“Love Boat” and “The Barry Bunch” Dominate

Green Bay plows through Minnesota to ice their New Years Eve

The Packers rolled into US Bank Stadium wearing blinders for the New Years eve matchup. Quick to start on offense, we put together 10 points before my miller lite got to me. Jordan Love looked like a seasoned vet against the Vikings this time around compared to the first meeting. Completing 24 of 33 attempts for 256 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no turnovers, I can’t wait to see what he does in the next “ownership” meeting of Chicago this week… Aaron Jones ran restless for 120 yards to keep the defense honest and really balance the offensive script. Not to mention the poise he showed at the end of the game after receiving a punch to the face during a skirmish. Any retaliation could have landed him discipline time off, and he was present enough to resist that type of reaction; truly a class act.

“The Barry Bunch” had themselves a night finally. Good pass coverage grounded the Vikings duo receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Besides adequate secondary play, the Defensive front held Minnesota to 67 yards rushing all night, and registered 4 sacks. It was a nice confidence game to remind the guys what they are capable of, but it’s most likely not enough to save Joe Barry’s job after the year. Minnesota was using its 3rd and 4th string quarterbacks this game, so it’s hard to say if the play calling was that effective on defense. It’s great to see what some of the guys can do when the scheme puts them in good positions.

As it stands, per New York Times computer simulation, the Packers have a 68 percent chance to reach the playoffs going into Sunday against chicago. That shoots up to 100 percent obviously if they win, they would secure the final NFC slot. Should they lose, that sinks to 26 percent depending on different outcomes of other games. “We know it’s going to be a great challenge, we know we’re going to get their best shot, and I’m sure they’d love nothing more than to knock us out of the playoffs.” says coach Matt LaFleur. Playoffs or bust, grab your gloves, face paint, belly paint, hand warmers and butt warmers, be ready to defend the tundra! GO PACK GO!

https://www.packers.com/video/matt-lafleur-we-have-had-a-lot-of-guys-step-up-week-17-2023