Yes, it is the biggest game of the season so far:
... But far from the biggest game the Packers strive for...
By Bruce Smith
Yes, it is a huge game, and yes the Packers should play to win, but Mike McCarthy and his young team is wise to keep one regular season game in perspective.
The winner and loser of Thursday’s big game for bragging rights are both likely to get byes in the first round of the playoffs. While the winner of Thursday’s game has the inside track on home field advantage, it is far from guaranteed to the winner.
Four games will remain for both teams after the Shootout at the Cowboys Corral.
Below is the remaining schedule:
PACKERS
Dec. 9 vs. Oakland (2-8)
Dec. 16 at St. Louis (2-8)
Dec. 23 at Chicago (4-6)
Dec. 30 vs. Detroit (6-5)
Combined record: 14-27
Detroit is the only team with a winning record the Packers will face, and they beat the Lions on Thursday, 37-26 and get them at home next time.
COWBOYS
Dec. 9 at Detroit (6-5)
Dec. 16 vs. Philadelphia (5-5)
Dec. 22 at Carolina (4-6)
Dec. 30 at Washington (5-5)
Combined record: 20-21
Three of the last four games are on the road and all 4 teams are still in playoff contention, and will be playing to keep playoff hopes alive.
The Packers are currently a battered team with a number of injuries to key players. In contrast, Dallas is relatively healthy, coming out of their game against the Jets without an injury.
I will not be surprised if Mike McCarthy decides to protect some of his injured players to have them available for the rest of this season and more importantly, for the second season – where every game is: win or go home.
... But far from the biggest game the Packers strive for...
By Bruce Smith
Yes, it is a huge game, and yes the Packers should play to win, but Mike McCarthy and his young team is wise to keep one regular season game in perspective.
The winner and loser of Thursday’s big game for bragging rights are both likely to get byes in the first round of the playoffs. While the winner of Thursday’s game has the inside track on home field advantage, it is far from guaranteed to the winner.
Four games will remain for both teams after the Shootout at the Cowboys Corral.
Below is the remaining schedule:
PACKERS
Dec. 9 vs. Oakland (2-8)
Dec. 16 at St. Louis (2-8)
Dec. 23 at Chicago (4-6)
Dec. 30 vs. Detroit (6-5)
Combined record: 14-27
Detroit is the only team with a winning record the Packers will face, and they beat the Lions on Thursday, 37-26 and get them at home next time.
COWBOYS
Dec. 9 at Detroit (6-5)
Dec. 16 vs. Philadelphia (5-5)
Dec. 22 at Carolina (4-6)
Dec. 30 at Washington (5-5)
Combined record: 20-21
Three of the last four games are on the road and all 4 teams are still in playoff contention, and will be playing to keep playoff hopes alive.
The Packers are currently a battered team with a number of injuries to key players. In contrast, Dallas is relatively healthy, coming out of their game against the Jets without an injury.
I will not be surprised if Mike McCarthy decides to protect some of his injured players to have them available for the rest of this season and more importantly, for the second season – where every game is: win or go home.