The Packers are 14-1 for the season and now I am 12-3 in my predictions for their games. I was glad to be wrong twice, not so on the third. The Packers destroyed the Bears 35-21 in another game that fit the Packers mode of operation this year – bend but don’t break defense and an offense that takes advantage of it’s chances.
The Bears marched up and down the field in the first half, probably playing their best half of football since Jay Cutler got hurt, but still trailed by 11. They cut it to four but the 21-point Packers’ outburst that followed started garbage time early once again. It was good to see Aaron Rodgers and the offense bounce back against a good Bears’ defense. 35 points on the Bears? Not too shabby.
So now what? The Packers locked up home field advantage and have a completely meaningless game this week against the Lions. Even more meaningless than a preseason game if you ask me, at least in the preseason you have guys fighting for jobs. Which leads to the question of the day. Why on God’s green earth would Aaron Rodgers be in uniform Sunday?
You have to really stretch to find a reason to play Rodgers. Here is what you will hear:
1. He won’t be sharp for the playoffs if he doesn’t hand off five times in the first quarter Sunday.
How stupid is that theory. Rodgers was pretty sharp against the Saints opening day with about the same amount of rest but a lot less wear and tear. Doesn’t hold water.
2. Packers need to go into the playoffs on a high note.
Complete B.S. The Packers are the defending world champions, they aren’t a bunch of playoff novices. They played 20 hard games last year and 15 this year. They need the rest.
3. Fill in the blank. I got nothing.
Backup quarterback Matt Flynn should be getting a majority of the reps this week in practice and should get the start on Sunday. If Rodgers is getting the majority of the snaps and plays one series on Sunday then head coach Mike McCarthy is not giving his team a chance to win like he says he is to the media. Let Rodgers rest this week and pick up again next week in earnest while preparing for either the Falcons, Lions, or whoever wins the Giants-Cowboys game.
This isn’t a Brett Favre thing where Rodgers is trying to keep a string going. That will never happen again in the NFL. This is all about not letting Rodgers risk a fluke injury in a meaningless game that will have no effect the upcoming playoff games. It’s a win-win situation. Flynn will get some valuable experience so if Rodgers were to get hurt in the playoffs at least Flynn isn’t coming in cold.
Come on coach, for the fans’ sake, take away the only possible thing we have to worry about this week. Do the right thing and sit the possible NFL’s Most Valuable Player.