Green Bay Packers Will Run the Table

Each season the Green Bay Packers dig themselves into some type of hole. They currently sit third in the NFC North, a game behind the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears. The Packers hardly ever go above .500 in the first half of the season.

On Sunday, the Packers headed to LA to face the undefeated Rams. They held their own and put up a huge fight. With two minutes left on the clock and one timeout left, what quarterback do you want on the field? Most people would say they want Rodgers. The Packers were down by two, and got the ball back with less than two minutes left in the game. But Rodgers was unable to produce his famous game-winning drive. Running back Ty Montgomery lost a fumble on the kickoff return on the Rams 20 yard line. It was a heart-breaking end for Packers fans. Especially since they head to New England to face the 6-2 Patriots for Week 9.

Running the Table

Packers after Rodgers’ “running the table” statement in 2016

Urban Dictionary defines running the table as “To sink all of the balls on the table, not giving the competing party a chance to even shoot.” If you translate that into football lingo, you’re saying that a team will win their remaining games- taking them from a losing record to winning record and a playoff berth knocking out any other teams chances.

That is exactly what Aaron Rodgers does and has done in the past. In 2016, the Packers lost four straight taking them to a record of 4-6 and dead last in the NFC North division. Rodgers spoke to the media stating “I think we can run the table, I really do.” That is exactly what they did. The Green Bay Packers won their last six games boasting a 10-6 record, the NFC North title and a playoff berth.

With half the season already over, Green Bay will need to kick it into gear. After facing the Patriots in Week 9 the Packers still have to face each of their division opponents once. They also play Miami, Seattle, Arizona, Atlanta and the New York Jets. No one thought the Packers would hold their own against the undefeated Rams. Going into New England next week, they are underdogs as well. Counting Rodgers and the Packers out isn’t very smart. Rodgers has 13 fourth quarter comebacks, including two already this season. The Green Bay Packers can absolutely run the table. Their defense has gone from being ranked below 20 the last few seasons to the top 10 this season. New DC Mike Pettine knows how to bring the heat.

“Relax”

Rodgers has recorded 2,283 yards, 13 touchdowns and only one interception.

“Five letters here just for everybody out there in Packer-land: R-E-L-A-X,” Rodgers said on ESPN Milwaukee radio show. “Relax. We’re going to be OK.” Rodgers said that for the first time in 2014 after starting 1-2. They finished 12-4 that season.

Rodgers is one of the best to play the game. He has led the team to the playoffs every season he has started except 2008 and 2017. No matter the start, the team finds a way to sneak in. A 3-3-1 record and third in the division doesn’t seem to have a lot of promise.

The Green Bay Packers have plenty to be happy about lately though. Their 2018 first round draft pick and superstar cornerback Jaire Alexander has made his return. Wide receiver Randall Cobb and Geronimo Alison are healthy. Their 2018 fifth and sixth round picks wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown have been factors in the game. Their defense has stepped it up, outside linebacker Clay Matthews is pressuring the quarterback and getting sacks. The 2018 second round pick cornerback Josh Jackson is causing incomplete passes. Also, safety Haha Clinton-Dix is picking off passes.

The Packers can run the table in their last nine games. The team and the fans just need to relax.

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