Mcyrulik's Blog

Up until the Thanksgiving Day game, I was not a true believer in the Packers as a dominating, conference leader. Something changed that day however that has made me think differently.

In years past, even during the start of the Sherman years, when the Packers faced a game that would be considered a 'must-win' they would flop. Not that the game against Detroit was a must win game, but in the grand scheme of this season, if the Packers wanted to be considered elite, or competitors in the NFC, winning in Detroit would be a must!

Heck, had they lost, who could have blamed them right? I mean, short week, on the road, already have exceeded nearly everyones expectations already this season, they really had nothing to play for and could have easily overlooked Detroit in anticipation of Dallas week.

But they didn't. Not only did they not overlook Detroit, they manhandled them. They showed the entire country that day, the same entire country that looked at Detroit as the NFC love-child, the sleeper team, loaded with talent, young, confident, and after losing to the Giants would have something to play for at home on the teams biggest stage every year. This was a trap game for the Packers.

But what ended up happening was perhaps even more shocking than the Packers being 9-1 going into the game; they truly dominated the game! Ok, so the first quarter wasn't exactly dominant, but then again, Detroit had controlled time of possession, started in Packers territory, and were basically running up and down the field, but at the end of the first quarter, the score was 6-0 Detroit. 6-0? After all that, the Lions could only score 6 points. And only a few minutes into the second quarter, the Packers came alive and never looked back. 

Now I dont know about any of you, but thats a different team I see out on that field than in years past. Even the imfamous #4 seems like a different player out there. Who in the NFL has MVP-like seasons at 38? No one I tell you. Moreover, who at 38 in this league is willing to subjugate to a guy who has never had headcoaching experience before? I know that list is very short, and may only have one name on it.

I am now a believer in this team. They showed me that they have heart, determination, confidence, and something no one thought they had at the start of the year; talent! This team has accomplished something that most experts will tell you is nearly and impossibility in the NFL, they have so far gone undefeated on the road. Not only that, but they have won in stadiums that are hard to win in; Kansas City, Detroit, Minnesota, New York, and Denver! 

Now Im not sure how Thusrdays game against Dallas will go, for sure the Packers toughest challenge of the year, but I can say this, it will be close, the Packers will never show signs of giving up, and #4 will have a huge game. If they can get healthy quick, limit the turnovers, and play good defense, we will be talking about the Packers being  11-1 and have the inside track on homefield advantage.