Can anybody beat Green Bay?

A big talker in the sports world during the next month, particularly the NFL, will be whether the Green Bay Packers will finish the season undefeated and win back to back Superbowls.  Currently, the green and gold have won 17 straight, which is almost unheard of  in this day and age of parity in the league.

As a big fan of the NFL, I am somewhat puzzled by this win streak of the Packers. Sure they are a very good team and by far, the best team in the NFL but I would not classify them as a dominating, unbeatable team. It is hard to believe that they have won that many in a row.  Aaron Rodgers is having an unbelievable season and if you’re a fantasy football player and have him as your qb, well you are sitting pretty good my friend!  He has so many weapons to throw the ball to.  Concentrate on stopping a Greg Jennings and one of three other receivers can burn you.  It is one of the most balanced passing attacks I have ever seen at any level in football.

Having said those things,  the Packers have some weaknesses on both offense and defense.  I think their run game is very average at best.  Of course when you have that kind of a passing game, why run the ball anyways? But there will come a time, probably in the playoffs, when the Packers will be forced to run the ball.  Can the Packers make that adjustment?  Who knows.  But having a good balanced attack is usually critical in winning big games.

I am not overly impressed with their defense either. They give up many yards and are ranked near the bottom of the league in total defense. However, what makes their defense so unique is their ability to force turnovers. As great as the offense is for the Packers, their ability to force turnovers and convert those turnovers into points separate the Packers from the rest of the teams in the league. That in itself  explains  why they are so tough to beat.

Another huge factor in their success is the coaching staff which is among  the best in the NFL. Their ability to make adjustments during a game is outstanding.  I don’t think they get enough credit for the job they do.

I know a lot of people will think I am crazy but it would not be a bad thing for the Packers to lose a game before the playoffs begin. Being undefeated and heading into the playoffs will put a lot of pressure on the team.  The playoffs always have a lot of upsets and some team would just love to be known as the team that stopped the streak, especially if it came in the playoffs at Lambeau field or in the Superbowl. But are there any teams out there who can do that? I honestly don’t believe so.  I don’t see any team in either conference who can beat the Packers. But then again, this is the NFL and anything can happen on any given day.  The team is due to slip up sooner or later. Will it come as a crushing blow in the playoffs? Hopefully for Packer fans, it will come during the remaining weeks of the regular season.

 

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