My Take -> Week 17

Greetings, G-Force.

A win will always be a win. There’s no such thing as style points in the NFL. The tally in the win column looks the same. The Packers magic number for owning the #1 seed in the NFC is down to 2.

As I write, I sip a Russian River Pliny the Elder. Can you make a better tasting beer? I listen to the 5/3/72 Grateful Dead show from Paris. What an absolutely epic concert!

Here are my quick vibes from the last week:

Matt LaFleur. His teams just find a way to win. Regardless of how bleak it looks. The “Just Win, baby” mentality is alive and well.

Aaron Rodgers is another step closer to becoming the NFL’s MVP, once again. He’s dialed in.

Just as my anxiety was reaching a crescendo, Rasul saved the day. Once again. Dub-V to the rescue!

Preston and Smith and Rashan Gary. Wow.

Great to see Allen Lazard fighting for the goal line to get 12 the record.

Davante and Rodgers. The greatest QB-WR combination in the storied history of the Green Bay Packers. Please keep this tandem together in Titletown, U.S.A. for the next 4 years! Lock them up!

Chandon Sullivan isn't overly flashy, but he's continued to make plays. He will be tough to take out of the lineup if/when Jaire returns.

STOKED FOR STOKES! He didn't finish the play on the interception, but he's consistently in position. And, he's only a rookie!

Sooner or later, it’s easy to envision the Packers not pulling out a last minute victory. They’re going to either have to have a Championship Drive on offense or a defensive stop in the middle of the 4th to all but seal the victory. It feels that each week, the Packers are in control in the middle of the 4th, only to let up and not seal the deal until the waning moments.

The Packers kryptonite appears to be both the special teams units and the run defense. If the opposition can consistently stay patient and stick with the run, it appears as though this defense will have its hands full. Against the pass, the defense has proven to have enough playmakers to find a way to get themselves off the Field whether it’s via a sack, an interception, a QB hurry or a pass break up.

Something tells me that Rodgers is going to sign a forever contract with the Packers this offseason. He's referred to Gutekunst as Brian recently. Previously, he wouldn't even refer to him by name. I'm guessing that Rodgers signs a long term deal. Fully guaranteed. He takes less next year to help them get under the cap. Davante also gets a long term deal. Cobb renegotiates and gets a team friendly 3 year deal as well.

This Sunday is a great day for watching football. In the early game, we root for Philly to beat Washington. In the afternoon, we root for Arizona to beat Dallas. And, in the evening, we root for the Packers to beat the 'queens. If all of this happens, Minnesota will be out of the playoffs and the Packers will own homefield advantage throughout.

Minnesota travels to Green Bay. Freezing temperatures. Sunday Night Football. In January. This is what it's all about!!

In order to beat the Packers right now, you have to destroy them on special teams and in the run game. You must display patience as an Offensive play caller. As much as any team in the NFL, the 'queens know this recipe. Zimmer will absolutely walk up to Kubiak and demand that he runs the ball north of 30 times this weekend.

Minnesota will also look to win special teams. They're planning on breaking open a Kickoff Return.

Dalvin Cook will be more than featured. He will be the heartbeat of the offense. If the Packers can't stop Cook, they'll be in for a long battle.

With Cousins unable to play, the Packers will be looking to load up the box. They can't let Cook get into the secondary.

Minnesota doesn't have the CB's to play with the Packers WR's. They've recently released Breeland. Dantzler will be out with a calf injury. Aaron Rodgers has to be thinking about another 3 TD game. If Rodgers comes through with another 3 TD, 0 interception game and the Packers lock up homefield throughout, he's all be guaranteed his 4th MVP.

The Packers come out looking to punch Minnesota in the mouth. We see a lot of Dillon and Jones. Jones darts through the heart of the Minnesota defense. Dillon pounds away. It opens up play action. A deep crossing route to MVS finds pay dirt.

We know this: Minnesota won't quit today. They'll fight to the finish. They grab an early lead. Annoyingly so. But, the Packers fight back. Even in the cold, this Rodgers + LaFleur combination is too much firepower.

Like nearly every Minnesota game this year, it'll be close and come down to a one-score game. Mannion can't come through in the clutch.

Packers 27 'queens 23

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac. talkins-mac.blogspot.com