I think your last point is great. This team is overlooked and now the underdog. But, a huge difference maker is returning: Claymaker. And he will be sure the defense is fired up after last week's effort. This team, collectively, will have a chip on its shoulder after hearing all the media talk about how this is a lost season. We have a defense capable of being very good to great, and a running attack that still hung 200 on the Bears when they knew we couldn't pass the ball. If Wallace (or whoever) can be steady and not turn the ball over, we can hang in there and salvage the season until Rodgers returns.
Xactly does anyone think McCown would have looked as good as he did with Matthews attacking the edges? Besides in a couple of weeks Perry should be back as well and we'll have our full compliment of pass rushers again.