NFL
By: Jeffrey Newholm
Not too long ago, some mediocre reporters thought Aaron Rodgers neared the end of his career. Instead, A-Rodg had an MVP season, with 48 touchdown passes versus five picks. While Tom Brady (a historically decent quarterback) stands in his way, Tundra Town has a slight edge to advance to the big LV. Looking back on Rodg’s previous success and frustrating failures, fans can appreciate how 2021 offers one last chance for the cheesehead to etch his name as Packer GOAT. (Sorry, not sorry, Brett Favre).
2011: Packers 21, Bears 14 (Soldier Field)
Every Packer fan remembers the duel between Rodger and Caleb Hanie. Did NBS sloppily paste the wrong name off the internet? No, sir, the Bears’ third-string quarterback nearly forced overtime against the field-goal favorites. Unfortunately for Aaron, Jay Cutler’s controversial injury and B.J. Raji’s near-fumble touchdown overshadow Rodg’s performance. The Pack QB finished 17 0f 30 for 244 yards and two picks while running for a touchdown. The Packers and Bears have met every year since 1921, but this match still rates as the most important. Rodgers went on to Super Bowl MVP glory, while Hanie proceeded to a journeyman’s career.
2015: Seahawks 28, Packers 22 (Overtime, CenturyLink Field)
Nooooooo! Rodgers again played modestly, completing 19 of 34 passes with two picks and a touchdown. Green Bay managed two field goals in the second half, with the offense repeatedly stalling. Plenty of culprits, however, make Rodgers an ordinance violator by comparison. Between Brandon Bostick’s onside kick whoopsie, Julius Peppers inexplicably telling Morgan Burnett not to return an interception, and A.J. Hawk’s horrible fake-field goal coverage, this game represents a Wisconsin devastation. (And special teams are an issue in 2021 too. Don’t shoot the messenger -he doesn’t have life insurance.)
2017: Falcons 44, Packers 21 (Georgia Dome)
The magic man stated the Packers would “run the table” after a stinky start. Nostrarodgers proved correct as the Pack won six in a row to close the regular season. Then, the team edged the Giants before a memorable tip-toe helped defeat the hated ‘Boys. Rodgers put up impressive scorebook numbers in Atlanta. He completed 27 of 45 passes for 287 yards with three TDs and one pick. However, most of that success arrived after the Falcons blitzed to a 31-0 lead. Matt Ryan, a punchline now, outdueled the exhausted Packers. Rodger’s effectiveness gradually waned as injuries and futile coaching kept him out of the next two playoffs. But fortune was more than willing to send a savior for a champion with the winning arm and heart.
2020: 49ers 37, Packers 20 (Levi’s Stadium)
Green Bay hired Matt LaFleur, previously the Titans’ offensive coordinator, to replace an ineffective Mike McCarthy. (Turns out he wasn’t a highly-successful coach after all). LaFleur allowed Rodgers to play within his strengths without restraining the Cal cool-man with an outdated west coast passing system. However, many thought the 2019 Packers were the worst 13-3 team ever. Wait, our Lions and Browns readers may object. A “bad” 13-3 team? For a city with 13 world championships, only a Super Bowl will do, thank you.
After the 9ers stuffed Russell Wilson to secure the top seed, the Packers served revenge cold crimson-hot against Seattle with an outstanding Rodgers effort in the Divisional round. However, the Packers’ wanting run defense again played the swiss cheese formation. Raheem Mostert raced for 220 yards on 29 carries, and the Pack fell far behind, at 27-0. All the magic in the world won’t rescue a team against that kind of deficit. (Unless you’re a so-so signal-caller in Massachusetts).
What Now?
Although only 6,500 fans will grace Curly’s Cathederal, their enthusiasm boosted the Packers last week. Football in Wisconsin isn’t “just a game.” Noooooooo! It’s a way of life. The Packer’s second consecutive Hall of Fame quarterback is focused, has many offensive tools, and is aided by a defense savvy enough to protect (many) leads. There is no guarantee, though, against Tom not bad Brady. Rodger’s legacy hinges on 60 minutes of football and 120 minutes of commercials. He’ll either go down as at least a two-time winner and epic maestro of the pigskin or a talented player betrayed too often by disappointing defense and special teams. Sunday afternoon, the Pack and Bucs prepare for kickoff. The NFL world watches, enchanted: does the magic man have one more trick?
