Twelve months ago, the Green Bay Packers were 8-8 heading to their regular season finale. The Packers were hot, winners of four straight games. And with a win over visiting Detroit — a team already eliminated from the postseason — Green Bay could clinch a playoff spot.
Instead, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was dreadful, Aaron Jones had a critical fumble and the defense melted down when it mattered most.
The result was a 20-16 Detroit win that knocked Green Bay out of the playoFast forward 12 months and the same story has unfolded.
The Packers are once again 8-8, and relatively hot riding a two-game winning streak. Green Bay can clinch a playoff berth with a win in its regular season finale. And once again, the Packers get that opportunity at Lambeau Field against a team that’s been eliminated from postseason consideration.
The only difference is Green Bay will face Chicago this season instead of Detroit.
“We were in a similar situation a year ago and couldn’t get it done,” Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said. “So, we know it’s going to be a tremendous challGreen Bay, the NFL’s youngest team, is pumped, as well.
The Packers, in the midst of rebuilding after trading Rodgers last April, were picked to finish last in the NFC North by many outlets. Instead, Green Bay’s young talent has grown up quickly, quarterback Jordan Love has performed at an All-Pro level and the Packers’ rebuild is clearly ahead of schedule.
Green Bay just needs to finish the regular season better than it did a year ago.
“We’ve got to get one more,” said Jones, who has back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances. “We get that one and we’re in the playoffs. That second season, that’s what everybody’s goaThe season’s obviously on the line,” LaFleur said.
“There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that obviously goes into — it’s not just us, it’s every team in the league — but to watch and see the growth that our guys have made I think through the course of the season has been pretty remarkable.
“I’m really proud of those guys in that locker room and I’m really excited for Sunday vs. the Chicago Bears at home and hopefully our fans will show up and support us and give us that edge.
