in January, everything that happened in the past will not matter.
No matter who stands in their way, the Packers will head into the playoffs with full belief they can win anywhere. They have the tools to get it done. It will take multiple fourth-quarter battles to achieve the ultimate goal, but the Green Bay Packers are built for the challenge.
