Packers’ slim playoff hopes blown away in the Windy City
The Packers have been officially eliminated from playoff contention after falling 24-17 to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
The Packers kept it close throughout most of the game, but they didn’t make enough plays when they needed to on this afternoon. The Bears have clinched the NFC North, and the Packers have two games to go before they call it a season.
Mitch Trubisky was efficient in this game. The Packers could not wrap him up and bring him down, sacking him only once the entire game. Aaron Rodgers missed many throws downfield, a familiar sight this season. They also gave up five sacks, had several dropped passes, and Rodgers’ interception-free streak finally ended late in the game.
As much as I hate to admit it, the Bears have been the better team this season and were the better team in this game. The Packers got the better of them in Week 1, but not much went their way since that game. In fact, the Packers will clinch their second losing season in a row, their first losing streak since the 1990 and 1991 seasons.
What will we see from the Packers in the final two games? Will Rodgers sit out? He did suffer a groin injury on the Hail Mary attempt to end the first half. The competitive part of him wants to play the final two games, but the team will make the final decision of course. Randall Cobb likely suffered a concussion. It makes no sense to play him next week if that is the case. Have we seen the last of him in a Packer uniform? We obviously don’t want to see any major injuries the next two weeks. Whoever suits up and plays, I am sure that we will see the coaching staff go all out and try to win the games with the players they have.
They aren’t even playing the spoiler role the next two weeks since both opponents are also out of the playoff hunt. They travel East to play the New York Jets and then finish with the Detroit Lions at home. I guess one thing they are playing for next week is to avoid the goose egg on the road as they are now 0-7 away from Green Bay. Going back to last season, they have lost their last nine road games. That won’t get you anywhere.
For now, I guess we should let the Bears have their moment in the sun. The Packers have their own work to do in getting the players and the coaching staff that they need in order to get back on top of the division and beyond. Let’s just get through these final two weeks and see what happens once their season finally comes to an end. Let’s try to keep our heads up. You never know what will happen next year.
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
