When Aaron Rodgers led a comeback against the Chicago Bears in Week 13, he thought that there was a “glimmer of hope” for saving the Packers season.
Now, Lambeau Field will play host to its most important game since the 2022 Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. With the 7th seed in the NFC on the line, a cool 30 degree breeze will blow over one of the most iconic stadiums in football.
For Rodgers, this has not been the season he hoped. When All-Pro WR Davante Adams departed for Las Vegas, there were many doubters. The Green Bay Packers offense had to change, especially with former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett leaving for Denver.
The goal was to focus on Green Bay’s star running backs, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, which has happened to an extent. But, growing pains with the young wide receiver core let to a complete lack of rhythm and consistency on the offensive end.
Defensively, Joe Barry’s unit did not perform well to begin the season. The mix of soft coverage and lack of efficient blitzing produced poor results on their end. When Rashan Gary went down for the season, fans and experts alike assumed that the Packers defense was done for.
But suddenly, the power of Busch Light and Keishan Nixon rose through the Packers and provided a spark that no one saw coming. The league’s best return man exploded onto the scene at just the right time, giving some much needed life to a dull Packers offense.
Speaking of a spark, Christian Watson may have saved the Packers season. More than halfway through the 2022 campaign, Watson not only didn’t have a touchdown grab, but he could barely stay on the field.
That all changed in the 31-28 overtime win against the Dallas Cowboys. Watson exploded onto the scene with 3 touchdown catches, and he won the heart of Packers fans, and the respect of opposing defenses.
Ever since reclaiming ownership of the Chicago Bears, Rodgers has looked like himself again. While he may not be as spry as he once was, the timing and the deep ball accuracy are once again top 10 in the NFL.
Rodgers knew that all he had to do was make it to December, where he is incredible and Green Bay is undefeated under Matt LaFleur.
But, all of the resurgence may be for nothing if the Packers cannot beat Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions on Sunday. After being flexed to Sunday Night Football, the eyes of the whole league will be on Rodgers and Lambeau Field.
In case you’re curious, Rodgers has done pretty well in his career when facing the Lions on the final Sunday of the season.
After routing the Vikings on Sunday Rodgers said,“We’re 8-8, controlling our own destiny, with a game right here to get into the dance. How ‘bout that?"
And how ‘bout that indeed. Once again, the 4 time NFL MVP has a chance to make a miracle happen for the Green Bay Packers, with the ball in his hands. No matter what went on this season, the old Aaron Rodgers quote still stands.
“How can you not be romantic about football?”