Why the Packers Will Win Super Bowl 51
Despite not making a Super Bowl since winning Super Bowl 45 in 2011, the Pack once again have a strong case for not only getting to the Super Bowl, but for winning it for the second time in the McCarthy era. In 2012, it looked like the Packers were destined to become repeat champions, until a first round ousting in Lambeau by the eventual champion New York Giants. The next season was rather average by Packer standards nowadays, as they beat the Vikings at home then got crushed on the road in San Francisco. The 2014 season was ruined with the Aaron Rodgers collarbone injury, and limping into the postseason at 8-7-1, the 49ers came to Lambeau and knocked the Packers out again. 2015 was different, and although Rodgers was hurt again, they managed to make it all the way to being up 16-0 on the defending champion Seattle Seahawks and returning to the Super Bowl, only to lose in horrific fashion. And finally, last season the Packers made it to the divisional round via defeating the Washington Redskins, to lose in overtime in Arizona. So, to start, all of this karma building up is a reason to believe the Packers will have their hands on the Lombardi trophy again before the Rodgers' era ends.
But that's not the only reason. A huge reason the Packers have made it anywhere since Brett Favre left is the trio of Rodgers, McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson. With Rodgers under center, McCarthy calling plays, and Ted Thompson making (usually) excellent roster decisions and setting up the team for success, it usually results in it. We all know that without Aaron Rodgers last year instead of Jordy Nelson, the Packers go 6-10 (at best) instead of 10-6, as we witnessed when he broke his collarbone and fell backwards into the postseason. Had Rodgers been more like, say, Alex Smith, the Packers would not likely have any of the aforementioned big three, as an average quarterback is not capable of making the Packers an above average team.
Part of the problem a few seasons ago, however, was that everything was masked by Aaron Rodgers, and when he was taken out of the equation, everything went to hell. Eddie Lacy was able to run the ball somewhat, but with Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn behind center, it was pretty easy to key up on Lacy. And the great receivers like Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Jones became null and void without anyone throwing the ball to them. The defense? Not able to hold, as the whole "bend-not-break" defense we had witnessed the few seasons prior was a defense meant for big leads, and to just make sure they didn't lose.
All of these problems, I believe, are not there anymore. Am I saying this team without Rodgers is a contender? Absolutely not, they are not even a pretender without him. But, say a four game stretch of no Aaron happened, and I think this team has what it takes to go about 2-2, and hold the fort down. Lacy looked great on Thursday against the Raiders first defense, without Rodgers or Nelson around. The defense did not give up a touchdown, it only gave up a few field goals. Special teams looks better, despite the punt block touchdown, and new punter Peter Mortell should improve the punting game. This team is as young and deep as it has ever been, especially since the only player older than Aaron Rodgers is OLB Julius Peppers (weird, right?).
Finally, the schedule is finally favorable for the Packers. Outside of the terrible, shouldn't even exist, week 4 bye, the Packers schedule is one of the easiest in football. It is basically what Carolina had last season. Outside of the obvious NFC North road games, the Packers five road games are Jacksonville, Washington, Philadelphia, Tennessee, and Atlanta. All of those games are more than winnable for this Packers' team. The home games get the better of the AFC South and NFC Least teams, with Dallas, NY Giants, Indianapolis, Houston and Seattle coming to Lambeau. The Vikings winning the division last season was a blessing in disguise, and because of it we don't have to play Carolina or Arizona (like they do) until the playoffs. It definitely helps us get an advantage at a first round bye, which means we need one less win to get to the Super Bowl.
Is this team flawed? Yes, every team is. But, despite all the lack of media attention year-in and year-out, the Packers remain a contender, as long as #12 is behind center.
